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Close to Home
Vera Gordon is tired of her husband cheating on her. One night she follows him to his lovers house and kills them both. Justified? If so, then why did this crime passion lead her to standing on the tallest bridge in New Orleans recounting the series of events that transpired. There is much more to this crime than meets the eye.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2012
14 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 6, 2023
The surprising and ironic theme of this story would have been more perfectly developed with 20 more pages.
Vera had been pushed to the edge by her sleazy husband's adultery. But why did she put up with it?
Was he the LAST man on earth? No.
Was he the ONLY man on earth? No.
Did Vera really love her husband that much to put up with that level of disrespect? Or did she really HATE herself that much to accept his disgusting and selfish behavior?
I felt more sorry for Officer Glass than Vera.
December 15, 2012
Close to Home by Author Brian W. Smith is an excellent book with a great story line.
This story should be a wakeup call to any woman. Please realize that life is short there is someone else that will love you for who you are. Loving yourself is the best medicine that you can give yourself.
Vera is on a bridge ready to end her life. Officer Cole is on his way home and spots Vera on the bridge. Little does he know how much he is now involved.
This is a wonderful short story that I did not want to end. I did not see the ending coming.
I felt as if I was with Officer Cole on the bridge talking to Vera. The story line played out like I was watching a movie.
I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a drama book filled with betrayal, love and a highly unprepared twist this is the book for you.
This story should be a wakeup call to any woman. Please realize that life is short there is someone else that will love you for who you are. Loving yourself is the best medicine that you can give yourself.
Vera is on a bridge ready to end her life. Officer Cole is on his way home and spots Vera on the bridge. Little does he know how much he is now involved.
This is a wonderful short story that I did not want to end. I did not see the ending coming.
I felt as if I was with Officer Cole on the bridge talking to Vera. The story line played out like I was watching a movie.
I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a drama book filled with betrayal, love and a highly unprepared twist this is the book for you.
February 28, 2023
SHOCKER !!!!
You never know what you are going to get reading a Brian W. Smith book. This story was really good I am still shook.
You never know what you are going to get reading a Brian W. Smith book. This story was really good I am still shook.
January 30, 2017
OMG!!!
Brian Smith has done it again. This is one novella I will not be forgetting no time soon. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out "splash" the book ends....... Thank you Brian Smith for another good story.....
Brian Smith has done it again. This is one novella I will not be forgetting no time soon. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out "splash" the book ends....... Thank you Brian Smith for another good story.....
July 15, 2018
Good suspenseful novella with a well written storyline. Story touched on various subject matters as sympathy was felt for Vera's situation. Good read
November 6, 2023
Ooooo
That wasn't what I expected, but a page turner non the less!! I'm enjoying reading BWS's book. Will definitely read more!!
That wasn't what I expected, but a page turner non the less!! I'm enjoying reading BWS's book. Will definitely read more!!
December 12, 2022
What An Ending!
I have a love/hate relationship with books that end like this. The kind where you want more, but in actuality, there's no more words. The point has been made, and you know everything you need to know. I'm still imagining all kinds of scenarios, though. This book pulled me in so quickly and the author's words painted a perfect picture of the scene and the characters. They were all believably real and felt like people I knew. But that ending - I didn't realize it was the end until the next sentence and my jaw dropped. You really have to read this yourself to get what I mean. This novella packed a punch.
I have a love/hate relationship with books that end like this. The kind where you want more, but in actuality, there's no more words. The point has been made, and you know everything you need to know. I'm still imagining all kinds of scenarios, though. This book pulled me in so quickly and the author's words painted a perfect picture of the scene and the characters. They were all believably real and felt like people I knew. But that ending - I didn't realize it was the end until the next sentence and my jaw dropped. You really have to read this yourself to get what I mean. This novella packed a punch.
June 30, 2025
Vera Gordon is tired of her husband’s infidelity, and decides to follow him one night. Caught in the throes of passion, she kills him and his lover. Now, she’s contemplating jumping off the hugest bridge in New Orleans, and will only agree to talk to one officer.
In true @authorbwsmith fashion, the plot twist will make your head spin. The storyline was engaging and the characters were realistic. I highly recommend this novella.
In true @authorbwsmith fashion, the plot twist will make your head spin. The storyline was engaging and the characters were realistic. I highly recommend this novella.
December 24, 2017
Close to Home -a novella
A very quick read that kept me in suspense. Officer Cole got the shock of his life after he was involved in negotiations with a distraught 🚺 named Vera.
My very 1st book by this talented author and it won't be the last. I would highly recommend this read.
A very quick read that kept me in suspense. Officer Cole got the shock of his life after he was involved in negotiations with a distraught 🚺 named Vera.
My very 1st book by this talented author and it won't be the last. I would highly recommend this read.
September 24, 2020
Wow! I didn’t know what to expect with this story, but when the title said “Close to Home” that was the truth! Another banger by Brian W Smith! Man, his stories will leave you with your mouth wide open!
October 13, 2022
Brian, Brian, Brian!!!!
People always say you never know what someone is going through! This story kept me wanting to know! I wanted to know why, how and who! Brian is a amazing storyteller who keeps you intrigued! Well done!
People always say you never know what someone is going through! This story kept me wanting to know! I wanted to know why, how and who! Brian is a amazing storyteller who keeps you intrigued! Well done!
August 21, 2017
WOW!!! Did not see that coming. First time reading this author and looking for more. This novella had the feel of a full-lengh novel. Very well written and hard to put down. I am still in awe.
September 19, 2017
If your spouse cheated on you, would you want the opportunity to confront them? Well thanks to Vera Gordon, Sergeant Cole Glass is not going to have that opportunity...Damn!!!
August 18, 2019
WOW
I was not expecting this. Can you imagine finding out your spouse cheated? This novella had a twist that was unexpected. Good read.
I was not expecting this. Can you imagine finding out your spouse cheated? This novella had a twist that was unexpected. Good read.
January 14, 2021
Great novella -spoiler alert
Why did it end......it was so good. Especially, when you find out that it was his wife!! Brian Smith have some great books
Why did it end......it was so good. Especially, when you find out that it was his wife!! Brian Smith have some great books
December 27, 2025
Well, ok then
This was a short read but very entertaining. Playing with a woman’s heart is a very dangerous game. I really enjoyed the twist.
This was a short read but very entertaining. Playing with a woman’s heart is a very dangerous game. I really enjoyed the twist.
August 13, 2014
Close to Home was the first time I've ever read anything by author Brian W. Smith, and I must say I was enthralled from page 1. There's lots of action, a sympathy factor, and I'll be honest, that ending will definitely have you feeling some kind of way! I closed the Kindle, and really wanted to fight the author (hypothetically of course.) It's a novella, so it's not a long book; it's the perfect size for a lunch break, doctor's visit, or when you want a quick reading fix. The characters leap out of the book, with a gritty realness, and the storyline is so believable, I found myself looking up periodically to make sure I was still in my living room. The action starts immediately, and doesn't lull. And that ending? That ending will make you want to toss your Kindle out the nearest window.
DISCLAIMER: I will not reimburse you for any damage to either your Kindle or your window, because I warned you ahead of time.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes drama, action, and that overall roller coaster "I can't wait to see what happens next" feeling. I'm sure you will enjoy this book from beginning to end, as much as I did.
DISCLAIMER: I will not reimburse you for any damage to either your Kindle or your window, because I warned you ahead of time.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes drama, action, and that overall roller coaster "I can't wait to see what happens next" feeling. I'm sure you will enjoy this book from beginning to end, as much as I did.
August 29, 2012
Close to Home begins with an intensity that only stops because the story was over. Fed up with her husband’s cheating ways, we meet Vera as she is standing on a bridge ready to take her own life. Cole, who is an untrained negotiator on the New Orleans police department, has the task of trying to talk down Vera.
Brian W. Smith is definitely in a class of his own in today’s literary world. In each of his novels you think the direction is going one way, but Smith always takes you in a completely different one. Close to Home is full of suspense, drama, and pure craziness that will have you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride.
Close to Home is part of the Three The Hard Way series which includes novellas by Rickey Teems II and Moses Miller. I highly recommend reading the entire series.
Tiffany Craig
Read It All Book Reviews
http://readitallbookreviews.wordpress...
Brian W. Smith is definitely in a class of his own in today’s literary world. In each of his novels you think the direction is going one way, but Smith always takes you in a completely different one. Close to Home is full of suspense, drama, and pure craziness that will have you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride.
Close to Home is part of the Three The Hard Way series which includes novellas by Rickey Teems II and Moses Miller. I highly recommend reading the entire series.
Tiffany Craig
Read It All Book Reviews
http://readitallbookreviews.wordpress...
May 27, 2012
Vera is at her wits' end when it comes to her husband's adulterous ways, so one day she snaps and kills him & his lover. Riddled with guilt, confusion, and anger - Vera decides to end her life by jumping off one of tallest bridges in New Orleans.
Brian W. Smith has immeasurable talent when it comes to the Literary World. This story had my head spinning when I was done.
I definitely didn't see this ending coming. I have said this so many times, but I will stick with it - If you haven't read a Brian W. Smith book you are missing out. He NEVER disappoints when it comes to storytelling.
5 Stars
Orsayor
Brian W. Smith has immeasurable talent when it comes to the Literary World. This story had my head spinning when I was done.
I definitely didn't see this ending coming. I have said this so many times, but I will stick with it - If you haven't read a Brian W. Smith book you are missing out. He NEVER disappoints when it comes to storytelling.
5 Stars
Orsayor
November 4, 2015
This book was a short story, but it felt like a full novel, mainly because the author knows how to grab your attention and keep it till the end of the book. The details are so vivid, I felt as if I was right there in the mist of all the chaos... This book could easily become a series... The story line is original and the characters could be someone you know. Author Brian Smith is now one of my favorite authors. I've read a lot of his books and have not been let down yet... Keep up the good work. Readers you will not be disappointed.
June 1, 2016
Title: Close to Home A Novella
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B. W. S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Close to Home" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts...
All I can say is wow! I truly didn't see that coming! This author as always know how to get and keep your attention with all of the action that is going on till the very end even though its a novella! I think this person Vera had enough of his hubby's crap with his extramarital ways and with enough being enough she took charge and in doing so we get the whole story sad as it was and in the end so does Cole!
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B. W. S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Close to Home" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts...
All I can say is wow! I truly didn't see that coming! This author as always know how to get and keep your attention with all of the action that is going on till the very end even though its a novella! I think this person Vera had enough of his hubby's crap with his extramarital ways and with enough being enough she took charge and in doing so we get the whole story sad as it was and in the end so does Cole!
July 7, 2016
WOW!!!!!!!! Close To Home is such an appropriate title, this is one of Brian's greatest nail biters, had me in tears until the shocking end!!!!! I loved the suspense and Cole's dedication to the task. I would recommend this book to all my friends who love great reads!!!!
I chose this rating because it's an accurate assessment of how much I enjoyed it!!!!! I definitely didn't see that coming
I chose this rating because it's an accurate assessment of how much I enjoyed it!!!!! I definitely didn't see that coming
February 25, 2013
Stunned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I can say............ Brian W. Smith has the uncanning ability to make you almost cuss... Vera's husband has been cheating on her essentially since they got married. She has always forgiven him until she could no longer deal with it. The aftermath of her getting fed up is startling...................... Get the book is all I can say... get the freaking book
May 28, 2013
There is no one who can spin a tale like this author, he pulls you in emotionally and then when you think you know where the story is going , he spins it and you will say "oh my gosh I did not see that coming." This story is well written and I felt so bad for Vera I was rooting for her to get off the bridge and I knew Cole could do it. This is a short story but I got a full read from it .
November 1, 2015
Awesome book!!!! Vera is married to a man that she loves with all of her heart. Vera is devastated about her husband’s extramarital ways. Vera snaps and decides to confront her husband and his mistress, but after reaching the mistress house things turnout differently. Vera is full of guilt, confusion, and anger, so she decides to end her life
June 1, 2012
Readers are introduced to a heartbroken and distraught Vera who has had enough of her husband cheating ways. Payback comes in ways that you are not even expecting. You feel Vera's pain and as always Brian brings in his surprising twists the reader does not see coming. A great novella!
August 25, 2012
This is my 1st book by Mr Smith and it sure wont be my last.Close to home was a Great read it was short but straight to the point.I felt sorry for Vera love can make you to some crazy things but not enough to kill someone.Good job Mr Smith I'm a fan for life.
September 12, 2012
Very good, that twist at the end was like wow!
October 22, 2012
Final rating 4.5 stars.
December 16, 2012
I got to the end and said, "Daaaaaang!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews