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Frank Renzi #2
Diva
DIVA, a New Orleans suspense thriller featuring NOPD Homicide Detective Frank Renzi
Beautiful, talented and ambitious, flute soloist Belinda Scully wants to be a star. But fame can be dangerous. Someone is stalking her. Rejection stokes the fires of his lust. Her manager dies suddenly. NOPD Detective Frank Renzi believes he was murdered. But murder may not be the worst thing that Belinda must face.
DIVA trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lE0_8...
Beautiful, talented and ambitious, flute soloist Belinda Scully wants to be a star. But fame can be dangerous. Someone is stalking her. Rejection stokes the fires of his lust. Her manager dies suddenly. NOPD Detective Frank Renzi believes he was murdered. But murder may not be the worst thing that Belinda must face.
DIVA trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lE0_8...
283 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2011
110 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fleet
21 books67 followersMusic & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that's how I discovered my dark side.
After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers. Scroll down and check the video trailers.
I survived Katrina, but divide my time between Boston and the Big Easy. On my website I post profiles of women musicians. I also write ebooks about true crime: DARK DEEDS about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!
After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers. Scroll down and check the video trailers.
I survived Katrina, but divide my time between Boston and the Big Easy. On my website I post profiles of women musicians. I also write ebooks about true crime: DARK DEEDS about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 15, 2012
There is ample mediocrity in the thriller and mystery markets today, if only because of the E-Book revolution. But the small number of elite novelists still working in the genre just added a new member - Susan Fleet. In Diva, novelist Fleet covers all the structural bases essential to the architecture of a thriller. The plot line has been engineered with the precision of a blueprint. The author's writing style is lucid, crisp and never overblown. The dialogue is authentic for cops, as well as for the classical music world. Characters are well crafted, complex individuals, drawn into believable conflicts and emotional crises. They are people the reader cares about. Even the background characters in this diverse ensemble stand out. But where Diva truly excells is in its pace. The chapters are mostly short, and the action unfolds through adroit use of multiple POVs. Indeed, the pace charges forward from the first two pages and never slows. The character of the stalker surely ranks with some of the best and most detestable villains in the genre. In the end, he is totally believable. Novelist Fleet is a fresh literary voice, and definitely here to stay.
February 19, 2012
Okay, readers. We know all about suspense and ‘edge-of-your-seat’ thrillers, BUT when a writer comes along that can not only take the physical but the extremely psychological human emotions and interweave them together to make a story this dangerous and powerful - then you have definitely found Paradise!
Taking place in the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, readers find themselves in New Orleans surrounded by the worst that nature had to offer - not even thinking about the worst that ‘man’ had in store, as well. Belinda Scully is a multi-talented flutist who is at the top of her game. Literally, she finds herself in a luxurious world, where she’s now a part of international performances, bringing her talent across the globe. Jake is Belinda’s VERY hard working manager who does more for her than, I swear, the entire Royal Guard does for the Queen of England. And let’s just say that Belinda takes advantage of the fact that he will always be there for her - calling upon him for many things that she could very easily do for herself. A Diva extraordinaire, Belinda becomes even worse when Jake and his partner begin to think seriously of moving to New York City.
While performing in London, an admirer approaches Belinda who seems to be far more than just a fan. (Think of all those frightening teenage girls on the news when Robert Pattinson gets out of a limo - you’ll know what I mean.) Belinda’s ‘fan’ will not leave her alone, and being the diva that she is, she (not gently) ignores him when he attempts to thrust a business card into her hands and warn her that she will need protection during her globe-trotting travels
While this captivating storyline is going on, there is yet another. A homeless teen by the name of Chantelle, and her jazz-musician boyfriend, have found themselves in a drug deal gone wrong; a policeman is shot and a hostage meets her demise. Attempting to protect the young girl, New Orleans Police Detective, Frank Renzi, hides her in a home where the drug dealers can never find her. Unfortunately, Chantelle takes it upon herself to make a choice she can not un-make. Escaping from the home, she goes back to her boyfriend, and soon a drug lord is on her tail.
When these two stories come together, people, the fireworks ensue. Belinda being stalked; Chantelle running from a vicious drug lord; and, a cop who gets involved with both of the women as he tries his very best to save them from their own ridiculous mistakes. Desperation brings readers to the height of the thrill-ride, as this author deftly brings it all together for a perfect ending to a perfect read.
The plot moves quickly, but easily - and never once confuses the reader with any mindless jargon. The characters are compelling, even if a bit ‘witchy’ at times, and even the music world is highlighted to a perfect ‘T.’
Absolution was the first - Diva is the second - and I can not WAIT to see what's in store for us with the third! This is one writer who gives the ‘Big Six’ in publishing a new, fresh voice to listen to, and seeing her on the bestseller list very soon will not be a surprise. Enjoy this one!
Until Next Time, Everybody.
Amy
Taking place in the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, readers find themselves in New Orleans surrounded by the worst that nature had to offer - not even thinking about the worst that ‘man’ had in store, as well. Belinda Scully is a multi-talented flutist who is at the top of her game. Literally, she finds herself in a luxurious world, where she’s now a part of international performances, bringing her talent across the globe. Jake is Belinda’s VERY hard working manager who does more for her than, I swear, the entire Royal Guard does for the Queen of England. And let’s just say that Belinda takes advantage of the fact that he will always be there for her - calling upon him for many things that she could very easily do for herself. A Diva extraordinaire, Belinda becomes even worse when Jake and his partner begin to think seriously of moving to New York City.
While performing in London, an admirer approaches Belinda who seems to be far more than just a fan. (Think of all those frightening teenage girls on the news when Robert Pattinson gets out of a limo - you’ll know what I mean.) Belinda’s ‘fan’ will not leave her alone, and being the diva that she is, she (not gently) ignores him when he attempts to thrust a business card into her hands and warn her that she will need protection during her globe-trotting travels
While this captivating storyline is going on, there is yet another. A homeless teen by the name of Chantelle, and her jazz-musician boyfriend, have found themselves in a drug deal gone wrong; a policeman is shot and a hostage meets her demise. Attempting to protect the young girl, New Orleans Police Detective, Frank Renzi, hides her in a home where the drug dealers can never find her. Unfortunately, Chantelle takes it upon herself to make a choice she can not un-make. Escaping from the home, she goes back to her boyfriend, and soon a drug lord is on her tail.
When these two stories come together, people, the fireworks ensue. Belinda being stalked; Chantelle running from a vicious drug lord; and, a cop who gets involved with both of the women as he tries his very best to save them from their own ridiculous mistakes. Desperation brings readers to the height of the thrill-ride, as this author deftly brings it all together for a perfect ending to a perfect read.
The plot moves quickly, but easily - and never once confuses the reader with any mindless jargon. The characters are compelling, even if a bit ‘witchy’ at times, and even the music world is highlighted to a perfect ‘T.’
Absolution was the first - Diva is the second - and I can not WAIT to see what's in store for us with the third! This is one writer who gives the ‘Big Six’ in publishing a new, fresh voice to listen to, and seeing her on the bestseller list very soon will not be a surprise. Enjoy this one!
Until Next Time, Everybody.
Amy
Read
May 15, 2012Susan Fleet has spun two separate thriller plots into one story. Sound like a bargain? Believe me, it is. This is a good one!
Here we have a divorced tough veteran homicide detective in Frank Renzi and a widowed domestic violence detective in Kelly O'Neal, who incidentally happens to be a beautiful female. When they're thrown together as partners by two separate criminal investigations, you just can't help hoping that things are going to get interesting, if you catch my drift.
Enter two sociopath bad guys: a merciless G-Homie shotcaller street thug named AK, and a serial stalker/rapist whose name is ...well, who is this monster, anyway? You have to read the book to find out who he really is. They aren't connected to each other in any conventional way, but Susan Fleet laces their very different criminal enterprises into a bonus double feature that's filled with murder, suspense, yes, some romance, and brutal, sadistic, psycho-sexual obsession.
While lots of gunfire erupts, providing an oversized front-end loader full of dead bodies scattered throughout the tale, there are two principal victims, one of whom you'll like - and the other you'll probably just despise.
Susan Fleet's style is truly a kick in the pants. As a retired cop, I can tell you she did her homework and had me laughing aloud with some of her hilarious sardonic analogies. They could have been uttered by real police officers. So, I'm guessing she spent a little time around the real cops prior to writing this excellent book.
Will Renzi and his partner stop the evil-doers? There's one way for you to find out. Diva is just the ticket for a weekend's worth of entertainment (much better than a movie). Don't miss this one.
Here we have a divorced tough veteran homicide detective in Frank Renzi and a widowed domestic violence detective in Kelly O'Neal, who incidentally happens to be a beautiful female. When they're thrown together as partners by two separate criminal investigations, you just can't help hoping that things are going to get interesting, if you catch my drift.
Enter two sociopath bad guys: a merciless G-Homie shotcaller street thug named AK, and a serial stalker/rapist whose name is ...well, who is this monster, anyway? You have to read the book to find out who he really is. They aren't connected to each other in any conventional way, but Susan Fleet laces their very different criminal enterprises into a bonus double feature that's filled with murder, suspense, yes, some romance, and brutal, sadistic, psycho-sexual obsession.
While lots of gunfire erupts, providing an oversized front-end loader full of dead bodies scattered throughout the tale, there are two principal victims, one of whom you'll like - and the other you'll probably just despise.
Susan Fleet's style is truly a kick in the pants. As a retired cop, I can tell you she did her homework and had me laughing aloud with some of her hilarious sardonic analogies. They could have been uttered by real police officers. So, I'm guessing she spent a little time around the real cops prior to writing this excellent book.
Will Renzi and his partner stop the evil-doers? There's one way for you to find out. Diva is just the ticket for a weekend's worth of entertainment (much better than a movie). Don't miss this one.
July 18, 2011
Diva (Susan Fleet)
Suspense/Thriller Belinda Scully is a famous flute player, a Diva. She has many fans, one that has become obsessed. Frank Renzi , a New Orleans police detective is investigating a robbery. He is called to investigate the death of Belinda's assistant, he believes this was a murder. Soon Belinda finds herself at the hands of a psychopath, a crazed man who is obsessed with her.
The second in the Frank Renzi series, well written nail-biting page turner. Susan Fleet gets into the mind of the killer with vivid detail leaving you looking over your shoulder and wanting to keep the lights on.
I highly recommend to those who love thriller/suspense. I also recommend the first book in this series Absolution
Suspense/Thriller Belinda Scully is a famous flute player, a Diva. She has many fans, one that has become obsessed. Frank Renzi , a New Orleans police detective is investigating a robbery. He is called to investigate the death of Belinda's assistant, he believes this was a murder. Soon Belinda finds herself at the hands of a psychopath, a crazed man who is obsessed with her.
The second in the Frank Renzi series, well written nail-biting page turner. Susan Fleet gets into the mind of the killer with vivid detail leaving you looking over your shoulder and wanting to keep the lights on.
I highly recommend to those who love thriller/suspense. I also recommend the first book in this series Absolution
December 27, 2012
Diva seemed like such a 'fad' title, that I almost didn't read this book because of it. I read Susan Fleet's first book Absolution and really enjoyed it, so I decided to take the chance on reading Diva, and I am certainly glad I did. It turns out Diva is a very fitting title that describes the prima donna flutist Belinda Scully who falls prey to a dangerous stalker that will stop at nothing short of having Belinda all to himself. I wanted to dislike Belinda because of her arrogance, but as the story progressed, she grew on me. Detective Frank Renzi (who is a great character) is in charge of finding Belinda's stalker and keeping her safe. This task turns out to be much more difficult than expected since Belinda is such a...DIVA! Will Frank Renzi outsmart the stalker before the stalker outsmarts Belinda for the very last time? Read Diva to find out for yourself!
September 14, 2012
Diva ia a great sequel. I loved the first book of the series "Absolution", and Susan Fleet did it again, delivering to us a great story in the sequel "DIVA". The way she mixes her love of music into the story is creative and unique. Susan's description of post Katrina New Orleans is very observant and thoughtful. I truly loved reading this series so far and eagerly anticipating the next book.
January 2, 2013
Set against the sombre and wretched backdrop of post-Katrina New Orleans, Frank Renzi plies his trade as a police detective. But policemen work in the context of criminals and victims and it is those we meet from the start of this enthralling book. In quick succession we are introduced to a very sinister character later identified as Barry Silverman, a manipulative and repulsive stalker, and Belinda Scully, a talented and famous flutist who is coerced into making a complaint about a possible attempt on her life by her over-anxious business manager, Jake Ziegler.
Within the first few paragraphs, the book moves into overdrive and never slows until the very last page.
Is Jake more than just a business partner? We are led to think so in the first few encounters but first impressions are often far from the truth. And when we meet the characters in a subplot, two black teens, Chantelle and Antoine, are soon revealed as people with a lot more depth to them than at first sight and for whom, in the end, we can only feel sympathy.
Every individual in this accomplished novel is carefully portrayed as the story unfolds, the main characters, but also the people around them - Frank Renzi’s forbidden love interest, the police detectives with whom he works, the main characters' relatives that play important roles. To say much more would reveal too much. I was astounded at the pace of this book that never slackened from the beginning to the end.
Police dramas on the small and large screen have entertained us almost from the beginning of broadcasting. It is a proven formula with opportunities for the observer to love the heroes and heroines, hate the criminals, and second-guess the who and why before a solution is offered. Many of the best started out life as books, for it is on the printed page that characters can be properly developed and situations fully explored. I cannot imagine we will wait too long before Frank Renzi is seen on a screen at the local multiplex or in our living rooms.
Roderick Craig Low – author of ‘Rewards and Dilemmas’ and others.
Within the first few paragraphs, the book moves into overdrive and never slows until the very last page.
Is Jake more than just a business partner? We are led to think so in the first few encounters but first impressions are often far from the truth. And when we meet the characters in a subplot, two black teens, Chantelle and Antoine, are soon revealed as people with a lot more depth to them than at first sight and for whom, in the end, we can only feel sympathy.
Every individual in this accomplished novel is carefully portrayed as the story unfolds, the main characters, but also the people around them - Frank Renzi’s forbidden love interest, the police detectives with whom he works, the main characters' relatives that play important roles. To say much more would reveal too much. I was astounded at the pace of this book that never slackened from the beginning to the end.
Police dramas on the small and large screen have entertained us almost from the beginning of broadcasting. It is a proven formula with opportunities for the observer to love the heroes and heroines, hate the criminals, and second-guess the who and why before a solution is offered. Many of the best started out life as books, for it is on the printed page that characters can be properly developed and situations fully explored. I cannot imagine we will wait too long before Frank Renzi is seen on a screen at the local multiplex or in our living rooms.
Roderick Craig Low – author of ‘Rewards and Dilemmas’ and others.
September 15, 2012
This time a Flautist is being stalked, but she doesn't want to deal with it. Renzi gets involved when her Manager contacts the NOPD about it. She develops a crush on Renzi, who does not reciprocate. Meanwhile things are not good in New Orleans. Crime and criminals are pretty much out of control following Katrina. A teenaged girl runs away from a robbery in which someone is shot, a woman is carjacked and thrown out of the car while it is moving and dies as a result. Renzi catches the teenager and places her in a group home from which she runs away. The two cases intermingle because of a music connection. The stalker is living in a fantasy world and convinced he has a future with the Flautist, a not particularly likable diva. Telling the reader any more would lead to plot spoilers, but this is fast reading and will grab the reader's interest. Fleet's characters are those you want to get to learn more about.
March 5, 2012
Fleet has crafted a New Orleans mystery starring a villainous villain, an infuriatingly divaish (new word) victim and in Frank Renzi, a solid but sensitive cop protagonist. Mixed in are sub-plots that expose the hellish aftermath of Katrina on the city's population and those paid to protect it. Not only has she crafted a story that will keep you reading, but like all good authors she keeps out of the way and lets the story tell itself. I'm adding the first Frank Renzi novel to my to read list.
June 27, 2011
New Orleans Police Detective Frank Renzi is back in DIVA, a fast paced, gritty suspense thriller from author Susan Fleet. Fleet’s intimate knowledge of the music world and sharp characterizations make her second book an intriguing follow-up to her first novel, ABSOLUTION. Enjoy!
April 12, 2023
Diva isn't a bad book, but it isn't great (or even close to excellent). Two plots are intertwined through the police detective working both cases and a musical theme. The primary plot has a flutist as the self-absorbed victim who doesn't want to deal with a stalker, almost causing her death. There is much murder and mayhem in the storyline and far too much detail about erections. The story could have been told more tautly and without as much gratuitous violence and sex.
July 23, 2013
Belinda Scully, a solo flutist and soon to be famous, he thought. Today he would send her a message.
Renzi was just finishing up, when she walked into the precinct. Her escort insisted someone tried to run her over. Belinda shrugged it off, playing the Diva. Renzi knew neither of them was telling the whole truth, but before he could question them further, the phone rang. He was called away.
Belinda would repeat, over and over, "never give in to fear. Act successful and you will be successful. Believe in yourself and you cannot fail." She behaved like a Diva to protect herself.
It was the thirteenth anniversary of her brother's death. And it was the day before Friday the 13th. She avoided everything thirteen, but sometimes things are out of our control.
Belinda was returning home from a successful performance concert in London. She watched as the SUV followed her, keeping pace with her. Suddenly, it veered and slammed into the back of her Infiniti.
Frank had told her to call if anything happened. But what could she tell him?
Two accidents and now the letters were getting angry and threatening. Following Renzi's suggestion, she hired a body guard.
"I know all your secrets Belinda. What would your fans think if they knew?"
5 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others
Susan's covers are always great. They show the upcoming story inside the pages, making me want to find out what depravity has been afflicted on someone now. lol
I love all the detail she packed in her book. The story is very well written and draws me in quickly, not letting go until the end. She seems to pick topics that get my blood boiling and my anger levels at their maximum. I feel disgust and hatred for the evil that her characters inflict on the innocent and always cheer when they get their comeuppance. And I am quite comfortable walking the streets her characters walk through New Orleans.
Renzi is a bit of a rebel. He believes in right and wrong and sometimes he bends the rules to do the right thing. He likes dark haired sexy women, with a sense of humor - like Jane Russell. I loved the way Jane Russell bantered with Robert Mitchum in the movies from the 50′s. Susan's use of this example helps me to understand and get into Renzi's relationship with Kelly. Of course, Renzi plays a trumpet and loves Jazz, it is New Orleans after all. I like that Susan includes these personal touches of her life into her books. Gives the books a feeling of authenticity.
Susan's descriptions of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are detailed and will help you to picture what the town was like. The line between fiction and reality was definitely blurred to me.
New Orleans is not known for having the best police force to begin with. Now, with crime off the charts, the thugs in paradise dealing drugs and killing just to killl, it can be a dangerous place to live. Some of the worst atrocities were focused on women and with the shortage of police, it was an uphill battle.
It was a little over a year since Katrina and Renzi thought the thugs were winning the battle. So much devastation and trash, empty houses, squatters and crime. Much of the population did not return. How would they get back and what was there to come back to? Would they have a house, a job.....It all smacks of reality.
I have been to New Orleans many times before and after Hurricane Katrina. I pass through Mississippi on the way there. The devastation is still very visible and impossible to miss. In Florida, it is obvious as well - the loss of beach, the starkness of the dead landscape, slabs of concrete where houses used to be - it will never be the same, but change is inevitable and the allure of the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico call to me.
Like all things in Nature, the land does try to find the balance. Too bad people don't work the same way.
Can you imagine a stalker? Knowing your every move, calling over and over, sending you letters. The creepiness of knowing they have been in your home, touching your things and who knows what else. The shadows in the corners, jumping at every noise. Looking over your shoulder everywhere you go. How deadly could or would it become? How would you get over it?
There have been enough real life stalker deaths of famous people to highlight the dangers and show us how real it can be. Imagine how bad it would be for us, the average joe, without the money and ability to hire protection.
Stalkers take a lot of time and effort to plan. Their fantasy and desire override any sense of reality and wrongness. They will kill to eliminate a competitor or threat or just to be noticed.
So, to sum it up, another fantastic book from Susan Fleet and I am definitely looking forward to more trips to New Orleans with her. And, as usual, her books create all these thoughts and feelings that I must let out, so forgive my rambling on. That's why they have 5 STAR ratings. LOL
I picked up this book on an Amazon free day. Thank you Susan Fleet for you generosity.
Susan Fleet
Renzi was just finishing up, when she walked into the precinct. Her escort insisted someone tried to run her over. Belinda shrugged it off, playing the Diva. Renzi knew neither of them was telling the whole truth, but before he could question them further, the phone rang. He was called away.
Belinda would repeat, over and over, "never give in to fear. Act successful and you will be successful. Believe in yourself and you cannot fail." She behaved like a Diva to protect herself.
It was the thirteenth anniversary of her brother's death. And it was the day before Friday the 13th. She avoided everything thirteen, but sometimes things are out of our control.
Belinda was returning home from a successful performance concert in London. She watched as the SUV followed her, keeping pace with her. Suddenly, it veered and slammed into the back of her Infiniti.
Frank had told her to call if anything happened. But what could she tell him?
Two accidents and now the letters were getting angry and threatening. Following Renzi's suggestion, she hired a body guard.
"I know all your secrets Belinda. What would your fans think if they knew?"
5 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others
Susan's covers are always great. They show the upcoming story inside the pages, making me want to find out what depravity has been afflicted on someone now. lol
I love all the detail she packed in her book. The story is very well written and draws me in quickly, not letting go until the end. She seems to pick topics that get my blood boiling and my anger levels at their maximum. I feel disgust and hatred for the evil that her characters inflict on the innocent and always cheer when they get their comeuppance. And I am quite comfortable walking the streets her characters walk through New Orleans.
Renzi is a bit of a rebel. He believes in right and wrong and sometimes he bends the rules to do the right thing. He likes dark haired sexy women, with a sense of humor - like Jane Russell. I loved the way Jane Russell bantered with Robert Mitchum in the movies from the 50′s. Susan's use of this example helps me to understand and get into Renzi's relationship with Kelly. Of course, Renzi plays a trumpet and loves Jazz, it is New Orleans after all. I like that Susan includes these personal touches of her life into her books. Gives the books a feeling of authenticity.
Susan's descriptions of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are detailed and will help you to picture what the town was like. The line between fiction and reality was definitely blurred to me.
New Orleans is not known for having the best police force to begin with. Now, with crime off the charts, the thugs in paradise dealing drugs and killing just to killl, it can be a dangerous place to live. Some of the worst atrocities were focused on women and with the shortage of police, it was an uphill battle.
It was a little over a year since Katrina and Renzi thought the thugs were winning the battle. So much devastation and trash, empty houses, squatters and crime. Much of the population did not return. How would they get back and what was there to come back to? Would they have a house, a job.....It all smacks of reality.
I have been to New Orleans many times before and after Hurricane Katrina. I pass through Mississippi on the way there. The devastation is still very visible and impossible to miss. In Florida, it is obvious as well - the loss of beach, the starkness of the dead landscape, slabs of concrete where houses used to be - it will never be the same, but change is inevitable and the allure of the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico call to me.
Like all things in Nature, the land does try to find the balance. Too bad people don't work the same way.
Can you imagine a stalker? Knowing your every move, calling over and over, sending you letters. The creepiness of knowing they have been in your home, touching your things and who knows what else. The shadows in the corners, jumping at every noise. Looking over your shoulder everywhere you go. How deadly could or would it become? How would you get over it?
There have been enough real life stalker deaths of famous people to highlight the dangers and show us how real it can be. Imagine how bad it would be for us, the average joe, without the money and ability to hire protection.
Stalkers take a lot of time and effort to plan. Their fantasy and desire override any sense of reality and wrongness. They will kill to eliminate a competitor or threat or just to be noticed.
So, to sum it up, another fantastic book from Susan Fleet and I am definitely looking forward to more trips to New Orleans with her. And, as usual, her books create all these thoughts and feelings that I must let out, so forgive my rambling on. That's why they have 5 STAR ratings. LOL
I picked up this book on an Amazon free day. Thank you Susan Fleet for you generosity.
Susan Fleet
January 13, 2021
Frank is a great character.
I wanted to give this book a higher rating but thought the ending became less plausible and it became an action movie type ending as opposed to a dramatic one. But Frank Renzi was complex ANF believable.
I wanted to give this book a higher rating but thought the ending became less plausible and it became an action movie type ending as opposed to a dramatic one. But Frank Renzi was complex ANF believable.
February 1, 2018
Post Katrina New Orleans provides an interesting backdrop for this crime thriller about a stalker who becomes progressively out of control.
June 29, 2018
This is the story of a stalker that has been stalking Belinda for a long time. There a lot of twist and turns but it’s a very good story. As always Frank Renzi is on the ball.
November 18, 2018
Might want to read more of this series. Psychotic characters always seem to appeal to me.
May 18, 2021
.
Excellent read, intertwining plots that held my attention to the very end. I read it in one long day. could not put it down
Excellent read, intertwining plots that held my attention to the very end. I read it in one long day. could not put it down
November 13, 2017
Fine read
I enjoyed the book. I want to see where Frank and Kelly are headed. I can not wait to read the book.
I enjoyed the book. I want to see where Frank and Kelly are headed. I can not wait to read the book.
March 27, 2013
'Any day without a murder was a good day in New Orleans' were words to live by for Frank Renzi, a homicide detective stationed out of the Eighth District homicide office. Always short on supplies and detectives unfortunately there seemed to be an unending supply of crimes and bad guys. Four years ago Frank Renzi left the Boston police force and relocated to New Orleans. Most put the move down to his wife divorcing him but it was so much more than that. Not many know of the young girl who died because Renzi couldn't save her. He meets a fellow officer, Kelly O'Neil, and is instantly attracted to her and it would seem the feeling is mutual.He's trying to build a life in New Orleans and is finally thinking that maybe happiness can be his.
Then two back to back cases have him racing the clock to save a young girl and worrying about a stalker.
Brenda Scully, wonderful flute soloist whose career is starting to rise quickly, doesn't believe there is really a problem. Her manager/friend, Jake Ziegler believes someone tried to kill her on the anniversary of her parents' accidental death. As Renzi is talking with them both he realizes that they are both hiding something, Renzi's just not sure what it is. Before he gets any further the phone rings...a cop's down!
Promising to contact them the following day, Renzi heads out to the site of the cop shooting. An off duty policeman went into a convenience store for cigarettes and interrupted an attempted robbery. Using a female customer as a shield the two robbers shot the cop and took off with the woman customer and a stolen car.
After arriving at the scene of the officer shooting incident, Renzi runs down a young girl fleeing from the scene. He knows from witness reports that she wasn't inside the store but his cop instinct is telling him she is definitely involved and very, very scared. Renzi is determined not to lose another young girl, not on his watch!
As Renzi's time is taken up with his new lady friend, running down leads and generating new ones for both his cases, everything soon starts spiraling out of control. Now with the death toll rising in both of his cases, Renzi must use all of his training and instincts to solve both these crimes.
I found this to be an intriguing look into Frank Renzi's life as a homicide detective. With well developed characters, interesting plots (the 2 different crimes)and subplots (the interactions of the groups of detectives,and the groups of bad guys) and wonderful descriptions of the sights and sounds of a post-Katrina landscape and reality that the people of New Orleans are now having to face and deal with. I did find there was a little too much description of roads and directions to every place that Renzi went to and it didn't add anything, for me it actually took away because I felt myself losing interest in the reason Renzi was on his way somewhere but that is just one minor thing. I have not read Absolution (Frank Renzi #1) but will definitely be looking for it.
Great stand alone novel, I can see this becoming a wonderful detective series.
Then two back to back cases have him racing the clock to save a young girl and worrying about a stalker.
Brenda Scully, wonderful flute soloist whose career is starting to rise quickly, doesn't believe there is really a problem. Her manager/friend, Jake Ziegler believes someone tried to kill her on the anniversary of her parents' accidental death. As Renzi is talking with them both he realizes that they are both hiding something, Renzi's just not sure what it is. Before he gets any further the phone rings...a cop's down!
Promising to contact them the following day, Renzi heads out to the site of the cop shooting. An off duty policeman went into a convenience store for cigarettes and interrupted an attempted robbery. Using a female customer as a shield the two robbers shot the cop and took off with the woman customer and a stolen car.
After arriving at the scene of the officer shooting incident, Renzi runs down a young girl fleeing from the scene. He knows from witness reports that she wasn't inside the store but his cop instinct is telling him she is definitely involved and very, very scared. Renzi is determined not to lose another young girl, not on his watch!
As Renzi's time is taken up with his new lady friend, running down leads and generating new ones for both his cases, everything soon starts spiraling out of control. Now with the death toll rising in both of his cases, Renzi must use all of his training and instincts to solve both these crimes.
I found this to be an intriguing look into Frank Renzi's life as a homicide detective. With well developed characters, interesting plots (the 2 different crimes)and subplots (the interactions of the groups of detectives,and the groups of bad guys) and wonderful descriptions of the sights and sounds of a post-Katrina landscape and reality that the people of New Orleans are now having to face and deal with. I did find there was a little too much description of roads and directions to every place that Renzi went to and it didn't add anything, for me it actually took away because I felt myself losing interest in the reason Renzi was on his way somewhere but that is just one minor thing. I have not read Absolution (Frank Renzi #1) but will definitely be looking for it.
Great stand alone novel, I can see this becoming a wonderful detective series.
September 9, 2015
The second Frank Renzi thriller from author Susan Fleet, "Diva", picks up shortly after the first book in series had left off. Belinda Scully, a world class flute player seems to have picked up a stalker. Belinda's manager, Jake is worried for her safety. Coming back from a concert and driving home alone, Belinda's SUV is run off road into a tree. Belinda decides to hire Barry Silverman to be her driver. She'd met Silverman in London and was impressed by his credentials. Jake fears it's a huge mistake. Meanwhile, in the really bad part of town, a convenience story robbery has left a New Orleans off duty cop shot, and a hostage in getaway murdered. New Orleans homicide detective Frank Renzi and his partner Kenyon Martin are on the case. They quickly establish the "Lookout" was Chantelle Wilson, 15. The trigger man in the crime was local bad guy, Atticus "AK-47" Kroll. Also involved is Chantelle's boyfriend Antoine. Renzi also has to help find stalker in Belinda Scully's case. A slow moving plot and very slow to read story never really develops a solid interest towards the characters. At best a ho-hum thriller is was so slow to get through this book. I did like the actual story but the author did everything possible to put me asleep at the same time. It was pretty much the same book as the first one of series. I'll be super nice here and say three stars out of a possible five stars. If you're going to read this series I'd recommend this book. But for me, going onto third I'll have to think about. I have 30 books on my Kindle so I can move on at this point and possibly come back for further Renzi books. Maybe they get better and faster as they go. Maybe.
November 8, 2013
some minor details change over the course of the book, leaving me wondering about validity. A woman who hits a tree with her car and deploys the air bag does NOT get out of the car, call a tow truck and walk into her house. 'She is a fireball in bed" leaves me feeling less than excited, Having lived in New Orleans pre Katrina, I know it's hard not to play the race card, but her use of the word "black" to decribe nonessential charactors is overpowering. It would have been nice if she had showed a little more of the good side of the 'black" families who who are trapped in the impoverished "projects" of New Orleans. One more thing, Frank Renzi was probably of of the least developed charactors of the story.
I read a couple reviews about 0% into the book to see if I wanted to finish it. Since the ratings went from 5's to 2's I had to read on to see why the gap. I still don't understand it. The one reviewer was right, the first half of the book is a 2 and then it gets a little better, but I continued to read just to see how many inconsistencies I could find (in my opinion).
I read a couple reviews about 0% into the book to see if I wanted to finish it. Since the ratings went from 5's to 2's I had to read on to see why the gap. I still don't understand it. The one reviewer was right, the first half of the book is a 2 and then it gets a little better, but I continued to read just to see how many inconsistencies I could find (in my opinion).
November 21, 2014
THRILLING MYSTERY
Belinda was an up & coming concert musician, who came with her manager, Jake, to see Frank Renzie, a detective on the New Orleans Police Force, to report someone trying to kill Belinda. Frank began to investigate only to learn this was not the first incident Belinda received. Why would anyone want to hurt this attractive, gifted musician and for Frank, working now on several cases by a serial killer, couldn't allow himself romantic feelings for Belinda. His focus must be not only her case but to work closely with his partner, and Kelly, his female detective friend, to solve all these cases.
Belinda had more incidents, and then a frantic call from Belinda about Jake, led him to believe he was close to catching the killer. Could he and his team solve both cases? Would he keep from getting involved? Great suspense and excitement builds while the powerful dynamics escalate for a fantastic mystery.
Belinda was an up & coming concert musician, who came with her manager, Jake, to see Frank Renzie, a detective on the New Orleans Police Force, to report someone trying to kill Belinda. Frank began to investigate only to learn this was not the first incident Belinda received. Why would anyone want to hurt this attractive, gifted musician and for Frank, working now on several cases by a serial killer, couldn't allow himself romantic feelings for Belinda. His focus must be not only her case but to work closely with his partner, and Kelly, his female detective friend, to solve all these cases.
Belinda had more incidents, and then a frantic call from Belinda about Jake, led him to believe he was close to catching the killer. Could he and his team solve both cases? Would he keep from getting involved? Great suspense and excitement builds while the powerful dynamics escalate for a fantastic mystery.
July 19, 2012
The reader can almost feel sorry for him for his obvious lack of love. Almost. However the reader knows he's really a vile pervert bent on having the famed flutist Belinda. Her stalker fantasizes about her and plots his relentless sick pursuit.
While this is going on, there is a murder investigation involving a street gang whose lead member will stop at nothing to protect himself.
Murder, young love, drugs, gay love, dysfunctional familial and other dysfunctional relationships, and shoot-em-ups are some of what you'll read in "Diva."
What I liked: I thought the main characters were well-developed. The reader discovers what makes the stalker tick.
What I didn't care for: The author has Barry (stalker) repeatedly fantasizing and acting out his perversions. I think we could have done without all the detail.
That said, it was a decent story.
While this is going on, there is a murder investigation involving a street gang whose lead member will stop at nothing to protect himself.
Murder, young love, drugs, gay love, dysfunctional familial and other dysfunctional relationships, and shoot-em-ups are some of what you'll read in "Diva."
What I liked: I thought the main characters were well-developed. The reader discovers what makes the stalker tick.
What I didn't care for: The author has Barry (stalker) repeatedly fantasizing and acting out his perversions. I think we could have done without all the detail.
That said, it was a decent story.
October 1, 2015
At the onset I thought Diva, another in the Frank Renzi series, was going to be my favorite Susan Fleet thriller to date ... but changed my mind mid-stream. It continues the theme of murder and attempted murder with a flutist attitude that is prevalent in a couple of the author's books. but I found it too similar in character content and theme to her Jackpot. Graphic descriptions of sex and violence ... which perhaps enhance the telling ... was a turn-off for this reader. Nonetheless ... if that doesn't bother you ... you might find it an interesting read about prima donna Belinda Scully who, despite all the warnings to the contrary, believes she's above danger ... only to find out ... twice ... that she's misjudged. If not for Detective Renzi and his latest lady love, the story would end with Belinda ' s demise. But alas, one more time, Detective Renzi saves the day!
October 22, 2018
Diva was pretty good but, in my opinion, not as good as Absolution. The plot was split in 2 that ultimately did not have much to do with each other and did not seem very inspired. I guessed everything correctly. And Fleet gets the award for most reused descriptions of "acid roiling in his gut" (insert other adjectives for guts churning and burning here). It's seriously on every other page. I highlighted every description of "gut" and there were over 30. It's that and "dark, penetrating, intense eyes." Her writing was not original and recycled and predictable. I only gave it a 3 for being kinda entertaining and creepy (since it is a thriller, after all). Probably won't be reading any more Susan Fleet after this one.
July 21, 2014
Could have been so much better if the story had been about Chantelle and Antoine against the gritty backdrop of post-Katrina New Orleans.
The author tried to tell too many stories. The Diva never garnered my sympathy, the stalker was clearly a sick man who felt throbbing in his groin way too often.
Frank and Kelly got it on really fast, no getting to know each other first.
The only other relationship that felt 'true' in this book was that of Jake and Dean.
Police procedures left a lot to be desired (see updates if you really want to know).
I wanted to like this book more, but it was all over the place and the best parts were not the focus of the story, unfortunately.
The author tried to tell too many stories. The Diva never garnered my sympathy, the stalker was clearly a sick man who felt throbbing in his groin way too often.
Frank and Kelly got it on really fast, no getting to know each other first.
The only other relationship that felt 'true' in this book was that of Jake and Dean.
Police procedures left a lot to be desired (see updates if you really want to know).
I wanted to like this book more, but it was all over the place and the best parts were not the focus of the story, unfortunately.
October 25, 2013
HIP-HIP-HURRAY! I AM FINALLY DONE, THIS BOOK IS PART OF A SERIES I THINK THIS IS BK#2. I DID NOT READ BK#1, SO I DON'T HAVE A COMPARISON TO GO BY, I HOPE IT WAS BETTER THAN THIS ONE. THE STORYLINE SKIPPED AROUND TO MUCH, THE CHARACTER'S WERE SORT OF FLAT, NO DEMENSION. EVEN THE BAD GUY WAS JUST, BLAH. THE MAIN CHARACTER DETECTIVE RENZI & LOVE INTEREST FELLOW COP KELLY O'NEIL JUST HAD NO SPARK TOGETHER. NEEDLESS TO SAY I REALLY DIDN'T LIKE IT, I TRIED, JUST FELT LIKE STRUGGLING TO READ IT. NOT MY KIND OF READ TOO DIS-JOINTED. ;<
December 29, 2015
Riveting!
I love Frank Renzi! His tough demeanor is awesome. I love the feeling that if there is butt out there to kick and names to take down, he will get the job done. I love reading stories about places I am so familiar with - New Orleans, I-10 out of Houston - Beaumont. I just follow those stories right down the rabbit hole. Brenda Scully seemed so real and I loved Kelly! This is an lip-chewing, knuckle-popping intense story! Can't wait for the next read!
I love Frank Renzi! His tough demeanor is awesome. I love the feeling that if there is butt out there to kick and names to take down, he will get the job done. I love reading stories about places I am so familiar with - New Orleans, I-10 out of Houston - Beaumont. I just follow those stories right down the rabbit hole. Brenda Scully seemed so real and I loved Kelly! This is an lip-chewing, knuckle-popping intense story! Can't wait for the next read!
November 18, 2013
A very well written suspense/thriller. Some of it was predictable but that didn't take away from the entertainment. A couple of shockers thrown in for good measure, I would recommend this book for someone who enjoys the good hard boiled detective novel even though it isn't on the level of some of the greats it did keep me interested.
May 24, 2013
Any book set in New Orleans grabs my attention. Mystery, thriller, vampires, love - all of them. Susan Fleet's DIVA did not disappoint me. Fabulous suspense throughout. I read Absolution first and couldn't wait to read DIVA. Looking forward to the next one!
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