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The Paris Vendetta
The glittering world of high finance conceals a dark underbelly of corruption and abuse. And the powerful men at its heart will do just about anything to keep their secrets from being exposed.
The Paris conference was supposed to be the biggest moment of investment banker Adam Macias’s career, a chance to impress his CEO and rub shoulders with their firm’s top investors. Instead, Adam arrives at a glamorous rooftop party in time to see his CEO—and his career—go up in flames when a dangerous conflagration interrupts the event.
Now Adam is a suspect in the investigation into the life-threatening arson. After all, he’d used his ID to let a suspicious woman past a security checkpoint and up to the roof just moments before the fire broke out. With the French police circling, Adam finds himself suddenly jobless and the one woman who could provide him with an alibi, his best friend and coworker Jenn, isn’t returning his calls.
Adam knows that only the mysterious woman from the party can save him but, once he finally finds her, he discovers a whole new world of trouble. There’s a deadly and powerful syndicate operating in the shadows of the City of Lights, and now that organization has a target on Adam’s back. Lucky for him, his new companion has the instincts of a killer.…
The exhilarating first novel from filmmaker and James Patterson collaborator S.K. Serafin, The Paris Vendetta is a pulse-pounding thrill ride through central Europe’s most beautiful cities—Paris and Amsterdam—that exposes the rot beneath their gorgeous facades.
The Paris conference was supposed to be the biggest moment of investment banker Adam Macias’s career, a chance to impress his CEO and rub shoulders with their firm’s top investors. Instead, Adam arrives at a glamorous rooftop party in time to see his CEO—and his career—go up in flames when a dangerous conflagration interrupts the event.
Now Adam is a suspect in the investigation into the life-threatening arson. After all, he’d used his ID to let a suspicious woman past a security checkpoint and up to the roof just moments before the fire broke out. With the French police circling, Adam finds himself suddenly jobless and the one woman who could provide him with an alibi, his best friend and coworker Jenn, isn’t returning his calls.
Adam knows that only the mysterious woman from the party can save him but, once he finally finds her, he discovers a whole new world of trouble. There’s a deadly and powerful syndicate operating in the shadows of the City of Lights, and now that organization has a target on Adam’s back. Lucky for him, his new companion has the instincts of a killer.…
The exhilarating first novel from filmmaker and James Patterson collaborator S.K. Serafin, The Paris Vendetta is a pulse-pounding thrill ride through central Europe’s most beautiful cities—Paris and Amsterdam—that exposes the rot beneath their gorgeous facades.
- GenresThriller
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
About the author
Shan Serafin
9 books51 followersShan Serafin is an American film director, screenwriter, and novelist. In both film and literature he is known for his work in the thriller and action genres. For stage productions, the majority of his work falls under drama.
As a writer, he continually collaborates with best-selling novelist James Patterson, with whom he's co-authored The Women's War, an action thriller about three female special ops; Come And Get Us, a thriller about a young mother stranded in the desert; and Revenge, a thriller about a hitman avenging his wife. Serafin is known for fiction narratives featuring strong female characters often entangled in violent predicaments. His first novel Seventeen is the story of a seventeen-year old adolescent who gives herself seven days to live. His second solo-effort is Conquest, a fiction narrative of the toils of modern dating.
His film-directing career began with The Forest (2011), which was the first of three feature films he would write and direct. The Forest is a supernatural thriller shot on-location in the infamous Aokigahara Jukai suicide forest, which stars Aidan Bristow and Michael Madsen. His second film, Misfire (2013), starring Jaina Lee Ortiz, is a stylized action-thriller depicting rival female assassins converging on the same target. His most-recent film, The Believer (2017), is a psychological thriller involving demonology within the context of marital strife. Serafin's directorial work in theater began with a stage play he also co-wrote entitled The Essential Bond, a biographical narrative about the true story of two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. The Essential Bond starred John Astin and Matt Ashford and ran for three months.
Serafin is a Buddhist practicing with the Soka Gakkai International organization of Nichiren Buddhism. He currently resides in Los Angeles and Paris.
As a writer, he continually collaborates with best-selling novelist James Patterson, with whom he's co-authored The Women's War, an action thriller about three female special ops; Come And Get Us, a thriller about a young mother stranded in the desert; and Revenge, a thriller about a hitman avenging his wife. Serafin is known for fiction narratives featuring strong female characters often entangled in violent predicaments. His first novel Seventeen is the story of a seventeen-year old adolescent who gives herself seven days to live. His second solo-effort is Conquest, a fiction narrative of the toils of modern dating.
His film-directing career began with The Forest (2011), which was the first of three feature films he would write and direct. The Forest is a supernatural thriller shot on-location in the infamous Aokigahara Jukai suicide forest, which stars Aidan Bristow and Michael Madsen. His second film, Misfire (2013), starring Jaina Lee Ortiz, is a stylized action-thriller depicting rival female assassins converging on the same target. His most-recent film, The Believer (2017), is a psychological thriller involving demonology within the context of marital strife. Serafin's directorial work in theater began with a stage play he also co-wrote entitled The Essential Bond, a biographical narrative about the true story of two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. The Essential Bond starred John Astin and Matt Ashford and ran for three months.
Serafin is a Buddhist practicing with the Soka Gakkai International organization of Nichiren Buddhism. He currently resides in Los Angeles and Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 14, 2024
This was a great, well written thriller. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and loved how it took place in Paris. In this book we follow Adam who has become a suspect in the investigation of an arson case and he quickly finds himself in a lot of trouble. The Paris Vendetta was filled with twists and turns which made it very hard to put down. Overall this was a great read.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for the gifted arc.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for the gifted arc.
June 27, 2024
Well this was disappointing.
To be fair, I did not have any crazy expectations going into this. I won a Goodreads giveaway of this book, but when I received the copy and found out what it was about, I was excited.
Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a mess for me. I found the mystery to be convoluted, the writing style to be jarring, and the characters to be unlikable. I will give credit that the pacing was fast and I did fly through this. However, I had a very hard time being invested in this story throughout.
Unfortunately, not the best thriller I've ever read.
To be fair, I did not have any crazy expectations going into this. I won a Goodreads giveaway of this book, but when I received the copy and found out what it was about, I was excited.
Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a mess for me. I found the mystery to be convoluted, the writing style to be jarring, and the characters to be unlikable. I will give credit that the pacing was fast and I did fly through this. However, I had a very hard time being invested in this story throughout.
Unfortunately, not the best thriller I've ever read.
October 1, 2024
Finishing some books that I started but did not finish. Honestly, this book could have been left on the dnf shelf.
June 25, 2024
He’s going to need every sales tactic he’s ever used to get out alive.
Adam Macias should be having the time of his life. He is in Paris on business, a highly successful account manager for his commercial banking company Euro Mutual, and is on his way to a terrace party thrown for the firm’s clients. Lots of drinking, beautiful women….what could be better? His first inclination that things are going off script happens as he and his co-worker (and best friend) Jenn Graham are in line to go through a last-minute security procedure before boarding the elevator that will take them to the festivities up above. Adam is asked to step out of line by the police officers conducting the checks, and is quizzed about his access card having being used on a freight elevator earlier that evening. He tells them the truth, that a (amazingly stunning) young woman, someone he assumed was part of the sales conference, struck up a conversation with him, and he used his pass to summon the elevator for her. Seems like an innocent enough thing to do…..that is, until Euro Mutual’s CEO Evan Goldman is set on fire in the midst of the party shortly after Adam and Jenn arrive. As the attendees panic, Adam loses contact with Jenn and is caught up in the fleeing crowd. He spends the following day trying to reach Jenn, unsure if she made it out safely or not, and contacting clients to assure them that the big deal Euro Mutual is trying to lock down is (despite the CEO being in critical condition) is going forward as planned. Then he simultaneously finds out that (a) he is the police’s top suspect in the attack on Goldman and (b) that his employment is being immediately and irrevocably terminated. He is desperate to connect with Jenn, who he knows is his best chance of straightening out this mess, but instead is approached by Katarina, the mysterious beauty who started this chaos. Soon he finds himself fleeing some seriously bad people who want to find Katarina and kill him, first through the streets of Paris and then Amsterdam. He had figured out that his company was far from lily-white in its dealings, but what he discovers is going on amongst the major firms as well as his own is wilder and more obscene than he could imagine. Drugs, sex trafficking, its all part of doing business….and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To clear his name and stay alive, he will have to do things of which he hadn’t though himself capable and become someone as ruthless as his adversaries….and even that may not be enough to survive.
A thriller set in the world of international finance against the backdrop of two of Europe’s most fascinating cities, The Paris Vendetta is a wild ride through the world of those whose riches and power insulate them from the laws and rules that most must follow. Adam, from an impoverished background with a violent, abusive drunk of a father who made sure he knew that he would never rise above his roots, has spent his life working harder and being smarter than those around him. He has always felt that he doesn’t quite fit, that he’s never quite good enough, and the self-loathing and rage that he keeps buried inside him may be just the fuel he needs to punch through the chaotic mess his life has just become. Katarina, a young woman who has been abused and tortured to an unbelievable degree, is determined to make those who kept her in this life finally pay for their actions, at whatever cost. With nasty criminal enforcers, glib financial wannabe players, and other women caught up in the sex trade, the story spills out with plenty of twists, chases, and leaps of faith in play. Readers who enjoy authors like Joseph Finder, Brad Meltzer and James Patterson but with a hint of “Eyes Wide Shut” should add this title to their TBR list. My thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publshers/The Mysterious Press for allowing me early access to this dark but engrossing thriller.
Adam Macias should be having the time of his life. He is in Paris on business, a highly successful account manager for his commercial banking company Euro Mutual, and is on his way to a terrace party thrown for the firm’s clients. Lots of drinking, beautiful women….what could be better? His first inclination that things are going off script happens as he and his co-worker (and best friend) Jenn Graham are in line to go through a last-minute security procedure before boarding the elevator that will take them to the festivities up above. Adam is asked to step out of line by the police officers conducting the checks, and is quizzed about his access card having being used on a freight elevator earlier that evening. He tells them the truth, that a (amazingly stunning) young woman, someone he assumed was part of the sales conference, struck up a conversation with him, and he used his pass to summon the elevator for her. Seems like an innocent enough thing to do…..that is, until Euro Mutual’s CEO Evan Goldman is set on fire in the midst of the party shortly after Adam and Jenn arrive. As the attendees panic, Adam loses contact with Jenn and is caught up in the fleeing crowd. He spends the following day trying to reach Jenn, unsure if she made it out safely or not, and contacting clients to assure them that the big deal Euro Mutual is trying to lock down is (despite the CEO being in critical condition) is going forward as planned. Then he simultaneously finds out that (a) he is the police’s top suspect in the attack on Goldman and (b) that his employment is being immediately and irrevocably terminated. He is desperate to connect with Jenn, who he knows is his best chance of straightening out this mess, but instead is approached by Katarina, the mysterious beauty who started this chaos. Soon he finds himself fleeing some seriously bad people who want to find Katarina and kill him, first through the streets of Paris and then Amsterdam. He had figured out that his company was far from lily-white in its dealings, but what he discovers is going on amongst the major firms as well as his own is wilder and more obscene than he could imagine. Drugs, sex trafficking, its all part of doing business….and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To clear his name and stay alive, he will have to do things of which he hadn’t though himself capable and become someone as ruthless as his adversaries….and even that may not be enough to survive.
A thriller set in the world of international finance against the backdrop of two of Europe’s most fascinating cities, The Paris Vendetta is a wild ride through the world of those whose riches and power insulate them from the laws and rules that most must follow. Adam, from an impoverished background with a violent, abusive drunk of a father who made sure he knew that he would never rise above his roots, has spent his life working harder and being smarter than those around him. He has always felt that he doesn’t quite fit, that he’s never quite good enough, and the self-loathing and rage that he keeps buried inside him may be just the fuel he needs to punch through the chaotic mess his life has just become. Katarina, a young woman who has been abused and tortured to an unbelievable degree, is determined to make those who kept her in this life finally pay for their actions, at whatever cost. With nasty criminal enforcers, glib financial wannabe players, and other women caught up in the sex trade, the story spills out with plenty of twists, chases, and leaps of faith in play. Readers who enjoy authors like Joseph Finder, Brad Meltzer and James Patterson but with a hint of “Eyes Wide Shut” should add this title to their TBR list. My thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publshers/The Mysterious Press for allowing me early access to this dark but engrossing thriller.
June 21, 2024
This new thriller took place in the beautiful cities of Paris and Amsterdam. Even though there are some great descriptions of well known places in both cities, the main character is on the run and has no time to enjoy the cities as he is caught up in a cat and mouse game and at times is unsure whether the people who are chasing him want to do him harm or help him out of his dilemma.
A huge banking conference in Paris is a big moment in the career of investment banker Adam Macia's career. He will finally have the chance to impress his bosses and gain the promotion that he has been working towards. When he arrives at the glamorous opening party, he sees his boss and his career go up in flames. Suddenly, instead of being an investment banker, he is on the run being pursued by the Paris police for arson. He is fired from his job and the one person he thinks can help him out of this - his best friend Jenn - isn't answering her phone or returning his panicked calls. The longer he's on the run, the more people are looking for him and he ends up being targeted by a powerful syndicate operating in the shadows of the City of Lights. Can he stay ahead of the people who are trying to kill him long enough to tell the world about the syndicate and their goals before they succeed in getting rid of him?
This book is a real page turner full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know who is chasing Adam, you find out that the author has fooled you and you are totally wrong. There was one particular character that I wasn't sure was a good guy or a bad guy until almost the end of the story. Plus where is the elusive Jenn and why isn't she helping her best friend?
This is a debut novel for this author and after reading The Paris Vendetta, I look forward to his future books.
A huge banking conference in Paris is a big moment in the career of investment banker Adam Macia's career. He will finally have the chance to impress his bosses and gain the promotion that he has been working towards. When he arrives at the glamorous opening party, he sees his boss and his career go up in flames. Suddenly, instead of being an investment banker, he is on the run being pursued by the Paris police for arson. He is fired from his job and the one person he thinks can help him out of this - his best friend Jenn - isn't answering her phone or returning his panicked calls. The longer he's on the run, the more people are looking for him and he ends up being targeted by a powerful syndicate operating in the shadows of the City of Lights. Can he stay ahead of the people who are trying to kill him long enough to tell the world about the syndicate and their goals before they succeed in getting rid of him?
This book is a real page turner full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know who is chasing Adam, you find out that the author has fooled you and you are totally wrong. There was one particular character that I wasn't sure was a good guy or a bad guy until almost the end of the story. Plus where is the elusive Jenn and why isn't she helping her best friend?
This is a debut novel for this author and after reading The Paris Vendetta, I look forward to his future books.
June 30, 2024
Read it in two days!
"The Paris Vendetta" is a thrilling ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. It follows Adam Macias, a banker who gets framed for arson at a big event in Paris. The story is packed with twists and takes you through the exciting and dangerous streets of Paris and Amsterdam.
Having visited both cities myself, reading this book was extra special. It brought back memories of my trips but with a thrilling twist. The fast-paced action and gripping plot make it hard to put down.
If you love thrillers with nonstop action, you need to read this book.
"The Paris Vendetta" is a thrilling ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. It follows Adam Macias, a banker who gets framed for arson at a big event in Paris. The story is packed with twists and takes you through the exciting and dangerous streets of Paris and Amsterdam.
Having visited both cities myself, reading this book was extra special. It brought back memories of my trips but with a thrilling twist. The fast-paced action and gripping plot make it hard to put down.
If you love thrillers with nonstop action, you need to read this book.
July 25, 2024
The Paris Vendetta by Shan Serafin is an absolute whirlwind! As soon as the story begins you are taken on a fast paced ride that doesn’t stop the whole way through!
The best part is that it’s set in Paris, one of my all time favorite cities! The story does contain some disturbing subjects so proceed with caution…
It’s a story of money, power and corruption and the darkness that goes on behind the scenes. It’s all out action that never ends!
Thank you @mysteriousbookshop for sending us the advanced reader’s copy! I definitely recommend this for thriller fans!🌺🧜🏻♀️
The best part is that it’s set in Paris, one of my all time favorite cities! The story does contain some disturbing subjects so proceed with caution…
It’s a story of money, power and corruption and the darkness that goes on behind the scenes. It’s all out action that never ends!
Thank you @mysteriousbookshop for sending us the advanced reader’s copy! I definitely recommend this for thriller fans!🌺🧜🏻♀️
June 4, 2025
This book made absolutely no sense, the storyline was all over the place with no character development. Only gave 2 stars since I was able to get through it so fast, mainly because I was desperate to put it down. I finished feeling extremely confused with no questions answered, would absolutely not recommend reading this one.
July 29, 2024
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
A fast paced, heart pounding read. You're submerged from the get go and it keeps going and going until next thing you know its over. No dull moments found here. I want more of Shan Serafin! He knows how to write a thriller.
A fast paced, heart pounding read. You're submerged from the get go and it keeps going and going until next thing you know its over. No dull moments found here. I want more of Shan Serafin! He knows how to write a thriller.
Did Not Finish
July 5, 2026I enjoyed the fast suspenseful pace transpiring in beautiful Paris, but quit reading when I got to the scene of the naked woman chained to the floor and you know horrible things are going to happen that I can't unread.
July 14, 2024
Really exciting to read! He writes in an out-of-breath style, which is perfect for this tale. Ended up reading in one sitting.
October 8, 2024
For an author who has written with Patterson this book is a mess. It makes no sense I had no idea what Adam and Katarina were after who they were with/against who Jenn was.
October 8, 2024
2.5⭐️ No real need for Adam to be there. The book would’ve been fine without him… and Jenn. Lackluster ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Ridiculous. There no one an ordinary businessman can become what Adam becomes in a week
October 27, 2025
Rated 5/10 Not a particularly memorable read. Tended to skip over parts that dragged on in long winded descriptions of nothing much.
January 22, 2026
I really hated this.
September 11, 2024
Loved this book. A super fast-paced thriller set in Paris with stops in Amsterdam. Witty writing and in-depth location details felt like i was in europe. Quick read, good weekend book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews