BOOK REVIEW..."FINE POINTS MALICE AND PAYBACK"

 

Typically, an author takes a deep breath, crosses fingers, toes and everything else before submitting a book to a literary competition. This ceremony is also, often repeated prior to submitting a book to a literary Reviewer...

And then, miracle of miracles when a book earns a literary award -and- not one, but a number of positive reviews, an author can not only exhale, they can, with far more confidence, dust off their keyboard to write another book.

"FINE POINTS MALICE AND PAYBACK [2019 Gabby-Independent Press-New York - 'Distinguished Favorites Award'] Was one of those books for me. 

With that award-from no one I share DNA, but complete strangers-I felt brave enough to seek book reviews...

GOODREADS REVIEW

Fine Points Malice And Payback

Sherrie Todd-Beshore

Rookie Tucson Detective Andrew Coates who spent months going through several cold-case files connects the investigation dots of three unsolved murders. With a fourth victim discovered his captain assigns the new open case to the nervous novice. But when the harried detective begins to fall for the sister of a fifth victim the mystery of his own life intrudes into his murder investigation. Raised in foster care, not knowing who he is still haunts him...

450 pages... First published October 22, 2018


BOOK TRIB REVIEW by Lee Peltier

Fine Points Malice and Payback

A rookie detective stares at his well-respected police captain, convinced that the man has murdered four people. What follows is a dizzying and exhilarating chase that challenges everything the detective thought he knew about his friends and, ultimately, himself.

Fine Points Malice and Payback (Patchwork) completely engrosses the reader in Detective Andrew Coates’s every suspicion and wrong move. He is young but earnest, completely devoted to his cases no matter where they lead. And when he finds himself falling for one of his victims’ sisters, Coates worries that he is making himself too vulnerable.

Author Sherrie Todd-Beshore writes characters so well that I found myself thinking all this really happened once. Dr. Lopez offers expert advice between coffees in the morgue. Pastor Reynolds notices Andrew’s loneliness and introduces him to the Tucson community. A group of homeless men becomes Andrew’s best friends. Each person becomes crucial to his investigation. Sometimes, they become suspects.

Detective Coates has no superpowers; he is not Sherlock Holmes. He misses key details. He gets frustrated. The reader feels the shock and dismay with him. He is held back by the effects of his abandonment as a child, but the reader urges him on. Each red herring is another chance for the Coates and reader to follow another lead.

Fine Points crackles with possibility. The cases are constantly getting more complex; people we thought we knew become unrecognizable. Andrew grows from a deferential foster kid on the periphery to working with the FBI to catch his crooks.

However, some of my favorite parts reading Fine Points were at the Chavez cotton farm watching the sunset or having dinner with Andrew’s beloved social worker. Both the detective and the reader get the chance to breathe. We see why Andrew pushes himself so hard to protect the people he loves. We also dive into an alternate plotline: Andrew’s search for his parents and identity.

Left in a box and wrapped only in a wool coat—hence the name “Coates”—Andrew started life forgotten. He constantly battles this side of himself as he works tirelessly to uncover every secret in his investigations. Ultimately, the mysteries collide.

Emotional, surprising and vast in its cast of characters and locations, Fine Points will suck you in and keep you tearing through its pages. Todd-Beshore’s writing style is easy to get into. We fall into the motions of vengeful lovers, pioneering murder weapons and secret tunnels just like Andrew does.

Once we start, there is no holding back until every mystery is solved.

Fine Points Malice and Payback is available for purchase.

Learn more about Sherrie on her Author Profile page.

REEDSY BOOK REVIEW

Fine Points Malice And Payback—A Gripping, Suspenseful Thriller That Demands Attention

In the vast landscape of suspense thrillers, few novels captivate readers quite as effectively as "Fine Points Malice And Payback." This riveting work by Sherrie Todd-Beshore masterfully combines an intricate web of mystery, suspense, and personal drama, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With a well-crafted plot, vividly drawn characters, and a profound exploration of the human psyche, "Fine Points Malice And Payback" is an essential read for anyone who appreciates a good thriller.

The story follows the journey of rookie Detective Andrew Coates as he is thrust into the chaotic world of a serial killer investigation, with innocent lives hanging in the balance. As the case unfolds, Andrew uncovers a complex network of hidden motives, murky pasts, and a menacing undercurrent of malice extending far beyond the gruesome crime scenes. Tension builds expertly with each new revelation, captivating readers to turn the pages eagerly and uncover the sinister truth behind the murders.

A standout feature of "Fine Points Malice And Payback" is the depth and nuance of its characters. Andrew Coates is an engaging protagonist, whose determination to seek justice is matched only by his willingness to confront his own fears and insecurities. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Christos Williamson and the ever-resourceful Captain Fleming, add further depth and intrigue to the story. Their interactions and personal struggles infuse the novel with emotional resonance, elevating it beyond a simple whodunit.

The setting, nestled in the sun-drenched yet shadowy corners of Tucson, Arizona, creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story's overall sense of unease. Readers are transported to a world where relentless heat and dazzling sunlight belie the darkness lurking just beneath the surface.

"Fine Points Malice And Payback" sets itself apart from other thrillers through its exploration of the nature of malice and the blurred line between good and evil when personal desires and deep-seated grudges come into play. The novel challenges readers to question their perceptions of morality, forcing them to confront the uncomfortable notion that even the most seemingly virtuous among us can harbor a capacity for darkness.

The novel delves into themes of redemption and forgiveness, demonstrating that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is still hope for healing and growth. The author skillfully balances these weighty themes with taut, suspenseful storytelling, ensuring that readers remain fully invested in the unfolding drama.

u/AmazonPublishing - Author: Sherrie-Todd-Beshore
Author: Sherrie-Todd-Beshore

In summary, "Fine Points Malice And Payback" is a thrilling, thought-provoking novel that is sure to please fans of the genre and newcomers alike. With its intricate plot, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is destined to become a classic of the suspense thriller genre. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this exhilarating ride for yourself–pick up a copy of "Fine Points Malice And Payback" and prepare to be swept away by its enthralling narrative and heart-pounding suspense.

Contact Author AmazonPublishing 

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