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Nick Donahue #1
Nick of Time
"Nick of Time is a beautifully crafted novella taking you from Prague to Monaco on a gambling adventure where the stakes are far more than money. It's a delightful read." - Mark Rubinstein, Author of Mad Dog House and Love Gone Mad.
"Come along for a dangerous, exciting ride with Nick Donohue, professional gambler, as he's caught in a whole new game with all the wrong people. It takes sharp wits and a cool head, and some flashes of humor, to find his way out before he has to turn in all his chips." - Triss Stein, Author of Brooklyn Bones and in March 2014, Brooklyn Graves.
"In this fast paced thriller, Cathi Stoler intertwines suspense and violence with just enough dark humor to keep the entertainment level on extra-high." - Terrie Farley Moran, Author of the "Read 'Em and Eat Cafe" mysteries
"Come along for a dangerous, exciting ride with Nick Donohue, professional gambler, as he's caught in a whole new game with all the wrong people. It takes sharp wits and a cool head, and some flashes of humor, to find his way out before he has to turn in all his chips." - Triss Stein, Author of Brooklyn Bones and in March 2014, Brooklyn Graves.
"In this fast paced thriller, Cathi Stoler intertwines suspense and violence with just enough dark humor to keep the entertainment level on extra-high." - Terrie Farley Moran, Author of the "Read 'Em and Eat Cafe" mysteries
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2013
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Cathi Stoler
18 books119 followersCathi Stoler's publishing credentials include her new mystery/suspense series, NICK OF TIME, and OUT OF TIME, in The Nick Donahue Adventures as well as BAR NONE, LAST CALL, STRAIGHT UP, and WITH A TWIST, in the Murder On The Rocks Mystery Series featuring The Corner Lounge Owner, Jude Dillane. She has also written the three-part mystery series TELLING LIES, KEEPING SECRETS, and THE HARD WAY, which features P.I. Helen McCorkendale and magazine editor, Laurel Imperiole,
Awards include the 2015 Short Mystery Fiction Society’s Derringer Award for Best Short Story for the “Kaluki Kings of Queens”. Her Murder On The Rocks novels have earned Finalist spots in The Silver Falchion Awards and the Chanticleer Clue Book Awards. As an active member of the mystery community, she’s a board member of the New York/Tri-State chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.
Cathi lives in New York City with her husband Paul. You can visit her at www.cathistoler.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Awards include the 2015 Short Mystery Fiction Society’s Derringer Award for Best Short Story for the “Kaluki Kings of Queens”. Her Murder On The Rocks novels have earned Finalist spots in The Silver Falchion Awards and the Chanticleer Clue Book Awards. As an active member of the mystery community, she’s a board member of the New York/Tri-State chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.
Cathi lives in New York City with her husband Paul. You can visit her at www.cathistoler.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 8, 2015
Nick of Time: A Nick Donahue Adventure by Cathi Stoler
Nick Donahue is an American Living in London. He lives fast, loves to gamble and loves the ladies. When a Beautiful woman is in need of help, Nick is there. He gets kidnapped and dumped in Prague, calls his (Banker) brother, Alex in Zurich for help. He soon finds his brother is in need of some help as well.
A fun fast paced mystery. Nick is likable , despite his wild life style and gambling addiction. Alex is likable as well. They find themselves in dangerous situations and anger many shady people.
The plot is original,fun, has plenty of action, adventure, romance and a splash of humor. I found Nick of Time: A Nick Donohue Adventure an enjoyable read and feel those who love mystery/suspense will enjoy it as well.
Nick Donahue is an American Living in London. He lives fast, loves to gamble and loves the ladies. When a Beautiful woman is in need of help, Nick is there. He gets kidnapped and dumped in Prague, calls his (Banker) brother, Alex in Zurich for help. He soon finds his brother is in need of some help as well.
A fun fast paced mystery. Nick is likable , despite his wild life style and gambling addiction. Alex is likable as well. They find themselves in dangerous situations and anger many shady people.
The plot is original,fun, has plenty of action, adventure, romance and a splash of humor. I found Nick of Time: A Nick Donohue Adventure an enjoyable read and feel those who love mystery/suspense will enjoy it as well.
January 17, 2014
Nick Donahue is a professional gambler ,The story takes you from Prague to Monaco the stakes are more than money.Nick is caught up in a different game with the wrong people. It will take a cool head and sharp wits for him to find his way out before he turns in all his chips. A real page turner fast paced violence and suspense plus some dark humor. If you love a good suspense story i highly recommend you read Nick of time. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more books by Cathi Stoler.
August 18, 2024
Reading "Nick of Time" is amazing. Serbian crooks robbed several exclusive jewelry stores. They looted Rome's Via Veneto jewelry shop and took a fortune in diamonds for their latest endeavor. Meet adventurer Nick Donahue, a citizen of the world, and a gambler by trade. Marina Pietro said she worked at Eurotec. She had to find the legendary gang. Eurotec wants Clouseau's gang and the stolen gems. More than money was at stake. Missing the precious stones would possibly bankrupt the company. Marina could lose her job. Did I mention that Nick's sole motivation appears to be having sex with the gorgeous and mysterious Marina? Marina thought Nick's desperate underdog role in a high-stakes card game was clever. Do you think Marina was honest, savvy, or hiding something? The non-stop action in this thriller will keep you fascinated.
Cathi Stoler, Derringer-winning, Amazon-bestselling author of Nick of Time and Out of Time. The author's recent books follow Nick Donahue's extraordinary adventures. Stoler's wide literary portfolio shows her talent. She's a great writer, with surprising twists and ingenious endings in her latest book. I was surprised to see the missing pieces of this book. I felt like I was reading the Reader's Digest Version. However, I found myself enjoying all the book, so I'm giving 5 out of 5 stars. I read to be entertained, and I was. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cathi Stoler, Derringer-winning, Amazon-bestselling author of Nick of Time and Out of Time. The author's recent books follow Nick Donahue's extraordinary adventures. Stoler's wide literary portfolio shows her talent. She's a great writer, with surprising twists and ingenious endings in her latest book. I was surprised to see the missing pieces of this book. I felt like I was reading the Reader's Digest Version. However, I found myself enjoying all the book, so I'm giving 5 out of 5 stars. I read to be entertained, and I was. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2024
In Nick of Time, by Cathi Soler, Marina Pietro seduces Nick Donahue, a professional gambler, who’s in Venice to hit the casinos. Who is she and why does she want Nick’s help? Does she really work at Eurotec International, a global insurance company? Or is she really something else entirely? How and why does the deal Nick strikes with Marina to capture jewel thieves go so wrong and get him kidnapped and brutalized? And what do bankers at SuisseBank Ltd. have to do with anything? Are they crooked, too?
Nigel Phillips, a friend of both Nick and Marina, slips and slides in and out of the story. He works for the British government; exactly how is not specified, but most likely in intelligence (MI6). Luckily for both Nick and Marina, Nigel can extricate them from some dicey situations. The opaqueness around Nigel tends to bring Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock’s brother) to mind.
Nick of Time is a quick and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters but feel that Stoler could have provided a smidgen more background to each of the main characters. Also, when Nick goes undercover to a casino in Monte Carlo to catch one of the dicey bankers, the alias he’s given is Roger Moore. Really? Maybe a bit more imaginative thought would have been in order there. But overall, a pleasant, enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest review of the book.
Nigel Phillips, a friend of both Nick and Marina, slips and slides in and out of the story. He works for the British government; exactly how is not specified, but most likely in intelligence (MI6). Luckily for both Nick and Marina, Nigel can extricate them from some dicey situations. The opaqueness around Nigel tends to bring Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock’s brother) to mind.
Nick of Time is a quick and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters but feel that Stoler could have provided a smidgen more background to each of the main characters. Also, when Nick goes undercover to a casino in Monte Carlo to catch one of the dicey bankers, the alias he’s given is Roger Moore. Really? Maybe a bit more imaginative thought would have been in order there. But overall, a pleasant, enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest review of the book.
May 15, 2023
This is the first in a series of books about a gambler Nick Donahue who gets embroiled in several scrapes gambling around Europe. The writing is light hearted and with an amusing wry tone as Nick tries to navigate his way out of trouble in crooked banks, spy stings and mafia style hit men. It was an enjoyable short read but slightly far fetched, particularly when Nick’s lady love is involved.
The capers that the characters become involved in take over any sense of place despite the various locations that could have brought more interest to the story. It’s never clear who is controlling the action.
The capers that the characters become involved in take over any sense of place despite the various locations that could have brought more interest to the story. It’s never clear who is controlling the action.
May 11, 2023
A fun fast thriller. My first from author Cathi Stoler.
Professional gambler Nick Donahue is unexpectedly thrust into the international world of money laundering and gem smuggling by a gorgeous damsel in distress who he encounters while playing blackjack in Venice. The plot moves from Italy to the Czech Republic to London and finally to the glamorous glittering casino in Monaco. Nick is debonair, charming and has a great sense of humor. Delighted to meet him and wish him great success on his future adventures.
Professional gambler Nick Donahue is unexpectedly thrust into the international world of money laundering and gem smuggling by a gorgeous damsel in distress who he encounters while playing blackjack in Venice. The plot moves from Italy to the Czech Republic to London and finally to the glamorous glittering casino in Monaco. Nick is debonair, charming and has a great sense of humor. Delighted to meet him and wish him great success on his future adventures.
May 27, 2023
Nick Donahue is a professional gambler who somehow becomes involved in high stakes game where not only his life could be forfeited but also that of some one he cares for. Nick is quite likeable, the plot is simple and the writing good. It’s slightly unsatisfying as a short read, implausible at times and a bit tongue in cheek. As the first of a new series by this author, worth a read, and I’ll look out for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2024
If you like suspenseful, short thrillers, this book is for you. Nick is a professional gambler who meets up with a woman in distress. Instead of a happy ever after, he gets jewel thieves, money laundering, and dangerous gangs. Great first book in the series, but I hope more character development happens in the next few books. The ending was short, seeming like the author stopped to make 2 books out of one. Won’t know until I read the next one. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
October 18, 2023
Got this as a Review copy in BookSirens and picked it up as a short fast reading.
It is a short and fast reading but the credit ends there.
The book is a soft spy adventure, I would call it a "Cozy" spy adventure, a genre which I had never read. What would attract a reader is that the story is short, an hour or so to complete so can be completed in one sitting. This is perfect as a travel book.
The story is a sort of spy adventure with a serial gambler or what would be called a professional gambler turns spy for love. Nick a gambler is honey-trapped by a lady to do her bidding and is then possibly sold out. The background brings in a large bank involved in a shady business and with much to hide proceeds to act like a gangsters to cover up their fallacies. Nick finds himself in the middle with his family, love and professional identities colliding and colluding to come out intact.
What I liked about this book is the size and also the protagonist who is somewhere between a Bond and the others. Cathi does have a way of writing which smoothens the story and she has done it in a polished way here.
I had picked this book as a filler between the heavy lifting that I have been doing with ARC's, overflowing current books and more. My opinion of the book fell down a crevasse within the first few chapters, with far-fetched being a very kind word to describe the book. The premise was great, nothing novel because there have been numerous books, TV series and movies but is a topic that holds great potential and there are numerous readers who like me delight to read a good romp.
In this book the story stands upon premises that have no solid basis. The protagonist, it seems to know everyone of importance and the pope because although being a gambler and a successful one at that he seems to cultivate friendships in high places, even in the spy business. I think the story was written and re-written in between and Nick's character changed accordingly which meant his background was never established properly.
For a professional gambler he seems to fall easily for women and accepts cheesy and corny stuff as gospel and agrees to stick his neck out for a roll in the hay. He is easily manipulated and this puts a question on his abilities on the gambling table. There are certain games which do not las just by chance and a reasonable expert is a person whose brains are better than the normal. Winning a card game in a casino is a matter of high skill, dexterity, mental faculties and luck. A professional would have oodles of this and with casino's going the extra yard to pump and pimp their best customers to spend more and lose more, a good player would know how to sidestep them or use them to his advantage. Here it does not happen.
This book is not for everyone except as an extremely casual reading without using any brains.
It is a short and fast reading but the credit ends there.
The book is a soft spy adventure, I would call it a "Cozy" spy adventure, a genre which I had never read. What would attract a reader is that the story is short, an hour or so to complete so can be completed in one sitting. This is perfect as a travel book.
The story is a sort of spy adventure with a serial gambler or what would be called a professional gambler turns spy for love. Nick a gambler is honey-trapped by a lady to do her bidding and is then possibly sold out. The background brings in a large bank involved in a shady business and with much to hide proceeds to act like a gangsters to cover up their fallacies. Nick finds himself in the middle with his family, love and professional identities colliding and colluding to come out intact.
What I liked about this book is the size and also the protagonist who is somewhere between a Bond and the others. Cathi does have a way of writing which smoothens the story and she has done it in a polished way here.
I had picked this book as a filler between the heavy lifting that I have been doing with ARC's, overflowing current books and more. My opinion of the book fell down a crevasse within the first few chapters, with far-fetched being a very kind word to describe the book. The premise was great, nothing novel because there have been numerous books, TV series and movies but is a topic that holds great potential and there are numerous readers who like me delight to read a good romp.
In this book the story stands upon premises that have no solid basis. The protagonist, it seems to know everyone of importance and the pope because although being a gambler and a successful one at that he seems to cultivate friendships in high places, even in the spy business. I think the story was written and re-written in between and Nick's character changed accordingly which meant his background was never established properly.
For a professional gambler he seems to fall easily for women and accepts cheesy and corny stuff as gospel and agrees to stick his neck out for a roll in the hay. He is easily manipulated and this puts a question on his abilities on the gambling table. There are certain games which do not las just by chance and a reasonable expert is a person whose brains are better than the normal. Winning a card game in a casino is a matter of high skill, dexterity, mental faculties and luck. A professional would have oodles of this and with casino's going the extra yard to pump and pimp their best customers to spend more and lose more, a good player would know how to sidestep them or use them to his advantage. Here it does not happen.
This book is not for everyone except as an extremely casual reading without using any brains.
June 29, 2023
Nick of Time is the first book in the Nick Donahue Adventure series. This is an international suspense thriller featuring Nick Donahue, a gambler in Venice playing Blackjack when he meets a beautiful woman in desperate need of help. Nick agrees to help her but finds himself very quickly in trouble.
This book is a fun fast read. It has interesting characters and a lot of intrigue.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.
This book is a fun fast read. It has interesting characters and a lot of intrigue.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.
December 15, 2013
In this fast-paced international suspense thriller, author Cathi Stoler beautifully crafts a world of mystery and intrigue, taking you to believable places and situations, far and wide. I absolutely loved this novella and look forward to more good reads by this excellent mystery writer. Highly recommend!
December 5, 2013
A clever thriller with snappy dialogue, believable characters, and a can’t-put-it-down pace. Every time I thought I knew what was really going on, there was yet another plot twist. A must-read for thriller-lovers.
April 24, 2015
This became my "go to book" when others weren't available. It was an easy one to pick up and put down. One that you can put to the side when other "read this first" happen. Not sure I would recommend it but it was alright.
June 8, 2023
Very pleasantly surprised. I don't know what I was expecting with book. My brain is so weird right now lol. Needless to say, I was happy. It was a good story, filled with suspense, good plot and good characters. Everything you need for a great book lol. I need to read more on Nick.
February 3, 2014
This book reminded me of a movie and it could be! I felt like I was on an adventure from page one. It was a fast-pace read.
March 13, 2014
Great book with equal amounts of suspense and action! Cathi Stoler has established herself as a terrific mystery writer.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews