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Jack "Keeper" Marconi #1
The Innocent
In 1997, Green Haven Prison went insane…
They call him Keeper, but lately Jack Marconi has specialized in losing things. Just last year, he lost his wife in a mysterious traffic accident, and ever since, he’s felt like he’s losing his mind. As the warden of the maximum security Green Haven Prison, home to 2,500 of New York’s most hardened criminals, Marconi can’t afford to drop focus, even for an instant. But he’s been slipping up on the job, and he’s tormented by flashbacks to the Attica uprising. All of which makes him ripe for the role of patsy when a convicted cop killer named Eduardo Vasquez stages a daring breakout on his watch.
From the start, Marconi suspects an inside job. What he doesn’t suspect is that he’ll become the target of a frame-up. Soon drugs are planted in Marconi’s office, embarrassing photos are circulated, and he finds himself facing trumped-up charges of obstruction of justice. With his supervisors clearly setting him up to take the fall, Marconi hatches a desperate scheme to clear his name. Kidnapping the escaped killer’s girlfriend, he arms himself with a .45 and takes off in pursuit of Vasquez—and the truth.
Once sworn to uphold the law, Marconi will have to elude it if he wants to bring this conspiracy to light. Otherwise Keeper could lose everything: his job, his reputation—and even his life.
They call him Keeper, but lately Jack Marconi has specialized in losing things. Just last year, he lost his wife in a mysterious traffic accident, and ever since, he’s felt like he’s losing his mind. As the warden of the maximum security Green Haven Prison, home to 2,500 of New York’s most hardened criminals, Marconi can’t afford to drop focus, even for an instant. But he’s been slipping up on the job, and he’s tormented by flashbacks to the Attica uprising. All of which makes him ripe for the role of patsy when a convicted cop killer named Eduardo Vasquez stages a daring breakout on his watch.
From the start, Marconi suspects an inside job. What he doesn’t suspect is that he’ll become the target of a frame-up. Soon drugs are planted in Marconi’s office, embarrassing photos are circulated, and he finds himself facing trumped-up charges of obstruction of justice. With his supervisors clearly setting him up to take the fall, Marconi hatches a desperate scheme to clear his name. Kidnapping the escaped killer’s girlfriend, he arms himself with a .45 and takes off in pursuit of Vasquez—and the truth.
Once sworn to uphold the law, Marconi will have to elude it if he wants to bring this conspiracy to light. Otherwise Keeper could lose everything: his job, his reputation—and even his life.
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First published September 28, 2010
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About the author
Vincent Zandri
241 books576 followers"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly
“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter
"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider
"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times
“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post
"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal
Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 15, 2023
A warden is accused of murder and has to go on the lamb to prove his innocence. I read this back in 2011 and liked it enough to get the next one. From what I remember of it, the action was well done and the MC was compelling. Is it all a little unbelievable? Sure, as all these types of stories are. Given today's climate and being more aware of police hijinks, I'm now wondering if good old Warden ever considered maybe some of the men under his care might be innocent, too.
January 25, 2011
This is a great read. You'll feel like you were inside Greenhaven Prison, that you witnessed the Attica riots and you feel the helplessness of the corrections officers working the overcrowded prison. The Innocent kept me engaged throughout and I was sorry when it ended. Loved it.
October 7, 2010
Personally I don’t know how the guy does it time after time after time. I am going to admit to having read most of his work, not all of it, but most of it. The thing that always sticks with me about his writing is the depth and humanity he adds to his characters. Here is what the novel is about: “Getting caught is simply not an option.
It's been a year since Jack Marconi's wife was killed. Ever since, he's been slipping up at his job as warden at an upstate New York prison. It makes him the perfect patsy when a cop-killer breaks out--with the help of someone on the inside. Throwing himself into the hunt for the fleeing con, Jack doesn't see what's coming.
Suddenly the walls are closing in. And in the next twenty-four hours, Jack will defy direct orders, tamper with evidence, kidnap the con's girlfriend--and run from the law with a .45 hidden beneath his sports coat. Because Jack Marconi, keeper of laws, men, secrets, and memories, has been set up--by a conspiracy that has turned everyone he ever trusted into an enemy. And everything he ever believed in into the worst kind of lie.”
This was originally released many moons ago under the title As Catch Can. Zandri has a new publisher and he has updated the novel, rereleased it and BAM!! , we have The Innocent. I like it. We the consumer and book reader are fortunate that the eBook craze is out there and we can enjoy novels like this that weren’t available because of some publisher and distributors short sightedness. The Innocent is a taunt, vibrant read that I found hard to get away from the laptop. I don’t possess an ereader as of this writing so basically I had to spend a little more time in front of old reliable, but for Mr.Zandri, why not.
Right now I am in the middle of receiving some really good novels and there are many more to come, but I can say with certainty, that there is going to have to be some seriously good work done by the heavy hitters in the industry to keep this novel out of my top 10 if not top 5 reads of the next few months. The plotline that Vincent Zandri has drawn and executed around Jack Marconi is so strong, so captivating, so pulsating with action and suspense, I doubt that anyone that downloads this re-engineered novel will be able to put it down. This my friends, I say to thee, that is why Zandri is one of , if not the hottest, Kindle authors out there today. He is my friends, one of the hardest working men in the Kindle business today! Hallelujah! Can I have an amen? Thank you. Click the icon and receive this novel, I don’t see any downside to it. The man is a proven commodity and his work is intense.
NEWS FLASH:This is from the man himself Vincent Zandri-- It's already hit the Amazon Bestselling Hot New Releases for Hard-Boiled kindles and books.It debuted in the top 20!!!!!! A far cry from what it was able to do at Dell :)
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June 17, 2011
Book three in my Vincent Zandri marathon was "The Innocent." It kicks off the Keeper Marconi series, which focuses on a prison warden who makes a career change to kicking ass outside the iron house, not in it.
In a nutshell, "The Innocent" once again finds Keeper set up. This time, he takes the fall for a prisoner who escaped during a dental appointment. He's got to find the prisoner and figure out how to clear his name.
Actually, "this time" would be inaccurate, as I read "The Innocent" before I read its sequel, "Godchild," where he is also set up. No bother, it's all good stuff.
"The Innocent" starts what "Godchild" finishes, namely who murdered his wife. It's the motivating force behind everything he does. If Keeper has some contempt for humanity, it's only because he hasn't yet figured out which one of you dirty apes killed the love of his life.
The noir themes are heavy throughout "The Innocent," but didn't come across nearly as cliche as they did in "Godchild." It's my only criticism of this series. But as I've written before, there's a difference between regurgitating old tropes and just damn good writing. Zandri has that "it" factor that makes his work tick. There's a rhythm to his writing that works really well. I can't say that about everyone writing hard-boiled crime fiction these days.
Outside of noir, the other theme running through this series is redemption. Keeper's guilt for losing his wife drives him mad. He's lost his edge. After his death, the other characters note how absent-minded he's become. Even his crackdown on prison drugs, which used to be a roaring success, isn't working out. He's feeling weak and he knows it.
That's why he's so determined to clear his name and return to his job as a warden. His job is all he's got any more. Not that it's a rosy one. The book flashes back to a brutal Attica prison revolt in 1971. The event hardened Keeper's soul, but in the wrong ways. He knows disconnecting from the world is easy, but it's not worth the consequences. Because you might end up an alcoholic, like his friend Mike, or a sexual tyrant, like his boss, Wash Pelton. Or you might find yourself accused of a crime you didn't commit.
In short, Keeper is a complicated guy. I couldn't appreciate that by reading "Godchild" alone. Maybe reading a series out of order isn't all it's cracked up to be.
In a nutshell, "The Innocent" once again finds Keeper set up. This time, he takes the fall for a prisoner who escaped during a dental appointment. He's got to find the prisoner and figure out how to clear his name.
Actually, "this time" would be inaccurate, as I read "The Innocent" before I read its sequel, "Godchild," where he is also set up. No bother, it's all good stuff.
"The Innocent" starts what "Godchild" finishes, namely who murdered his wife. It's the motivating force behind everything he does. If Keeper has some contempt for humanity, it's only because he hasn't yet figured out which one of you dirty apes killed the love of his life.
The noir themes are heavy throughout "The Innocent," but didn't come across nearly as cliche as they did in "Godchild." It's my only criticism of this series. But as I've written before, there's a difference between regurgitating old tropes and just damn good writing. Zandri has that "it" factor that makes his work tick. There's a rhythm to his writing that works really well. I can't say that about everyone writing hard-boiled crime fiction these days.
Outside of noir, the other theme running through this series is redemption. Keeper's guilt for losing his wife drives him mad. He's lost his edge. After his death, the other characters note how absent-minded he's become. Even his crackdown on prison drugs, which used to be a roaring success, isn't working out. He's feeling weak and he knows it.
That's why he's so determined to clear his name and return to his job as a warden. His job is all he's got any more. Not that it's a rosy one. The book flashes back to a brutal Attica prison revolt in 1971. The event hardened Keeper's soul, but in the wrong ways. He knows disconnecting from the world is easy, but it's not worth the consequences. Because you might end up an alcoholic, like his friend Mike, or a sexual tyrant, like his boss, Wash Pelton. Or you might find yourself accused of a crime you didn't commit.
In short, Keeper is a complicated guy. I couldn't appreciate that by reading "Godchild" alone. Maybe reading a series out of order isn't all it's cracked up to be.
January 1, 2011
The Innocent by Vincent Zandri
Published by StoneGate Ink
ISBN-13: 2940011815430
ISBN: 0011815434
At both the author's and blog owner's request, an EBook edition was purchased by me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon): Getting caught is simply not an option.
It's been a year since Jack Marconi's wife was killed. Ever since, he's been slipping up at his job as warden at an upstate New York prison. It makes him the perfect patsy when a cop-killer breaks out--with the help of someone on the inside. Throwing himself into the hunt for the fleeing con, Jack doesn't see what's coming.
Suddenly the walls are closing in. And in the next twenty-four hours, Jack will defy direct orders, tamper with evidence, kidnap the con's girlfriend--and run from the law with a .45 hidden beneath his sports coat. Because Jack Marconi, keeper of laws, men, secrets, and memories, has been set up--by a conspiracy that has turned everyone he ever trusted into an enemy. And everything he ever believed in into the worst kind of lie.
My Thoughts and Opinion: It is ironic that today, the first of the year, that I am reviewing the first book that started it all. Even though this version has been rewritten, the original was Mr. Zandri's first. I became hooked by this author when I read his other books, Moonlight Falls, The Remains, and the digital short, Pathological. Reading The Innocent, for me was like watching a toddler start to walk. Amazing!!!!
What did I think of The Innocent? A heart pounding read!!! Non stop suspense!!!. Zandri is a genius when it comes to writing. He grabs you from the first few pages and doesn't let go until the last word!! Masterful writing, whereas, he incorporates the present day plot and then transports the reader to another page turning subplot of the past and back to the present making it a page turning, can't put down read!!! Due to one continuous spoiler, that I do not want to give away, the story line had this reader fleeing and breathless with the main character, Keeper Marconi. Phenomenal!!! Chilling!!! The only negative I am finding with Vin Zandri's books is this, when I finish reading one, I want more!! Vincent Zandri and The Innocent are a Grand Slam!!!!!!
My Rating: 5
Published by StoneGate Ink
ISBN-13: 2940011815430
ISBN: 0011815434
At both the author's and blog owner's request, an EBook edition was purchased by me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon): Getting caught is simply not an option.
It's been a year since Jack Marconi's wife was killed. Ever since, he's been slipping up at his job as warden at an upstate New York prison. It makes him the perfect patsy when a cop-killer breaks out--with the help of someone on the inside. Throwing himself into the hunt for the fleeing con, Jack doesn't see what's coming.
Suddenly the walls are closing in. And in the next twenty-four hours, Jack will defy direct orders, tamper with evidence, kidnap the con's girlfriend--and run from the law with a .45 hidden beneath his sports coat. Because Jack Marconi, keeper of laws, men, secrets, and memories, has been set up--by a conspiracy that has turned everyone he ever trusted into an enemy. And everything he ever believed in into the worst kind of lie.
My Thoughts and Opinion: It is ironic that today, the first of the year, that I am reviewing the first book that started it all. Even though this version has been rewritten, the original was Mr. Zandri's first. I became hooked by this author when I read his other books, Moonlight Falls, The Remains, and the digital short, Pathological. Reading The Innocent, for me was like watching a toddler start to walk. Amazing!!!!
What did I think of The Innocent? A heart pounding read!!! Non stop suspense!!!. Zandri is a genius when it comes to writing. He grabs you from the first few pages and doesn't let go until the last word!! Masterful writing, whereas, he incorporates the present day plot and then transports the reader to another page turning subplot of the past and back to the present making it a page turning, can't put down read!!! Due to one continuous spoiler, that I do not want to give away, the story line had this reader fleeing and breathless with the main character, Keeper Marconi. Phenomenal!!! Chilling!!! The only negative I am finding with Vin Zandri's books is this, when I finish reading one, I want more!! Vincent Zandri and The Innocent are a Grand Slam!!!!!!
My Rating: 5
November 28, 2020
The Innocent - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A dangerous escaped prisoner; a top security jail's reputation ruined; a request for Jack 'Keeper' Marconi to investigate if any inside (and probably outside), help was involved - and that's just in the first few pages of Vincent Zandri's prison-break thriller, The Innocent.
Why does Marconi approach an NYPD officer?
How does Marconi end up in jail?
Who ordered his home to be ransacked?
The chips fall and Fate and its nefarious agents turn and turn about, bringing danger and death to the weak or unsuspecting. Marconi and those he can be sure are on his side must be constantly on guard.
Vincent Zandri is the Master of Murder-Mysteries, whose intense characters and intelligent plots will win him many new fans.
Get your copy of The Innocent today and look over your shoulder before you open your front door - after all, as 'Keeper' knows, you never know who's watching!
A dangerous escaped prisoner; a top security jail's reputation ruined; a request for Jack 'Keeper' Marconi to investigate if any inside (and probably outside), help was involved - and that's just in the first few pages of Vincent Zandri's prison-break thriller, The Innocent.
Why does Marconi approach an NYPD officer?
How does Marconi end up in jail?
Who ordered his home to be ransacked?
The chips fall and Fate and its nefarious agents turn and turn about, bringing danger and death to the weak or unsuspecting. Marconi and those he can be sure are on his side must be constantly on guard.
Vincent Zandri is the Master of Murder-Mysteries, whose intense characters and intelligent plots will win him many new fans.
Get your copy of The Innocent today and look over your shoulder before you open your front door - after all, as 'Keeper' knows, you never know who's watching!
February 10, 2021
A VERY Tense Thriller
Having already read several of Author Zandri's books that I have thus far, I can appreciate his writing style in delivering suspenseful stories. This book starting his series on Jack Marconi has laid the basis for future volumes. And if this book is any indication, those that follow will be great! As the Keeper of a federal maximum security prison he possesses the attributes needed to delve into all the things that can go wrong in the penal system and how they can be fixed. So, he sets out to be an independent private investigator into how to bring about justice and correction of those wrongs. I will need to get more sleep so I'll be able to endure the nights or days that I won't be able to sleep because I just can't put down the book and get some sleep!!!
Having already read several of Author Zandri's books that I have thus far, I can appreciate his writing style in delivering suspenseful stories. This book starting his series on Jack Marconi has laid the basis for future volumes. And if this book is any indication, those that follow will be great! As the Keeper of a federal maximum security prison he possesses the attributes needed to delve into all the things that can go wrong in the penal system and how they can be fixed. So, he sets out to be an independent private investigator into how to bring about justice and correction of those wrongs. I will need to get more sleep so I'll be able to endure the nights or days that I won't be able to sleep because I just can't put down the book and get some sleep!!!
July 23, 2019
The Innocent ( Jack "Keeper" Marcon1 #1) my first read from author Vincent Zandri. An excellent read! I've been getting books by this author since 2012 & never getting around to reading one until now. I don't restrict myself to a particular genre, although I particularly enjoy mysteries & suspense. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing. I was given an Audible copy of this book & I'm voluntarily reviewing it! Since I own both the Kindle & Audible editions of this book I was able to follow along while reading it and since I own a total of 20 books by him I eagerly look forward to reading more! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 10, 2017
I started this series at the end, where Keeper Marconi is an established PI and the characters are pretty well set. In The Innocent, he is a prison warden. A cop killer escapes and powers within and without want to make sure Jack takes the rap. The more he digs into it the deeper he seems to get. Lots of action as he tries to point the finger in the right direction.
August 17, 2020
An Epic story, about what goes on in Prisons!
Jack Marconi is the Warden of a prison. The story tells, about things that go on in the prison and between those who come to visit the Inmates, and those who work there. Though all that, Jack is still torn up over the murder of his wife!!
A book, that will not let you put it down, until the very end!!
Jack Marconi is the Warden of a prison. The story tells, about things that go on in the prison and between those who come to visit the Inmates, and those who work there. Though all that, Jack is still torn up over the murder of his wife!!
A book, that will not let you put it down, until the very end!!
January 7, 2026
Miguel Rudich 07/01/2026
The Innocent (Jack Marconi #1)
by Vincent Zandri (Goodreads Author)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the great novels I have read. The changes between actual and past passages are well combined and draw you in, making you more interested in the plot. All in all, excellent.
The Innocent (Jack Marconi #1)
by Vincent Zandri (Goodreads Author)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the great novels I have read. The changes between actual and past passages are well combined and draw you in, making you more interested in the plot. All in all, excellent.
May 13, 2017
Originally published under the title As Catch Can. A prison warden is accused of allowing an escape. He thinks the local police don't intend to investigate further and that his boss the state commissioner of Corrections intends to force him out of his job. He decides he's the scapegoat and intends to find the escapee. He becomes the investigator he needs to clear his name. How many bodies will appear in the process and why? Recommended read!
February 21, 2019
Page turner
This story at first started slow ! Then Keeper took you on a roller coaster ride of your life !!! Like you are right there on the pages with him !! Then you finish and can't wait for the next one!! Grab a coffee a soda what ever and enjoy the ride
This story at first started slow ! Then Keeper took you on a roller coaster ride of your life !!! Like you are right there on the pages with him !! Then you finish and can't wait for the next one!! Grab a coffee a soda what ever and enjoy the ride
December 14, 2020
Quite the ride
I have read a fair amount of Mr Zandri's material, but this is my first of "Keeper Marconi. Great read with plenty of twist and turns. This book shows why he turned out to be a best selling author. I highly recommend.
I have read a fair amount of Mr Zandri's material, but this is my first of "Keeper Marconi. Great read with plenty of twist and turns. This book shows why he turned out to be a best selling author. I highly recommend.
August 12, 2022
Good
This was a good book. Sort of started off slow but picked up real fast. Very interesting writing. Has it all if you like murder,,romance,and chilling details. I will follow this Arthur.
This was a good book. Sort of started off slow but picked up real fast. Very interesting writing. Has it all if you like murder,,romance,and chilling details. I will follow this Arthur.
May 14, 2020
Story of Betrayal.
The warden is set up to take the fall. His wife was killed in a car accident, and he has not been the same.
The warden is set up to take the fall. His wife was killed in a car accident, and he has not been the same.
April 20, 2021
Life is full of twists turns & shives
Mysterious, suspenseful a page turner! Enjoy the life of a warden gone down the wrong road. Or is it the men he saved so long ago?
Mysterious, suspenseful a page turner! Enjoy the life of a warden gone down the wrong road. Or is it the men he saved so long ago?
November 11, 2010
The Innocent – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘I was their warden.
I was their keeper, their mother and their father.
Which is why, for me, the matter of Eduard Vasquez’s escape was such a serious offence. I had signed the release form allowing him to visit a dentist on the outside. As the keeper of Green Haven, I was directly responsible It was my decision and my decision only. What I mean is, I could have said no. But then, I couldn’t just deny a prisoner his right to proper dental care if that’s what he wanted. That was the rule in New York State. As the keeper, my job was not rehabilitation. My job was to see that society was protected from its prisoners. But get this: It was also my job to see that a man who’d shot a New York City cop at point-blank range maintained a pearly-white smile.’
Jack “Keeper” Marconi is the warden at Green Haven Prison in New York State. For some time now he has been faced with the problem of an increase in drugs and contraband inside the prison, the Commissioner demanding a decrease in correction officers manning the prison and now the escape of Eduard Vasquez. The escape took place on the way back from a dentist visit, putting one of the officers in the hospital. His condition.. coma.
As the story regarding what actually happened starts to be told, Keeper notices a few loopholes. His investigation takes him before the Commissioner with an offer to take the blame and everything will simply blow over. He’s really surprised to hear this offer coming from his long time friend Commissioner Washington Pelton. Twenty five years ago Keeper, Wash and another CO named Mike Norman had gone through hell during the Attica up rise. They saw and experienced more than any human beings should ever have to see or live through. But something had changed Wash and not for the best.
I’ve never been fond of movies nor books that were prison related so when I started reading The Innocent I knew from the beginning I was committed to reading a book that I really didn’t want to read. I decided I would just read and hopefully I would be able to turn the pages quickly and just get it over with. Boy was I ever wrong! I did turn the pages quickly but not due to wanting to finish quickly but to see who was behind the corruption, drug dealings and murders of the various characters. And how Keeper was going to find enough evidence to save his own life as well as the life of Vasquez’s girlfriend Cassandra’s life. I found Vincent Zandri to be a very descriptive writer allowing you to see the events as they take place. I found myself feeling as if I were on the outside looking in. In my opinion, The Innocent (formerly written with the title As Catch Can) could easily become a hit movie.
The Innocent
1099
Dell Publishing
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘I was their warden.
I was their keeper, their mother and their father.
Which is why, for me, the matter of Eduard Vasquez’s escape was such a serious offence. I had signed the release form allowing him to visit a dentist on the outside. As the keeper of Green Haven, I was directly responsible It was my decision and my decision only. What I mean is, I could have said no. But then, I couldn’t just deny a prisoner his right to proper dental care if that’s what he wanted. That was the rule in New York State. As the keeper, my job was not rehabilitation. My job was to see that society was protected from its prisoners. But get this: It was also my job to see that a man who’d shot a New York City cop at point-blank range maintained a pearly-white smile.’
Jack “Keeper” Marconi is the warden at Green Haven Prison in New York State. For some time now he has been faced with the problem of an increase in drugs and contraband inside the prison, the Commissioner demanding a decrease in correction officers manning the prison and now the escape of Eduard Vasquez. The escape took place on the way back from a dentist visit, putting one of the officers in the hospital. His condition.. coma.
As the story regarding what actually happened starts to be told, Keeper notices a few loopholes. His investigation takes him before the Commissioner with an offer to take the blame and everything will simply blow over. He’s really surprised to hear this offer coming from his long time friend Commissioner Washington Pelton. Twenty five years ago Keeper, Wash and another CO named Mike Norman had gone through hell during the Attica up rise. They saw and experienced more than any human beings should ever have to see or live through. But something had changed Wash and not for the best.
I’ve never been fond of movies nor books that were prison related so when I started reading The Innocent I knew from the beginning I was committed to reading a book that I really didn’t want to read. I decided I would just read and hopefully I would be able to turn the pages quickly and just get it over with. Boy was I ever wrong! I did turn the pages quickly but not due to wanting to finish quickly but to see who was behind the corruption, drug dealings and murders of the various characters. And how Keeper was going to find enough evidence to save his own life as well as the life of Vasquez’s girlfriend Cassandra’s life. I found Vincent Zandri to be a very descriptive writer allowing you to see the events as they take place. I found myself feeling as if I were on the outside looking in. In my opinion, The Innocent (formerly written with the title As Catch Can) could easily become a hit movie.
The Innocent
1099
Dell Publishing
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
May 24, 2011
Edgy, real and entrapping. The Innocent will take you on a trip not soon forgotten!
If you haven't heard the name Vincent Zandri, you are truly missing out on an amazing author. His talent for entrapping the reader within his stories and flinging them, head first, into never-ending action is remarkable. In The Innocent, we meet Warden Jack Marconi, a man who is mourning the sudden lose of his beloved wife, after she was killed in a horrific way, a year ago. Since her death, the warden has been letting things slip between his fingers, as his mind is not truly within his work nor his life. It is when a cop-killer escapes during an off-prison-site dental visit that Marconi signs off on, that life takes yet another turn toward hell.
Suddenly, Marconi is in the spotlight as the man who let a dangerous cop-killer loose, in the process severely injuring two of the Prison's men. As if that isn't bad enough, more bodies turn up, threats rain down on Marconi and his life is hanging by a thread. Not knowing who to trust, he takes matters into his own hands to uncover the horrifying truths, as well as the twisted and sinister plots meant to put him behind bars - an ending worse than death.
With the help of the cop killer's girlfriend (a most unlikely partner), Marconi plots to uncover a conspiracy and plots long in the works. What the reader will discover will shock and leave them reeling.
The Innocent tells two different stories. The main story of Marconi on the run for his life, as well as a story that takes place during September of 1971 - the Attica riots - which change lives forever and intertwines many of the lives involved within the present day story. The transitions between these story shifts are incredibly smooth and lend to the quick pace of the story. Bringing shock, horror and enlightenment with each page.
The Innocent is gritty, gripping and, in the end, highly gratifying. I was transfixed with the main character, Marconi, and truly cared about him from the very beginning. His character comes to life and the story truly captivates. I greatly enjoyed Vincent Zandri's writing style and his storyline in The Innocent is excellent. A truly wonderful and quick paced thriller, The Innocent is the perfect read for those looking for action, shocks and thrills. Do be advised that there are a few graphic parts within the story, however nothing that is overly so - just a word for those easily offended or upset by a bit of graphic violence.
Needless to say, as soon as I finished The Innocent, I had to hopped over and purchased it's sequel, Godchild, which I am eagerly looking forward to delving into!
If you haven't heard the name Vincent Zandri, you are truly missing out on an amazing author. His talent for entrapping the reader within his stories and flinging them, head first, into never-ending action is remarkable. In The Innocent, we meet Warden Jack Marconi, a man who is mourning the sudden lose of his beloved wife, after she was killed in a horrific way, a year ago. Since her death, the warden has been letting things slip between his fingers, as his mind is not truly within his work nor his life. It is when a cop-killer escapes during an off-prison-site dental visit that Marconi signs off on, that life takes yet another turn toward hell.
Suddenly, Marconi is in the spotlight as the man who let a dangerous cop-killer loose, in the process severely injuring two of the Prison's men. As if that isn't bad enough, more bodies turn up, threats rain down on Marconi and his life is hanging by a thread. Not knowing who to trust, he takes matters into his own hands to uncover the horrifying truths, as well as the twisted and sinister plots meant to put him behind bars - an ending worse than death.
With the help of the cop killer's girlfriend (a most unlikely partner), Marconi plots to uncover a conspiracy and plots long in the works. What the reader will discover will shock and leave them reeling.
The Innocent tells two different stories. The main story of Marconi on the run for his life, as well as a story that takes place during September of 1971 - the Attica riots - which change lives forever and intertwines many of the lives involved within the present day story. The transitions between these story shifts are incredibly smooth and lend to the quick pace of the story. Bringing shock, horror and enlightenment with each page.
The Innocent is gritty, gripping and, in the end, highly gratifying. I was transfixed with the main character, Marconi, and truly cared about him from the very beginning. His character comes to life and the story truly captivates. I greatly enjoyed Vincent Zandri's writing style and his storyline in The Innocent is excellent. A truly wonderful and quick paced thriller, The Innocent is the perfect read for those looking for action, shocks and thrills. Do be advised that there are a few graphic parts within the story, however nothing that is overly so - just a word for those easily offended or upset by a bit of graphic violence.
Needless to say, as soon as I finished The Innocent, I had to hopped over and purchased it's sequel, Godchild, which I am eagerly looking forward to delving into!
February 8, 2011
For years Jack “Keeper” Marconi has been the warden at Green Haven Prison. After his beloved wife dies in an accident, he loses his focus and gives permission for one of his inmates to have a dental appointment outside the prison. This turns out to be one of the biggest mistakes he could have made. Cop-killer, Eduardo Vasquez, escapes leaving Jack accused of not having his mind on his job. The media, as well as his boss, make him the scapegoat but Jack quickly finds out there’s a much bigger conspiracy going on than he ever knew was possible.
Jack is sure if he finds Vasquez, he’ll be able to discover who truly was behind the escape. More and more it’s looking as if one of his own may have assisted the criminal in making his getaway. Not only does he want them punished, but Jack wants to clear his own name as well.
It becomes a game of cat and mouse as Jack chases down Vasquez. He is no longer sure who he can trust. Old friends become new enemies. It’s a situation Jack never experienced before and hopes to put an abrupt stop to now.
Jack is truly a tortured hero portrayed expertly in this book. The story is told in his voice making the readers feel his anguish and pain with each word. The villains are truly vile which makes it easy for readers to despise them. The book never slows down, it’s fast moving, intense and can be read in just a couple of days. I know I didn’t want to put this one down. I had to know how it was going end up for our hero.
Vincent Zandri is a “new-to-me” author who I will certainly be keeping an out for. His writing is what thrillers and suspense novels are all about.
Jack is sure if he finds Vasquez, he’ll be able to discover who truly was behind the escape. More and more it’s looking as if one of his own may have assisted the criminal in making his getaway. Not only does he want them punished, but Jack wants to clear his own name as well.
It becomes a game of cat and mouse as Jack chases down Vasquez. He is no longer sure who he can trust. Old friends become new enemies. It’s a situation Jack never experienced before and hopes to put an abrupt stop to now.
Jack is truly a tortured hero portrayed expertly in this book. The story is told in his voice making the readers feel his anguish and pain with each word. The villains are truly vile which makes it easy for readers to despise them. The book never slows down, it’s fast moving, intense and can be read in just a couple of days. I know I didn’t want to put this one down. I had to know how it was going end up for our hero.
Vincent Zandri is a “new-to-me” author who I will certainly be keeping an out for. His writing is what thrillers and suspense novels are all about.
June 13, 2025
This is Vin Zandri at his best!
The innocent is my 54th book by Vincent Zandri that. I’ve read or listened to. Because it’s a Jack Marconi PI thriller I expected it to be like the three previous Jack Marconi books I recently listened to.
Well, I couldn’t have been more worn in my assumption. As I got past my Jack Marconi paradigm, I realized The Innocent was more like The Remains, my introduction to Vin Zandri some three years ago, than any of the recent shorter Dick Moonlight, Jack Marconi, and Steve Jobz stories I’ve been listening to. The Innocent is a serious thriller with a complex plot and characters who will surprise and infuriate you.
When I began listening to Joe Hempel, I had fully intended on listening to no more than a third of the book and then taking care of my to-do list that couldn’t be accomplished while listening to a book. About nine hours later I took out my ear buds and settled back in my chair completely blown away by the story and Joe’s narration.
If you enjoy thrillers that keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat rooting for the underdog, You owe it to yourself to grab a copy of the Innocent and settle in or an awesome read, or grab the audiobook and let Joe Hempel tell you the story while you close your eyes and watch the movie unfold.
The innocent is my 54th book by Vincent Zandri that. I’ve read or listened to. Because it’s a Jack Marconi PI thriller I expected it to be like the three previous Jack Marconi books I recently listened to.
Well, I couldn’t have been more worn in my assumption. As I got past my Jack Marconi paradigm, I realized The Innocent was more like The Remains, my introduction to Vin Zandri some three years ago, than any of the recent shorter Dick Moonlight, Jack Marconi, and Steve Jobz stories I’ve been listening to. The Innocent is a serious thriller with a complex plot and characters who will surprise and infuriate you.
When I began listening to Joe Hempel, I had fully intended on listening to no more than a third of the book and then taking care of my to-do list that couldn’t be accomplished while listening to a book. About nine hours later I took out my ear buds and settled back in my chair completely blown away by the story and Joe’s narration.
If you enjoy thrillers that keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat rooting for the underdog, You owe it to yourself to grab a copy of the Innocent and settle in or an awesome read, or grab the audiobook and let Joe Hempel tell you the story while you close your eyes and watch the movie unfold.
June 4, 2011
Here is the book that started the entire Jack "Keeper" Marconi series. In this story Keeper is the warden of a prison that is filled with corruption especially drugs. And then Vasquez the notorious cop-killer and drug dealer escapes from prison after a trip to the dentist. Keeper has been signing the chits to let him go - a civil rights issue.
Unfortunately, the escape falls on Keeper's shoulders. And when Keeper finds evidence that would show that his two CO's in charge of Vasquez's dental visits are lying, he is put in jail for obstruction of justice and hiding evidence. What he doesn't know until later is that the corruption of the jail system goes to the highest State official levels.
I rather enjoyed this book. It is a little choppy in the beginning, but after I got used to the Attica flashbacks, I enjoyed how the flashbacks paralleled the story line. This book has some great chases, friends, and finally a denouement that is chilling. I recommend it to anyone who likes the thriller mystery genre.
Unfortunately, the escape falls on Keeper's shoulders. And when Keeper finds evidence that would show that his two CO's in charge of Vasquez's dental visits are lying, he is put in jail for obstruction of justice and hiding evidence. What he doesn't know until later is that the corruption of the jail system goes to the highest State official levels.
I rather enjoyed this book. It is a little choppy in the beginning, but after I got used to the Attica flashbacks, I enjoyed how the flashbacks paralleled the story line. This book has some great chases, friends, and finally a denouement that is chilling. I recommend it to anyone who likes the thriller mystery genre.
May 22, 2012
3 1/2 stars. Very nice crime drama. Jack Marconi, a lead character, is introduced. At this point, he is the warden of a large prison in New York. I enjoyed the book and the character and would read more but... Jack has flashbacks throughout the book to one of his first jobs - he worked at Attica and was taken captive during the Attica Riots. The Attica Riots is something I had heard about but knew very little about. I was intrigued by what was written in this book. It turns out, however, that the flashbacks that "Jack" was having were to reports of abuse of correctional officers that have all been disproven. Of the 10 officers who died in the riots, 9 were killed by the officers who stormed the facility to retake it. Only 1 died and it was at the very beginning. Also, no one was castrated and allowed to bleed to death. So... I am not sure I will read him again. This was very disappointing to learn that he had completed misrepresented an historic event that took me 5 minutes to track down the true story
October 29, 2011
Jack "The Keeper" Marconi is the warden of Green Haven prison in upstate New York. His career is going along pretty well until a prisoner escapes while on a trip to a dentist outside the prison. Jack doesn't believe the two guards that were with the prisoner at the time he escaped and decides to do an investigating on his own.
Jack finds out that everything is as it seems and he winds up on the run. His investigation turns up a web of deception that he never expected. He is still dealing with flashbacks from the prison riots at Attica in 1971 when he was just starting out in the prison system.
Also in the back of his mind is dealing with the remnants of grief in the passing of his wife from a car accident a year ago.
It was a pretty good story. It kept me interested even though I am not a big fan of flashbacks. They seemed to be appropriate and explained some of what was happening with the main character.
Jack finds out that everything is as it seems and he winds up on the run. His investigation turns up a web of deception that he never expected. He is still dealing with flashbacks from the prison riots at Attica in 1971 when he was just starting out in the prison system.
Also in the back of his mind is dealing with the remnants of grief in the passing of his wife from a car accident a year ago.
It was a pretty good story. It kept me interested even though I am not a big fan of flashbacks. They seemed to be appropriate and explained some of what was happening with the main character.
February 12, 2013
I really wish there was a way to give a half a star-I really want to give this book 4 1/2 stars. Very crime noir in the old school sense. Jack Marconi is a warden at a NY Prison in the late 90's, and he seems to have been a really great 'keeper until his wife was killed a year before the story begins. Since her death he is, under his own admission, floating through life and his job.
A prison break by a cop killer causes Marconi to wake up. A conspiracy is uncovered, but the full extent isn't known until after Marconi is framed and has to go on the run. The story is punctuated with flashbacks to Attica and the prison riots that occurred in the 70's. Marconi was a 19 year-old Corrections Officer at Attica along with two other prominent characters in this story, and the memories from the riot are poignant and well written.
Zandri seems to be a writer with a real talent. I can't wait to read more!
A prison break by a cop killer causes Marconi to wake up. A conspiracy is uncovered, but the full extent isn't known until after Marconi is framed and has to go on the run. The story is punctuated with flashbacks to Attica and the prison riots that occurred in the 70's. Marconi was a 19 year-old Corrections Officer at Attica along with two other prominent characters in this story, and the memories from the riot are poignant and well written.
Zandri seems to be a writer with a real talent. I can't wait to read more!
March 10, 2016
A Really Interesting Read About the Continuing Crisis in "Corrections"
From Attica (prison) to Albany (NY), Messrs Zandri & Marconi provide us with a 25 (plus) 20 years perspective on the cruel INjustice of our terribly misnamed Criminal Justice "Corrections" system. The graphic description of the horrific actions by the rioting inmates of the 1971 Attica "corrections" facility, is interlaced through regular Jack Marconi flashbacks during his own 1996(?) struggle with corruption and INjustice--the former experienced by Marconi as a fledgling, rookie CO (Corrections Officer--"screw")--the latter, 20 years later, as "Keeper" Marconi, the idealistic, yet realistically tough, Warden of a corruption laced upper NY state prison...A very readable story line and accurately descriptive of the "damning" flaws in our Criminal Justice attempts at "Corrections"--even additional 20 years later...
From Attica (prison) to Albany (NY), Messrs Zandri & Marconi provide us with a 25 (plus) 20 years perspective on the cruel INjustice of our terribly misnamed Criminal Justice "Corrections" system. The graphic description of the horrific actions by the rioting inmates of the 1971 Attica "corrections" facility, is interlaced through regular Jack Marconi flashbacks during his own 1996(?) struggle with corruption and INjustice--the former experienced by Marconi as a fledgling, rookie CO (Corrections Officer--"screw")--the latter, 20 years later, as "Keeper" Marconi, the idealistic, yet realistically tough, Warden of a corruption laced upper NY state prison...A very readable story line and accurately descriptive of the "damning" flaws in our Criminal Justice attempts at "Corrections"--even additional 20 years later...
February 4, 2011
After I read this book I had the craziest dream that was a cross between the novels The Innocent, The Shining and the tv shows Paranormal State and Sisterwives. That's what Vincent Zandri does...it's his magic power...his books take you to the depths of your morality, emotions and imagination. When you fall asleep after reading his work you are left asking yourself questions, "Would I have done the same thing? How would I have reacted? Do men really look at women when they stretch?"
Ok so that last part maybe not everyone would. I did. Once again we come to his gift. He provides an insight into people, men, women (he proved that in The Remains) and characters in a way people don't normally consider. He did it again in the Innocent. If I were back home in the south this would have already traveled the gossips circles twice before Sunday morning church. The Innocent a must have.
Ok so that last part maybe not everyone would. I did. Once again we come to his gift. He provides an insight into people, men, women (he proved that in The Remains) and characters in a way people don't normally consider. He did it again in the Innocent. If I were back home in the south this would have already traveled the gossips circles twice before Sunday morning church. The Innocent a must have.
July 24, 2022
It's Just As Good The Second Time Around
It's my second reading of this book and it's just as good this time as it was a couple years ago. Jack "Keeper" Marconi is a flawed and damaged man who stumbles into a dangerous, life-threatening conspiracy that his bosses have set up. Part of the reason for Keeper's stumbling is the stupor he has found himself in is the violent traffic accident that took his wife's life a year earlier. He's lost his edge as the Warden of a maximum security prison because he has "checked out" due to his grief over her death. And checking out does not bode well for him. Thankfully Keeper has a few good, loyal friends and a steel resolve that will stand him in good stead when the crap hits the proverbial fan. Still great a second time. I think I'll schedule this read again in two or three years.
It's my second reading of this book and it's just as good this time as it was a couple years ago. Jack "Keeper" Marconi is a flawed and damaged man who stumbles into a dangerous, life-threatening conspiracy that his bosses have set up. Part of the reason for Keeper's stumbling is the stupor he has found himself in is the violent traffic accident that took his wife's life a year earlier. He's lost his edge as the Warden of a maximum security prison because he has "checked out" due to his grief over her death. And checking out does not bode well for him. Thankfully Keeper has a few good, loyal friends and a steel resolve that will stand him in good stead when the crap hits the proverbial fan. Still great a second time. I think I'll schedule this read again in two or three years.
August 4, 2012
love a good crime novel and was excited to read a new author, especially after reading such great reviews of Vincent Zandri's other works. Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with "The Innocent." Yes, it's an easy read, but it's just a little cliché for my taste. Zandri used the usual elements for his story: a scarred hero, a misunderstood female who is a bit of an intellectual but easily abused, the loyal female sidekick, and the usual group of criminal types who all have a good reason for turning to crime. Throw in a light Indiana Jones moment, an attempt at a shocking ending, and the result was a predictable and rather boring story. I feel like I'm being generous giving it two stars, but it's easy to read and just interesting enough to finish.
April 20, 2011
I usually don't like this kind of book. I like this kind of movie--and this book would make a good movie. But I was looking for something different to read and gave this book a try. I really enjoyed it--especially the first part. (in this kind of book, the farther in, the more it stretches credulity). I also like the weaving of the current story with a story from the character's past. That gave the story depth and legs.
I read it in three sittings-- really couldn't put it down without a lot of will power. I see this author has other books and I will keep them in mind the next time I want some suspenseful fun.
I read it in three sittings-- really couldn't put it down without a lot of will power. I see this author has other books and I will keep them in mind the next time I want some suspenseful fun.
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