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Frank Renzi #3
Natalie's Revenge
Murder and revenge in New Orleans.
TWO MURDERS TWENTY YEARS APART
1988: Ten-year-old Natalie is devastated when police find her call girl mother brutally beaten to death in a New Orleans hotel. Like the dragon tattoo girl, Natalie wants revenge. She vows to find the man who killed her mother and punish him. After her unhappy teen years in Texas, her hunt for the killer takes her from dancing in New York City strip clubs to working as a call girl in Paris. And back to the Big Easy, with a gun.
2008: New Orleans Police Detective Frank Renzi investigates the murder of a VIP businessman in a French Quarter hotel. Is it revenge for the 1988 murder? When the killings continue, Renzi pursues the elusive Natalie. Is she the killer? Or just another call girl?
Don't miss the exciting showdown between Natalie (armed, dangerous and determined) and NOPD detective Frank Renzi.
This is volume 3 in the Frank Renzi mystery series.
TWO MURDERS TWENTY YEARS APART
1988: Ten-year-old Natalie is devastated when police find her call girl mother brutally beaten to death in a New Orleans hotel. Like the dragon tattoo girl, Natalie wants revenge. She vows to find the man who killed her mother and punish him. After her unhappy teen years in Texas, her hunt for the killer takes her from dancing in New York City strip clubs to working as a call girl in Paris. And back to the Big Easy, with a gun.
2008: New Orleans Police Detective Frank Renzi investigates the murder of a VIP businessman in a French Quarter hotel. Is it revenge for the 1988 murder? When the killings continue, Renzi pursues the elusive Natalie. Is she the killer? Or just another call girl?
Don't miss the exciting showdown between Natalie (armed, dangerous and determined) and NOPD detective Frank Renzi.
This is volume 3 in the Frank Renzi mystery series.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2012
72 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fleet
21 books67 followersMusic & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that's how I discovered my dark side.
After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers. Scroll down and check the video trailers.
I survived Katrina, but divide my time between Boston and the Big Easy. On my website I post profiles of women musicians. I also write ebooks about true crime: DARK DEEDS about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!
After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers. Scroll down and check the video trailers.
I survived Katrina, but divide my time between Boston and the Big Easy. On my website I post profiles of women musicians. I also write ebooks about true crime: DARK DEEDS about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 23, 2012
For readers following the coolest detective in literature at the moment - Frank Renzi - they will be thrilled to know there’s a new crime for him to solve. For those readers who haven’t ‘caught on’ to Renzi as of yet, these are the suspense/crime novels you want on your bookshelf.
With this new tale, readers begin in 1988 New Orleans, where a very young girl named Natalie wakes up one morning to find her mother not there, and police outside the door with some very bad news.
Fast forward to 2008. Frank Renzi and his partner, Kenyon Miller, have found a major VIP shot in the head in one of the swankiest hotels that ‘The Big Easy’ has to offer. The victim, Arnold Peterson, is the marketing director of ‘The Babylon’ - a new, ritzy casino in the French Quarter. Arnold isn’t a horrible person, but he did have major alleged gambling debts as well as a ‘nose’ for the ladies so, basically, there are many who would want to erase him from the scene.
As Renzi begins to investigate he first heads to the wife, and finds a woman who loves her kids but frankly doesn’t much care that hubby is gone. She knows about his wandering ways and also knows there were people at work who wanted his job and wanted it badly. Not exactly heartbroken, she had stayed with Arnold in order to keep that social status she loves so much. And…has an alibi.
As Renzi continues, being pushed harder and harder in order to solve this high profile crime, he discovers a great many suspects who ALL seem to have reliable alibis until…
Another man is found shot in the head in a city park. Completely different from Peterson, this was a young man from Texas who just seemed to meet up with the wrong person…yet the bullet in his brain came from the same gun that Peterson’s had.
Readers will literally sit on-the-edge of their seats when they begin to follow young Natalie who seeks revenge for what happened to her mother so long ago. From Natalie’s hard past to her time in Paris, Natalie is a truly intelligent and seductive character. When Renzi jumps on her trail he uncovers a great deal about the young woman, but has perhaps also found the one case he literally can’t close.
This is one great author! From her delectable mysteries to her seductive look at New Orleans - with hurricanes coming as Renzi’s hunt and Natalie’s actions go beyond thrilling - readers could just have a heart attack from the excitement.
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
With this new tale, readers begin in 1988 New Orleans, where a very young girl named Natalie wakes up one morning to find her mother not there, and police outside the door with some very bad news.
Fast forward to 2008. Frank Renzi and his partner, Kenyon Miller, have found a major VIP shot in the head in one of the swankiest hotels that ‘The Big Easy’ has to offer. The victim, Arnold Peterson, is the marketing director of ‘The Babylon’ - a new, ritzy casino in the French Quarter. Arnold isn’t a horrible person, but he did have major alleged gambling debts as well as a ‘nose’ for the ladies so, basically, there are many who would want to erase him from the scene.
As Renzi begins to investigate he first heads to the wife, and finds a woman who loves her kids but frankly doesn’t much care that hubby is gone. She knows about his wandering ways and also knows there were people at work who wanted his job and wanted it badly. Not exactly heartbroken, she had stayed with Arnold in order to keep that social status she loves so much. And…has an alibi.
As Renzi continues, being pushed harder and harder in order to solve this high profile crime, he discovers a great many suspects who ALL seem to have reliable alibis until…
Another man is found shot in the head in a city park. Completely different from Peterson, this was a young man from Texas who just seemed to meet up with the wrong person…yet the bullet in his brain came from the same gun that Peterson’s had.
Readers will literally sit on-the-edge of their seats when they begin to follow young Natalie who seeks revenge for what happened to her mother so long ago. From Natalie’s hard past to her time in Paris, Natalie is a truly intelligent and seductive character. When Renzi jumps on her trail he uncovers a great deal about the young woman, but has perhaps also found the one case he literally can’t close.
This is one great author! From her delectable mysteries to her seductive look at New Orleans - with hurricanes coming as Renzi’s hunt and Natalie’s actions go beyond thrilling - readers could just have a heart attack from the excitement.
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
February 24, 2015
First Susan Fleet gave us a story about a serial killer with Absolution, then a stalker with Diva. In the third book of the Detective Renzi series, we again are entertained by his dedicated cop persona. In this book we learn more about Renzi and delve into his compassionate side.
The best part of this book Natalie's Revenge is the villain in this story. In some ways Natalie is a victim herself. Renzi loses his objectivity for a moment, until he can see through the emotional struggle. All cops have cases they remember for various reasons, and Frank Renzi will never forget the murders involving Natalie.....and neither will the reader.
This is a great story and very inventive. There is lots of action, great locations, and a story within a story. Susan again brings us to the streets of New Orleans with a vivid picture of the mayhem during a hurricane. I loved this story and I am looking forward to the next Detective Frank Renzi case.
I strongly recommend reading this story - a great look into motivation, the human drive, and how our psyche can go astray.
The best part of this book Natalie's Revenge is the villain in this story. In some ways Natalie is a victim herself. Renzi loses his objectivity for a moment, until he can see through the emotional struggle. All cops have cases they remember for various reasons, and Frank Renzi will never forget the murders involving Natalie.....and neither will the reader.
This is a great story and very inventive. There is lots of action, great locations, and a story within a story. Susan again brings us to the streets of New Orleans with a vivid picture of the mayhem during a hurricane. I loved this story and I am looking forward to the next Detective Frank Renzi case.
I strongly recommend reading this story - a great look into motivation, the human drive, and how our psyche can go astray.
December 3, 2012
First one, then two then... someone is executing prominent businessmen and Frank Renzi is put on the case. Beset by politics within the county administration and consumed by worry for his lady, the last thing he needs is a complicated, long-running murder mystery to solve.
Natalie Brixton’s mother was murdered when she was ten years old and now in her twenties, Natalie may well be seeking retribution.
This latest Frank Renzi mystery is superb! Skilfully crafted, well written and fast-paced, this novel is a delight. Susan Fleet is a brilliant writer who brings out the best in her characters and drags her readers into the action. I found myself urging Natalie on, hoping she will out run her pursuers and wondering how on earth it would end.
I was not disappointed!
Frank, a sympathetic character in spite of his hard-bitten cop persona, has a sneaking admiration for Natalie, whose story we learn in a series of excerpts from her diary.
I loved this novel and would highly recommend it as a great read and a keeper.
Natalie Brixton’s mother was murdered when she was ten years old and now in her twenties, Natalie may well be seeking retribution.
This latest Frank Renzi mystery is superb! Skilfully crafted, well written and fast-paced, this novel is a delight. Susan Fleet is a brilliant writer who brings out the best in her characters and drags her readers into the action. I found myself urging Natalie on, hoping she will out run her pursuers and wondering how on earth it would end.
I was not disappointed!
Frank, a sympathetic character in spite of his hard-bitten cop persona, has a sneaking admiration for Natalie, whose story we learn in a series of excerpts from her diary.
I loved this novel and would highly recommend it as a great read and a keeper.
December 12, 2012
1988 - As soon as she woke up, she knew something was wrong.
Natalie was only ten, but she doubted her mom when she said she worked so late because she was a hostess at some fancy restaurant. Natalie was always home alone and never opened the door for anyone. When the doorbell rang, she looked out the peephole. It was a woman cop and she knew Natalie's name. She went on to tell her that her mom was dead.
July 2008 - Renzi was called out in the middle of the night for a body with a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. It was a hit. Renzi's partner, Kenyon Miller was on his way. When he arrived, he told Renzi that he knew him. He was a bigwig at the new casino - The BABYLON.
The victim, Arnold, had been a good father, but a womanizer. He and his wife lived separate lives and it came out that he had a gambling problem. Could it be a disgruntled husband? A Business partner? His Wife? A Loan shark?
As they went over the security tapes from the Hotel Bienvenue, where Peterson was staying, Renzi saw her. She entered Peterson's room. Her hat and sunglasses covered her face, but he noticed her walk, that she was fit and athletic. He also noticed a tattoo on her ankle. High priced hooker?
At the Sunshine Inn, June Carson was preparing to leave town. Her next stop was Circle K for travel supplies. She saw she was being watched by a guy in a cowboy hat. She left quickly, but he followed her, then called her name "Natalie". It was an old classmate, Tex Conroy, from Pecos, Texas.. He had recognized her firebird pendant - her good luck charm. Not so good now. She knew what she had to do, get him off in an isolated place.
After her mothers death, she was sent to her Uncle, Jerome Brixton in Pecos Texas. She liked to watch America's Most Wanted and wondered what it would be like to run from the law. She researched her Vietnamese heritage and chose birds and mountains to protect herself. If she didn't avenge her mothers death, would angry spirits ruin her life?
Her cousin, Randy, called her slant eyes and gook. When she adopted a kitten, Randy killed it. She vowed she would make him pay.
Chinese proverb - All warfare is based on deception. Natalie learned Tae (strike) Kwon (strike with fist) Do (means way). She learned Jiapsul - pressure points. Part of the Tae Kwan Do oath was, "I shall be a champion of justice and freedom"." She liked that. Justice for her mom. Freedom for herself. She learned to shoot guns because sometimes martial arts wouldn't be enough.
As Renzi investigated Tex's death in Pecos, the name Natale came up. She was accused of killing her cousin, Randy. He fell off a cliff at a family picnic. She wasn't charged, but Renzi felt she was the one.
She knows he is closing in on her, but nothing was going to stop her from fulfilling her destiny.
5 - Would Highly Recommend To Others
I love the cover. Red is very eye-catching and who doesn't love a shoot `em up female protagonist. She even holds the gun properly. The title speaks for itself. The "package" made me want to pick it up and read it the moment I got it.
New Orleans. I've spent a lot of time visiting New Orleans. I love to read about places I've been to and am so familiar with. It seems to add something extra.
Once Renzi got to Pecos, I read faster and faster, learning about Natalie and her life in Pecos. I could feel the suspense building as I wondered how Renzi would catch her and wishing he wouldn't. Very well written. I was unable to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen to her.
I love when the character, whether a book, TV show or movie, has to seek justice for themselves, like Death Wish . I have watched them so many times, I feel like I know all the characters intimately. I loved all the Death wishes, so I knew I would love this book. Of course, if everyone did it, we'd be like the Wild West. I rooted for her to exact her revenge and get away with it, even though she might have went too far.
I loved that Natalie went about her life, doing what she had to do to accomplish her goal, made me feel more empathy for her. Stripping, hooking and sacrificing her life, so she could put things right. Feeling as if her heritage demanded it or she would be haunted for the rest of her life. She became an actess, a chameleon. She had seven words to live by - Be what they want you to be. She trusted no one and relied only on herself.
I loved her single mindedness to achieve her goal and the sacrifices she made, but then what? She really wanted what we all want, but she needed answers to be able to move on. And after all she had done, how could she have a "normal" life?
How far would you go to make sure someone paid for destroying a loved one's life? Would you be able to do whatever it takes to make them pay?
Loved it when Vobitch kicked Hammer out of his office. I loved the dialogue between Renzi, his partner Kenyon and his boss, Vobitch. A verbal jousting match. Sarcastic, back and forth bantering, like Lisbon and Jane on The Mentalist.
Multiple story lines throughout the plot. Renzi is in love with Kelly who is also a cop. Hurricane Gail is heading for New Orleans. Guess a lot of us know what that entails.
Ending? Loved it. I sat there with my mouth hanging open, thinking.......Let me..................... Nope, you'll have to find out for yourself.
Natalie's Revenge Susan Fleet
Natalie was only ten, but she doubted her mom when she said she worked so late because she was a hostess at some fancy restaurant. Natalie was always home alone and never opened the door for anyone. When the doorbell rang, she looked out the peephole. It was a woman cop and she knew Natalie's name. She went on to tell her that her mom was dead.
July 2008 - Renzi was called out in the middle of the night for a body with a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. It was a hit. Renzi's partner, Kenyon Miller was on his way. When he arrived, he told Renzi that he knew him. He was a bigwig at the new casino - The BABYLON.
The victim, Arnold, had been a good father, but a womanizer. He and his wife lived separate lives and it came out that he had a gambling problem. Could it be a disgruntled husband? A Business partner? His Wife? A Loan shark?
As they went over the security tapes from the Hotel Bienvenue, where Peterson was staying, Renzi saw her. She entered Peterson's room. Her hat and sunglasses covered her face, but he noticed her walk, that she was fit and athletic. He also noticed a tattoo on her ankle. High priced hooker?
At the Sunshine Inn, June Carson was preparing to leave town. Her next stop was Circle K for travel supplies. She saw she was being watched by a guy in a cowboy hat. She left quickly, but he followed her, then called her name "Natalie". It was an old classmate, Tex Conroy, from Pecos, Texas.. He had recognized her firebird pendant - her good luck charm. Not so good now. She knew what she had to do, get him off in an isolated place.
After her mothers death, she was sent to her Uncle, Jerome Brixton in Pecos Texas. She liked to watch America's Most Wanted and wondered what it would be like to run from the law. She researched her Vietnamese heritage and chose birds and mountains to protect herself. If she didn't avenge her mothers death, would angry spirits ruin her life?
Her cousin, Randy, called her slant eyes and gook. When she adopted a kitten, Randy killed it. She vowed she would make him pay.
Chinese proverb - All warfare is based on deception. Natalie learned Tae (strike) Kwon (strike with fist) Do (means way). She learned Jiapsul - pressure points. Part of the Tae Kwan Do oath was, "I shall be a champion of justice and freedom"." She liked that. Justice for her mom. Freedom for herself. She learned to shoot guns because sometimes martial arts wouldn't be enough.
As Renzi investigated Tex's death in Pecos, the name Natale came up. She was accused of killing her cousin, Randy. He fell off a cliff at a family picnic. She wasn't charged, but Renzi felt she was the one.
She knows he is closing in on her, but nothing was going to stop her from fulfilling her destiny.
5 - Would Highly Recommend To Others
I love the cover. Red is very eye-catching and who doesn't love a shoot `em up female protagonist. She even holds the gun properly. The title speaks for itself. The "package" made me want to pick it up and read it the moment I got it.
New Orleans. I've spent a lot of time visiting New Orleans. I love to read about places I've been to and am so familiar with. It seems to add something extra.
Once Renzi got to Pecos, I read faster and faster, learning about Natalie and her life in Pecos. I could feel the suspense building as I wondered how Renzi would catch her and wishing he wouldn't. Very well written. I was unable to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen to her.
I love when the character, whether a book, TV show or movie, has to seek justice for themselves, like Death Wish . I have watched them so many times, I feel like I know all the characters intimately. I loved all the Death wishes, so I knew I would love this book. Of course, if everyone did it, we'd be like the Wild West. I rooted for her to exact her revenge and get away with it, even though she might have went too far.
I loved that Natalie went about her life, doing what she had to do to accomplish her goal, made me feel more empathy for her. Stripping, hooking and sacrificing her life, so she could put things right. Feeling as if her heritage demanded it or she would be haunted for the rest of her life. She became an actess, a chameleon. She had seven words to live by - Be what they want you to be. She trusted no one and relied only on herself.
I loved her single mindedness to achieve her goal and the sacrifices she made, but then what? She really wanted what we all want, but she needed answers to be able to move on. And after all she had done, how could she have a "normal" life?
How far would you go to make sure someone paid for destroying a loved one's life? Would you be able to do whatever it takes to make them pay?
Loved it when Vobitch kicked Hammer out of his office. I loved the dialogue between Renzi, his partner Kenyon and his boss, Vobitch. A verbal jousting match. Sarcastic, back and forth bantering, like Lisbon and Jane on The Mentalist.
Multiple story lines throughout the plot. Renzi is in love with Kelly who is also a cop. Hurricane Gail is heading for New Orleans. Guess a lot of us know what that entails.
Ending? Loved it. I sat there with my mouth hanging open, thinking.......Let me..................... Nope, you'll have to find out for yourself.
Natalie's Revenge Susan Fleet
July 1, 2017
Very interesting take on a child's revenge
on the high profile client that murdered her mother, a prostitute. It took her 17 years but she was finally able to attempt to avenge her mother's murder, or was she???
on the high profile client that murdered her mother, a prostitute. It took her 17 years but she was finally able to attempt to avenge her mother's murder, or was she???
December 8, 2017
This book kept going on and on. I liked the start with a 10 year old girl being left by herself most nights as her mom "works" to support herself and her daughter, and then one day her mom doesn't wake her up for school. And so it begins. Her mother killed, brought up be relatives in Pecos. Her cousin tries to abuse her, and she eventually kills him, while always striving to find the man that killed her mom.
I kept reading. It was kind of interesting, but pretty long. A lot of stuff happens, and I kept wondering when she would get caught / killed. About 75% of the way through the book, I started rooting for her to accomplish her goal and not get caught, then.....
Then what?
I liked the main detective, Frank. I like the way our author portrayed the CIA guy looking to avenge his CIA friend that was killed. I liked the description of the lady owning Parade's Aplenty, at least I think that was the name of the place Natalie stayed at in New Orleans.
Read it yourself, it's pretty good.
I kept reading. It was kind of interesting, but pretty long. A lot of stuff happens, and I kept wondering when she would get caught / killed. About 75% of the way through the book, I started rooting for her to accomplish her goal and not get caught, then.....
Then what?
I liked the main detective, Frank. I like the way our author portrayed the CIA guy looking to avenge his CIA friend that was killed. I liked the description of the lady owning Parade's Aplenty, at least I think that was the name of the place Natalie stayed at in New Orleans.
Read it yourself, it's pretty good.
March 1, 2018
Wow, just wow! I downloaded this book for free a few years ago but finally just got around to reading it due to being a busy graduate student. I am always reluctant to read independently published books that are free because they can be incredibly horrible. The plot, characters, and setting of this story were amazing. If you're into crime fiction, I highly recommend this story. I'm excited this book is part of a series and plan to download more.
May 5, 2024
Once she found out who did it, she didn't hesitate to plan to kill him. But there were a lot more deaths. In the end, a feeling of defeat, and also a desire to stop killing. This was a tense read, complicated by police internal politics, and strong feelings. Almost needs a sequel to calm everything down.
May 29, 2018
Loved it to the end
Will there be a sequel to this novel. Sometimes the transitions from one timeframe to another was difficult to follow. Having said that, Renzi will be one of my favorites.
Will there be a sequel to this novel. Sometimes the transitions from one timeframe to another was difficult to follow. Having said that, Renzi will be one of my favorites.
December 14, 2017
liked it
good read. very interesting and gull of surprises. I will read the sequel. I f there is one for Natalie
good read. very interesting and gull of surprises. I will read the sequel. I f there is one for Natalie
October 15, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 5, 2017
I love this series. I have read them all and cannot wait for the next one.
I love this series. I have read them all and cannot wait for the next one.
February 7, 2023
Decent story but the proofreading was horrible.
July 7, 2014
I've just finished reading “Natalie’s Revenge” by author Susan Fleet, and to sum up? It was an amazingly great read! Apparently this isn't Fleet’s first stint as a “detective/mystery/thriller” author and this fact shows in her writing skills. “Natalie’s Revenge” is interesting, it’s fast-paced, it’s well written and…it’s extremely challenging to put down. The characters found within “Natalie’s Revenge” are believable and likable, so much so, that even though you know “who done it” you still kind of hope that person can get away with it.
“Natalie’s Revenge” is the third book in Fleet’s “Frank Renzi” detective/mystery series. The setting for “Natalie’s Revenge” is the city of New Orleans and Renzi needs to solve not one, but two murders that happened twenty years apart.
One morning, in 1988, ten-year-old Natalie woke up to discover that her mom never came home the night before. Panic stricken Natalie tries to grasp the fact that she overslept, she’s late for school and her mother’s bed was never slept in. She’s at a loss for who to call or what to do. She just knows deep inside her that something is terribly wrong.
Fast forward twenty years to 2008; it’s 1:00 A.M. and Homicide Detective Frank Renzi has just been woken up. There’s been a murder in one of New Orleans’s upscale hotels and Renzi is expected to get over there immediately. Upon arriving, neither Renzi nor his partner are particularly pleased to discover that the dead man is none other than Arnold Peterson, one of the cities more wealthy and powerful men.
Hotel security footage shows what appears to be a younger woman entering, and leaving, Peterson’s hotel room prior to the murder, but no positive identification can be made. Peterson was killed mafia style, by a single gunshot to the head, and Renzi, loathe to think a woman could be so cold-blooded, begins looking for other suspects. Unfortunately, everything he finds keeps pointing him back to the woman on the video. Next thing Renzi knows, he traveling all over the country trying to locate this femme fatale so he can stop her from killing anyone else.
I’m not going to give any more details away; suffice it to say that “Natalie’s Revenge” is a great book. If you enjoy reading detective/mystery/murder/thrillers than this is one title you will definitely want to pick up.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
“Natalie’s Revenge” is the third book in Fleet’s “Frank Renzi” detective/mystery series. The setting for “Natalie’s Revenge” is the city of New Orleans and Renzi needs to solve not one, but two murders that happened twenty years apart.
One morning, in 1988, ten-year-old Natalie woke up to discover that her mom never came home the night before. Panic stricken Natalie tries to grasp the fact that she overslept, she’s late for school and her mother’s bed was never slept in. She’s at a loss for who to call or what to do. She just knows deep inside her that something is terribly wrong.
Fast forward twenty years to 2008; it’s 1:00 A.M. and Homicide Detective Frank Renzi has just been woken up. There’s been a murder in one of New Orleans’s upscale hotels and Renzi is expected to get over there immediately. Upon arriving, neither Renzi nor his partner are particularly pleased to discover that the dead man is none other than Arnold Peterson, one of the cities more wealthy and powerful men.
Hotel security footage shows what appears to be a younger woman entering, and leaving, Peterson’s hotel room prior to the murder, but no positive identification can be made. Peterson was killed mafia style, by a single gunshot to the head, and Renzi, loathe to think a woman could be so cold-blooded, begins looking for other suspects. Unfortunately, everything he finds keeps pointing him back to the woman on the video. Next thing Renzi knows, he traveling all over the country trying to locate this femme fatale so he can stop her from killing anyone else.
I’m not going to give any more details away; suffice it to say that “Natalie’s Revenge” is a great book. If you enjoy reading detective/mystery/murder/thrillers than this is one title you will definitely want to pick up.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
October 16, 2015
Starting with the 1988 murder of Natalie Brixton's mother, "Natlie's Revenge" is the third, and best to date in author Susan Fleet's Frank Renzi series. N.O.P.D. detective Frank Renzi's newest homicide case in 2008, it that of businessman Arnold Peterson. Peterson, the director of marketing for the "Babylon Casino" was about to be fired for some shady dealing before his murder. Then the body of Tex Conroy from Pecos, Texas turns up having been killed with the same gun that had murdered Peterson. It's about this point Renzi gets clued onto Natalie. With a huge hurricane bearing down on New Orleans, Renzi and partner Kenyon Miller are under intense pressure to clear the cases. Renzi is forced to go to Boston, and Pecos in hunt for his killer. Meanwhile Natalie is following her own script and is more than determined to complete her mission before heading back to seclusion in Paris. After reading the first two books in this series I almost didn't pick this one up. However, I was surprised it came out of the gate at a very quick pace, and with some really well developed characters. Although it did start to drag towards the last third of book I still found it to be an enjoyable read. New Orleans, hurricanes, with murder and mayhem mixed in seemed to flow pretty good as a story line. Book also bounced through Paris, Boston, Nashua, and Pecos to add some flair to Natalie's mission. I'm pretty sure I'm going to move onto fourth book in series. It's a tough series to like or dislike. First two books did okay, and this one turned up a few notches. I'm hoping next book in series doesn't fall off a cliff. So far author Susan Fleet's writing style hasn't grabbed me too well. Four stars out of a possible five stars for "Natalie's Revenge". I'd recommend this one to start series with and skip first two, you're not missing too much from Renzi's prior private or public lives.
May 16, 2013
I snagged a copy of this book because I love a story that centers around revenge. When a person becomes so damaged by the despicable actions of another and watches helplessly while the criminal escapes the long arm of the law, a monster sometimes invades the soul of the victim.
A monster called revenge.
A ten year old girl's life is broken when her mother is murdered in New Orleans. The only comfort and love Natalie every knew, her warmth and security is gone, ripped from her life by the hands of a killer. For the next several years, Natalie's wounded heart and soul await for the police to do their job and find and punish her mother's killer. By the time Natalie reaches adulthood, she realizes that heavy task is now upon her shoulders since the case is now cold and remains unsolved.
Natalie's pain and inner torment jump off the pages and you can't help but feel a connection with her and her determined focus to seek revenge--no matter what the cost.
Enter New Orleans Detective Frank Renzi. Desperate to solve a high profile murder and bring a killer to justice, he is the polar opposite of Natalie's character. As the story progresses, told through both the detective's viewpoint and Natalie's, I found myself cheering for them both. It takes an incredibly talented author to pull that off!
If you love a tale of revenge, then get your copy today!
A monster called revenge.
A ten year old girl's life is broken when her mother is murdered in New Orleans. The only comfort and love Natalie every knew, her warmth and security is gone, ripped from her life by the hands of a killer. For the next several years, Natalie's wounded heart and soul await for the police to do their job and find and punish her mother's killer. By the time Natalie reaches adulthood, she realizes that heavy task is now upon her shoulders since the case is now cold and remains unsolved.
Natalie's pain and inner torment jump off the pages and you can't help but feel a connection with her and her determined focus to seek revenge--no matter what the cost.
Enter New Orleans Detective Frank Renzi. Desperate to solve a high profile murder and bring a killer to justice, he is the polar opposite of Natalie's character. As the story progresses, told through both the detective's viewpoint and Natalie's, I found myself cheering for them both. It takes an incredibly talented author to pull that off!
If you love a tale of revenge, then get your copy today!
March 21, 2013
I had to read this book after noticing Boston and New Orleans references. I have spent a great deal of time in both cities and know them well. Like many readers I will perhaps enjoy a book more when I can relate to characters, and places. In this case the descriptions often put me at the scene. This is a unique tale, and had it taken place in Bangkok or New Orange, I would have still enjoyed it a great deal.
"Natalie's Revenge" is masterfully constructed with vivid descriptions of action occurring when Natalie was ten, and also many years later.
I always love great dialogue, and there is plenty here. Detective Frank Renzi’s back and forth with other cops is delightful, as are Natalie’s conversations with whomever she speaks.
I developed a love/hate relationship with the villain, sometimes rooting for her and other times being disappointed in her actions. The ending to this story could have gone several different ways. I am glad of the author’s choice.
I must warn some folks about a bit of rough language, though I did not find it overly vulgar or obscene. “Natalie’s Revenge” was a lot of fun. Frank Renzi is my new favorite cop. And Susan Fleet is a new favorite writer.
"Natalie's Revenge" is masterfully constructed with vivid descriptions of action occurring when Natalie was ten, and also many years later.
I always love great dialogue, and there is plenty here. Detective Frank Renzi’s back and forth with other cops is delightful, as are Natalie’s conversations with whomever she speaks.
I developed a love/hate relationship with the villain, sometimes rooting for her and other times being disappointed in her actions. The ending to this story could have gone several different ways. I am glad of the author’s choice.
I must warn some folks about a bit of rough language, though I did not find it overly vulgar or obscene. “Natalie’s Revenge” was a lot of fun. Frank Renzi is my new favorite cop. And Susan Fleet is a new favorite writer.
July 13, 2015
I literally just finished Natalie’s Revenge and “needed” to put my thoughts down ASAP. While I read Natalie’s Art first, it really made no difference to me. Both are standalone’s, in my opinion.
Natalie is part Vietnamese and part Caucasian … and she is one tough cookie, especially for a girl! In this book she is out to avenge her mother’s death … even if takes her over 20 years to do so. Having lost her when she was only 10, and never knowing her father as a child, her life was not easy. But she survived, traveling the world to Paris, New Orleans, Pecos, Boston … using her body and mind to accomplish her self-imposed goal. This should give you an idea of the determination the author, Susan Fleet, instilled in her protagonist.
The action starts on page one and doesn’t end … until the last sentence! And the good news is, because of the sequel, there’s more of Natalie to come.
If you choose to get to know Natalie, do it now!
Happy Reading!
Natalie is part Vietnamese and part Caucasian … and she is one tough cookie, especially for a girl! In this book she is out to avenge her mother’s death … even if takes her over 20 years to do so. Having lost her when she was only 10, and never knowing her father as a child, her life was not easy. But she survived, traveling the world to Paris, New Orleans, Pecos, Boston … using her body and mind to accomplish her self-imposed goal. This should give you an idea of the determination the author, Susan Fleet, instilled in her protagonist.
The action starts on page one and doesn’t end … until the last sentence! And the good news is, because of the sequel, there’s more of Natalie to come.
If you choose to get to know Natalie, do it now!
Happy Reading!
October 22, 2012
"Natalie's Revenge" is the third in Susan Fleet's New Orleans police procedurals.
Fleet continues to hone her craft as evidenced by the way she interweaves the stories of her protagonist--detective Frank Renzi--and the person he's persuing. We follow Renzi as he maneuvers the complex politics of being a detective in New Orleans along with his equally complex personal life.
The story could have been shortened to the better by leaving out the out-of-control CIA character...unless of course Fleet plans to bring him back in a future novel.
Some readers will have a problem with the ending (I won't give it away), but I did not. In fact, I think the structure of the novel necessitated the ending. (Sorry to be so obtuse.)
Bottom line is that Natalie's Revenge is well written and keeps your interest until the final page.
Fleet continues to hone her craft as evidenced by the way she interweaves the stories of her protagonist--detective Frank Renzi--and the person he's persuing. We follow Renzi as he maneuvers the complex politics of being a detective in New Orleans along with his equally complex personal life.
The story could have been shortened to the better by leaving out the out-of-control CIA character...unless of course Fleet plans to bring him back in a future novel.
Some readers will have a problem with the ending (I won't give it away), but I did not. In fact, I think the structure of the novel necessitated the ending. (Sorry to be so obtuse.)
Bottom line is that Natalie's Revenge is well written and keeps your interest until the final page.
May 25, 2013
This was my favorite of all the Susan Fleet novels. I am hoping there will be a sequel because it left me hanging at the end. It had a sort of ending but there's got to be more. I am half in love with Frank Renzi, the main character. The author has made him very human with his own weaknesses which makes him stronger at the same time. I was glad to see that he was still with the same woman in this as the last one. I am looking forward to more of these Frank Renzi mysteries. Keep them coming, Susan.
June 2, 2013
I'm torn about this book. It took me awhile to read it; I kept getting lost between present and past time so it was not very suspenseful. Also, the ending was disappointing. The book has great reviews on Amazon, says there's a big showdown between Natalie and Frank. A big showdown? Read it and tell me what you think of the "big showdown."
June 18, 2015
I enjoyed this third installment in the Frank Renzi series. Interesting concept- murders in Nee Orleans set twenty years apart. Ancestor worship- martial arts -hurricanes -- they're all part of this fast-paced storyline. Quite a bit of resolution but open-ended enough to certainly foreshadow a sequel. Recommend it.
April 3, 2013
I really liked this book. A good adventure of a girl that grows up in an unhappy environment and who, one step ahead of the cops, avenges her mother's murder when she was 10 years old. It was marred only by the 9 errors I found.
May 28, 2013
I liked the character and thought the plot was good. However, there were some parts that lagged a little but this won't keep me from reading other books from this author so I can get a better idea of her overall works.
November 24, 2013
Lots of twists and turns in this one. The author had me alternately cheering for Detective Frank Renzi to catch Natalie, and then hoping Natalie would make her escape. No matter what, Natalie can't escape from herself. There has to be a sequel to this one.
December 15, 2014
This thriller follows the journey of Natalie, who is seeking revenge for what happened to her mother many years back. Renzy is in charge of investigating some murders and their paths will eventually cross. Exciting plot.
March 3, 2013
Susan Fleet writes some amazing books except for some editing issues. Really strong characters and a very strong plot.
March 31, 2013
Natalie's Revenge is an "edge of your seat" murder mystery. I'm now a huge fan of Susan Fleet's work. Absolution, Diva and Natalie's Revenge have me hooked.
May 1, 2013
Well written, entertaining, and engrossing. Worth the read.
July 29, 2013
Good suspenseful book. I rooted for the suspect to get away.
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