Murder

Lust, Money & Murder #3

by Mike Wells

This book is the third in a series.


Global counterfeiting mastermind Giorgio Cattoretti takes Elaine under his wing, tempting her with heady amounts of money to apply her expert knowledge to improve his near-perfect U.S. bills. But Elaine still loves Nick. When Nick enters the picture, it maybe too late. With nowhere to turn, will Elaine give in to a life of crime, or will she find the love she has always wanted?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2011

About the author

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.

Please visit my website/blog at:

http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:

http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor

http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impending
Mike Wells has delivered an engrossing thriller, pitting a super-villain against a very capable secret services agent in majestic settings throughout Europe. The third book in the original Lust, Money & Murder trilogy Murder, brings some closure to the money counterfeiting operation Special Agent Elaine Brogan has been chasing for some time.

The story has a high fashion, high stakes, and epic, feel to it, with a villain that has created a wealthy empire, where the affluence, settings and atmosphere belong to a world out of a James Bond story. In this novel the criminal, Giorgio Cattoretti, is a master forger, originally with branded clothes and in recent times money. It has taken him 6 years to master the fake dollar bills, ensuring the printing machine is exactly the same one as the government use, plus the paper, ink and security lines.

We are treated to Cattoretti’s background, coming from Italy he set his ambitions to rival those of his favourite story The Godfather in The United States, but reality saw him come up short and those with more experience spotted the play and turned the tables, leaving him to spend time in jail and then deported back to Italy. Now we appreciate where his motivations come from against his previous acquaintances and the US itself.

Following on from the first 2 novels, Elaine is not quite sure where her allegiances lie anymore, having been betrayed by seemingly everyone she ever knew, including her last boss Gene Lassiter, she decides to look out for herself. Cattoretti makes her an offer where she will never have to worry about money again, – just spot all the flaws in the counterfeit money and correct them, thereby making the forgeries completely undetectable.

The epilogue to book 1 in the series was very dramatic and played out a scene involving a casino, a hotel and a walk along a cliff path. We have not been drawn back to that scenario until this book and I just felt the connection was used brilliantly to cultivate a growing sense of finality which propagated suspense on every line. The tension is very well crafted, with the reader wanting to scream at Elaine not to go with him and nervous that every moment might be the last.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and like a James Bond film left me feeling I had been truly entertained. The series may have been originally planned as a trilogy but the deserved success has now seen it reach 13 books. I would highly recommend this book.

[Sarah Pauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest, I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but I can’t. I love the series overall and how this book ended. Although the book kept me interested and I love the plot, I was let down by the “Epilogue” chapter. I felt it was a bit too short and I would have liked for there to have been a little more information on what happened after. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the book.

[Avocado · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. The third and best of the trilogy. Absolutely page-turning. I've never finished a book this fast. I loved the surprise-twist, and happy ending! I recommend this series to everyone. It's cheap, quick, and provides endless entertainment. My life is changed.

[Deanna Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the series and recommend all three books. They are engaging enough to read one after the other. I have a short attention span, but these held my interest.

[Kimberly J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved all three in this series I didn't want them to end! Fun sexy intriguing all rolled in one!!

[Barbara Senteney · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was amazing, so many twist and turns I never saw coming. Pages filled with ruthless bad guys, and even worse gangsters from Russia, and Italy. Action, suspense, heart pounding terror for Elaine. Used and abused by the men in her life. Not knowing where to place her loyalty, or whether to give it at all. Trapped at the mercy of Giorgio, who once treated her as a princess, but eventually deems her a backstabbing whore. Elaine lives in luxurious comfort, and constant fear. No matter how pretty a cage, it is still a cage. She saw the look in Giorgio's eyes when he talked about the builder of the castle, and how he relished using his torture chambers in the dungeon. Why, Did she feel the need to push her luck with him? Did she really think she could ever escape him, let alone his castle with it's walls, it's moat, and it's armed guards? There were no heroes left to save her, if there ever was a thing as a hero. With all his charm and good looks Giorgio was just a gangster, a thug dressed in Armani. A sadist who got pleasure from others pain, a devil, in the guise of a man. He was worse than Lassiter, the most corrupt human being that ever existed. He was going to kill her, she knew it, she just didn't know when or how.

I enjoyed this trilogy very much and as a bonus I get a sneak peak of another part of this series, sorry I can't tell you any spoilers or promise you happy endings, but you may have a laugh or two, and maybe be shocked at times, and the suspense may give you temporary anxiety. Your time however will be well spent on this page turner. It is however for Adults Only.

I was given this book in exchange for a fair but honest review, no ill intent towards authors, publisher, or promoters of this book is intended.

[Leah M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another short read, although it was a little longer than Money (book #2 in the series).

As the title implies, murder is prevalent in this book. We learn more about Giorgio's background in this story. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, however this book was much more predictable. The plot twists weren't as surprising in this book as they were in book #1.

It was a quick read, and Elaine's character is a likable one, even if she is still a bit naive. Tony's character adds a bit of humor to the story, and he is another character that is hard to dislike, even if he's pretty naive as well. The writing is concise, easy to understand, and descriptive. There's more to the series, as the setting then moves to Russia. I'm curious to see what happens next.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short But Absorbing Police Procedural

This quick-read, set in Yorkshire, is a solid murder mystery with several clever twists and red herrings. I ticked off boxes and finally decided on a culprit. However, I enjoyed the “Romanoff” mystery more than the whodunnit, and I wanted more of that story.
DCI John Crow’s personality comes through during suspect interrogations and interactions with police personnel—especially with superior officers. I’m glad the book blurb emphasized the setting as the 1960s, because I was able to enjoy DCI Crow as a copper of his time.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery listening 🎧
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me. I find listening like watch a movie.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery of money, lies, mafia and a smart and beautiful secret agent in book two in the series. The characters are interesting and well developed. The story line is fast moving as the chase for money continues. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a fast entertaining read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021 🕵️‍♀️✨🎉

[Rosibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lust #3 the story continues and is so easy to see your self in Elaine's place because of the writer's exquisite way of describing the life that Elaine leads by living in the clutches of Giorgio Cattoretti the plot continues and you get back to details of the first book and is pure adrenaline, although I imagined the end and that's how it finish, but I am glad and pleased.

[Lokesh Umak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one

[Mike Brannick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally got to some action. The writing improved, too.

[Thomas J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!

[Rosalynn Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a twist I didnt see coming, thoroughly enjoyed the book

[Bobbie Kaald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent finale to the trilogy. Constant twists and failures. Looking forward to the rest between my work.

Bobbie Kaald

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

His body flew through the air and disappeared over the cliff edge, a look of horror on his face.

[Kristen Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

*********Possible spoilers***********



Global counterfeiting mastermind Giorgio Cattoretti takes Elaine under his wing, tempting her with heady amounts of money to apply her expert knowledge to improve his near-perfect U.S. bills. But Elaine still loves Nick. When Nick enters the picture, it maybe too late. With nowhere to turn, will Elaine give in to a life of crime, or will she find the love she has always wanted?

Okay, now that I've read all three parts I can review this book as a whole. First of all let me warn you: If you are reading this book first, STOP. Start with Book 1. Do not read 2 or 3 first.

Reading this book was like riding a roller coaster. When I got to the end, I was like "Oh my God, let's do that again!" Book 3 continues with Elaine's story. She is on the run from the Secret Service, because her former boss used and framed her and has gotten crossed up with the very guy she has been trying to take down the whole time. Giorgio Cattoretti, Giori press thief and counterfeit (almost) master.

He wants Elaine to help him perfect his counterfeit bills, since she is a counterfeit expert. Elaine, thinking she has lost everything....agrees.

From there, its hardcore action to the end. Former characters reappear, there are a few surprises AND an ending that you may or may not see coming.

I gave part 3 5 stars because it kept me on edge and I just thoroughly enjoyed. I give the book overall, 5 stars. I really enjoy the author's fast paced style of writing......I could actually SEE the book playing out in my head.

[Steve Downes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 'unputdownable' brilliant instalment in the Lust, Money & Murder story by Mike Wells.

Mike's talent is that he writes well paced stories with great characters that you immediately gain an affinity with.

We rejoin the bright, beautiful and bold Elaine Brogan as she's taken under the wing of the enigmatic global counterfeiting mastermind Giorgio Cattoretti. After the treachery of her boss Gene Lassiter in which she nearly came to sticky end at the hands of the Russian Mafia, Elaine finds the glamorous rich world that Giorgio is offering very tempting.
But nothing is for free and she soon realises that Giorgio is a very dangerous man to associate with and not a man to cross.

Mike lets us learn more of the charismatic Giorgio and how he amassed his wealth. We also find out more about the secret Gene Lassiter has been keeping and why he is so desperate that he's prepared to take on Giorgio to get his money and disappear with his beloved Gypsy.

Our heroine Elaine has more scrapes and Mike's superb story telling leaves you wondering right up to the end .... will Elaine survive?

[Gilmara Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, fast paced and well written. The third one is the best of all.

The first time I've heard of Mike Wells was on Twitter, when he gave me the first ebook volume of Lust, Money and Murder. I read the first one and couldn't stop reading it. That's when I found out there was the audiobook version for the trilogy. I bought it and couldn't stop listening. It took me two days to finish the whole thing. WOW!

The first one is basically the story of Elane Brogan and how she started on the secret service. The second one is about how she was used and how her life was turned around by other people. She was a good person and an honest agent. How could she have fallen into this web of lies and deceit? And the third one is the story of Girgio Cattaretti and his empire, and of course, the great ending to this intertwined, fast paced, well written thriller!

Sue Sharp, the narrator, does a top notch job on the voices of the characters, especially in the ones with the Italian accent. Magnifico!

I highly recommend it.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine Brogan discovers that she's been betrayed and lied to by Gene Lassiter. Elaine feels like a fool and in danger to boot. Elaine doesn't know who to trust but when a stranger asks to share a cab she figures why not. Giorgio Cattoretti has finally caught Elaine Brogan and is determined to extract her help in creating undetectable counterfeit US $100 bills. Giorgio believes he's got the perfect plan but he doesn't count on Elaine becoming uncooperative at the end. Elaine is in survival mode and will do anything to reach her goals. Elaine needs a plan that will keep her alive long enough to tell Secret Service Agency what is going on. Someone from Elaine's past surprises her. Where can Elaine turn to for help? Will Giorgio get what he wants? Who is back in Elaine's life? Your answers await you in Murder.

This series of books is just as much action packed as it is psychological. The characters and story are well crafted, compelling, raw, intriguing, real, and honest. I can't wait to get into the next book in this amazing series.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

All i can say is buy all 3 together then you can just read them back to back.
As soon as i finished book 2 I HAD to start book 3.

Again UNPUTDOWNABLE.

A story line that really does drag you right into the book, I NEEDED to know what was happening, what was coming next and just had to read it and read it.

I'm totally hooked. I need book 4 NOW....

Product Description
This book is the third in a series.

Global counterfeiting mastermind Giorgio Cattoretti takes Elaine under his wing, tempting her with heady amounts of money to apply her expert knowledge to improve his nearly-perfect U.S. bills. But Elaine still loves Nick. When Nick enters the picture, it may be too late. With nowhere to run and nowhere to turn, will Elaine give in to a life of crime, or will she find the love she's always wanted?

[Subiksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

original review @http://www.covertocover.info/

4 stars

LMM is pretty much a straightforward book. The story focuses on Elaine Brogan. Each book describes each aspect of Elaine Brogan's life.

Murder

The third book, the title says it all, murder is involved. I won't tell you who will be murdered( you need to read this book to figure is out). Elaine will see the true side of Giorgio Catoretti and will start to fear for her life. We get to learn the backstory of Giorgio Cataretti. On the other hand, Nick and Elaine's path cross when he decides to investigate Giorgio.

My plan was to just read the first book but ended up reading all the three books. It was a quick read, with a lot of twists and turns. The minus for me was the lack of backstory of Nick and the way the book ended. The ending was so quick and there wasn't enough explanation.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written trilogy. The 3 books flowed into one another seamlessly. The main characters were full of action and deceit. Elaine never knew who she could trust. Her father whom she loved dearly was a thief. She didn't want to believe this about her father when she was growing up, but she knew he paid for her private school somehow. He killed himself in prison and the rest of her life was spent finding the one person who she thought was responsible for her fathers death. Men seem to be trouble no matter where she is in the world. You won't believe how she thinks she can get revenge. I'd love to tell you more but you should read it yourself. You can find Mike Wells books on his website or Amazon.com. Thank you Mike for sharing your skill with us.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

was given a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.

Murder was a little different from Lust (#1) and Money (#2) because Giorgio Cattoretti’s story was a big part of this book. He’s one of those characters that you love to hate. Even by the time I knew his full story, I had no compassion for the man.

Elaine was stuck with Cattoretti in Murder and it was easy to feel sorry for her. She’d been set up and had nowhere to go. I could feel her despair and I felt that if she were a weaker person that she wouldn’t have survived. This book was more suspense than the first two books in the series and I really liked the ending.

Just like Money (#2), this is a good book but I recommend reading the first two before reading this one. It makes this one that much better!

[Sofia Quezada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Books 1 & 2 and was hooked immediately. Mike Wells is a gifted storyteller that captiavates his audience immediately. Elaine has grown comfortable under the protection of Giorgio Cattoretti and his world, although illegal throughout the world, has captured her attention in ways that makes her question her morality and fragile value system. This story is just as Mike Wells hopes it will be, as he's described, Un-Put-Downable. It was exactly that. I don't want to give away any spoilers but the ending was so classic Hollywood that it didn't dissapoint. And yet.....that was not the end.....On to book 4.

[Rose Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read Book 3, of Lust, Money & Murder. Elaine Brogan the secret Agent. After she has been hunted by Gene Lassitor goons, she bumps into the Masterminded Counterfeiter Giorgio Cattoretti, and he tries to take control of Elaine, she still loves Nick, and now relises that Lassitor had lied to her about Nick, She agrees to do what Cattoretti wants, which is to help to perfect the counterfeit money, and then Nick, who is still trailing the money. comes upon Elaine, l will leave it there, as I don't want to spoil the story. just buy the book to find out, l highly recommend it..Well Mike you have done it again, well done.

[Carly Compass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was just a little disappointed with the ending, but still found the books utterly entertaining and when I get through my, "to read list" I am looking forward to reading more of Mike Wells, book 4 in this series, Lust Money & Murder, as well as Passion Power Sin and The Drive by Wife. Although I do have one of his young adult series in my queue, Wild Child, that I will be reading within the next few weeks. I highly recommend Mike Wells as an action, adventure, thriller novelist. Great work indeed!

[Sheri Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this saga, but not over yet. Onto #4. No 3 was very reminiscent of Other Side of Midnight. I figured out most of the plot long before I got to the crucial parts. Don't know if that was because it seemed predictable or just because I read so many of these types of books that the I suspect the unexpected. Either way it was a great read, fast paced and kept you flipping the pages for more.I will definitely get more of Wells' books. If you enjoyed early Sydney Sheldon you will love Mike Wells!

[Christy Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read 3 books of this series in two days (buy together) and was excited to find there was MORE!!! Taking whole new turns and perspectives. I little murder, a little love, a lot mystery and so many twists ant turns! Still reading and excited to see what comes next. Wells writing is fluid and easy to read but I still constantly on my toes. Great books to throw on your kindle and for a good price!

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this. Many unexpected things happened, each one of those making me want more. I thought I was used to this by now, but it is still as enjoyable as ever. I liked Murder more than Money and probably about as much as Lust. This also included 22 chapters of Book 4, which is not fair. Now I want even more. >.<