Vendetta

by Elizabeth Flaherty

On a bright spring afternoon, six-year-old Bethany Chase was the only witness to her mother’s murder in Central Park. The photo of Bethany draped in a policeman’s jacket, a single streak of blood on her cheek, caused a media firestorm and won the hearts of even the most hardened New Yorkers. Twenty-five years later, Bethany is as well known for her philanthropy as she is for her role as the “silent witness” to the tragic murder. To the outside world, Bethany is well-adjusted and successful. She is the president of her family’s charitable foundation, which is known throughout the city for its work supporting victims’ groups and crime prevention. But underneath the facade, Bethany is obsessed with finding her mother’s killer. Her quest is a well-guarded secret, unknown to even her closest friends, because Bethany doesn’t want to admit what she has done in the name of justice. When men from her mother’s past appear on Bethany’s doorstep, she learns that her mother had many secrets of her own. The secrets reveal a world of violence and deceit, and bring Bethany face to face with the truth about her mother’s life and death.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

372 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2013

Reviews

[Alex Mueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the author's other book, so figured I would read another. I generally do that, if I like an author, I will tend to check out all their stuff. In this case, it was a wise move, as althought I loved The Sinners, I think I liked this better. Both were great, but vastly different which showed the author's diversified talents. Where The Sinners was more of a linear thriller, Vendetta packs a powerful punch through more subtle layering of red herrings and twists.

The main character, Bethany witnesses her mother's murder at a tender age, and she harnesses deep seated angers and thus plots a way to solve the 25 year old unsolved murder. But that is just the basic plot. Subplots build on subplots until this well constructed novel has the reader teetering on edge and trusting no one.

There book has great characters, unusual surprises, and a great writing style that add up to make this an excellent read. I won't give any spoilers, but will just say, expect the unexpected.

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this in a Goodreads giveaway. First time for this author. One of the best books I have read recently. After her mother was murdered, Bethany started trying to find out who was responsible. After years of searching, thinking she knew everything about her mother, she finds her mother had a life she knew nothing about. And the surprises keep coming

[Mallorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book was good, but i thought it took a little while to get to the more exciting parts. i really enjoyed reading the lead character. the lead character was very interesting.

[Linda Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Vendetta. The plot is well thought out and the characters are interesting. Vendetta will keep you guessing until the very end. I did get this in a goodreads giveaway, but would definitely suggest this to my friends that like mystery.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany Chase (6) is the only witness to her mother Rita Chase’s (nee Timmins) murder in Central Park.
Detective Zapp & Detective Heinrich investigated the crime but it remains a cold case.
Fast forward; Bethany Chase is the President of Chase Family Charitable Foundations (CFCF).
Geoffrey Quinn (Fordham, NYU, Attorney) her fiancé is running for Mayor.
Richard Marshall is Bethany’s BMF.
She lives above Master Jung’s academy, & also takes lessons from him.
Bethany has another goal in life to find her mother’s assassin.

Who is Pietro Timminolo?
Why did Bethany & Frankie “Frank” Lioni go see Robert “Bob” Dranti?

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. 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.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery 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 who-dun-it murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; self-published; Autographed paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery book and was pleasantly surprised at the end. I thought I had figured out the killer, but was wrong. You are expertly brought into Bethany's world and go on this wild ride figuring out the mystery of her mother's death that has plagued her for her whole life. I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to more by this author.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the pace the author kept up! It impressed me that she could incorporate all of that action and not let it falter. Yes, parts of the plot were far-fetched, but it's fiction. Just go with it!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Sakitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from Goodreads. Excellent book. Vendetta keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the last page. A young girl sees the death of her mom and spends her early adult years trying to find the killer.

I would definitely recommend this book to all my reader friends.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!!!! Interesting characters and captivating storyline!