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Raja Williams #1
The Color of Greed
What do a private detective, a hacker and an assassin have in common? The desire to help when justice needs a hand.
Neither the dark, tragic anti-hero nor the James Bond super-hero type, Raja is a wealthy Oxford-educated PI of mixed Caribbean descent who possesses a strong empathic power and a sixth sense for evil that gives him headaches and steers him straight into trouble. His partner Vinny Moore is a gorgeous hipster geek who prefers hacking computers to haute couture.
The young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his yacht floating off the California coastline. His death is ruled an accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice.
When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead.
A colorful cast of characters, great dialogue and a suspenseful twisting plot make The Color of Greed an entertaining read. This is the first book in the Raja Williams series.
Neither the dark, tragic anti-hero nor the James Bond super-hero type, Raja is a wealthy Oxford-educated PI of mixed Caribbean descent who possesses a strong empathic power and a sixth sense for evil that gives him headaches and steers him straight into trouble. His partner Vinny Moore is a gorgeous hipster geek who prefers hacking computers to haute couture.
The young husband of a wealthy heiress is found dead on his yacht floating off the California coastline. His death is ruled an accident and the case is closed. The grieving widow, certain her husband was murdered but getting no help from the police, turns to Raja Williams who has dedicated his resources to help those in need of justice.
When Raja arrives in Los Angeles and more bodies begin to pile up, he suspects a coverup that may go as high up as the governor. With the help of his partner Vinny, a highly skilled hacker, Raja must unravel the case before everyone involved, including the two of them, winds up dead.
A colorful cast of characters, great dialogue and a suspenseful twisting plot make The Color of Greed an entertaining read. This is the first book in the Raja Williams series.
185 pages, ebook
First published July 23, 2012
152 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Jack Thompson
26 books57 followersJack Thompson is an international bestselling author finding voices in many genres. In addition to his popular Raja Williams mystery series, Jack writes science fiction, political thrillers, paranormal romance, children's stories and fairy tales.
According to Jack, whether reading or writing, what makes a story great is how well it communicates to the reader. Whether presenting him with a hero he wishes he could be or a villain he chooses to hate, the characters must relate to the reader on a personal level. A reader will leave a good story in an improved condition. He may have learned something new about the world or himself, or simply been well entertained. That's why Jack writes.
According to Jack, whether reading or writing, what makes a story great is how well it communicates to the reader. Whether presenting him with a hero he wishes he could be or a villain he chooses to hate, the characters must relate to the reader on a personal level. A reader will leave a good story in an improved condition. He may have learned something new about the world or himself, or simply been well entertained. That's why Jack writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 29, 2016
Enjoyed reading this book.
Like spending time with these characters, thrill, mystery, suspense and humor are all in this book. Rich PI always wants to help people with his talented hacker, all the technology on her fingertips. Kept me guessing all the way to the last chapter. 15 rules Raja uses should be practiced by everyone.
Like spending time with these characters, thrill, mystery, suspense and humor are all in this book. Rich PI always wants to help people with his talented hacker, all the technology on her fingertips. Kept me guessing all the way to the last chapter. 15 rules Raja uses should be practiced by everyone.
September 1, 2012
I received this book in return for a honest review from the author Jack Thompson. The book is about Raja Williams a private investigator who doesn't charge his clients but asks them to pay it forward. He has his own private plane, drives Ferrari's and has a partner who is one of the best hackers out there who happens to look like a super model.
Raja gets called to L.A. to find out what happened to a grieving widow's younger husband who's murdered on his yacht. Once he starts to unravel the murder he learns it goes way deeper then anyone can imagine. Soon he's driving to San Francisco looking into a crime Triad, dirty politicians, sex scandals, and a whole lot more.
I don't want to give too much away but wow. I just loved Raja and his partner Vinny they are a perfect pair they complement each other well. This book had me from chapter one and I couldn't put it do down. It's fast paced, full of action, and dripping with mystery. The characters are well developed you have a great idea who they are and they are portrayed well. This book is packed full of twists and turns that keep you guessing through the whole book. I really enjoyed the concept of which Raja is he's not your typical detective but reminds me of Dick Tracy helping out the damsel in distress. A enjoyable read that has me wanting more. I can’t wait to read book two.
Raja gets called to L.A. to find out what happened to a grieving widow's younger husband who's murdered on his yacht. Once he starts to unravel the murder he learns it goes way deeper then anyone can imagine. Soon he's driving to San Francisco looking into a crime Triad, dirty politicians, sex scandals, and a whole lot more.
I don't want to give too much away but wow. I just loved Raja and his partner Vinny they are a perfect pair they complement each other well. This book had me from chapter one and I couldn't put it do down. It's fast paced, full of action, and dripping with mystery. The characters are well developed you have a great idea who they are and they are portrayed well. This book is packed full of twists and turns that keep you guessing through the whole book. I really enjoyed the concept of which Raja is he's not your typical detective but reminds me of Dick Tracy helping out the damsel in distress. A enjoyable read that has me wanting more. I can’t wait to read book two.
September 5, 2012
Review of The Color of Greed
Raja Williams is not the routine private investigator. Of Caribbean background, he is very wealthy, yet unassuming, an individual of real moral integrity and backbone. His business partner Vinny is a former hacker-turned NSA employee-turned hacker again, who can make any computer or database tap dance on the head of a pin, and find out anything there is to be known. The two of them function well as individuals, but as a team are unbeatable; and Raja has other “team members” such as Mickey and Claus who appear when needed, and otherwise remain in the background, yet make their moments count. Called into a case in California labeled “accidental death,” Raja and Vinny soon discover that the puppet strings are being manipulated much higher up, and that what appears “accidental” is actually murder-over and over again.
I totally enjoyed reading this excellent mystery-suspense-thriller. Yes, I label it a thriller, because the plot twists and complications, as well as the intriguing characters, kept my attention on the story without lagging even for a moment. I’ve always enjoyed mysteries, but this novel has something special-a certain joie de vivre, perhaps; definitely a twisty plot, and characters that are well fleshed-out and mostly likeable (even the villains are comprehensible, and make no mistake, there is a plurality of villains). The writing is smooth and excellent, and I truly hope the author will make this a series with multiple entries.
I reviewed this book at the author's request, in exchange for my fair and impartial review.
Raja Williams is not the routine private investigator. Of Caribbean background, he is very wealthy, yet unassuming, an individual of real moral integrity and backbone. His business partner Vinny is a former hacker-turned NSA employee-turned hacker again, who can make any computer or database tap dance on the head of a pin, and find out anything there is to be known. The two of them function well as individuals, but as a team are unbeatable; and Raja has other “team members” such as Mickey and Claus who appear when needed, and otherwise remain in the background, yet make their moments count. Called into a case in California labeled “accidental death,” Raja and Vinny soon discover that the puppet strings are being manipulated much higher up, and that what appears “accidental” is actually murder-over and over again.
I totally enjoyed reading this excellent mystery-suspense-thriller. Yes, I label it a thriller, because the plot twists and complications, as well as the intriguing characters, kept my attention on the story without lagging even for a moment. I’ve always enjoyed mysteries, but this novel has something special-a certain joie de vivre, perhaps; definitely a twisty plot, and characters that are well fleshed-out and mostly likeable (even the villains are comprehensible, and make no mistake, there is a plurality of villains). The writing is smooth and excellent, and I truly hope the author will make this a series with multiple entries.
I reviewed this book at the author's request, in exchange for my fair and impartial review.
December 29, 2022
In the vast ocean of mysteries, this book is well worth the reading investment. The story itself is not a stray from the usual, but more of a, you get what you expect from this genre, in a satisfying way. The characters are enjoyable with great backstories and their dialogue is absolutely on par, great attention to detail, well researched and an addicting start to what predicts to be a great series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2012
This is the first detective story I've read by Jack Thompson. It reminds me of the old time radio shows where the private detective comes to the aid of a woman; in this case, a recent widow. The author doesn't waste any words and neither does a good detective put his feet up on his desk. It's time for action, and that is what the novel offers. Detective Raja Williams speeds to the west coast at the call of new client, Clarice Hope. Her husband, Randy, had been found dead on the topside of his yacht that had drifted into a harbor in the dark of night. The police have no evidence of foul play, but Clarice is sure the he's been murdered. Vinnie is Raja's assistant and researcher who keeps him informed and supplied with techie equipment as if he were Agent 007. Right from the beginning of Raja's investigation, his pride and joy classic vehicle, 1966 Alpha Romeo Duetta, has the brake lines cut and careens off a cliff right after Raja safely bails out. Raja and Vinnie, with the support of the LAPD, delve deep into more deaths and political deception. An aggressive story for the reader to embrace. The story is 'catnip' for the readers who love detective stories. Detective Williams and Author Jack Thompson have achieved success.
November 17, 2012
What I liked: “Wow” is all I can say. The name of this book fits perfectly - it was a story about greed – greed – greed. I loved the characters. They came alive for me, most especially Raja and Vinny. Their struggles touched me. The story flowed easily – like water - and was so riveting that I was unable to put it down. I read to escape, and this book was packed full of everything you would expect a mystery to be and then some more. A great read and look forward to reading more.
What I didn’t like: Nada.
In sum: I’m keeping this one.
What I didn’t like: Nada.
In sum: I’m keeping this one.
December 22, 2012
I love a good mystery that features a lead character that has an attitude and this one fits the profile. Another character type I like is the computer" geek"and ergo this book has met two of my favorite prerequisites. Looking forward to reading more from this author
May 7, 2013
A very enjoyable page turner! I am looking to the next Raja Williams book.
Want to read
November 1, 2020Author gift boxed set 1-3
April 21, 2013
When private investigator Raja Williams receives a call from Clarice Hope, who insists that her husband Randy was murdered, he decides to fly out to California and take on the case. The police declared Randy's death an accident, but it doesn't take long for Raja to believe that he was indeed murdered. With help from his partner and hacker, Vinny, Raja works to uncover what really happened.
The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson is a fun mystery with an old-fashioned feel to it. It reminded me of the older private investigator shows, like Columbo or even Magnum P.I. Raja is an Oxford-educated, independently wealthy man, who uses his resources to help people like Clarice. He drives fancy cars and has his own plane. But he cares about people and wants to help them. He's a character you can care about.
The investigation into Randy's death kept my interest. There were several twists and turns, and plenty of action and political intrigue. The writing and dialog were well done, but I did get a little annoyed with some of the sayings that were repeated throughout ~ particularly by Vinny. Overall, it was a fun PI story and a quick read. I'll definitely look for future novels in this series.
The Color of Greed by Jack Thompson is a fun mystery with an old-fashioned feel to it. It reminded me of the older private investigator shows, like Columbo or even Magnum P.I. Raja is an Oxford-educated, independently wealthy man, who uses his resources to help people like Clarice. He drives fancy cars and has his own plane. But he cares about people and wants to help them. He's a character you can care about.
The investigation into Randy's death kept my interest. There were several twists and turns, and plenty of action and political intrigue. The writing and dialog were well done, but I did get a little annoyed with some of the sayings that were repeated throughout ~ particularly by Vinny. Overall, it was a fun PI story and a quick read. I'll definitely look for future novels in this series.
October 14, 2012
With a bit of an old-fashioned tone to the storyline. The very rich, well-dressed main character reminded me vaguely of an early favorite of mine, Del Shannon's LAPD Lt. Mendoza, updated in this case by a quirky hacker partner.
Standard plotline, with private detective coming to the aid of a distressed widow. The political situation, which has apparently triggered a series of murders, brings this mystery into a very modern storyline. Interesting twists make this an entertaining, quick read.
My only real criticism is strictly personal. As a lifetime horse person, errors involving horses are like fingernails on a blackboard for me. If an author add horses to the storyline, get a professional horseman to read that section at least.
Standard plotline, with private detective coming to the aid of a distressed widow. The political situation, which has apparently triggered a series of murders, brings this mystery into a very modern storyline. Interesting twists make this an entertaining, quick read.
My only real criticism is strictly personal. As a lifetime horse person, errors involving horses are like fingernails on a blackboard for me. If an author add horses to the storyline, get a professional horseman to read that section at least.
June 1, 2013
Great plot and fast paced. My only dislike was that there wee times when no explanations were given for deductions that were made. The characters were interesting and the reader will want to know more about them. All in all, I will look for more Raja Williams novels.
November 23, 2016
Good Read
This was a story that fit my interest to a t. Kept me waiting for the the next page with excitement
This was a story that fit my interest to a t. Kept me waiting for the the next page with excitement
November 10, 2017
NOTE: The author graciously gave me a copy of this book and asked me to write a review.
The independently wealthy private detective is a time honored character in mysteries, dating back to the days of Lord Peter Wimsey and Nick and Nora Charles. Author Jack Thompson carries that concept forward into the 21st century in The Color of Greed. Thompson's detective, Raja Williams, is the heir to a liquor fortune and probably has a net worth that would exceed that of Wimsey and the Charleses combined. What he doesn't have, unfortunately, are any discernable detective skills, nor does author Thompson have the ability to turn a potentially good storyline into a compelling mystery.
Williams isn’t in detective work for the money; instead, he’s a sort of Don Quixote, taking on cases where he feels his talents can serve justice by solving crimes that stump the police. In The Color of Greed, he investigates the death of the much younger husband of a wealthy heiress. The police have already written off the death as a boating accident, but, as Williams investigates, he soon learns that the dead man was in the middle of a web of political intrigue involving the governor of California, a federal judge, and the executives at some of the largest energy companies in the country. And, as Williams investigates, the dead bodies start piling up, and the bad guys try to kill Williams himself by sabotaging his car’s brakes.
The case is a tough one that has baffled the police, but Williams has some resources at his disposal the police don’t. First, there’s Vinny, Williams’ partner of sorts, who is the self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Computer Hacker, and then there is a mysterious Israeli ex-special forces agent, the World’s Greatest Bodyguard, who shows up when needed to supply the necessary muscle and/or firepower to get Williams and his friends out of trouble. It’s a good thing that Williams has such talented friends working for him, because he never seems to do much actual detective work, you know, the sort where he goes out and talks to witnesses and learns details about the victims and possible killers that would eventually enable him to actually solve the case. Instead, Williams spends most of his time moping and fretting about how difficult the case is until Vinny shows up with some piece of information that moves the plot along.
This synopsis probably doesn’t sound like the formula for an entertaining mystery and it’s not; The Color of Greed is a tedious book. Author Thompson and the various characters in the book repeat over and over again how great a detective Williams is, but all the detective work, much of which involves prodigious leaps of logic, is done by Vinny, who resembles Abby from NCIS as played by Margot Robbie, except without any of Abby’s charm. Instead, Thompson settles for providing Vinny with a few catch quotes like “true dat” to demonstrate her colorful character. Shallow as Vinny may be, she has considerably more personality than does Williams himself, whose only real personality trait is his dedication to finding out the truth (as long as it doesn’t involve any actual detective work).
There is very little action in The Color of Greed and little suspense as well, thanks to the author’s overreliance on Vinny’s seemingly magical hacking abilities. Whenever Williams or the author get stuck, Vinny simply discovers whatever new evidence is needed to advance the plot. Those who enjoy trying to solve a good mystery will be quite frustrated by the book, since the author withholds most of the plot details until the last couple of chapters of the book, at which time the author introduces some entirely new characters who are responsible for much of the book’s mayhem. Further, although the author is a fairly proficient writer, he falls back on some cheap racial gimmickry by having one of the only Hispanic characters in the book use dialogue like “joo eez” instead of “you are.”
In all fairness to the author, The Color of Greed is his first book in the William series and might be his first novel overall. It’s possible that his characters have become more fully developed as well and that he’s gotten better at actually laying out the details of intriguing storylines such as the underlying conspiracy in this book. But as it stands, The Color of Greed is a dull, at times annoying book, thanks to the simplistic lead characters. Color this one a mediocre effort.
The independently wealthy private detective is a time honored character in mysteries, dating back to the days of Lord Peter Wimsey and Nick and Nora Charles. Author Jack Thompson carries that concept forward into the 21st century in The Color of Greed. Thompson's detective, Raja Williams, is the heir to a liquor fortune and probably has a net worth that would exceed that of Wimsey and the Charleses combined. What he doesn't have, unfortunately, are any discernable detective skills, nor does author Thompson have the ability to turn a potentially good storyline into a compelling mystery.
Williams isn’t in detective work for the money; instead, he’s a sort of Don Quixote, taking on cases where he feels his talents can serve justice by solving crimes that stump the police. In The Color of Greed, he investigates the death of the much younger husband of a wealthy heiress. The police have already written off the death as a boating accident, but, as Williams investigates, he soon learns that the dead man was in the middle of a web of political intrigue involving the governor of California, a federal judge, and the executives at some of the largest energy companies in the country. And, as Williams investigates, the dead bodies start piling up, and the bad guys try to kill Williams himself by sabotaging his car’s brakes.
The case is a tough one that has baffled the police, but Williams has some resources at his disposal the police don’t. First, there’s Vinny, Williams’ partner of sorts, who is the self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Computer Hacker, and then there is a mysterious Israeli ex-special forces agent, the World’s Greatest Bodyguard, who shows up when needed to supply the necessary muscle and/or firepower to get Williams and his friends out of trouble. It’s a good thing that Williams has such talented friends working for him, because he never seems to do much actual detective work, you know, the sort where he goes out and talks to witnesses and learns details about the victims and possible killers that would eventually enable him to actually solve the case. Instead, Williams spends most of his time moping and fretting about how difficult the case is until Vinny shows up with some piece of information that moves the plot along.
This synopsis probably doesn’t sound like the formula for an entertaining mystery and it’s not; The Color of Greed is a tedious book. Author Thompson and the various characters in the book repeat over and over again how great a detective Williams is, but all the detective work, much of which involves prodigious leaps of logic, is done by Vinny, who resembles Abby from NCIS as played by Margot Robbie, except without any of Abby’s charm. Instead, Thompson settles for providing Vinny with a few catch quotes like “true dat” to demonstrate her colorful character. Shallow as Vinny may be, she has considerably more personality than does Williams himself, whose only real personality trait is his dedication to finding out the truth (as long as it doesn’t involve any actual detective work).
There is very little action in The Color of Greed and little suspense as well, thanks to the author’s overreliance on Vinny’s seemingly magical hacking abilities. Whenever Williams or the author get stuck, Vinny simply discovers whatever new evidence is needed to advance the plot. Those who enjoy trying to solve a good mystery will be quite frustrated by the book, since the author withholds most of the plot details until the last couple of chapters of the book, at which time the author introduces some entirely new characters who are responsible for much of the book’s mayhem. Further, although the author is a fairly proficient writer, he falls back on some cheap racial gimmickry by having one of the only Hispanic characters in the book use dialogue like “joo eez” instead of “you are.”
In all fairness to the author, The Color of Greed is his first book in the William series and might be his first novel overall. It’s possible that his characters have become more fully developed as well and that he’s gotten better at actually laying out the details of intriguing storylines such as the underlying conspiracy in this book. But as it stands, The Color of Greed is a dull, at times annoying book, thanks to the simplistic lead characters. Color this one a mediocre effort.
July 6, 2017
Pacific Ocean CA. The Maid Marion (40’ yacht) arrived in the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club (Seal Beach).
Sandy & Darryl Harmon were getting quite hot/heavy.
The Clarice (Azimut 40’ high-end luxury sports yacht) had come right up next to them.
Detective Thomas “Tommy” Rafferty (LAPD) & Dr. Sharon Becker (Chief of Forensics, LA County coroner) had arrived on the crime scene.
Randall “Randy” Hope (32, husband) was the deceased found on board.
Clarice Hope (yacht owner, nee Smith) called Raja Williams (PI, Caribbean Creole, Oxford) saying she needed his help.
The 2 were meeting at Legends of Aviation Restaurant (Long Beach, CA).
What did Raja confront Ramona Griggsby (wife) with?
What did Vinny (f, Raja’s asst., former NSA) find out?
Why was Raja meeting with Dr. Becker at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 restaurant (Ritz Carlton, Olympic Blvd., LA)?
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, &/or sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Sandy & Darryl Harmon were getting quite hot/heavy.
The Clarice (Azimut 40’ high-end luxury sports yacht) had come right up next to them.
Detective Thomas “Tommy” Rafferty (LAPD) & Dr. Sharon Becker (Chief of Forensics, LA County coroner) had arrived on the crime scene.
Randall “Randy” Hope (32, husband) was the deceased found on board.
Clarice Hope (yacht owner, nee Smith) called Raja Williams (PI, Caribbean Creole, Oxford) saying she needed his help.
The 2 were meeting at Legends of Aviation Restaurant (Long Beach, CA).
What did Raja confront Ramona Griggsby (wife) with?
What did Vinny (f, Raja’s asst., former NSA) find out?
Why was Raja meeting with Dr. Becker at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 restaurant (Ritz Carlton, Olympic Blvd., LA)?
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, &/or sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 15, 2019
I gave up reading 55% of the way through, in chapter 19. I never do that. This time, I did.
The characters are perfect two-dimensional stereotypes. Everyone is obscenely rich.
The author spends considerable time describing activities the main characters are doing that don't advance the plot and don't develop the characters. The foreshadowing is explicit and cliche.
I might have been able to let this go, but I happen to be a computer programmer, and there is an allegedly super-programmer character. As much as I am heartened to see that this expert programmer is a young and fierce woman, I'm disappointed that more time is spent exalting her appearance, charm, and general sexiness, and not enough to her actual skill and knowledge. Rather, she just seems to effortlessly accomplish miracles and anticipate outcomes perfectly.
Mostly, though I kept getting the sensation that the author was telling me how I should think about the characters or the events, rather than showing me and letting me have my own thoughts.
I wish I could have enjoyed this book, but it kept making me feel like it was being told by a fifteen year old boy. The people don't feel real. The scenes are straight out of the Hollywood Formula Machine. Too many times it was clear that the author wanted to impress me with some random bit of topical knowledge that hadn't been well researched. Too many times I had to wade through detailed backstories of characters that I knew I'd never be invested in.
I skimmed the rest of the book. The ending was not surprising. Corrupt government officials getting away with being corrupt. Evil corporate executives being above the law. Perverted people with no morals. And, of course, the piece de resistance: a deus ex machina that saves our hero from certain death.
I think I will take a pass on this author's other books, international bestseller or not.
The characters are perfect two-dimensional stereotypes. Everyone is obscenely rich.
The author spends considerable time describing activities the main characters are doing that don't advance the plot and don't develop the characters. The foreshadowing is explicit and cliche.
I might have been able to let this go, but I happen to be a computer programmer, and there is an allegedly super-programmer character. As much as I am heartened to see that this expert programmer is a young and fierce woman, I'm disappointed that more time is spent exalting her appearance, charm, and general sexiness, and not enough to her actual skill and knowledge. Rather, she just seems to effortlessly accomplish miracles and anticipate outcomes perfectly.
Mostly, though I kept getting the sensation that the author was telling me how I should think about the characters or the events, rather than showing me and letting me have my own thoughts.
I wish I could have enjoyed this book, but it kept making me feel like it was being told by a fifteen year old boy. The people don't feel real. The scenes are straight out of the Hollywood Formula Machine. Too many times it was clear that the author wanted to impress me with some random bit of topical knowledge that hadn't been well researched. Too many times I had to wade through detailed backstories of characters that I knew I'd never be invested in.
I skimmed the rest of the book. The ending was not surprising. Corrupt government officials getting away with being corrupt. Evil corporate executives being above the law. Perverted people with no morals. And, of course, the piece de resistance: a deus ex machina that saves our hero from certain death.
I think I will take a pass on this author's other books, international bestseller or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2017
This story is about murder, greed of course, and how high on the food chain the corruption goes. When a wealthy heiress's husband is found dead on his yacht, Raja and Leeny is called out to California to find out who killed him. The more they dig into things, the more things they find that they don't like. Soon just staying alive is at the top of their list of things to do. But who is really after them? The Chinese mafia, or the governor? This is a great story that will keep your interest with the two characters....and they are characters. I voluntarily read a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion. Here's another opinion of mine.....Get the book!
July 5, 2017
I felt like I had read this before, but I kept reading. It is a good story with a lot of characters of questionable ethics. The body count is adding up and with his loyal friend and college Vinney, things go from bad to worse until the case is solved. True dat! Gotta love Vinney. Raja Williams is the man to go to to solve this crime. A good read. I felt like I had read this before, but I kept reading. I did receive this book free and have enjoyed leaving an honest review.
April 19, 2020
I just love Vinny she’s my hero. And Raja just “knows” when something is wrong and begins to work on the problem. He was asked to look into the murder of Randy Hope by his wife, Clarice.
This is a twisted tale combining different people and their own weaknesses, obsessions, and goals. so it’s easy to not see the total picture until the end. The building of the characters and the story line are beautifully dealt with. Mr. Thompson has created a great series that I will enjoy reading.
This is a twisted tale combining different people and their own weaknesses, obsessions, and goals. so it’s easy to not see the total picture until the end. The building of the characters and the story line are beautifully dealt with. Mr. Thompson has created a great series that I will enjoy reading.
July 22, 2017
Bland doesn't cut it
It came up as a suggestion and I checked reviews even ! I had to add mine to keep things real.
Predictable, Dull, Contrived w no clear purpose other than this super rich guy and this omnipotent hacker. Did I say how good looking they both were? Language is extremely simplistic pretending to be hip. Suspense = Zero.
It came up as a suggestion and I checked reviews even ! I had to add mine to keep things real.
Predictable, Dull, Contrived w no clear purpose other than this super rich guy and this omnipotent hacker. Did I say how good looking they both were? Language is extremely simplistic pretending to be hip. Suspense = Zero.
October 26, 2016
The Color Of Greed caught my interest from the very first page. I just could not put it down. Raja Williams reminds me of Sherlock Holmes, a detective who follows the clues and whose intuition is spot on. Raja and Vinny are a perfect foil for each other. This is a must read series.
July 14, 2017
I really enjoyed the mystery book. It was a good quick read. It was easy to get attached to the characters in the book, and allow them to take you on their solving of a murder mystery. Look forward to the next book in the series.
February 1, 2020
Just an ok read in that there where lots of pages that could have been written with way more action and lots less boring facts. Just wasn’t a great action story. It was a great story line, but the writing left the reader trying to figure out what exactly the writer was trying to explain
June 22, 2020
Raja and Vinny form a very interesting group to investigate into a murder. The story has plenty of action and enough of family moments between Raja and Vinny. The dialogues seem natural and it blends with the story. Enjoyed it.
August 25, 2021
Kind of liked the fast pace
However, I didn’t like the ending when the characters have to explain the plot because it’s not revealed in the book. Unlike my new favorite hero, Ben Porter in False Assurances, Threat Bias and Subversive Addiction!
However, I didn’t like the ending when the characters have to explain the plot because it’s not revealed in the book. Unlike my new favorite hero, Ben Porter in False Assurances, Threat Bias and Subversive Addiction!
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book 📚, a very good mystery, well written, good characters, and the story moved right along.
July 28, 2017
Great book I really enjoyed reading this book . A lot of the things happen that actually sounds realistic and cover ups. Especially the Goverment and political people.
December 11, 2017
I liked this book. Different point of view.
July 25, 2020
Enjoyd
Was a good story,but of drama,but of humour,I liked the characters too.also lot of computer skills told the story too
Was a good story,but of drama,but of humour,I liked the characters too.also lot of computer skills told the story too
March 17, 2017
The Color of Greed
What a great book, could not put the book down. Can not wit to get the next book, cast LA vie.
What a great book, could not put the book down. Can not wit to get the next book, cast LA vie.
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