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Sweat
When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he'd find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
366 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 17, 2012
Jake Patrick is a relatively naive young man as he still sees things in black and white, good or bad. After the death of his mother, Jake contacts his estranged father and requests a job for the summer. His plan is to learn a bit more about his father's import/export business, save some money, and go back to graduate school. Unfortunately for Jake, this summer is going to be hot in ways more than just the temperature.
Jake's father, Peter Winthrop, is considered the proverbial "middleman" in the import-export business. He helps link businesses meet the supply-demand requests around the world. One such business is Chang Industries, a clothing production facility, located on Saipan on the Mariana Islands. The advantage Chang Industries (a Chinese owned and operated facility) has by being on the Mariana Islands is that they can compete by legitimately being branded as "made in America" as the Mariana Islands is an American territory. Earlier that summer Peter Winthrop had traveled to the Mariana Islands with a Massachusetts senator, in order to videotape Chang Industries for an upcoming senate vote on overseas wage legislation. Unbeknownst to the senator (or perhaps he's simply unwilling to accept and admit), Chang Industries is a sweat shop that basically brings in young women from China and other Asian countries, to work in harsh conditions and reside as virtual prisoners. Some of these women are even forced into prostitution on behalf of the company. One such girl is Wei Ling, a seamstress that is forced to "serve" the needs of the senator and Peter. This one night results in international intrigue that results in blackmail, kidnaping and murder with Jake being caught in the middle of it all.
In more ways than one, the title Sweat seems to refer to not only the sweat shop but also the fact that Jake is constantly sweating his actions as he tries to stay one step ahead of his father and the bad guys. It may also reference several other characters sweating out their illegal behavior and resulting consequences. If the international aspects of the story aren't enough, Mr. Gilleo adds another layer of "sweat" by creating tension between Jake's new girlfriend, Kate Sorrentino, and her connected father. The only person Jake can count on throughout his investigation into his father's business, legal and otherwise, is a homeless former government information specialist. As the death toll mounts, will Jake be able to steer clear of his father? Can he obtain the documentation needed to prove what is going on with the senator and Chang Industries? And more important, can he stay one step ahead of the bad guys?
Mr. Gilleo has crafted a fast-paced thriller with Sweat. He provides glimpses of the behind-the-scene political machinations in Washington, D.C. with the plotting, planning and actions of Senator Day. He also gives a glimpse into the dirty world of sweat shops and illegal imports. Throughout all the international intrigue and thrills, Mr. Gilleo has provided the reader with a character to cheer for with Jake Patrick. I think that Jake's naïveté is what makes him so believable. Sweat is filled with a variety of characters, good and bad, but all are realistic in their actions. If you enjoy international intrigue, murder, mayhem, political scandal and a bit of romance, then Sweat is the perfect read for you. This was a fast and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Gilleo.
Jake's father, Peter Winthrop, is considered the proverbial "middleman" in the import-export business. He helps link businesses meet the supply-demand requests around the world. One such business is Chang Industries, a clothing production facility, located on Saipan on the Mariana Islands. The advantage Chang Industries (a Chinese owned and operated facility) has by being on the Mariana Islands is that they can compete by legitimately being branded as "made in America" as the Mariana Islands is an American territory. Earlier that summer Peter Winthrop had traveled to the Mariana Islands with a Massachusetts senator, in order to videotape Chang Industries for an upcoming senate vote on overseas wage legislation. Unbeknownst to the senator (or perhaps he's simply unwilling to accept and admit), Chang Industries is a sweat shop that basically brings in young women from China and other Asian countries, to work in harsh conditions and reside as virtual prisoners. Some of these women are even forced into prostitution on behalf of the company. One such girl is Wei Ling, a seamstress that is forced to "serve" the needs of the senator and Peter. This one night results in international intrigue that results in blackmail, kidnaping and murder with Jake being caught in the middle of it all.
In more ways than one, the title Sweat seems to refer to not only the sweat shop but also the fact that Jake is constantly sweating his actions as he tries to stay one step ahead of his father and the bad guys. It may also reference several other characters sweating out their illegal behavior and resulting consequences. If the international aspects of the story aren't enough, Mr. Gilleo adds another layer of "sweat" by creating tension between Jake's new girlfriend, Kate Sorrentino, and her connected father. The only person Jake can count on throughout his investigation into his father's business, legal and otherwise, is a homeless former government information specialist. As the death toll mounts, will Jake be able to steer clear of his father? Can he obtain the documentation needed to prove what is going on with the senator and Chang Industries? And more important, can he stay one step ahead of the bad guys?
Mr. Gilleo has crafted a fast-paced thriller with Sweat. He provides glimpses of the behind-the-scene political machinations in Washington, D.C. with the plotting, planning and actions of Senator Day. He also gives a glimpse into the dirty world of sweat shops and illegal imports. Throughout all the international intrigue and thrills, Mr. Gilleo has provided the reader with a character to cheer for with Jake Patrick. I think that Jake's naïveté is what makes him so believable. Sweat is filled with a variety of characters, good and bad, but all are realistic in their actions. If you enjoy international intrigue, murder, mayhem, political scandal and a bit of romance, then Sweat is the perfect read for you. This was a fast and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Gilleo.
June 20, 2016
This was a good read, easy to follow the plot. It dragged in some spots. This is not what I could a political thriller by any means, but good for the treadmill read :)
September 17, 2012
Review source: The Story Plant, Stamford, CT
A political thriller that explores the dirty side of politics and business when it comes to sweatshops.
My Take
Nice set-up. Pretty long set-up, too. There wasn't a depth of tension or drama in this. Mostly, I read on to discover what would happen next. How would Jake solve this? Who gets caught?
Gilleo set up a number of subplots within that kept things interesting with some unexpected twists along the way. On the whole, I liked his characters. Yeah, even Peter Winthrop. At least Peter was honest about himself and I can appreciate that. Senator Day and the Changs...well, ya gotta have a few bad guys so you have someone to hiss at. Every time I started to feel sorry for Day, all I had to do was remember his initial action at Chang Industries' gate. The lies he documented. His ensuing actions simply put paid to any sympathy from me.
The only real adults in this are the ones without the power. And the ones who take it all down! Woo-hoo! It's just one guy who rallies his friends. Refuses to sit back and accept. Admittedly, this is fictional, but it still gives ya something to think about.
You too can sign up to track how your government representatives are voting with the feds and your state!
Jake is such an adult! I love how he checks his father out and realizes how right his mother was!
This is why I will never be rich. Why I could never run for political office. And this is business-as-usual for people like this. Scum.
Oops, I don't think the "good" doctor should have flung that line.
How disgusting is this that Saipan is a U.S. territory and can officially claim that goods made there are "Made in the U.S.A." and yet they do not have to conform to U.S. employment law?
I did love the turnabout Chow Ying creates.
I do hope Gilleo intends a series. I'd love to find out what happens between Jake and Kate, especially with her dad hovering about. I'd love to know what Peter does next as well. He does seem to know his son and didn't hold a grudge over the various raids and lies he intercepts.
The Story
Jake Patrick is at a crossroads in his life. His mother has just died after a long, debilitating illness and he's facing the loss of his childhood home in an attempt to meet the tremendous medical bills. He needs a job, a roof over his head, and to get back into school to finish getting his master's.
He figures why not get to know his absentee dad and get a job at the same time. It's a momentous decision for Jake as well as a number of others.
His father, Peter Winthrop, is curious about his son and gives him a cushy job---I think he's more interested in having an audience to play to, to show off with than in making up for lost time.
Senator Day is so typical of many of today's politicians. Interested in lining his own pockets at the expense of his constituents. Believing he can get away with anything.
C.F. Chang and his son, Lee, believe they are God and order their universe accordingly. Anyone not them is less than nothing.
Jake is the catalyst around whom events will converge.
The Characters
Peter Winthrop is the selfish CEO of Winthrop Enterprises who ignored his ex-wife and son. A user, he'll do anything to make a buck. Marilyn Ford is his assistant and switchboard, operating "as the final barrier to communication between the outside world and her boss". Camille is his father's housekeeper.
Jake Patrick is Peter's son. His mother has just died of cancer and he has hundreds of thousands in medical bills. Selling his childhood home will help a bit.
Kate Sorrentino is his new girlfriend. A woman he met at a bar when she and her friends were scavenger hunting as part of her friend's bachelorette night. Her parents, James and Cynthia Sorrentino, are extremely concerned about her choice in boyfriend and daddy puts the arm on Jake. Tony and the cousins, Eddie and Mike Castello, appear to be thugs working for Sorrentino.
Al Korgaokar is the man Marilyn sets Jake up with; a homeowner who is homeless, a spy who quit. His brother, Don, has been occupying his house for the past six years.
Senator John Day is ambitious and has plans for the presidency. Naturally, this means that he'll screw anything that moves while his pregnant wife is at home. Scott Ryder is his chief aide and head of public relations. Doug the Page and Dana the Bimbo are trying to make up for Scott's absence. Vincent DiMarco is a Southie assassin who got too cocky.
Saipan
The Chang family runs a sweatshop in Saipan using slave labor. Lee Chang has been assigned as punishment to supervise its operation. Chow Ying, a.k.a., the Mountain of Shanghai, works directly for Lee, but actually for his father. C.F. Chang is the father and he'll choose money over family every time.
Wei Ling is, unfortunately, pregnant. Her employers use her body to influence politicians and other potentially useful people. The rest of the time she works in the sweatshop. Shi Shi Wong is her friend and bunkmate. Dr. Hao Kuang Yu is a sadistic bastard who can't wait to experiment on Wei Ling.
Mr. Wu runs a Chang sweatshop in New York City.
Captain Marco Talua is in charge of the Saipan PD and a bed with handcuffs dangling is not something he can brush off. Tom Foti is the chief of the Liaison Office for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan. And a friend of Al's.
Kazu Ito is a straight-A student who was gunned down for being in the wrong place at the wrong time by racist cops. Amy Grant is a "firefighter" for Republic Outfitters.
Detective Earl Wallace takes on Marilyn's case with the help of Detective Nguyen.
Hasad Bakar is a rich idiot with an even richer father. Onur Bakar is a billionaire shipping mogul.
The Cover
The cover is a collage with its classic close-up of the Capitol building at night contrasting in so many ways with the close-up of the sewing machine needle which is bordered by the chainlink fence topped with razor wire. How appropriate that the seamy underbelly of manufacturing appears at the bottom of the cover, underneath the Capitol, bathed in a fog, perhaps in yet another attempt to hide what politicians and lobbyists do to line their pockets.
The title is perfect. It's a shared reaction the enslaved workers, the nervous senator, and the pissed-off industrialist do—Sweat.
A political thriller that explores the dirty side of politics and business when it comes to sweatshops.
My Take
Nice set-up. Pretty long set-up, too. There wasn't a depth of tension or drama in this. Mostly, I read on to discover what would happen next. How would Jake solve this? Who gets caught?
Gilleo set up a number of subplots within that kept things interesting with some unexpected twists along the way. On the whole, I liked his characters. Yeah, even Peter Winthrop. At least Peter was honest about himself and I can appreciate that. Senator Day and the Changs...well, ya gotta have a few bad guys so you have someone to hiss at. Every time I started to feel sorry for Day, all I had to do was remember his initial action at Chang Industries' gate. The lies he documented. His ensuing actions simply put paid to any sympathy from me.
The only real adults in this are the ones without the power. And the ones who take it all down! Woo-hoo! It's just one guy who rallies his friends. Refuses to sit back and accept. Admittedly, this is fictional, but it still gives ya something to think about.
You too can sign up to track how your government representatives are voting with the feds and your state!
Jake is such an adult! I love how he checks his father out and realizes how right his mother was!
This is why I will never be rich. Why I could never run for political office. And this is business-as-usual for people like this. Scum.
Oops, I don't think the "good" doctor should have flung that line.
How disgusting is this that Saipan is a U.S. territory and can officially claim that goods made there are "Made in the U.S.A." and yet they do not have to conform to U.S. employment law?
I did love the turnabout Chow Ying creates.
I do hope Gilleo intends a series. I'd love to find out what happens between Jake and Kate, especially with her dad hovering about. I'd love to know what Peter does next as well. He does seem to know his son and didn't hold a grudge over the various raids and lies he intercepts.
The Story
Jake Patrick is at a crossroads in his life. His mother has just died after a long, debilitating illness and he's facing the loss of his childhood home in an attempt to meet the tremendous medical bills. He needs a job, a roof over his head, and to get back into school to finish getting his master's.
He figures why not get to know his absentee dad and get a job at the same time. It's a momentous decision for Jake as well as a number of others.
His father, Peter Winthrop, is curious about his son and gives him a cushy job---I think he's more interested in having an audience to play to, to show off with than in making up for lost time.
Senator Day is so typical of many of today's politicians. Interested in lining his own pockets at the expense of his constituents. Believing he can get away with anything.
C.F. Chang and his son, Lee, believe they are God and order their universe accordingly. Anyone not them is less than nothing.
Jake is the catalyst around whom events will converge.
The Characters
Peter Winthrop is the selfish CEO of Winthrop Enterprises who ignored his ex-wife and son. A user, he'll do anything to make a buck. Marilyn Ford is his assistant and switchboard, operating "as the final barrier to communication between the outside world and her boss". Camille is his father's housekeeper.
Jake Patrick is Peter's son. His mother has just died of cancer and he has hundreds of thousands in medical bills. Selling his childhood home will help a bit.
Kate Sorrentino is his new girlfriend. A woman he met at a bar when she and her friends were scavenger hunting as part of her friend's bachelorette night. Her parents, James and Cynthia Sorrentino, are extremely concerned about her choice in boyfriend and daddy puts the arm on Jake. Tony and the cousins, Eddie and Mike Castello, appear to be thugs working for Sorrentino.
Al Korgaokar is the man Marilyn sets Jake up with; a homeowner who is homeless, a spy who quit. His brother, Don, has been occupying his house for the past six years.
Senator John Day is ambitious and has plans for the presidency. Naturally, this means that he'll screw anything that moves while his pregnant wife is at home. Scott Ryder is his chief aide and head of public relations. Doug the Page and Dana the Bimbo are trying to make up for Scott's absence. Vincent DiMarco is a Southie assassin who got too cocky.
Saipan
The Chang family runs a sweatshop in Saipan using slave labor. Lee Chang has been assigned as punishment to supervise its operation. Chow Ying, a.k.a., the Mountain of Shanghai, works directly for Lee, but actually for his father. C.F. Chang is the father and he'll choose money over family every time.
Wei Ling is, unfortunately, pregnant. Her employers use her body to influence politicians and other potentially useful people. The rest of the time she works in the sweatshop. Shi Shi Wong is her friend and bunkmate. Dr. Hao Kuang Yu is a sadistic bastard who can't wait to experiment on Wei Ling.
Mr. Wu runs a Chang sweatshop in New York City.
Captain Marco Talua is in charge of the Saipan PD and a bed with handcuffs dangling is not something he can brush off. Tom Foti is the chief of the Liaison Office for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan. And a friend of Al's.
Kazu Ito is a straight-A student who was gunned down for being in the wrong place at the wrong time by racist cops. Amy Grant is a "firefighter" for Republic Outfitters.
Detective Earl Wallace takes on Marilyn's case with the help of Detective Nguyen.
Hasad Bakar is a rich idiot with an even richer father. Onur Bakar is a billionaire shipping mogul.
The Cover
The cover is a collage with its classic close-up of the Capitol building at night contrasting in so many ways with the close-up of the sewing machine needle which is bordered by the chainlink fence topped with razor wire. How appropriate that the seamy underbelly of manufacturing appears at the bottom of the cover, underneath the Capitol, bathed in a fog, perhaps in yet another attempt to hide what politicians and lobbyists do to line their pockets.
The title is perfect. It's a shared reaction the enslaved workers, the nervous senator, and the pissed-off industrialist do—Sweat.
September 17, 2012
Thanks to Partners in Crime Tours, I've just read this new novel by Mark Gilleo and I'm glad to be able to bring it to your attention. This is a novel with an agenda but it's one that most of us will agree with, and regardless, the plot will have you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so well drawn that they all seem quite real.
The main character is Jake Patrick. He'll be on my mind for a long time. His father had left he and his mother years earlier. Now Jake has dropped out of grad school for a year to care for his dying mother. After her death, he's in, to put it mildly, a pickle. No money, no prospects, lots of bills overdue. With nowhere else to turn, he requests a summer job from his father, Peter Winthrop, a multimillionaire trader. Winthrop is also unscrupulous, getting his millions with absolutely no regard for anyone but himself. The original wheeler-dealer type. But, he gives his son a job and takes him under his wing with an idea toward grooming him to take over the company someday.
Meanwhile, a powerful Chinese tycoon's son runs a sweatshop on Saipan, a U.S. Territory. The seamstresses are held prisoner and abused. Winthrop and U.S. Senator John Day visit there to film an idealized version of the shop and then the bigwigs are treated to dinner and "benefits" with two of the beautiful young seamstresses that evening. The results of that evening will threaten to bring down both of them.
Jake is definitely the good guy here, and he has a window into what's really going on through his new job and the help of his father's secretary. He also becomes the target of an assassin from China and due to his investigation into a murder in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown, he is also in danger from that quarter. The Chinatown subplot is another fascinating glimpse into another culture. You'll be on pins and needles wondering if Jake will live through all the danger, but you'll also be cheering him on as he tries to do the right thing for the oppressed.
I loved this book. Now I intend to read Gilleo's debut novel called Love Thy Neighbor. Mark Gilleo is a real talent I'll be following for sure.
Source: The Story Plant
Recommended reading
The main character is Jake Patrick. He'll be on my mind for a long time. His father had left he and his mother years earlier. Now Jake has dropped out of grad school for a year to care for his dying mother. After her death, he's in, to put it mildly, a pickle. No money, no prospects, lots of bills overdue. With nowhere else to turn, he requests a summer job from his father, Peter Winthrop, a multimillionaire trader. Winthrop is also unscrupulous, getting his millions with absolutely no regard for anyone but himself. The original wheeler-dealer type. But, he gives his son a job and takes him under his wing with an idea toward grooming him to take over the company someday.
Meanwhile, a powerful Chinese tycoon's son runs a sweatshop on Saipan, a U.S. Territory. The seamstresses are held prisoner and abused. Winthrop and U.S. Senator John Day visit there to film an idealized version of the shop and then the bigwigs are treated to dinner and "benefits" with two of the beautiful young seamstresses that evening. The results of that evening will threaten to bring down both of them.
Jake is definitely the good guy here, and he has a window into what's really going on through his new job and the help of his father's secretary. He also becomes the target of an assassin from China and due to his investigation into a murder in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown, he is also in danger from that quarter. The Chinatown subplot is another fascinating glimpse into another culture. You'll be on pins and needles wondering if Jake will live through all the danger, but you'll also be cheering him on as he tries to do the right thing for the oppressed.
I loved this book. Now I intend to read Gilleo's debut novel called Love Thy Neighbor. Mark Gilleo is a real talent I'll be following for sure.
Source: The Story Plant
Recommended reading
September 21, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Political Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of political thrillers, fast-paced stories
Trigger Warnings: sweatshop, essentially human slavery, murder, attempted murder
My Thoughts: This book is a real thrill ride, non-stop action from start to finish. While there is no real mystery to it, following what happens is entertaining and fun. Issues dealt with include political corruption, family issues, sweatshops and international labor relations, and the conditions under which young women are often employed in sweatshops. It is not a pretty story, it is not a happy story, but it has the ring of truth.
It also paints a very bleak picture of politics and politicians. It shows how most politicians are only looking out for themselves, and not at all concerned about fulfilling their obligations to their constituents.
If you like political thrillers, you will definitely want to read this. It's a fast read and a real thrill-ride. Check it out.
Disclosure: I received an e-galley from The Story Plant via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he'd find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help—and much more than that—from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, Sweat rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of political thrillers, fast-paced stories
Trigger Warnings: sweatshop, essentially human slavery, murder, attempted murder
My Thoughts: This book is a real thrill ride, non-stop action from start to finish. While there is no real mystery to it, following what happens is entertaining and fun. Issues dealt with include political corruption, family issues, sweatshops and international labor relations, and the conditions under which young women are often employed in sweatshops. It is not a pretty story, it is not a happy story, but it has the ring of truth.
It also paints a very bleak picture of politics and politicians. It shows how most politicians are only looking out for themselves, and not at all concerned about fulfilling their obligations to their constituents.
If you like political thrillers, you will definitely want to read this. It's a fast read and a real thrill-ride. Check it out.
Disclosure: I received an e-galley from The Story Plant via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he'd find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help—and much more than that—from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, Sweat rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
July 16, 2013
predictable political thriller. Lots of deus ex machina. All sorted by the end. Well written tho formulaic. Slimy Senator, of course. Knight in shining armor son of unscrupulous big investor unscrupulous dad, of course. Genuine lovely aspiring doctor daughter of Italian construction dad with unscrupulous methods for protecting daughter, of course. Evil Chinese sweatshop owner with unscrupulous methods for trapping can-be-bot-with-sex slimy Senator, of course. Homeless ex agent of some agency who calls in markers to help Knight in shining armor son, from his "home" under ad DC bridge, of course. And of course, the Chinese girl -pregnant, of course -- who is centerpiece of story -- of course. Bribery, selfishness, mis-use of power and authority, and a Chinese hit man the size of an NFL one backer who turns out to be -- wait, that would spoil the story.
September 3, 2022
With its heady mix of corporate wrongdoings, political scandals, family betrayals, blackmail, and murder, Sweat is a slow-burning thriller that relies largely on the strength of its characters to propel the story along. The plot itself is straightforward and familiar, borrowing from a number of standard scenarios, but the strong thread of morality and justice running through it all keeps the reader engaged beyond the page.
Jake is a responsible and upstanding young man, the kind of dutiful son who puts his education, his career, and his very life on hold for the sake of family. He's not perfect, and never come across as holier-than-though, which is why he works as a protagonist. More importantly, in a world of CEOs, senators, spies, billionaires, and sweatshop owners, he and his new girlfriend, Kate, serve to provide the reader with somebody they can identify.
Peter, Jake's absent father and CEO of Winthrop Enterprises, is the kind of selfish, arrogant, manipulative, amoral man to who nothing and no one is sacred. He's the kind of man you want desperately to hate, but he's so honest about his own shortcomings, so open about his motivations, that he demands a certain grudging acceptance. On the surface, Senator Day is a bit more human, and a bit more sympathetic, but he's no less despicable for being so opportunistic and ready to betray trusts both public and personal. As for Lee Chang, sweatshop manager, slave-runner, and whore-master, he's just about as stock as villains come. You can almost hear him chewing the scenery.
Gilleo knows how to set a scene, and has a flair for dialogue that manages to keep the cultural elements from being trite or blatantly stereotypical. I liked the fact that the emphasis is on the characters, on the human element of the story, as opposed to the gun-porn or techno-absurdity of others in the genre. An altogether solid read, and one with some real moments of excitement and intrigue.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Jake is a responsible and upstanding young man, the kind of dutiful son who puts his education, his career, and his very life on hold for the sake of family. He's not perfect, and never come across as holier-than-though, which is why he works as a protagonist. More importantly, in a world of CEOs, senators, spies, billionaires, and sweatshop owners, he and his new girlfriend, Kate, serve to provide the reader with somebody they can identify.
Peter, Jake's absent father and CEO of Winthrop Enterprises, is the kind of selfish, arrogant, manipulative, amoral man to who nothing and no one is sacred. He's the kind of man you want desperately to hate, but he's so honest about his own shortcomings, so open about his motivations, that he demands a certain grudging acceptance. On the surface, Senator Day is a bit more human, and a bit more sympathetic, but he's no less despicable for being so opportunistic and ready to betray trusts both public and personal. As for Lee Chang, sweatshop manager, slave-runner, and whore-master, he's just about as stock as villains come. You can almost hear him chewing the scenery.
Gilleo knows how to set a scene, and has a flair for dialogue that manages to keep the cultural elements from being trite or blatantly stereotypical. I liked the fact that the emphasis is on the characters, on the human element of the story, as opposed to the gun-porn or techno-absurdity of others in the genre. An altogether solid read, and one with some real moments of excitement and intrigue.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
June 24, 2022
Sweat by Mark Gilleo
Fascinating read, lots of action internationally and politics.
Has a human side also as a visiting Senator gets a Chinese sweat shop worker pregnant. Others in high places find out also and he thinks by paying it will be done with...
Son who returns to work at his father’s company also hears of things and he reaches out to help.
Travel, action, mafia, stalkers, different careers and so much more. Adult situations.
Love following the detectives around as they find the clues to solving this mess. Shocking what son does, to bring justice ...
Excellent read for many genres and readers. Really appreciate this author's works.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.
Fascinating read, lots of action internationally and politics.
Has a human side also as a visiting Senator gets a Chinese sweat shop worker pregnant. Others in high places find out also and he thinks by paying it will be done with...
Son who returns to work at his father’s company also hears of things and he reaches out to help.
Travel, action, mafia, stalkers, different careers and so much more. Adult situations.
Love following the detectives around as they find the clues to solving this mess. Shocking what son does, to bring justice ...
Excellent read for many genres and readers. Really appreciate this author's works.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.
October 28, 2018
A great read!
Wow I dont even know how to start so many twists and turns. This book was full of surprises and awesome characters with plot twists that you don't see coming. The writing is superb but unfortunately I binge read this book in one day because it was such a page turner. I will read it again this week at a slower pace so that i can savor the details and imagery of Gilleo's writing. He is a very gifted writer and kudos to him for giving me more than my money's worth in entertainment.
Wow I dont even know how to start so many twists and turns. This book was full of surprises and awesome characters with plot twists that you don't see coming. The writing is superb but unfortunately I binge read this book in one day because it was such a page turner. I will read it again this week at a slower pace so that i can savor the details and imagery of Gilleo's writing. He is a very gifted writer and kudos to him for giving me more than my money's worth in entertainment.
March 13, 2025
This ebook has been in My Digital Library since October 10, 2015. I enjoyed this mystery because I was caught up wondering what our protagonist would do to fix his own problems and those of others who were used and abused by others with power and influence.
I recommend this mystery and other works by Mark Gilleo.
I recommend this mystery and other works by Mark Gilleo.
November 14, 2018
Jake the snake
Well written good story about combination political and social deceit,with greed thrown in.The author seems to have first hand knowledge about what he writes. Looking forward to another book by this time author
Well written good story about combination political and social deceit,with greed thrown in.The author seems to have first hand knowledge about what he writes. Looking forward to another book by this time author
June 19, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were interesting and the plot was engaging. I was a bit disappointed with the ending. It felt like the story rushed to conclusion. Not bad but not life-alteringly great.
January 25, 2020
This was my first book by Mark Gilleo. I enjoyed his style of writing and the story was interesting. Am looking forward to reading another.
December 10, 2020
Pretty good. It went back and forth between Siapan and the US, so at first it was confusing. Interesting plot. Makes you wonder if that really happens in sweatshops.
August 28, 2012
Sweat by Mark Gilleo
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
ISBN-10: 1611880513
ISBN-13: 978-1611880519
Pages: 366
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis:
When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would have never guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator that was rife with conspiracy, back-room politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
I was first introduced to Mark Gilleo when I read his debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, back in March. You can read my review here. I was blown away with that novel on so many levels because it was not high on my list for plots, being in the espionage genre, having 400+ pages, which I read in a matter of a few days because I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and a debut novel that read as if it was written by a seasoned author.
Now comes his 2nd novel, which I couldn't wait to read but honestly was a bit skeptical because the bar was set so high. Could it be as good or better? Would it compare? The answer is a resounding Yes!! There are so many facets of his writing style that appeal to me. The dialogue between characters are so realistic and fluid that I have the feeling that I am eavesdropping on a conversation. The action is non stop from the first page to the last word. The characters three dimensional and animated. The "espionage" is not so detailed and deep, that I have to figure out the inner workings of a department where it would get boorish. The settings vivid. The story lines are fiction imitating reality or reality could be possible with imitating fiction.The plot was a page turner and heart pounding.
Sweat takes place over a 5 week time span traveling from Seattle, WA to Saipan and ending in Washington, D.C.. with a premise ripped from the headlines. A multi cat and mouse chase at the speed of a run away train. Sweat has it all and more, unethical politicians, kidnapping, murder, greed, bribery, assassination attempts, deceit, greed, truth, police procedural investigations, betrayals, forced labor, stake outs, organized crime, friendships, love relationships and an ending that will leave the reader wanting a sequel. Another amazing, white knuckle read!! Mark Gilleo is both talented and gifted when it comes to page turning story telling. A master!! Bravo!! A book not to be passed by!! Extraordinary!!!
(2012 Challenges: JFF, FreeReads, Where Are You, Merely Mystery, I Want More, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)
October 8, 2012
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the powerful offices of Washington DC, author Mark Gilleo weaves an intriguing international political thriller of corruption, greed, and the injustice and dismal working conditions in overseas sweatshops.
After Jake Patrick lost his mother to cancer, he reluctantly takes an internship at his estranged father's import/export company, Winthrop Enterprises, in order to try to get his life back on track. But his new position in the company is anything but cushy ... it will send him on a dangerous adventure that will put him right in the middle of an international scandal that could threaten his life!
Sweat is a riveting story full of scandal, conspiracy, corruption, greed and murder that takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride of an adventure! Masterfully written in the third person person narrative, and rich in description and vivid details, this action-packed compelling story transports the reader around the globe with stops in Seattle, Washington, Saipan and Washington DC for behind the scene glimpses into international political and business corruption and injustice within the world of illegal import/export sweatshops. With enough corruption, greed, bribery, blackmail, kidnappings, assassination attempts, murder and even a bit of romance thrown into the mix, this fast-paced action thriller is a compelling page turner that will keep you guessing and wanting more.
From greedy and corrupt politicians and businessmen, to organized crime, to the downtrodden sweatshop workers, Sweat has a variety of cast of characters who are realistic and complex people, who will captivate you with their interweaving involvement and actions throughout the story. The character dialogues are realistic and intriguing, they grab your attention and make you feel like you are watching the interactions occur.
The author's description of the horrible working conditions and treatment of the workers in the sweatshops was a fascinating yet disturbing portrayal. The author engages the reader with some very thought provoking descriptions that will invoke a range of emotions from anger and disgust towards the corrupt politicians and businessmen, to horror and compassion for the oppressed sweatshop worker. Likewise, the author also provides some really great insightful descriptions into the behind the scenes political wheeling-dealing that goes on in the US Senate and in the offices of the big corporations.
Sweat is an international political thriller that will captivate you with its riveting behind the scenes glimpse into the greed, corruption and scandals that encompasses the illegal dealings within the political and business world.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
After Jake Patrick lost his mother to cancer, he reluctantly takes an internship at his estranged father's import/export company, Winthrop Enterprises, in order to try to get his life back on track. But his new position in the company is anything but cushy ... it will send him on a dangerous adventure that will put him right in the middle of an international scandal that could threaten his life!
Sweat is a riveting story full of scandal, conspiracy, corruption, greed and murder that takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride of an adventure! Masterfully written in the third person person narrative, and rich in description and vivid details, this action-packed compelling story transports the reader around the globe with stops in Seattle, Washington, Saipan and Washington DC for behind the scene glimpses into international political and business corruption and injustice within the world of illegal import/export sweatshops. With enough corruption, greed, bribery, blackmail, kidnappings, assassination attempts, murder and even a bit of romance thrown into the mix, this fast-paced action thriller is a compelling page turner that will keep you guessing and wanting more.
From greedy and corrupt politicians and businessmen, to organized crime, to the downtrodden sweatshop workers, Sweat has a variety of cast of characters who are realistic and complex people, who will captivate you with their interweaving involvement and actions throughout the story. The character dialogues are realistic and intriguing, they grab your attention and make you feel like you are watching the interactions occur.
The author's description of the horrible working conditions and treatment of the workers in the sweatshops was a fascinating yet disturbing portrayal. The author engages the reader with some very thought provoking descriptions that will invoke a range of emotions from anger and disgust towards the corrupt politicians and businessmen, to horror and compassion for the oppressed sweatshop worker. Likewise, the author also provides some really great insightful descriptions into the behind the scenes political wheeling-dealing that goes on in the US Senate and in the offices of the big corporations.
Sweat is an international political thriller that will captivate you with its riveting behind the scenes glimpse into the greed, corruption and scandals that encompasses the illegal dealings within the political and business world.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 17, 2012
Jake Patrick has recently lost his mother to cancer. He takes up an internship at his father’s office expecting some easy cash. But awaits him is an adventure of a life time. A coded message makes its way into Jake’s hand that gets him sucked right smack into the middle of an international scandal that threatens his life.
I had the opportunity to read the author’s debut novel ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ while it was touring with PICT sometime back. It turned out to be a gripping thriller that had me turning pages right till the end. Mark’s talent in telling a story in a way that forces its reader to invest in it completely was evident right from the beginning of his debut novel. So when this book came up on the tour, I didn’t want to miss it either. And I am glad that I had signed up immediately because Mark has only gotten better this time. He has managed to create another scintillating web of mystery and action that had me from the very beginning. There is politics, conspiracy, murder, blackmail and even a bit of romance without the overdose of any one particular aspect. A particularly complex story told in a way to keep you guessing at every turn yet its only after you put down the book is when you realize the depth of it. An amazing plot with just the exact mix of intrigue and action while capturing some not so pretty reflections of reality.
Another specialty of Mark Gilleo is his brilliant characters. ‘Sweat’ has quite a few characters. Each of them are interesting as individuals and also each compliment the other in some way or the other. There’s not a single character in the book that I can point out as ‘unnecessary’ to the plot as they all brought in different elements. The interactions between the father and son was something I found really interesting.
The setting – from Washington to Saipan was perfect. And though I have never been to any of those places, I found it very easy to imagine the setting and the situations thanks to the author’s eye for details. He is very descriptive about the surroundings and thus helping us to get into the story as a part of it rather than as a third person watching the story unfold from far.
Reading this book was time well invested and I am certainly going to make it a point to not miss out on any of Mark Gilleo work. If you love mystery / thrills / intrigue – then give this book a chance, I am sure that you will not be disappointed.
I had the opportunity to read the author’s debut novel ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ while it was touring with PICT sometime back. It turned out to be a gripping thriller that had me turning pages right till the end. Mark’s talent in telling a story in a way that forces its reader to invest in it completely was evident right from the beginning of his debut novel. So when this book came up on the tour, I didn’t want to miss it either. And I am glad that I had signed up immediately because Mark has only gotten better this time. He has managed to create another scintillating web of mystery and action that had me from the very beginning. There is politics, conspiracy, murder, blackmail and even a bit of romance without the overdose of any one particular aspect. A particularly complex story told in a way to keep you guessing at every turn yet its only after you put down the book is when you realize the depth of it. An amazing plot with just the exact mix of intrigue and action while capturing some not so pretty reflections of reality.
Another specialty of Mark Gilleo is his brilliant characters. ‘Sweat’ has quite a few characters. Each of them are interesting as individuals and also each compliment the other in some way or the other. There’s not a single character in the book that I can point out as ‘unnecessary’ to the plot as they all brought in different elements. The interactions between the father and son was something I found really interesting.
The setting – from Washington to Saipan was perfect. And though I have never been to any of those places, I found it very easy to imagine the setting and the situations thanks to the author’s eye for details. He is very descriptive about the surroundings and thus helping us to get into the story as a part of it rather than as a third person watching the story unfold from far.
Reading this book was time well invested and I am certainly going to make it a point to not miss out on any of Mark Gilleo work. If you love mystery / thrills / intrigue – then give this book a chance, I am sure that you will not be disappointed.
September 3, 2012
I love a good thriller and Mark Gilleo, an author previously unknown to me, delivered with Sweat. The title may not sound like your typical run of the mill thriller but dig your heels in and dive headfirst into this book, that will have you rapidly turning page after page, and you will understand where the title derived from and why it is ultimately so appropriate.
Jake is a very sympathetic hero and I liked him very much. The rawness of his mother's death from cancer, happening just prior to the beginning of this book, comes across starkly on each page as does his discomfort with his father, Peter. Despite Peter being a fairly unlikable character, his interactions with Jake are among the best in the book, with an equal split of discomfort, resentment and hostility.
Mr. Gilleo has a varied assortment of characters present in Sweat but well within reason. There is not a single extraneous or tertiary character in attendance. All of them serve a purpose and help to move the story along. My favorite was a homeless CIA operative who provided some wry humor and a crucial push to the story.
And what a story! Sweat certainly has its fair share of action, intrigue, suspense and even espionage. Washington politics are covered but not to the extent that it will be overwhelming if you do not care to read about such matters. The suspense was so taut, so expertly penned, that I honestly had no idea what was going to happen - - to Jake, to his father, to his girlfriend . . . to anyone. I have read a lot of books in my lifetime and it's not easy to keep this reader in the dark and yet Mr. Gilleo managed to do just that.
I am surprised that I have not been introduced to Mark Gilleo's work prior to this based on how well written Sweat is. He is a terrific storyteller and a gifted writer and marries the two into a fantastic piece of work that is sure to keep you up to the wee hours to wind your way through the crime and corruption with Jake.
If you're looking for a solid thriller that will keep your pulse racing, Sweat is the choice for you. I promise you will not be disappointed. And if Hollywood has any sense, they will option this book immediately.
Excellent work, Mr. Gilleo. You have earned a place on my "authors I must read" list.
©Psychotic State Book Reviews, 2012
Jake is a very sympathetic hero and I liked him very much. The rawness of his mother's death from cancer, happening just prior to the beginning of this book, comes across starkly on each page as does his discomfort with his father, Peter. Despite Peter being a fairly unlikable character, his interactions with Jake are among the best in the book, with an equal split of discomfort, resentment and hostility.
Mr. Gilleo has a varied assortment of characters present in Sweat but well within reason. There is not a single extraneous or tertiary character in attendance. All of them serve a purpose and help to move the story along. My favorite was a homeless CIA operative who provided some wry humor and a crucial push to the story.
And what a story! Sweat certainly has its fair share of action, intrigue, suspense and even espionage. Washington politics are covered but not to the extent that it will be overwhelming if you do not care to read about such matters. The suspense was so taut, so expertly penned, that I honestly had no idea what was going to happen - - to Jake, to his father, to his girlfriend . . . to anyone. I have read a lot of books in my lifetime and it's not easy to keep this reader in the dark and yet Mr. Gilleo managed to do just that.
I am surprised that I have not been introduced to Mark Gilleo's work prior to this based on how well written Sweat is. He is a terrific storyteller and a gifted writer and marries the two into a fantastic piece of work that is sure to keep you up to the wee hours to wind your way through the crime and corruption with Jake.
If you're looking for a solid thriller that will keep your pulse racing, Sweat is the choice for you. I promise you will not be disappointed. And if Hollywood has any sense, they will option this book immediately.
Excellent work, Mr. Gilleo. You have earned a place on my "authors I must read" list.
©Psychotic State Book Reviews, 2012
October 22, 2012
Sweat by Mark Gilleo is a suspenseful story that takes place in Washington D.C and U.S. Territory Saipan. Jake Patrick is a young man who had to quit school to take care of his mother while she suffered from cancer. She dies and Jake finds himself wondering what to do with his life. It does not take him long to find out. He meets his father after not having him in his life for most of his childhood. Jake is offered an internship for the summer in his father's successful company.
In a sweatshop in Saipan are young women who make clothing for not even minimum wage and the working conditions are horrible. A US Senator along with Peter, Jake's father are involved with the owners of the sweatshop and they take a trip to Saipan and spend part of an evening with two of the girls. Wei Ling, who is one of the girls is also a favorite of Peter, who sees her whenever he goes to Saipan. Wei Ling ends up pregnant and becomes a pawn..a blackmail pawn. She is locked away until she has the baby so it can be used in the blackmail scheme against the Senator.
In Washington Peter's secretary is found dead at the bottom of the escalator in the subway system and at first it seemed it was an accident but two detectives on the case start to think otherwise. Jake finds out about the pregnant girls and plans a scheme to save her and take down the corrupt people along the way.
There are a lot of characters in this story, Jake and his father, A senator who is as corrupt as they come, the owners of the sweatshop, the girls exploited in this sweatshop, and innocent woman who ends up dead, an assassin who is stalking Jake, Jake's girlfriend and her father who does not want Jake to see his daughter and then there are the detectives. You would think with all of these characters it would make the story confusing, it doesn't though. The author has such a way with telling the story that you want to keep turning the pages. From men who keep making money off others misery, this story seems like it could be taken from any newspaper today...
Mark Gilleo is also the author of Love Thy Neighbor. If you are looking for a suspenseful thriller then this an author you will definitely want to read. I I hope Mr. Gilleo is hard at work on another awesome book for me to read!!
I received an ebook for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
In a sweatshop in Saipan are young women who make clothing for not even minimum wage and the working conditions are horrible. A US Senator along with Peter, Jake's father are involved with the owners of the sweatshop and they take a trip to Saipan and spend part of an evening with two of the girls. Wei Ling, who is one of the girls is also a favorite of Peter, who sees her whenever he goes to Saipan. Wei Ling ends up pregnant and becomes a pawn..a blackmail pawn. She is locked away until she has the baby so it can be used in the blackmail scheme against the Senator.
In Washington Peter's secretary is found dead at the bottom of the escalator in the subway system and at first it seemed it was an accident but two detectives on the case start to think otherwise. Jake finds out about the pregnant girls and plans a scheme to save her and take down the corrupt people along the way.
There are a lot of characters in this story, Jake and his father, A senator who is as corrupt as they come, the owners of the sweatshop, the girls exploited in this sweatshop, and innocent woman who ends up dead, an assassin who is stalking Jake, Jake's girlfriend and her father who does not want Jake to see his daughter and then there are the detectives. You would think with all of these characters it would make the story confusing, it doesn't though. The author has such a way with telling the story that you want to keep turning the pages. From men who keep making money off others misery, this story seems like it could be taken from any newspaper today...
Mark Gilleo is also the author of Love Thy Neighbor. If you are looking for a suspenseful thriller then this an author you will definitely want to read. I I hope Mr. Gilleo is hard at work on another awesome book for me to read!!
I received an ebook for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
September 7, 2012
After taking care of his mother through her cancer battle which she lost Jake Patrick is trying to get his life back on track. He decides to take on a summer internship at his estranged father's company. It will give a chance to earn some cash before he heads back to college and he may get to know the man who gave him life.
What he never imagined was finding himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. From D.C. to Saipan Jake is just trying to do what's right and doing his best not to get himself and others killed in the process.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Mark Gilleo writes about what he knows and makes it entertaining for all of us. You can tell from reading this story he has and international business mind and the author does have a graduate degree in this course of study.
This is a complex story that unfolds in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The transitions between Washington D.C. and Saipan are smooth. The characters are rich and Jake Patrick is a character you will love and root for throughout the whole book.
Twists, spins, turns, intrigue, conspiracy, corruption, politics, kidnapping, murder, even a bit of humor and romance, this story has it all!!!
The story also opened up my eyes more clearly to the past economic driving force of Saipan, the largest island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United Stares. According to Wikipedia on November 28, 2009, the federal government took control of immigration to the Northern Mariana Islands closing garment factories manufacturing for Levi Strauss, Phillips-Van Heusen, Abercrombie & Fitch, L'Oreal subsidiary Ralph Lauren (Polo), Lord & Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, and Walmart that were driven largely by foreign contract workers (mainly from China) . This story shines a light on these issues in a fictional way we can all understand. Sweatshops!
Mark Gilleo is an author to watch and quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
What he never imagined was finding himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. From D.C. to Saipan Jake is just trying to do what's right and doing his best not to get himself and others killed in the process.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Mark Gilleo writes about what he knows and makes it entertaining for all of us. You can tell from reading this story he has and international business mind and the author does have a graduate degree in this course of study.
This is a complex story that unfolds in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The transitions between Washington D.C. and Saipan are smooth. The characters are rich and Jake Patrick is a character you will love and root for throughout the whole book.
Twists, spins, turns, intrigue, conspiracy, corruption, politics, kidnapping, murder, even a bit of humor and romance, this story has it all!!!
The story also opened up my eyes more clearly to the past economic driving force of Saipan, the largest island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United Stares. According to Wikipedia on November 28, 2009, the federal government took control of immigration to the Northern Mariana Islands closing garment factories manufacturing for Levi Strauss, Phillips-Van Heusen, Abercrombie & Fitch, L'Oreal subsidiary Ralph Lauren (Polo), Lord & Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, and Walmart that were driven largely by foreign contract workers (mainly from China) . This story shines a light on these issues in a fictional way we can all understand. Sweatshops!
Mark Gilleo is an author to watch and quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
August 31, 2012
The plot of this thriller brings the reader face to face with what life must be like working in a sweat shop and more importantly how life must be like for those that do find themselves gainly employed or should I say gainly imprisoned in a sweat job ? While this book is fictional it does bring to light how greed and politics can corrupt and destroy lives of innocent people and this allowed me to feel a multitude of emotions while turning the pages of this international thriller. The plot moves along at a very brisk speed and I found myself fascinated by the ongoing, "on the edge of your seat" suspense. I had trouble finding a place to stop reading as the overall plot kept me well engaged and always wanting more.
The voice and language is descriptive and believable. I really liked the following passage in Chapter 28 and this will give you a flavor of the descriptive language that makes up this novel:
"The old apartment was an orchestra of creaks and squeaks, groans and moans. The steps, the banister, the doors, the windows, all kept rhythm. The pipes to the sink, shower, and toilet hit all the high notes in various pitch. When the infamous D.C. summer thunderstorms blew in during the late afternoon and early evening, the whole building rattled and rolled."
The characters are complex, fully developed, and they fit together nicely where they were required to fit together and when they were on the opposite end of spectrum they played off each other like a great game of cat and mouse. I found some of the characters I loved and others ... well let's just say that maybe only their mothers could love them and that may be a stretch for some mothers.
Who should read this novel?
Anyone that likes fast paced thrillers with well developed characters will want to pick this one up. I am glad I took some precious reading time and read Sweat by Mark Gilleo. I am sure you too will enjoy this one.
The voice and language is descriptive and believable. I really liked the following passage in Chapter 28 and this will give you a flavor of the descriptive language that makes up this novel:
"The old apartment was an orchestra of creaks and squeaks, groans and moans. The steps, the banister, the doors, the windows, all kept rhythm. The pipes to the sink, shower, and toilet hit all the high notes in various pitch. When the infamous D.C. summer thunderstorms blew in during the late afternoon and early evening, the whole building rattled and rolled."
The characters are complex, fully developed, and they fit together nicely where they were required to fit together and when they were on the opposite end of spectrum they played off each other like a great game of cat and mouse. I found some of the characters I loved and others ... well let's just say that maybe only their mothers could love them and that may be a stretch for some mothers.
Who should read this novel?
Anyone that likes fast paced thrillers with well developed characters will want to pick this one up. I am glad I took some precious reading time and read Sweat by Mark Gilleo. I am sure you too will enjoy this one.
September 6, 2012
Senator Day and Peter Winthrop are on a trip to Saipan, meeting Lee Chang, the owner of a factory. They will make a movie about the fine working conditions and fine quality product being produced. Simple story, right? Wrong! That will be the most placid scene the reader will experience because the remainder of the book immediately turns into a frenetic paced race to upend the "bad guys," as it used to be called. For the Senator and Peter have a bit of feminine entertainment after their business is over, never realizing the after effects will change their world forever!
Mark Gilleo has written a novel about the outsourcing of labor to countries where workers produce in "sweatshop" conditions, where one pregnant girl is just a burden to be discarded, that is until her workers mastermind a way to bring public attention to the young girl's plight. It is Jake Patrick who takes a summer internship while awaiting his future academic studies. It is he who shows little interest in his father's business until he receives a secret message and enlists others to help solve what he perceives to be a devastating injustice and soon enough finds to be an international scandal.
Jake initially has no idea what and who he is up against - the Chinese businessman who thinks nothing of killing employees; a doctor who is willing to lie and perform other unethical acts to guarantee his paradise living, a town detective chief who follows one law and it's not one created by any government, a government representative who prides himself more on fostering business and generating money than caring for the precious gift of life, and so much more.
Sweat is a political thriller that will engage any and all readers. It's all too real a possibility and it is the hope of a young idealistic man who guarantees that integrity is larger than all the dirt bags taking advantage of the few for the almighty "buck!" Very well written and highly recommended!!!
Mark Gilleo has written a novel about the outsourcing of labor to countries where workers produce in "sweatshop" conditions, where one pregnant girl is just a burden to be discarded, that is until her workers mastermind a way to bring public attention to the young girl's plight. It is Jake Patrick who takes a summer internship while awaiting his future academic studies. It is he who shows little interest in his father's business until he receives a secret message and enlists others to help solve what he perceives to be a devastating injustice and soon enough finds to be an international scandal.
Jake initially has no idea what and who he is up against - the Chinese businessman who thinks nothing of killing employees; a doctor who is willing to lie and perform other unethical acts to guarantee his paradise living, a town detective chief who follows one law and it's not one created by any government, a government representative who prides himself more on fostering business and generating money than caring for the precious gift of life, and so much more.
Sweat is a political thriller that will engage any and all readers. It's all too real a possibility and it is the hope of a young idealistic man who guarantees that integrity is larger than all the dirt bags taking advantage of the few for the almighty "buck!" Very well written and highly recommended!!!
September 4, 2012
I have to say right off that I really enjoyed this book. I would say it's different than the books that I normally read, but that isn't quite the truth anymore! My taste in books is getting much more broad these days and I am enjoying that quite a lot.
I hate giving star reviews these days but they require them on most sites so I gave this one a 4 star rating, but really I have to say it's a solid 4.5 stars and I only took that 1/2 off because I was still questioning some things when I reached the end of the book. There were a couple of things that seemed to be left open and I am one of those readers that likes to know what happened to everyone when it's all said and done. Especially in the case of a single novel. Barring that, I was very happy with this book!
I think this story has really great characters. I think that Al was definitely my favorite and his back story was wonderful. I would like to read more about him someday! Really, all the characters were well thought out and very well developed.
I liked the political backdrop in this story, and believe me when I tell you that's not something I ever thought I would say about a book! This story spans the course of a little over a month and it has a little bit of everything in it. There is a love story, political intrigue, blackmail, murder, etc... It will keep you on your toes until you get to the end and if you are like me you will still want more when you get to the last page.
I was immediately drawn in by Mark's writing style. The whole story just seemed to flow really well, the pacing was spot on and there was never any lag for me. I have seen other reviewers talking about one of his other books and after reading Sweat, I am going to have to get my hands on Love Thy Neighbor. Mark Gilleo has gained another fan in me, and I will be watching for more books from him.
I hate giving star reviews these days but they require them on most sites so I gave this one a 4 star rating, but really I have to say it's a solid 4.5 stars and I only took that 1/2 off because I was still questioning some things when I reached the end of the book. There were a couple of things that seemed to be left open and I am one of those readers that likes to know what happened to everyone when it's all said and done. Especially in the case of a single novel. Barring that, I was very happy with this book!
I think this story has really great characters. I think that Al was definitely my favorite and his back story was wonderful. I would like to read more about him someday! Really, all the characters were well thought out and very well developed.
I liked the political backdrop in this story, and believe me when I tell you that's not something I ever thought I would say about a book! This story spans the course of a little over a month and it has a little bit of everything in it. There is a love story, political intrigue, blackmail, murder, etc... It will keep you on your toes until you get to the end and if you are like me you will still want more when you get to the last page.
I was immediately drawn in by Mark's writing style. The whole story just seemed to flow really well, the pacing was spot on and there was never any lag for me. I have seen other reviewers talking about one of his other books and after reading Sweat, I am going to have to get my hands on Love Thy Neighbor. Mark Gilleo has gained another fan in me, and I will be watching for more books from him.
September 12, 2015
This book is copyrighted in 2012. I do believe that this is how Congress thinks and feels today, a quote from the book: "Self before voters before country has long been the unofficial motto of the one hundred elected officials in the Senate and their four hundred thirty-five counterparts in the House. There was no sense in being an elected official if you couldn't give yourself a fighting chance at continuing life as one. And the only way to remain in office was to cater to your constituents. Or at the very least, give the impression you were. A thoughtful, patriotic senator with their eye on the national picture could work themselves right out a job if they weren't careful. Faced with that possibility, committees were born. New ¶ Committees are part investigative, part research, part dog and pony show. They look at the issues, listen to the testimony of so-called experts, create experts where they don't exist, and discuss pending legislation ad nauseam. They have investigative powers, empowered by the executive branch and based on fear and manipulation. Armed with their rendition of the facts, they present their findings to the rest of the Senate for legislative consideration. As faulty as the process is, in two hundred years, no one has come up with anything better. " page 179; (this from a witness to a committee: " He was on the Senate Committee floor, bullshitting among the kings of bullshit, bending the ear of the pundits, and putting on a show with his usual Winthrop charm. It was every cocktail party and business schmooze meeting he had ever been to, all rolled into one. " AND THIS, MY FRIENDS, IS HOW OUR CONGRESS AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH WORKS! JUST SO CORRUPT AND SELF-SERVING IT IS DISGUSTING !!! PURELY DISGUSTING !!! MOST OF THEM !!! and when they are not when they enter Congress or the Administration, they are before too long !!!
August 31, 2012
Sweat is a multi-plotted tale which covers the globe from Washington DC to Saipan, and contrasts the lives of the rich and privileged to those of the suppressed sweat shop workers. It builds complicated characters, some of whom I found to the very end of the book were difficult to work out and understand. They were believable, and incredibly well described, giving me the reader some very clear images of their motive and personality. They were also not short in number, however each one had a role to play, and unlike many novels where there are multiple characters, very easy to keep up with.
The description of the sweatshop pulls no punches. The slave-like conditions felt very real, and as central to the plot, made fiction all too real. The same can be said of the scenes in the US Senate and the offices of big business.
It’s never quite clear whether everything will turn out right before the end of the book, and in some ways, there are elements that aren’t tied nearly away. This doesn’t detract from the story though, this approach adds to the sense of realism throughout the story.
It’s difficult to say anything critical about Sweat. From a personal point of view, I would have liked the overall story to have moved a little faster, but this is a very minor thing as the pace fits the story well, and in places needs to move this way in order to allow the wider story to play out, rather than particular scenes.
As with Mark Gilleo’s first book, this blend of real facts into the story give the overall story greater strength than it might otherwise have. As a second novel, you might wonder whether this is going to be as strong as Mr Gilleo’s first. Well to those thinking that you won’t be disappointed, as this author has gone from strength to strength.
The description of the sweatshop pulls no punches. The slave-like conditions felt very real, and as central to the plot, made fiction all too real. The same can be said of the scenes in the US Senate and the offices of big business.
It’s never quite clear whether everything will turn out right before the end of the book, and in some ways, there are elements that aren’t tied nearly away. This doesn’t detract from the story though, this approach adds to the sense of realism throughout the story.
It’s difficult to say anything critical about Sweat. From a personal point of view, I would have liked the overall story to have moved a little faster, but this is a very minor thing as the pace fits the story well, and in places needs to move this way in order to allow the wider story to play out, rather than particular scenes.
As with Mark Gilleo’s first book, this blend of real facts into the story give the overall story greater strength than it might otherwise have. As a second novel, you might wonder whether this is going to be as strong as Mr Gilleo’s first. Well to those thinking that you won’t be disappointed, as this author has gone from strength to strength.
October 6, 2012
Jake Patrick spent a long time caring for his terminally ill mother. His father, Peter Winthrop, was never in the picture until Jake’s mother dies. Father and son re-connect. Reluctantly, Jake agrees to spend the summer working at his father’s firm, but it turns out to be the most dangerous decision of his life.
Jake is embroiled in a plot filled with scandal, conspiracy and even murder. He finds his own life hanging in the balance as he races to save the life of a young pregnant woman on the island of Saipan. What he doesn’t know is saving her life could mean the end of his.
With the help of some very strange characters, Jake is taken from the politics of Washington D.C. to the sweatshops of Saipan. He discovers way more than what he bargained for. Now he fights for his own life.
Mark Gilleo takes readers on a thrill-packed adventure which keeps everyone at the edge of their seats. This is a larger than life book that gives the reader a much too vivid image of the horrors of sweatships and the corrupt, back-stabbing political world. Warning: There is violence in this book, so keep that in mind before deciding to read this.
I found this story to be captivating and one of those books that sticks with you for a long time after the last page is read. A blockbuster novel that should be on everyone's bestseller list! I definitely will be looking for more books by this author.
FTC Disclosure: Partners in Crime provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jake is embroiled in a plot filled with scandal, conspiracy and even murder. He finds his own life hanging in the balance as he races to save the life of a young pregnant woman on the island of Saipan. What he doesn’t know is saving her life could mean the end of his.
With the help of some very strange characters, Jake is taken from the politics of Washington D.C. to the sweatshops of Saipan. He discovers way more than what he bargained for. Now he fights for his own life.
Mark Gilleo takes readers on a thrill-packed adventure which keeps everyone at the edge of their seats. This is a larger than life book that gives the reader a much too vivid image of the horrors of sweatships and the corrupt, back-stabbing political world. Warning: There is violence in this book, so keep that in mind before deciding to read this.
I found this story to be captivating and one of those books that sticks with you for a long time after the last page is read. A blockbuster novel that should be on everyone's bestseller list! I definitely will be looking for more books by this author.
FTC Disclosure: Partners in Crime provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2012
This is the second book by Mark Gilleo and the complaints I had about his first book, Love Thy Neighbor, had me leery but I really enjoyed it! It was a fast read, interesting and suspense-filled.
Jake Patrick’s mom just died and his globe-trotting dad, Peter Winthrop, pops back into the picture. Jake isn’t above using his slightly guilty dad into giving him a summer job so he can pay off the bills and get ready to head back to grad school after a hiatus to take care of his sickly mom. While on the job, he reads an interesting fax that implicates his father with a pregnant sweatshop seamstress. Like his counterpart, Mark in Love Thy Neighbor, Jake has the good guy role down pat. Must do the right thing. It’s almost too much, in how they MUST do it. Why? Other people could take this on, people with experience, but NOPE. They must do it. So what does he do? Hooks up with a homeless ex-CIA operative and takes on a very impressive Chinese family with deadly connections.
I liked this book, it isn’t going to win any best book evaaaaaaaaar prizes, but it’s solid. I would recommend this one over Love Thy Neighbor if you want to check out Gilleo’s work. I do wish there was more character development. More questions answered and a more clear cut reason for why people decided on X , Y, & Z move. Sometimes it just didn’t flow right, it needed a bit of a connection in thoughts of the characters, if that makes sense.
Jake Patrick’s mom just died and his globe-trotting dad, Peter Winthrop, pops back into the picture. Jake isn’t above using his slightly guilty dad into giving him a summer job so he can pay off the bills and get ready to head back to grad school after a hiatus to take care of his sickly mom. While on the job, he reads an interesting fax that implicates his father with a pregnant sweatshop seamstress. Like his counterpart, Mark in Love Thy Neighbor, Jake has the good guy role down pat. Must do the right thing. It’s almost too much, in how they MUST do it. Why? Other people could take this on, people with experience, but NOPE. They must do it. So what does he do? Hooks up with a homeless ex-CIA operative and takes on a very impressive Chinese family with deadly connections.
I liked this book, it isn’t going to win any best book evaaaaaaaaar prizes, but it’s solid. I would recommend this one over Love Thy Neighbor if you want to check out Gilleo’s work. I do wish there was more character development. More questions answered and a more clear cut reason for why people decided on X , Y, & Z move. Sometimes it just didn’t flow right, it needed a bit of a connection in thoughts of the characters, if that makes sense.
September 27, 2012
I like suspense and this fit the bill. There was always something going on, it all fit together well and I was buying it. A few times it got a bit more detailed about how the Senate works than I needed ... as a Canadian, I wasn't that interested, to be honest. I just wanted to get back to the story so skimmed over it.
I enjoyed the writing style ... it kept me interested. Occasionally the language got a bit "mature" but I was okay with that. It's an intriguing story. We hear about sweatshops but I've never read much about them. A lot of the focus of this book is on one ... quite enlightening.
The characters I was supposed to like, I did ... like Jake, Kate and Al. The ones I wasn't supposed to like, I didn't ... like the Changs and Senator Day. It was interesting to see Jake's interactions with his dad, Peter, after having no contact for so many years. Jake just spent the last year or so taking care of his mom (who died of cancer just before the book started) and he has no illusions about his dad. Surprisingly I found myself liking one of the bad guys and was kind of cheering for him.
I've never heard of this author but will put him on my "to keep reading" list.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/09...
I enjoyed the writing style ... it kept me interested. Occasionally the language got a bit "mature" but I was okay with that. It's an intriguing story. We hear about sweatshops but I've never read much about them. A lot of the focus of this book is on one ... quite enlightening.
The characters I was supposed to like, I did ... like Jake, Kate and Al. The ones I wasn't supposed to like, I didn't ... like the Changs and Senator Day. It was interesting to see Jake's interactions with his dad, Peter, after having no contact for so many years. Jake just spent the last year or so taking care of his mom (who died of cancer just before the book started) and he has no illusions about his dad. Surprisingly I found myself liking one of the bad guys and was kind of cheering for him.
I've never heard of this author but will put him on my "to keep reading" list.
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/09...
October 4, 2012
I really ended up enjoying this book as soon as everything started to click. In the beginning, you’re flipping back and forth between the different locations and people. Once you get enough of the details, it all clicked and took off for me. Definitely a page turner. I did enjoy the main character Jake Patrick. There are a lot of things I want to say about him, but realize it will give the story away. He was an all around good guy for the things dealt him in every situation. My favorite character was Al. Wait until you meet him. I hope you like him too. The mystery/thriller plot was great involving sweatshops, politics, and individual’s lives. I was intrigued by all the people involved who thought they were “innocent” as they claimed they were not involved in the crime from beginning to end. I also enjoyed the detectives. Great humor while they interacted with each other on the case.Definitely giving this book 4 stars. I highly recommend this book to readers of the suspense/thriller genre. Well worth your time. This is not a fluff book, you do have to pay attention, but it is not so heavy that you could get lost.
September 20, 2012
2.5
I'm not really sure what to say about Sweat. It really isn't the type of book I would normally read, but during a particularly click-happy netgalley surfing session, I somehow requested this book and got approved. Although once I started reading it, I actually ended up getting fairly sucked in. It's been a couple of weeks since I read this--I actually completely forgot about it--so I can't remember all the details. It's a political thriller that boils down to a girl who is pregnant with a senator's baby who became pregnant when he and a powerful Washington, DC businessman visited the sweatshop she worked at in Saipan. The story follows several characters and discusses inner American politics that may be completely accurate or not. I honestly have little understanding about the way Washington "really" works. The writing is fast-paced and overall it's a fairly enjoyable, if forgettable, read.
I'm not really sure what to say about Sweat. It really isn't the type of book I would normally read, but during a particularly click-happy netgalley surfing session, I somehow requested this book and got approved. Although once I started reading it, I actually ended up getting fairly sucked in. It's been a couple of weeks since I read this--I actually completely forgot about it--so I can't remember all the details. It's a political thriller that boils down to a girl who is pregnant with a senator's baby who became pregnant when he and a powerful Washington, DC businessman visited the sweatshop she worked at in Saipan. The story follows several characters and discusses inner American politics that may be completely accurate or not. I honestly have little understanding about the way Washington "really" works. The writing is fast-paced and overall it's a fairly enjoyable, if forgettable, read.
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