Words by Webb

Hooray! I’m hosting a giveaway of this exciting book — Murder Takes Time — that will grab your attention and never let go. Just keep in mind this is not for the delicate flowers. The book contains vulgar language(lots!), sexual scenes (consensual and not) and…well, murder). Consider yourself warned! Check for Giacomo’s interesting offer at the end of the post. Just comment between now and October 30 and you’ll be entered in the random drawing for a print copy of Murder Takes Time.

Murder Takes Time

Author: Giacomo Giammatteo

Paperback: 421 pages (also available in e-formats)

Publisher: Inferno Publishing Company (April 12, 2012)

Synposis:

A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn’t good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life—the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable.

Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years—and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

Review:

Murder Takes Time floats back and forth between three time periods: a group of friends during their childhood and early adulthood, the same friends about 10 years later and those same friends about eight months after that. At first, I was thrown by the time switches (had to page backwards a few time to see “when” I was) but you will quickly get used to the changes. Chapters are clearly marked to tell you what time period you’re in and as the book goes on you’ll find yourself knowing without that little hint.

To be honest, I haven’t read a lot of mob-centered novels so I can’t really compare it to others’ work. I was surprised by how much morals and their (sometimes twisted) code of right and wrong played into the decisions of the characters. For the most part this was a fast moving book that kept you guessing. Even the slower paced sections served their purpose, building suspense and giving characters a chance to reflect on their decisions. Particularly interesting was Frankie’s dilemma: could he be a good cop and a good friend to guys in the mob or did he have to choose? It’s speaks to the authors strong writing that at times you found yourself feeling sympathy for even the vilest of characters. These are characters that are definitely split down the middle having equally good and evil sides. An interesting read.

If you’re on the fence about reading Murder Takes Time consider this amazing offer:

For anyone who buys a digital book during this tour and mentions the tour, I will offer a money-back guarantee, with these conditions:

1. Understand that this book contains several chapters with graphic violence.
2. Understand that it contains rough, street language
3. Understand that there are two chapters with sexual scenes
4. Understand that the story is told in multiple Point of Views.

If for any reason, other than those stated above, you do not like the book or aren’t happy with it, just write me an email and tell me why. Email me a proof of purchase receipt, and I’ll refund your money. This applies only to the digital books. I can’t do it with print editions.

Or if you feel lucky you could take your chances with the giveaway. Just comment between now and October 30 and you’ll be entered in the random drawing for a print copy of Murder Takes Time.

***Thanks to Partners in Crime Blog Tours who gave me a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

When my daughter–a voracious reader–was in middle school she outgrew the children’s section but YA wasn’t quite as popular as it is now. So she would pick mysteries from the adult section of our library and, with the speed of lightning, I would read them first to make sure there wasn’t anything too sexy, or too bloody or too…too for an 11 year old. Then after she’d read we’d often dissect a book(or author) deciding who we liked and who we didn’t. We’re reviving our old habits for a dueling review of Classic Revenge by Mitzi Kelly. Even though she’s home on fall break from college and pretty much reads whatever the heck she wants now! I was hoping for dueling reviews but dear daughter is busy with an internship and has no time for reading for fun. Shocking, isn’t it! Let’s take a moment to feel sorry for her…. and then get on with the review.

Mitzi is providing a copy of Classic Revenge, the first in her Silver Sleuths Series, as a giveaway. Just leave a comment–we’d love to hear about one of your favorite mystery series/authors and follow me. US addresses only!

And Mitzi will be releasing the second book in the series, Deadly Policy, in April of next year(which is JUST around the corner!) Although Avalon is still fussing with the book cover here’s the basic story:

Michelle Matson is worried that an investigation of her boss at Security Insurance is going to reflect badly on her. And when Michelle is worried so is her mom–and that mom happens to be Millie, one-third of an investigating trio. The ladies try to unravel why so many car theft claims are moving through Michelle’s office and end up tailing a stolen car all the way to Mexico! The ladies eventually unravel a car theft ring with the help of a reluctant cop, a car thief, and the theme from the TV show Cops.

Classic Revenge: A Silver Sleuths Mystery

Author: Mitzi Kelly

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Avalon Books (June 24, 2010)

Synposis:

The tragic accident claiming the life of Susan Wiley had been classified as just that, an accident. Then why is her husband being charged with her murder? The very thought is ludicrous. But Chief of Police Henry Espinoza doesn’t agree, refusing to listen to arguments that Sam’s neighbors, Trish Anderson(ages 40+), Edna Radcliff(aged 60+) and Millie Morrow(aged 80+) present regarding his character and the relationship he had with his wife.

Angry at being dismissed so easily, the women resolve to prove Sam’s innocence, not only to help their friend, but to show Henry they are not ready for a nursing home just yet. Using the experience, determination, and pigheadedness their combined ages of 193 years afford them, they rush headlong into danger and intrigue, learning something about themselves during the process. They seem to have a knack for this detective stuff!

Jodi’s Review:

Too often, the mystery books I’m reading lately follow a formula that goes along the 30-something single woman stumbles upon body and tries to find the murderer from among her acquaintances because A. it looks like she did it or B. it adversely affects her business while juggling two men fighting for her affections. Well, Classic Revenge isn’t anything like that.

Kelly turns the cozy mystery on its head by offering us the most unlikely group of detectives.Edna and Millie are definitely “active seniors” with Trish, a 40+, WAH single gal along to do the driving. They aren’t good at this investigating stuff. Most of their ideas come from novels and TV shows they watch. They only motive driving them is friendship. They aren’t eager to play detective(well, maybe Millie is). They’re investigating people they barely know in areas they can barely get to without getting lost. And that is the charm of the whole book. You’re rooting for the three musketeers to succeed–not so much to bring justice to their neighborhood–but to show the doubters(basically everyone) that they can unravel the mystery.

Classic Revenge is great fun for all lovers of the cozy mystery…after all, even if you aren’t an “active senior” you know plenty of them. And if you are an “active senior” I’m sure you’re yelling, “Finally! A book about me!” Can’t wait for the next bumbling investigation by this crazy trio.

Don’t forget, Mitzi is providing a copy of Classic Revenge, the first in her Silver Sleuths Series, as a giveaway. Just leave a comment–we’d love to hear about one of your favorite mystery series/authors and follow me. US addresses only!