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Continuance
When seven-year-old Ethan du Maurier, only son and heir of New York City real estate tycoon, Alexander du Maurier, disappears during school recess, the FBI quickly determines that his disappearance was an abduction. Within hours of a special news bulletin airing nationwide, the FBI’s hotline is inundated with anonymous tips relating to sightings of a little boy matching Ethan’s description outside a historic Savannah building, now a newly-renovated eatery. The FBI quickly assembles a task force and searches the premises but instead of finding little Ethan, they stumble upon the century-old remains of what appears to be a murdered man hidden in a pirate’s tunnel under the historic building. With her restaurant on temporary lockdown pending the FBI’s forensic investigation, owner Annie Eastwood researches the history of the building she inherited, hoping it will shed some light on the identity of the murdered man, but what she uncovers are bits and pieces of a horrible scandal that nearly destroyed the du Maurier family over a century ago. With hopes for Ethan’s safe return dwindling by the hour, Annie finds an unlikely lead in an old classified ad from a Boston newspaper which connects the events of the past to the present-day abduction of Ethan du Maurier—and to the identity of his abductor. Determined to rescue little Ethan before time runs out, Annie quickly realizes that the boy’s abductor will stop at nothing—even murder—in order to exact his revenge.
300 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2013
25 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Marta Tandori
11 books70 followersMarta Tandori had always been an avid reader but it wasn’t until she began studying acting in her early twenties at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York that she realized acting wasn’t really her passion – writing fiction was. Thanks to an overly zealous addiction in her youth to all things Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, Marta fell in love with mysteries and it’s hardly a surprise that she chose to write in the same genre! Marta’s books feature strong female protagonists who have closets full of nasty skeletons and the odd murder or two to complicate their already complex lives. She’s the author of the Kate Stanton Hollywood Mystery Series as well as several other standalone mysteries. To learn more about Marta, please visit her website at http://martatandori.com or her Facebook Author Page at www.facebook.com/MartaTandoriAuthor or connect with her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MartaTandori (@MartaTandori).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 10, 2013
I wanted to give this book 4 stars - but although it started off strong, it seemed to throw together the ending.
September 20, 2021
I would’ve given this five stars in not for the last couple of pages, which were kind of a disappointment.
September 7, 2015
This is a page-turning mystery, heaped with history and intrigue. The novel brings a deeper more thought-provoking glimpse to the immigrants’ arrival at Ellis Island, the immigrants’ tenuous survival in the tenements of New York, and to the American railway system built through the endurance of men and women with meager equipment and tools that is almost too difficult to comprehend and more realistic than in any U.S. history book. It could also be portrayed as a genealogical study of the du Maurier family. It could also be portrayed as the romance novel that brings the quotation to life – “Behind every successful man, there is a strong, wise and hardworking woman.”
I’d also like to note that the cover art and the formatting of the paragraphs within each chapter were definite features which added to my total pleasure of enjoyment of this novel. I learned by reading online an interview with the author that the cover art was designed by a company in Poland called Formatting Experts. The front cover art perfectly captures the dual aspects of the story from New York to Savannah, Georgia and the expression on the little boy’s face draws the reader’s attention instantly. The back cover is haunting with the photographic shadows behind the book’s description. As one reads the opening chapter, your heart is then captured by Ethan’s desire for a Big Surprise – “bigger than his birthday and Christmas all rolled into one, he’d been told.”
Chapters of the novel are sometimes told from Present Day and sometimes share the past history from 1905. It was interesting to read a mystery unfolding with a kidnapping without emphasis on law enforcement participation or for the case to be solved by a private detective. But don’t discount Annie Eastwood – former documentary researcher at CNN – and now owner of The Bean and Pole in Savannah, Georgia. Annie has transformed an old historic building into an eatery / souvenir shop. Imagine her shock when the FBI intrudes on her opening night.
There is an ensemble cast of characters and a variety of settings from northern to southern shores. Sometimes when there is such a large cast of characters particularly in a stand-alone novel as opposed to the gradual entrance of characters in a series, I have been unable to keep each of the characters in mind or to keep their role in the story in mind but not with this read. The characters are strong and distinct and some have a willful disregard for the rules and/or laws especially if there is money to be made. Geez! Sound like any of the recent headlines? I couldn’t put this novel down and read it in one day on vacation. It is not to be missed!
I was lucky to find this interview with the author online after reading the novel. I would highly recommend reading the interview too! :) http://literalexposure.com/2013/09/12...
I’d also like to note that the cover art and the formatting of the paragraphs within each chapter were definite features which added to my total pleasure of enjoyment of this novel. I learned by reading online an interview with the author that the cover art was designed by a company in Poland called Formatting Experts. The front cover art perfectly captures the dual aspects of the story from New York to Savannah, Georgia and the expression on the little boy’s face draws the reader’s attention instantly. The back cover is haunting with the photographic shadows behind the book’s description. As one reads the opening chapter, your heart is then captured by Ethan’s desire for a Big Surprise – “bigger than his birthday and Christmas all rolled into one, he’d been told.”
Chapters of the novel are sometimes told from Present Day and sometimes share the past history from 1905. It was interesting to read a mystery unfolding with a kidnapping without emphasis on law enforcement participation or for the case to be solved by a private detective. But don’t discount Annie Eastwood – former documentary researcher at CNN – and now owner of The Bean and Pole in Savannah, Georgia. Annie has transformed an old historic building into an eatery / souvenir shop. Imagine her shock when the FBI intrudes on her opening night.
There is an ensemble cast of characters and a variety of settings from northern to southern shores. Sometimes when there is such a large cast of characters particularly in a stand-alone novel as opposed to the gradual entrance of characters in a series, I have been unable to keep each of the characters in mind or to keep their role in the story in mind but not with this read. The characters are strong and distinct and some have a willful disregard for the rules and/or laws especially if there is money to be made. Geez! Sound like any of the recent headlines? I couldn’t put this novel down and read it in one day on vacation. It is not to be missed!
I was lucky to find this interview with the author online after reading the novel. I would highly recommend reading the interview too! :) http://literalexposure.com/2013/09/12...
May 27, 2014
Marta Tandori's Continuance is not an easy book to categorize. It is historical fiction, but part of the book takes place in the present day. It is a mystery, but there is no detective. Tandori takes us on a journey through a turn-of-the-century New York family whose wealth is a product of arrogance, greed and unspeakable cruelty, to the long line of immigrants passing through Ellis Island, to the filthy, neglected Lower East Side - a world of hunger, sickness, crime and fear. And that is only the first third of the book.
The present day heirs of this cursed family are involved in a double mystery, both of which, it turns out, have roots in actions and events that took place a century ago. There is a kidnapped childe of a direct heir to the corrupt industrialist and two unidentified skeletons found buried in the tenements he used to own.
While there is a lot of ground covered in Continuance, Ms. Tandori's prose is fluid and unadorned, making it easy for the reader to follow the many characters and settings of the book. Like all good writers of historical fiction, she is able to describe a setting with such precision the reader not only sees a picture of the scene in his mind's eye, but can smell and feel it as well.
One of the many positives about this book is that it can be read simply as a page-turner, full of tantalizing clues to the underlying mystery or a vivid history of early 20th century history. There is the satisfaction of seeing the super-rich air out the family laundry, the armchair historian’s pleasure in filling in the human side of historical events, and for the romantic, there is just enough steam there to kindle the flame of imagination.
Personally, I also love a page-turner, but if that book can also lead me into worlds I have not yet experienced, all the better. Continuance offers both.
Book received free from Librarything.com Early Reviewer program
The present day heirs of this cursed family are involved in a double mystery, both of which, it turns out, have roots in actions and events that took place a century ago. There is a kidnapped childe of a direct heir to the corrupt industrialist and two unidentified skeletons found buried in the tenements he used to own.
While there is a lot of ground covered in Continuance, Ms. Tandori's prose is fluid and unadorned, making it easy for the reader to follow the many characters and settings of the book. Like all good writers of historical fiction, she is able to describe a setting with such precision the reader not only sees a picture of the scene in his mind's eye, but can smell and feel it as well.
One of the many positives about this book is that it can be read simply as a page-turner, full of tantalizing clues to the underlying mystery or a vivid history of early 20th century history. There is the satisfaction of seeing the super-rich air out the family laundry, the armchair historian’s pleasure in filling in the human side of historical events, and for the romantic, there is just enough steam there to kindle the flame of imagination.
Personally, I also love a page-turner, but if that book can also lead me into worlds I have not yet experienced, all the better. Continuance offers both.
Book received free from Librarything.com Early Reviewer program
September 27, 2013
Stories that deal with kidnapped children always tugs on the heart strings and author Marta Tandori does a great job of combining mystery and intrigue with those feelings.
Seven-year-old Ethan du Maurier disappears during school recess. The FBI determine he’s been kidnapped as he is the only son and heir of New York City real estate tycoon Alexander du Maurier. A nationwide bulletin is issued and soon reports begin coming in.
Acting on an anonymous tip, a task force is set to a Savannah restaurant where he boy has allegedly been seen. The agents search the historical building, but instead of finding the youngster they discover the skeletal remains of a man in a pirate’s tunnel under the building.
Restaurant owner Annie Eastwood finds her business temporary shut down as the FBI conducts their investigation. Not one to sit idly by, Annie begins search the building’s history for clues to the murdered man. What she uncovers, however, may tie the youngster’s disappearance to secrets from the du Maurier family’s past.
Tandori quickly draws you into this story beginning with the youngster believing he’s getting a surprise. She holds you spellbound with twists and turns as you guess at the true nature of the events. The story flows smooth and steady as it dips from the present to the past and back again.
The characters are well-developed and likable. The protagonist is determined and resourceful. The secondary characters add depth to the story. Dealing with a kidnapped child, CONTINUANCE will tug at your heart strings but also provide hope and inspiration.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Seven-year-old Ethan du Maurier disappears during school recess. The FBI determine he’s been kidnapped as he is the only son and heir of New York City real estate tycoon Alexander du Maurier. A nationwide bulletin is issued and soon reports begin coming in.
Acting on an anonymous tip, a task force is set to a Savannah restaurant where he boy has allegedly been seen. The agents search the historical building, but instead of finding the youngster they discover the skeletal remains of a man in a pirate’s tunnel under the building.
Restaurant owner Annie Eastwood finds her business temporary shut down as the FBI conducts their investigation. Not one to sit idly by, Annie begins search the building’s history for clues to the murdered man. What she uncovers, however, may tie the youngster’s disappearance to secrets from the du Maurier family’s past.
Tandori quickly draws you into this story beginning with the youngster believing he’s getting a surprise. She holds you spellbound with twists and turns as you guess at the true nature of the events. The story flows smooth and steady as it dips from the present to the past and back again.
The characters are well-developed and likable. The protagonist is determined and resourceful. The secondary characters add depth to the story. Dealing with a kidnapped child, CONTINUANCE will tug at your heart strings but also provide hope and inspiration.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
September 16, 2013
After the disappearance of seven-year old Ethan du Maurier, the FBI determines that he was abducted. After his picture is posted nationwide, they are inundated with anonymous callers claiming to have seen him outside a Savannah, Georgia restaurant. When they tear down a wall in the historic building, they discover human remains, but not those of Ethan. The adult male victim appears to have been there for decades. Restaurant owner Annie Eastwood begins her own investigation of her building's history and discovers a link to the present-day abduction of Ethan.
Although the description sounds as though this is a modern mystery, the primary focus is on the historical mystery. With more than half of the book set in 1905, the novel centers on the story of the du Maurier and Burroughs family. The story is full of historical detail, including the immigration process of Ellis Island, the use of Chinese immigrants in the construction of the railroads, and the conditions of New York City tenements. The plight of the early 20th century immigrants is particularly compelling, especially when juxtaposed against the lifestyles of the wealthy.
While at times I found it necessary to suspend logic (especially in the sudden improvement of Mei Lee's English), this is a gripping historical suspense/thriller. If Ms. Tandori continues to write in this vein, I will be waiting anxiously for her future work.
4 stars
I received this book from Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 55.
Although the description sounds as though this is a modern mystery, the primary focus is on the historical mystery. With more than half of the book set in 1905, the novel centers on the story of the du Maurier and Burroughs family. The story is full of historical detail, including the immigration process of Ellis Island, the use of Chinese immigrants in the construction of the railroads, and the conditions of New York City tenements. The plight of the early 20th century immigrants is particularly compelling, especially when juxtaposed against the lifestyles of the wealthy.
While at times I found it necessary to suspend logic (especially in the sudden improvement of Mei Lee's English), this is a gripping historical suspense/thriller. If Ms. Tandori continues to write in this vein, I will be waiting anxiously for her future work.
4 stars
I received this book from Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 55.
September 6, 2013
In Continuance by Marta Tandori readers are introduced to Annie Eastwood, a restaurant owner preparing for her grand opening. On opening night Annie is surprised when the FBI wants to search her restaurant for a missing child of the wealthy du Maurier family. Annie is shocked and decides to find out why they were led to her place of business. Annie first starts with the history of the building left to her by her mother. While researching, Annie takes a journey learning about the mysterious family who owned the property before her family took it over.
Alexander du Maurier is devastated over the loss of his son. Ethan has been kidnapped but there have been no demands for a ransom. Alex feels his hands are tied until he meets Annie Eastwood, a woman wanting to know about his family. Alex works with Annie and what they discover just may lead them to answers about Ethan.
Continuance is about murder, betrayal, secrets and family history. The characters were well-written but those in 1905 really captured my attention. I liked the back and forth between the present and 1905 era. I do believe there were some minor content errors but none that took away from the storyline. This book was a suspenseful mystery with a hint of romance. I wanted to read more of Alexander and Annie connection but hopeful they will appear in a standalone book. I recommend Continuance to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Alexander du Maurier is devastated over the loss of his son. Ethan has been kidnapped but there have been no demands for a ransom. Alex feels his hands are tied until he meets Annie Eastwood, a woman wanting to know about his family. Alex works with Annie and what they discover just may lead them to answers about Ethan.
Continuance is about murder, betrayal, secrets and family history. The characters were well-written but those in 1905 really captured my attention. I liked the back and forth between the present and 1905 era. I do believe there were some minor content errors but none that took away from the storyline. This book was a suspenseful mystery with a hint of romance. I wanted to read more of Alexander and Annie connection but hopeful they will appear in a standalone book. I recommend Continuance to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
February 21, 2014
Continuance blends two stories, one that follows the current day kidnapping of young Ethan du Maurier, son of real estate tycoon, Alexander du Maurier. The other follows the ancestors of du Maurier in the beautiful ballrooms of turn-of-century New York City, as well as the gritty tenements packed with immigrants.
Annie Eastwood’s Savannah restaurant is raided on its opening night by FBI agents working on a tip that young Ethan has been spotted there. While the boy is not found, the agents do discover the century’s old body of a man that was hidden in an old tunnel. Deciding to do a little bit of sleuthing on her own, Annie is able to discover that her building was once owned by a wealthy New Yorker who just so happens to be the many-times great grandfather of Ethan. Realizing this cannot be coincidence, Annie decides to follow this thread to discover the connection between the modern day kidnapping and the murder committee 100 years ago. Annie leaves Savannah to travel north to meet with Alex du Maurier and, with his help, delve into the family’s history.
Tandori spins a compelling story as she describes the privileged life of the 1905 New York aristocracy , the wretched life of the poor immigrants forced to live in squalled tenements, and the rail road camps where Chinese workers are forced to work under unbelievably horrid conditions. The reader it witness to the greed that flourishes as empires are built on the backs of the poor.
Annie Eastwood’s Savannah restaurant is raided on its opening night by FBI agents working on a tip that young Ethan has been spotted there. While the boy is not found, the agents do discover the century’s old body of a man that was hidden in an old tunnel. Deciding to do a little bit of sleuthing on her own, Annie is able to discover that her building was once owned by a wealthy New Yorker who just so happens to be the many-times great grandfather of Ethan. Realizing this cannot be coincidence, Annie decides to follow this thread to discover the connection between the modern day kidnapping and the murder committee 100 years ago. Annie leaves Savannah to travel north to meet with Alex du Maurier and, with his help, delve into the family’s history.
Tandori spins a compelling story as she describes the privileged life of the 1905 New York aristocracy , the wretched life of the poor immigrants forced to live in squalled tenements, and the rail road camps where Chinese workers are forced to work under unbelievably horrid conditions. The reader it witness to the greed that flourishes as empires are built on the backs of the poor.
February 16, 2014
CONTINUANCE by Marta Tandori
I received this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review from www.librarything.com
I was hooked by this book in the first chapter.
The author has woven an intricate tale that seamlessly shifts between present day and the early 1900s.
A young boy is spirited away by the promise of a special surprise and finds himself in a cage.
A woman, many states away, opening a new restaurant has her grand opening ruined by an invasion of FBI agents searching for the kidnapped boy. Instead of the boy, a century old skeleton is discovered hidden in the walls.
The tale takes us from Ellis Island filled to overflowing with immigrants dreaming of a better life in America to the rich estates of the powerful in New York City.
It shows how events from a century before have affected the lives of their modern day descendants.
This is a riveting read filled with fascinating historic detail. I definitely recommend adding this to your "Books To Read" List.
There are a few minor editing errors such as repeatedly referring to fowl as "foul", or as making amends as making "amendments". It is solely due to the editing errors that this book only rates 4 out of 5 stars. Once they are fixed, this book deserves a 5 star rating.
I received this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review from www.librarything.com
I was hooked by this book in the first chapter.
The author has woven an intricate tale that seamlessly shifts between present day and the early 1900s.
A young boy is spirited away by the promise of a special surprise and finds himself in a cage.
A woman, many states away, opening a new restaurant has her grand opening ruined by an invasion of FBI agents searching for the kidnapped boy. Instead of the boy, a century old skeleton is discovered hidden in the walls.
The tale takes us from Ellis Island filled to overflowing with immigrants dreaming of a better life in America to the rich estates of the powerful in New York City.
It shows how events from a century before have affected the lives of their modern day descendants.
This is a riveting read filled with fascinating historic detail. I definitely recommend adding this to your "Books To Read" List.
There are a few minor editing errors such as repeatedly referring to fowl as "foul", or as making amends as making "amendments". It is solely due to the editing errors that this book only rates 4 out of 5 stars. Once they are fixed, this book deserves a 5 star rating.
June 4, 2014
How the kidnapping of the son and heir of New York City real estate tycoon, Alexander du Maurier, and the gruesome discovery in an opening Savannah restaurant are related forms the basis of this interesting story. After the little boy is kidnapped, hundreds of leads about the incident pour in, and police end up looking at this restaurant for some clues. How are they related? The story of this wealthy family spans the book and shows the reader a fascinating and interesting picture of early life for immigrants in the last century or so, after they arrive here in the US. This was not really the book I expected. Still, I found if fascinating and engrossing as the author skillfully tied all the bits and pieces/clues together for the reader. I thought the description were great and right on, based on what I know. I seldom read books that cover this pan of time, as I prefer modern day books, but this one enveloped me from the start. I have not read anything else by the author, but on how well this book was written, I hope to seek out more of her works. This is a good book for the reader who enjoys a good, solid mystery that evolves bit by bit, clue by clue. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
March 3, 2014
2 stories in 1
This book starts out in modern day New York City, where a young son of a very wealthy man is kidnapped. Also in modern day, we find out the FBI has decided to choose opening night of a restaurant to serve a warrant that uncovers human remains, dating back 100 years. Then we go back in time to Ellis Island where immigrants are first introduced to the United States. A chance meeting occurs between a young female interpreter (working at Ellis Island until her wedding to an influential man takes place) meets and tries to help a woman in labor from Italy who wants nothing more than to have her child born on American soil.
The author does a decent job of flipping back and forth, usually by chapter. I mostly enjoyed the tails of 100 years past. The stories seem pretty independent of each other, of course until the end of the book. The ending chapters showed somewhat of how they connected, but I did not feel it was a smooth as it could have been. I even went back and re-read the last 2 chapters to see if I missed anything. The beginning and middle were pretty solid, but the soft ending just killed it for me.
This book starts out in modern day New York City, where a young son of a very wealthy man is kidnapped. Also in modern day, we find out the FBI has decided to choose opening night of a restaurant to serve a warrant that uncovers human remains, dating back 100 years. Then we go back in time to Ellis Island where immigrants are first introduced to the United States. A chance meeting occurs between a young female interpreter (working at Ellis Island until her wedding to an influential man takes place) meets and tries to help a woman in labor from Italy who wants nothing more than to have her child born on American soil.
The author does a decent job of flipping back and forth, usually by chapter. I mostly enjoyed the tails of 100 years past. The stories seem pretty independent of each other, of course until the end of the book. The ending chapters showed somewhat of how they connected, but I did not feel it was a smooth as it could have been. I even went back and re-read the last 2 chapters to see if I missed anything. The beginning and middle were pretty solid, but the soft ending just killed it for me.
September 28, 2013
If you enjoy mysteries whose roots take you deep into the past, then add Continuance to your reading list. More than just the present-day story about a little boy who is abducted and the hunt for him and his kidnapper (which is what I anticipated the focus would be about), Continuance simultaneously takes you on a century-long journey into the past, into the dark secrets of a wealthy family and into the indignities suffered by the Chinese immigrants in our country.
This interesting story is actually two mysteries in one. Marta has written a well-researched novel with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline.
For more information about this book, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This interesting story is actually two mysteries in one. Marta has written a well-researched novel with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline.
For more information about this book, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 27, 2014
Ethan du Maurier a 7 year old disappears from school in New York. Annie Eastwood, owner of a new restaurant in Savannah, becomes involved due to sightings of the boy outside of her restaurant. The FBI start investigating and find the remains of a man in the walls of Annie's restaurant. Annie travels to New York to meet Ethan's father to see if she could help in some way. Since her restaurant is closed, she decided to do some investigating on her own, to find out who was the original owner of her building. The book takes you on a journey that starts in the present and goes back to the early 1900's. You learn about the family dynamics of a wealthy family and the ruthlessness of the head of the family. You also find out what greed and envy can do to a person.
A very interesting book with well developed characters.
A very interesting book with well developed characters.
July 26, 2016
This was an interesting and sometimes confusing book to read. It did take me awhile to get comfortable with the many characters due to the vascillation between the present day and 1905. Once I figured that out, I found myself increasing in my enjoyment of the story. I thought it was odd that the author would give away facts yet established in the past. I felt that the facts were a bit short on details. The the author would go back in time and give the details. Even though I knew the outcome, it was still interesting. Overall a good story and I will definitively read more of Ms Tandori's books.
January 17, 2014
At the beginning of the book, a little boy was kidnapped and I thought that the story would focus on the intrigue and circumstances following that investigation; I was wrong. This crime was only the backdrop to two separate ones, 100 years apart. You are taken back and forth between the past and present many times and each time, you are left to wonder where the connections will be. Just when you think that you may have discovered that connection, you reach an unlikely, yet satisfying ending. Well worth the read!
March 2, 2014
This was a fast reading. It tells a part of a family feud which is lasting over 100 years. Therefore the story is changing between the very early 20th century and nowadays. I was a little bit dispersed by this switching because I got the feeling that the main clue of the story wasn't introduced profoundly. There were hints of it but in my opinion other incidences of the past outweighed much more. In the end I was a little bit disappointed.
The spelling style is lovely and the part of the past is exciting but regrettably too little related to the present.
The spelling style is lovely and the part of the past is exciting but regrettably too little related to the present.
April 8, 2014
Marta Tandoori seems to prefer telling stories by jumping through time. In this book there are two stories that are told with the majority of the book occurring in the previous century and several generations prior to the introductory story of a child kidnapping. This book includes Ellis Island, slumlords, the building of a railroad, Chinese laborers, various love stories, murders and a kidnapping that ends up having threads linked to the past. My main thought was that the story was convoluted and then that it was also intriguing. I received this book through Library Thing
September 5, 2016
I enjoyed how the past and present were tied together. I was amazed that between 1900 and 2010 or so, there were 7 generations, father(-in-law) of great-great-great-grandfather of the man whose son has been kidnapped. On average a family of great wealth is reproducing every 15 years. That is remarkable, and unusual in a wealthy family. I just couldn't suspend my belief enough to stay in the story.
June 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Marta Tandori wove history into the pages of her story. She kept me interested throughout the whole book. Ellis Island, mistreatment of the Chinese workers on the railroad being built in Florida, the terrible conditions in the tenements that the immigrants had to deal with. All this and more. A quite memorable book which will stay with me for quite some time.
June 9, 2013
Somewhat confusing as the plot divests to 3 different families at 2 different time periods. However, all of these persons are related and connected to the current theme and kidnapping of the child. The author ties up the loose ends and then leaves the reader with his/her own assumptions as to what happens next. Good read.
July 28, 2013
A boy is kidnapped, bones are discovered in a restaurant. How are these connected?
Really enjoyed Marta's book. Loved the writing style.
A very easy read.
Would love to see this made into a movie.
Really enjoyed Marta's book. Loved the writing style.
A very easy read.
Would love to see this made into a movie.
December 4, 2013
I enjoyed this story, though it was a bit tragic towards the end and the violence too cruel. I did not guess who the bad guy was until right at the end. This book kept me wanting to come back to it ... however there were parts which I wanted more info ... eg. what happened to the restaurant.
March 17, 2014
Two thumbs up
This book had mystery, romance and historical truth about life in early 1900s. wonderfully written which made it hard to put the book down. the things people do for greed, money and too maintain their power is all evident in this story.
This book had mystery, romance and historical truth about life in early 1900s. wonderfully written which made it hard to put the book down. the things people do for greed, money and too maintain their power is all evident in this story.
May 7, 2014
I'm not certain what happened, but I was never able to make a connection with any of the characters. The present day characters weren't around much; the yesteryear characters weren't all that engaging.
A little boy disappears and Annie winds up in the middle of the case, digging, solving.
A little boy disappears and Annie winds up in the middle of the case, digging, solving.
February 15, 2016
This story kept me intrigued throughout, but I thought it was going to be mainly about a kidnapping in the present day. Instead, it was mainly about a wealthy family in 1905 and all of the good and bad things this family does and how the past and present are intertwined.
May 23, 2014
This book has soooo much potential. I really enjoyed the storyline and it was written well. I found the ending rushed and it left gaps in the storyline.
August 18, 2013
good book, but a little too long.
September 28, 2013
Started great... loved the plot line but then it started really getting convoluted and the ending was just rushed and disappointing.
November 30, 2013
It started strong but ended weak. It came across as too contrived.
December 4, 2013
I liked how the author combined a 100 yr old murder mystery with a kidnapping from today's Times , I liked the characters and how she draws you in to the past and back to today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews