Review: Edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 17, 2014
A courageous young heroine, a Machiavellian Italian Mafia boss, true friendship, romance, comedy, a wicked plot and a lot of action - this book has it all. In fact, I read the entire book in just one sitting, refusing to let go of my Kindle - a highly enjoyable 4 hours of reading, well worth the 99 cents that I paid for the book.The story goes like this - a smart and beautiful young woman, Portia, who runs an events management business with her best friend George, gets embroiled in the activities of a mob led by the cunning and ruthless Don Carlo, while trying to save the bumbling George from a stupid gambling debt. She becomes witness to a mob war, saves the Don's life, winning his trust, and becomes a part of the FBI investigation team out to nab the mobster.Then there is an angle with her ex-boyfriend Ben - who is more than he appears. The romance between Ben and Portia is very nicely done in a very understated manner. I really liked some of the jokes in the book, such as the one in which one of the lower level mobsters wise cracks about the Don's latest criminal deal with a Chinese gang, as being "globalization" ! (The great defender of globalization, Tom Friedman of New York Times would cringe at this !!)But most of all, the book is about the 2 main characters - Portia and Don Carlo - who stand out. Portia, for being a remarkable heroine, funny, smart, independent, kind and brave - although her kindness lands her in far too much trouble than it's worth. And Don Carlo - an outstanding villain - cold blooded, brutal, yet suave and charming, winning the reader's grudging admiration.Overall - a very fine effort by the writer C.J.Sumner, and I look forward to more from her.PS : The story ends on a cliffhanger, and hopefully the 2nd part will be out soon. Really can't wait to see what happens to Portia next.