A Touch of Deceit

Nick Bracco Thriller #1

by Gary Ponzo

Winner of the Southwest Writers Novel Contest, Thriller category. FBI agent Nick Bracco can't stop a Kurdish terrorist from firing missiles at random homes across the country. The police can't stand watch over every household, so Bracco recruits his cousin Tommy to help track down this terrorist. Tommy, however, is in the Mafia. Oh yeah, it gets messy fast. As fast as you can turn the pages.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Crime, Terrorism

338 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2010

About the author

Gary Ponzo was born in Brooklyn, but now lives in Phoenix with his wife Jennifer and two children, Jessica and Kyle. He began his writing career focusing on short stories to gain publishing credit. His stories have appeared in numerous publications including Amazing Journeys Magazine and Potpourri. Two of his stories were nominated for the very prestigious Pushcart Prize.

His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," won the Southwest Writers Novel Contest.

Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.

He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by Gary Ponzo is well written and professionally presented. The plot is action packed and well thought out. Just a bit too violent for me but for anyone seeking non-stop action, this would be the book.

My thanks to the author, Gary Ponzo, for my electronic copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Bracco is an FBI agent specializing in anti-terrorism, and he suffers from PTSd and anxiety attacks. When a Kurdish terrorist slips over the border, things get worse. The terrorist has a plan to blow up a random home in each state.

Then he plans to blow up The White House. Nick enlists his relatives in the mob to help quash the plans.

Different than the other books in the series that I've read. Tommy is a very minor character here.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and terrifying. This seems entirely plausible in today’s world. Very well done and thoroughly absorbing. Nick has issues but fortunately he is surrounded by good people. I loved the blend of FBI and mob thugs going after terrorists. Very entertaining.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t generally read plain ol’ realistic fiction very often. I usually need some sort of science fiction or fantasy element to a book for it to pique my interest. However, Gary Ponzo promised non-stop action when he requested a review of this book so I thought, “We’ll just see about that.” I figured if he was right that the book might be a fun read. The author was not lying.
It’s easy to see why this book won the Southwest Writers Novel Award, Thriller category. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced adventure. The story revolves around FBI agent, Nick Bracco and his partner, Matt. Their confrontation with a Kurdish terrorist causes them to become embroiled in a large plot to bomb various sites across the United States including the White House. The mission also becomes a personal conflict between Nick and the leader of the terrorist organization. The terrorists are well-organized and have hatched an intricate plot to strike fear into the very heart of America. As every federal agency is coming up short trying to figure out the terrorists’ next move and not meeting much success, Nick enlists his cousin to use methods outside of the law to unravel the mystery. The mobsters were a fun contrast to the serious and proper FBI behavior of the main characters in the story.
While this was a gripping story, it’s not anything out of the ordinary. Some of the dialogue is a tad cliché, like mobsters who use phrases we would expect to hear like “bust my chops.” Another common plot formula is the longtime agent, Nick, who has a wife that wants him to get out of the business and he’s having a hard time pulling away. However, these plot devices are always entertaining and do nothing to take away from the story.
Characterization was accomplished with an easy flow throughout small pauses in the action while the reader gets a chance to catch his or her breath before the next plot twist begins. Amidst all the espionage and near-death experiences, we do get to see the softer side of both and Nick and Matt when it comes to love. Nick is trying to hold on to his, and Matt is trying to find some.
There are usually always some parts of a book that I sort of have to “push through.” You know what I mean. That part where the author is explaining something that is apparently important to the story or some background history of a character that will be important later in the story, but all I want to do is move on and find out what happens next. This was a fast and furious read that didn’t have any parts like that for me. Anything I needed to know was woven into the current action and didn’t break up the thrilling pace.
This book won’t make you ponder any great mysteries of life or cause you to do any soul searching of your inner self, but it’s one heck of a fun adventure to be a part of.

[Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads give-a-way book from Gary Ponzo. I received the book from Gary shortly after I was notified that I was a winner in his give-a-way. I wasn't expecting much but was I ever surprised. I should have immediately started reading. It was that good and I really had a hard time putting the book down once I began reading. This is Gary Ponzo's "first" book in the Nick Bracco thrillers. I definitely want more. If you are into thrillers then I recommend it highly. I can't believe this was Gary's first book!

[Karen ReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for another Goodreads Giveaway. Loved this one. High energy. Action packed. Good guys win. Nick Bracco my new hero. About time we unleashed a new type of soldier!!

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello to everyone and welcome to the middle of the week. Joy of joys. Things have been hopping here @ Gelati’s Scoop/ The G-Zone and I couldn’t be happier. The rest of the week we have some really nice novels, and digital shorts to feature. Our guests the next few days are a great assortment of genres and personalities. Thursday in the G-Zone is Gary Ponzo, today’s featured author/post, and on Friday in a return engagement Leonardo Ramirez author of the graphic novel Haven and the soon to be released full length novel Haven. Not too bad. Let’s get to today’s novel and have some fun shall we? Did you know this novel has 41 five star reviews on Amazon Kindle? 51 ratings overall. Again, not too shabby. Here is what is between the virtual covers:
“Winner of the 2009 Southwest Writers Novel Contest, Thriller category!FBI agent Nick Bracco can't stop a Kurdish terrorist from firing missiles at random homes across the country. The police can't stand watch over every household, so Bracco recruits his cousin Tommy to help track down this terrorist. Tommy is in the Mafia. Oh yeah, it gets messy fast. As fast as you can turn the pages.”
I am a big fan of this kind of stuff. My fingers, excuse me, my thumbs were sore when I got done this. They couldn’t click fast enough. My eyes did not want to leave the Kindle. This is an awesome novel and a worthy read. The characters are great, the action intense, and Gary Ponzo knows how to craft a story. This puts the words, ”Bang for the Buck”, in a new light. The download is $.99, a great bargain. I want to include his bio in this post, because it goes a long way to explain the workings of this novel. He sounds like a blast, has lead a very colored life, and I am looking forward to yapping with him tomorrow on The G-ZONE. Here you go, read it; enjoy the day, and talk to you soon everybody!
“Author Gary Ponzo began his writing career over a decade ago by writing short stories. He quickly discovered a knack for the short form. In just five years he'd published seven short stories in various publications, two of which were nominated for the very prestigious Pushcart Prize.

His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," took five years to write and one to pick clean. The story was born from his childhood experiences working in his father's candy store in Brooklyn, NY. His father was Sicilian and became friendly with some local members of a different kind of Sicilian family. Since Gary was just fifteen at the time, these family members would make sure he was protected whenever he would work late at night by himself. He soon discovered a side to the mafia not many people knew. It was these relationships which caused him to write about Sicilian FBI agent, Nick Bracco, who recruits his mafia cousin to chase down the world's most feared terrorist.

"A Touch of Deceit," went on to win the 2009 Southwest Writers Novel Contest, Thriller category. He is working on the sequel to the novel as well as continuing to publish his short stories. Gary currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Jennifer and two children, Jessica and Kyle.”
What are you reading today? Have you checked out our new blogtalk radio show The G-ZONE? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, The Novel Spot &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com

[Jennifer Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many novels these days are tagged as a “Thriller”. Sometimes I’m a little disappointed because they don’t always seem to fit that genre. I was pleasantly surprised that “A Touch of Deceit” checked every box for me that a thriller should be – and more. I was immediately engrossed in Gary Ponzo’s debut, award winning thriller from the first page.

The hero, Nick Bracco works as an anti-terrorism FBI agent. The reader is instantly thrown into the high-stakes life of this true-life action hero. The clock is ticking down as Bracco tries to stop a Kurdish terrorist from blowing up random homes across America. Everyone’s nightmare has been realized. Bracco is forced to recruit his close cousin Tommy, a member of the Italian Mafia, to help track down this assassin before more lives are lost.

“A Touch of Deceit” is a cleverly written thriller with plenty of twists and turns, action, and strong dialogue to keep you turning the pages well into the night. The characters show strength and depth. The plot moves quickly, leaving the reader to want more. The dialogue is direct and well written. Gary Ponzo is an author that everyone should add to their reading list. I highly recommend for thriller, suspense, and mystery fans.

[Adam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrorists are loose on U.S. soil and they’re ready to kill as many people as it takes until their demands are met. When bombs start going off against civilian targets, it’s down to Nick Bracco, lead member of the FBI’s counterterrorist task force, and his partner to find the head terrorist and stop him before things can get any worse

This book was awesome! I don’t usually read this genre, and to be honest I only really picked this up because the cover looked cool, but this book had me hooked the whole way through. From start to finish, it was fascinating. I didn’t even know Mafia vs. Terrorists was a thing, but it definitely should be. I look forward to reading the other books in the series when I get the chance.

Everyone should give this book a try. It just might surprise you.

[Shawn Callon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary's action-packed, fast-paced novel features two key characters - Nick and Matt. Nick is the more interesting character as he appears to be suffering from some sort of PTSD or panic attack as he tracks down the leader of the terrorist group; Matt remains laconic throughout the whole novel relishing his reputation as the best sharpshooter in the FBI. His main role is to protect Nick, always alert to any perceived danger that could hurt his buddy. I enjoyed the constant wisecracking exchanges between these two characters and I particularly enjoyed some of the author's descriptive phrases. Nick described the terrorist bomb maker as someone who could "slip a snake into your pants pocket and then ask for change." Another phrase I liked was "microphones to detect an ant colony shifting locations" - this emphasizes the sensitivity of the surveillance equipment that the FBI are using. Another aspect I appreciated was the non-linear development of the plot. We all know that the good guys will win in the end but the author throws in a number of twists and turns to keep the reader wondering - will they really? There are two aspects that gave me some concern - too many characters and too many dead bodies. All in all a great thriller that would make a great movie.

This review was written by Shawn Callon author of The Diplomatic Spy

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st story that I have read by this author and it won't be the last.

The story introduces Nick Bracco who is a member of the FBI Terrorism Task Force. He becomes involved with events that are being performed by Turkish Kurds. They are bombing houses in each of the fifty states and he is assigned stop them.

In order for Nick to stop them, it becomes necessary to employ a secret weapon. You will need to read the story to find out what it is.

The action portrayed is well done and all of the characters are well done and I highly recommend this series to any one who enjoys action and reading tales of adventures performed by the FBI or other Government agencies.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement from beginning to end. The author really made the antagonist a detestable person, to the point where I was getting angry with him. Lots of characters, especially the FBI guys and Cabinet members, and I felt confused at times as to who was who. The resolution in the next-to-last was outstanding, a true cliff-hanger.

[Carole D Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying thought

This story sure brings a lot of emotion into your reading. This brought up what took place on 911. The story brought up a lot of emotion in my own thinking of what is happening and how We forget The damage terrorism has done to our country. The story made me remember How to become a better American.

[Kathy Stibal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book Full of action, suspense and thrills. I read Touch of Defiance first so I was familiar with the characters and it didn't seem to matter that I read them out of order. I now have A Tough of Terror which I can't wait to start.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

How often does an FBI Agent have a relative and a friend in the Mafia? Nick Bracco does. His cousin, Tommy Bracco and boyhood friend, Silk. The three men grew up together and have remained close. Nick is the head of an anti terrorist unit and he and his partner, Matt McColm, capture a Kurdish terrorist, Rashid Baser. The leader of the terrorists, Kemel Kharrazi retaliates by taking Nick’s brother hostage.

The Kurdish group of terrorists are in the United States to orchestrate a spate of terrible bombings demolishing houses across every state in America, payback for the US involvement in the war between the Turks and the Kurds. The KSF want the American troops out of Turkey and they are prepared to kill American citizens without discrimination. Nick and Matt are now involved in a plot which ultimately aims to bomb the White House.

When Tommy is injured in a revenge attack and Nick’s wife is targeted, the FBI and the Mafia join forces behind the scenes. Nick’s heritage is Sicilian and things are getting far too personal for his liking.

It seems I’m rather late to the party but I’m about to catch up quickly. I really enjoyed this first in the Nick Bracco series. A fast-moving story with compelling and strong characters who are all well-rounded from the start, the glimpses into their personal lives gives them substance and distinction. Nick’s issues and the situation he finds himself in make him very human and engaging. The dialogue flows naturally and believably, the plot excellent and well thought through. The main antagonist is well conceived, ruthless and menacing.

Nick and Matt are the perfect team, each playing off the other’s strengths, and they have a terrific relationship. The inclusion of Silk, Tommy and Sal gave the whole thing a noticeable difference in direction – a definite plus. Tommy and Silk can, and do, go beyond the lines of accepted behaviour from law enforcement.

[T.W. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the Nick Bracco thriller series by a new indie author.

This book was like a punch in the teeth. There's plenty of adrenaline filled action. There were a few grammar issues and some of the scenes read oddly due to the word choice but nothing that was too detracting.

I almost always like it when authors take creative license with real life or perceived ideas of government and agencies. In this case you have an FBI agent that recruits the mob to assist in taking down terrorists.

There are people who complain when authors stretch the bounds of believability and it always makes me laugh. It’s fiction people, if you're not able to suspend believe then you probably should be reading non-fiction. There have only been a few instances where the author took it to such extremes that I couldn't finish the book. While there are some things that clearly are out of the box, I found them to be entertaining and fitting for the world that the author has created in this series.

The two main characters, Nick and Matt are a little too similar and a few times I forgot which was which so I hope in the next books that Mr. Ponzo takes a little time to give each one their own identity and personalities. I tend to enjoy the law of opposites where the characters balance each out but not so drastically that it creates animosity.

I tend to primarily read indie authors and this is another great example of the fantastic writing that is now readily available for a price that won't make you cringe. I've read many traditionally published authors that didn't stack up to books like this and many others out there.

I'd have a hard time not recommending this to any and all thriller and action fans and suspect that Mr. Ponzo is going to have a successful publishing career.

[Mark Mallett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fiction about terrorists is not something I'm drawn to. I read this one because it's the first in a collection of 13 mystery/thriller novels that I picked up, and I started in on it because I figured 2300+ pages would keep me busy for a while. But really, I enjoyed this a lot more than three stars would indicate. If I had the sequel in front of me I'd be reading that next. Goodreads needs half-stars or else a more complex grading system with multiple axes. But that's getting off track. The book is about Kurdish terrorists who are infiltrating the US to carry out acts of violence aimed at convincing us to get out of Turkey. And it's about the two buddy agents who are up against them. And it's about how they (the terrorists) make a big mistake when they cross the wrong people.

It's a fun read but the details of the book don't, I think, bear too close examination. If you accept that you're reading a yarn and not something deeply analytical, you'll like it just fine. I know I did.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the intro and the plot. The story built nicely over the first 50% of the book, but I felt 'the chase' that made up the last 50% or more of the book was a little bit drawn out. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but it did take me quite a few weeks to get through that last part of the book.

Nick, the protagonist, was well developed, as was his sidekick Matt, and the author did a good job of having quite a large cast of characters whilst making them all easy to remember.

Although the plot was an outlandish one, it was well conceived, and totally believable. There were a few times where my initial reaction was 'no way', but then it would be revealed how or why that happened, and all would become clear. I like it when stories hang together, and this one definitely did that.

All in all a well-written book that will be an enjoyable read for anyone who likes a good thriller.

[Jessica Subject · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Ponzo contacted me through Goodreads and asked if I would review A Touch of Deceit on my blog. I am so glad he did.

A Touch of Deceit is a fast-paced thriller from page one. It includes the perfect amount of personal lives of the characters along with the crime story and combines the two nicely.

The main characters are well-developed and though the story switches point of view often, it is easy to keep track of whose mind we are in. The characters include many members of the government, the law, as well as terrorists and all are believable.

I hated to put A Touch of Deceit down and would definitely read another Nick Bracco thriller. If you like thrillers, you should read this book.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Touch of Deceit is a fast-paced thriller that doesn't leave the reader a lot of time to breathe. If you want a story that will keep you on edge, this one is for you.

While I enjoyed the writing style, at times I found the relentless pace and constant conflict too much and had to put the book down. The characters in this one did not have much of a thread of happiness to tug on here. The subject matter is dark and, for me, could have used a reprieve now and then.

I would have liked a bit more development of Nick's character and I felt that the two female characters were a little too cliche. The writing is strong and made me want more. Overall, this is a great read that will keep your heart thumping.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a collection of 13 books called Thrilling Thirteen on sale by Amazon for only 99c. I bought it hoping but not having much faith. Soon after I started this book I knew this was the best 99c I have ever spend. This book alone is worth that price and so much more.
The plot line has some fresh elements and the Cosa Nostra involvement was absolutely stunning. I got invested in the characters almost from the get go and the bad guys was such a meany I wanted to trip him and then kick the living daylights out of him.

The writing style flows evenly and effortlessly and I fell in love with this book and this author all at once. An amazing story in a genre that tends to get old fast. Not this book, not this author. Loved it.

WaAr

[Nate Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read from Gary Ponzo! I'm never sure what to expect when I read my first thriller from an unknown (to me) author, but this was definitely a nice surprise. It was fast-paced and well-written, and while I was fairly certain I knew where the plot was headed I found the journey well worth my time. My favorite aspect of the story may have been the way the characters were given multiple dimensions. The protagonists Nick and Matt weren't just cookie-cutter tough guys, but rather they had humor and nuance along with the tension and conflict. On the whole I'd say it was a fun read, and I enjoyed it very much.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery! This book was exciting from beginning to end,with great characters that want you to keep following them. I really enjoyed the whole story regarding terrorists with threats against USA which they actually do inflict harm! Nick Bracco is a FBI agent in the task force trying to stop them,and his fellow agents are interesting people who this author uses to keep us going with them. I felt like I was actually there, right alongside,attempting to find clues to stop the ultimate attack. Definitely going to continue with this series,can't wait to read next book!

[Steve Toms · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with characters you come to care about. It's not often that I call a book, one that I can't put down. This fits that category perfectly. Mr Ponzo's story is credible and that is what makes this book so timely. I particularly enjoyed the Tony Soprano role reversal. It was delicious. Thank you Mr Ponzo for a terrific read. I've already started on your next book in the Nick Bracco series, "A Touch of Revenge".

[Denis Goulet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little thriller. Easy to pick up and put back down. I always look for some credibility and character development in my fiction and this had both. The dialogue between characters was fast paced and natural, but if there was a flaw it would be in the antagonists. I thought they were somewhat clumsily portrayed. All in all it was a nice read. Exciting and fast paced. I'd recommend for thriller fans.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Touch of Deceit' had me on the edge of my seat quite a bit. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. The storyline was well written and a great read. Full of action, suspense and beyond thrilling. I loved the way this story played out. The characters were great. The way they came together is incredible. Nick and Matt were total kick-ass agents. Their partnership and friendship was remarkable. I can't wait to read more of this series. A must add to your tbr list. Recommended read.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that more than once I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book. You don't know if you want to love Nick Bracco or hate him for some of the decisions that he makes. We need to remember while reading this book that there are "real people" out there who put their lives on the line just as Nick does in this novel. Scary and thought evoking.

[Javier R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Fast-paced, fun - and would make a good movie!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another giveaway, and an awesome book I would never have chosen!