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Ana Grey #4
White Shotgun
Special Agent Ana Grey—intense, unpredictable, brilliant—returns in an electrifying new novel of suspense.
Even on leave from the FBI, Ana can’t kick old when she witnesses a drive-by shooting at an Italian restaurant in London, she helps the injured and gives testimony to the police. Still, it comes as a shock when, soon after, the Bureau contacts her—not because they want her to investigate the shooting, but because they want her to investigate the half sister she never knew she had, Cecilia, who lives in Siena and is married to Nicosa, a coffee mogul with some suspicious connections. Settling into their home under false pretenses is the least of the complications Ana encounters. The entire city of Siena is gearing up for its legendary horse race, the Palio—the dazzling annual culmination of ancient rivalries between the city’s many wards. But when her nephew is stabbed and her sister goes missing, Ana understands with painful clarity that there’s more than a horse race at stake here. And for Ana herself, it will mean an almost impossible choice between duty and family.
Even on leave from the FBI, Ana can’t kick old when she witnesses a drive-by shooting at an Italian restaurant in London, she helps the injured and gives testimony to the police. Still, it comes as a shock when, soon after, the Bureau contacts her—not because they want her to investigate the shooting, but because they want her to investigate the half sister she never knew she had, Cecilia, who lives in Siena and is married to Nicosa, a coffee mogul with some suspicious connections. Settling into their home under false pretenses is the least of the complications Ana encounters. The entire city of Siena is gearing up for its legendary horse race, the Palio—the dazzling annual culmination of ancient rivalries between the city’s many wards. But when her nephew is stabbed and her sister goes missing, Ana understands with painful clarity that there’s more than a horse race at stake here. And for Ana herself, it will mean an almost impossible choice between duty and family.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
April Smith
168 books127 followersHere's the down and dirty: grew up in the Bronx, went to college in Boston, graduate school in California, back to Cambridge to write a first failed novel and learn how the world works by writing ad copy,west to Los Angeles in 1976 for a career writing and producing TV, until the writer's strike of 1988 when I wrote my first novel on spec, North of Montana. Two wonderful grown children and the best husband in the world, now of 34 years. Stable enough on the outside but take away swimming, writing, hiking, yakking with girlfriends, pet pooches, chocolate chip cookies (the gooey kind), British TV series and grapefruit Martinis -- well, don't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 13, 2024
April Smith is a really good writer. Her characters are believeable, her plots make sense and keep things moving, and she has a great eye for the telling detail. She doesn't waste words.
I remember reading this book many years ago and not liking it all that much. On this read, however, I can't imagine what my complaint was. This is a great story, well told.
One thing, though: The lead character's boyfriend. I have some problems with him, starting with his name. In real life, nobody is named 'Sterling McCord.' In real life, nobody named 'Sterling McCord' is a super-buff weapons expert with years of experience in Delta Force. And in real life, nobody named 'Sterling McCord' who is a super-buff weapons expert with years of experience in Delta Force is also a lasso-spinning cattle-roping cowboy from Texas in his spare time. I mean, girl, please.
I remember reading this book many years ago and not liking it all that much. On this read, however, I can't imagine what my complaint was. This is a great story, well told.
One thing, though: The lead character's boyfriend. I have some problems with him, starting with his name. In real life, nobody is named 'Sterling McCord.' In real life, nobody named 'Sterling McCord' is a super-buff weapons expert with years of experience in Delta Force. And in real life, nobody named 'Sterling McCord' who is a super-buff weapons expert with years of experience in Delta Force is also a lasso-spinning cattle-roping cowboy from Texas in his spare time. I mean, girl, please.
July 7, 2014
Another of April Smih's excellent series of thrillers featuring FBI agent Ana Grey. If the series is new to you, do start at the beginning, with North of Montana.
December 24, 2022
My favorite of the series. Liked the setting in Italy. One of the few series I've read where you notice that the protagonist matures as the series progresses. Ending was left open--will there eventually be a #5?
January 17, 2014
I read outside my normal genre for the Ana Grey books on the recommendation of a friend. After one, I was hooked. This is the note I sent him while on the second book:
I was reading while waiting for the bus this morning. When it pulled up, I got on without looking up. Still on the bus 45 minutes later, it's pouring rain and hail and no one can figure out how to close the roof hatch that I'm sitting under. Which is of course when I finally stopped reading and noticed that not only am I getting pelted, but I'm on the wrong bus, in the wrong part of town, and I'm late for work. But I'm laughing victoriously because it means that I get to read more while I dry off and wait for another bus to take me back. -- That, my friend, is the definition of a good read.
Highly recommend, bur warning: they're hard to put down so clear your schedule.
I was reading while waiting for the bus this morning. When it pulled up, I got on without looking up. Still on the bus 45 minutes later, it's pouring rain and hail and no one can figure out how to close the roof hatch that I'm sitting under. Which is of course when I finally stopped reading and noticed that not only am I getting pelted, but I'm on the wrong bus, in the wrong part of town, and I'm late for work. But I'm laughing victoriously because it means that I get to read more while I dry off and wait for another bus to take me back. -- That, my friend, is the definition of a good read.
Highly recommend, bur warning: they're hard to put down so clear your schedule.
April 13, 2012
the 4th in the Ana Grey series...this is the 1st that I've read and Smith brings interesting characterization and some decent plot twists as our heroine becomes involved with Euro-Mafia types in historic Siena during the Palio races...she is also reunited with a long-lost sister she didn't know existed...I'll read the others
December 7, 2018
I wrote this with April Smith and it should obviously be a 3-hour Lifetime movie.
September 20, 2013
I decided not to finish this book. I just don't enjoy how she writes.
December 2, 2023
FBI Special Agent Ana Grey is vacationing in London with her sometimes man toy when the two find themselves in the midst of what looks to be a mob hit. Instead of keeping to herself and scurrying away to continue to vacate, she gets involved, announces her FBI connections to the local bobbies, and soon the bureau is on the phone.
It seems Ana has a relative in Italy who needs investigation, or at least the relative’s husband does, and since Ana has gone public about her time in London, why not send her to Italy to figure out whether her half-sister’s husband is operating below the law.
Staying in her half-sister’s home while deceiving the woman is a bit awkward, as you might expect, but then the half-sister’s son nearly dies in a shooting, and someone kidnaps the half-sister who was a doctor in town before she assumed her new role as someone’s prisoner.
Ana finds herself dealing with fierce mafioso and other rivalries to figure out who’s holding her half-sister and whether the woman’s coffee merchant husband is as above board as he seems.
It seems Ana has a relative in Italy who needs investigation, or at least the relative’s husband does, and since Ana has gone public about her time in London, why not send her to Italy to figure out whether her half-sister’s husband is operating below the law.
Staying in her half-sister’s home while deceiving the woman is a bit awkward, as you might expect, but then the half-sister’s son nearly dies in a shooting, and someone kidnaps the half-sister who was a doctor in town before she assumed her new role as someone’s prisoner.
Ana finds herself dealing with fierce mafioso and other rivalries to figure out who’s holding her half-sister and whether the woman’s coffee merchant husband is as above board as he seems.
January 4, 2017
April Smith is one of my new favorite writers. Her stories are just complex enough for me, and she writes some lovely phrases. This story involves both kidnapping and the Palio horse race in Siena, Italy. There are subplots about loyalty to and love of family, drug addiction, the mafias, and the power of love to heal.
October 31, 2017
I don't want to waste time reviewing this REALLY BAD book but one comment - Lye is not an acid. Lye is chemically the opposite of an acid.
Don't waste your time on this. I have no idea why I decided to drag on till the end. That's all.
Don't waste your time on this. I have no idea why I decided to drag on till the end. That's all.
September 18, 2018
Super well -written thriller, perfect for plane ride reading. I loved North of Montana back in the day - reading this made me want to find all her other books.
January 16, 2023
Read in 2011. Intense, unpredictable and brilliant.
July 24, 2024
Characters are believable, good pacing, good writing. Stayed up all night to finish.
July 22, 2011
“White Shotgun” by April Smith, published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
Ana Grey is on leave from the FBI when she witnesses a drive by shooting in London. The shooting takes place at an Italian restaurant and several people are killed.
The Bureau contacts her and she is amazed to find that instead of wanting information on the shooting she is to go to Siena, Italy and contact Cecilia Nicosa. Cecilia has been trying to get in touch with her and claims that they are sisters. The Bureau, however, wants Ana to look into the affairs of Cecilia’s husband, Nicoli. The Bureau thinks that Nicoli may have ties to the Italian Mafia.
The Mafia is known for people who have betrayed them or cheated on them to just disappear. In the language of the Mafia this is “lupara bianca” or white shotgun.
Ana quickly becomes part of the family and becomes caught up in the Siena pageantry called Palio. Palio is a four day affair that culminates in a horse race between the different wards of the city.
It is against this background that Cecilia’s son is brutally stabbed and Cecilia disappears.
Ana must now fight not only the Bureau but the local police and has to heavily depend on her boyfriend’s participation in the para-military group called Oryx.
The culmination of all of this takes place in southern Italy in Calabria where a commando raid is staged not only to free Cecilia, but put a sizable dent in the illegal drug trade.
A very good story that gives a wonderful background of Italian life and the beautiful area of Tuscany.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
Ana Grey is on leave from the FBI when she witnesses a drive by shooting in London. The shooting takes place at an Italian restaurant and several people are killed.
The Bureau contacts her and she is amazed to find that instead of wanting information on the shooting she is to go to Siena, Italy and contact Cecilia Nicosa. Cecilia has been trying to get in touch with her and claims that they are sisters. The Bureau, however, wants Ana to look into the affairs of Cecilia’s husband, Nicoli. The Bureau thinks that Nicoli may have ties to the Italian Mafia.
The Mafia is known for people who have betrayed them or cheated on them to just disappear. In the language of the Mafia this is “lupara bianca” or white shotgun.
Ana quickly becomes part of the family and becomes caught up in the Siena pageantry called Palio. Palio is a four day affair that culminates in a horse race between the different wards of the city.
It is against this background that Cecilia’s son is brutally stabbed and Cecilia disappears.
Ana must now fight not only the Bureau but the local police and has to heavily depend on her boyfriend’s participation in the para-military group called Oryx.
The culmination of all of this takes place in southern Italy in Calabria where a commando raid is staged not only to free Cecilia, but put a sizable dent in the illegal drug trade.
A very good story that gives a wonderful background of Italian life and the beautiful area of Tuscany.
March 3, 2014
April Smith has a masterful gift with imagery. The descriptives in this book (and top-notch in this series) just wowed me with their thoughtful eloquence--even the gross and gritty ones! Her storytelling is strong and captivating.
Ana is a broken character trying so desperately to heal and I love witnessing her journey. She's valiant, smart, tough, vulnerable, flawed, and believable. (Trying not to spoil here) I like that she left to the professionals what was theirs to do and did not muck up or risk anyone by playing the hero. That takes a lot of courage and quality story telling.
I also like the relationship that Ana has developed with Sterling (who could have his own book series!). A tightrope I want to see them balance their way across. I look forward to seeing where Ms. Smith takes them or leaves them, as the case may be. It may hurt, but it won't disappoint.
I found the story premise and setting most intriguing. The use of Italian really gave it flavor and in a few parts made me relate to Ana in her "what are they saying?" anxiety but I was never left uninformed or disappointed. Brava!
Ana is a broken character trying so desperately to heal and I love witnessing her journey. She's valiant, smart, tough, vulnerable, flawed, and believable. (Trying not to spoil here) I like that she left to the professionals what was theirs to do and did not muck up or risk anyone by playing the hero. That takes a lot of courage and quality story telling.
I also like the relationship that Ana has developed with Sterling (who could have his own book series!). A tightrope I want to see them balance their way across. I look forward to seeing where Ms. Smith takes them or leaves them, as the case may be. It may hurt, but it won't disappoint.
I found the story premise and setting most intriguing. The use of Italian really gave it flavor and in a few parts made me relate to Ana in her "what are they saying?" anxiety but I was never left uninformed or disappointed. Brava!
October 16, 2011
The plot is engaging...and yes, the Ndragheta is probablly the most ruthless of all crime organizations. However, especially since the author acknowledges Robert Saviano's "Gomorrah" as one of her sources for information about Italian organized crime, there are many holes and inaccuracies. I have read Gomorrah and spent the past hour perusing...there is NO way they would allow Ndgragheta to control any part of the counterfeit fashion industry in Campania; and if they did allow them to ship drugs out of the port, there would have to be an enticing agreement. Reggio Calabria or Bari...no problem with credibility. Naples? not so sure.
March 7, 2012
This is my first book by this author--the character is an FBI agent, but in this book she is in Italy, well outside her jurisdiction, meeting someone who claims to be her half-sister. Once introductions are mae, the purported half sister gets kidnapped and it is unclear--is it the sister who is the target, or is it Anna herself--the story unfolds in such a way that it could go either way, and the book rolls along to a satisfactory ending. I would seek this author out in the future, and recommend this read.
August 10, 2011
I liked this thriller. I especially enjoyed the setting: Siena, Italy. The moral ambiguities inherent in Italian life enthralled me as well.
And I really, really wouldn't want to live there; not because of anything aside from the weather. It sounds ghastly hot. The deep spirituality alongside the corruption, alas, doesn't really bother me. I also wouldn't particularly enjoy the crowds during the Palio, so would avoid that.
And I really, really wouldn't want to live there; not because of anything aside from the weather. It sounds ghastly hot. The deep spirituality alongside the corruption, alas, doesn't really bother me. I also wouldn't particularly enjoy the crowds during the Palio, so would avoid that.
January 19, 2016
A good Ana Gray story. This time she is in Italy going undercover against the mafia. She has a half-sister that she connects with, who is kidnapped. Her boyfriend, Sterling, brings in Oryx to rescue her. The book gives a good overview of what it means to live in a mafia controlled town in Italy. Recommended.
March 30, 2012
I like Ana Grey and have read all the others. I wasn't that in to this one. I don't know if it was the setting, the confusing Italian plot or just that Ana was in a funk. I was engaged enough with the plot that I wanted to know how it turned out, and the resolution was somewhat satisfying.
December 30, 2013
The book is good; however, sometimes the author goes off topic, making difficult for you to follow the story without distractions. The novel is also a little bit slow, and sometimes you feel that April Smith could have done a better work.
August 13, 2016
Her books drag on and on and on. Took me a long time to finish the book. She used a lot of Italian words in this book that you couldn't tell the meaning from the context which was very distracting.
Want to read
July 26, 2011Huffington Post Books Page
August 14, 2011
she's not that great a writer
September 10, 2011
I finished it -- and I recommend it -- but I kind of had to push myself to read the last 50 pages or so.
October 28, 2012
I'm a little sad to have finished this book. Right now it is the end of the series and I want it to go on. Ana in Europe can only be a big mess.
February 27, 2014
Good series.
June 8, 2014
Some credibility problems for me.
Want to read
February 11, 2015I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13001407
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13001407
May 4, 2013
Interesting story. I liked the setting in Italy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews