Beyond Suspicion

My contention is that the first line of almost any book will tell you whether the read will be joyous or a dismal failure and this book said it on on page 1, with 15 words, and substantially proved the contention: "Outside her bedroom window, the blanket of fallen leaves moved--one footstep at a time." Simple words conveyed a whole lot more than one might expect even as one reads them for the first time, and the slight shiver they convey, sets the tone for this terrific thriller, populated with people you like, and people you don't without a wasted phrase and with a plot that keeps you up nights.

No. Way overboard. Having your MC accused of murdering a client in one book- sure. Having your MC accused of murdering a client in the very next book- way overboard. By then adding a psychotic wife, a demented mother-in-law, blood harvesting, a vengeful ex-girlfriend, and the Russian mafia, Grippando committed an unspeakable act of book-murder. I'm glad I've read a later book in the series to know that it gets better; based on this book alone, I would never pick up another thing this author wrote.

So much drama! I didn't expect this much drama, but poor Jack had some serious marriage problems. I will say that there was a lot that happened I didn't see coming. So this book kept me on the edge of my seat and off balance. I'm just ... in shock. Not sure if I really liked this or if I really hated it. I'll see what the next book brings me.

It's been a while since I read the first Swyteck but I vaguely remember not like the character Cindy. While this didn't feel lie a smooth transition from book one to book two, it did cover some background at the start to bridge the time gap. And giving glimpses of Cindy's past here and there definitely did nothing to improve my opinion of her. I also think Grippando did a great bit if self-editing by not letting Katrina's character get too in-depth with remembering her past--just enough to keep it interesting, still mysterious and not give a whole lot away while doing so. Surprise, surprise!--Look with who she ends up with--didn't see that coming at all. I think the story could have been a bit smoother, but it was an interesting twist show more on the tale of revenge. There are come conspiracy buffs out there who would love to spins me tales off this one. show less

I hadn't read any of his books before, but I picked this one up from the donated books at the library to read during break one day, and it was interesting enough to take home and finish. It was an enjoyable read, quickly paced, smartly written, with enough twists and turns to keep it from seeming ordinary. I hadn't read any of his books before, but now I'll keep him on my list of authors to look for.

Jack figures out it is a scam just after they win the case, they’re in the elevator and the doctor who was also in on it sidles up to the client and squeezes her hand. Jack sees this in the mirror and they don’t know. When he confronts Jessie about it, she is a horrid bitch and basically says go ahead, try to prove it, if you do, I’ll implicate you, too.

Later she is threatened and begs Jack for help. He tries to but she leaves. The next we see her she is dead of an apparent suicide in the bathtub. A joint Swiss bank account is found in both their names. Her will is read and the main beneficiary is a child she gave up for adoption many years ago – Jack’s son. If the kid can’t be found, the money she scammed from the life show more insurance investors will go to Jack.

Jack’s idiot wife Cindy is pissed off. She has some neurosis and lingering fear from being attacked by one of Jack’s clients in a fit of psychosis. Of course she (and her bitchy mother) think this is all Jack’s fault. She is cold and whiny and illogical and emotionally backward. I hated her. When an audio tape of Jessie and Jack having sex shows up, she goes off the deep end.

In the end, it turns out that her mother started the murder of Jessie just because she wanted Jack out of her daughter’s life, then when Cindy found Jessie still alive, she finished her off. Jack didn’t know this last bit until the mother was already tried, convicted and serving her sentence in jail for the crime. Cindy was content to let this happen. I was so glad when they decided to go their separate ways.

This book was formulaic in some other ways, too. Jack had a big-bruiser ex-con for a buddy. Someone he stalled the system long enough for DNA tests to exonerate his client. There was an undercover snitch who hooked up with his bruiser buddy. show less

There was a lot going on in this book, but I felt the author did a good job of pulling it together and making it believable.