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The Drop
Havana, 1958: the perfect kidnapping. . . . until no one will pay the ransom.
Ariana Rojas is alluring, intelligent, sophisticated, and wealthy – at least until a brutal dictator steals the family fortune. Determined to get back what she lost; she joins the revolution. It isn’t long before she hatches a clever scheme, the perfect crime, to recover what she once had while getting revenge at the same time. She arranges the kidnapping of Jimmy Foster, a wealthy American who spends weekends in Havana with his gorgeous wife Darlene.
Even with meticulous planning, Ariana makes one crucial mistake. She never dreams that Darlene Foster won’t pay the ransom. But with a missing husband and a huge inheritance, Darlene has options she likes a whole lot more.
The Drop has a unique cast of characters: a Mafia casino manager, an unbearable wife, a mysterious detective, and revolutionaries in name only. Ariana manipulates all involved to affect an outcome few can predict, none can imagine, and all will enjoy.
Ariana Rojas is alluring, intelligent, sophisticated, and wealthy – at least until a brutal dictator steals the family fortune. Determined to get back what she lost; she joins the revolution. It isn’t long before she hatches a clever scheme, the perfect crime, to recover what she once had while getting revenge at the same time. She arranges the kidnapping of Jimmy Foster, a wealthy American who spends weekends in Havana with his gorgeous wife Darlene.
Even with meticulous planning, Ariana makes one crucial mistake. She never dreams that Darlene Foster won’t pay the ransom. But with a missing husband and a huge inheritance, Darlene has options she likes a whole lot more.
The Drop has a unique cast of characters: a Mafia casino manager, an unbearable wife, a mysterious detective, and revolutionaries in name only. Ariana manipulates all involved to affect an outcome few can predict, none can imagine, and all will enjoy.
318 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
6 people are currently reading
2061 people want to read
About the author
John Anthony Miller
19 books344 followersJohn Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 25, 2022
Revenge, kidnapping, conspiracy, and mob intrigue mark Miller’s latest historical thriller set in 1958s Havana. Born with a silver spoon, the lovely Ariana Rojas is left to struggle after a brutal dictator steals the family fortune. Determined to get what she lost, she joins the revolutionaries in their fight for freedom and becomes a part of the kidnapping plan of a wealthy American, Jimmy Foster. The plan is right on the track until Jimmy’s wife refuses to pay the ransom. Ariana must devise her own scheme if she wants to succeed in her endeavor.
The narrative is swift, and Miller’s skill at developing the tension of the situation with precision make the pages fly. As Ariana sets out to take her revenge, Miller turns the latter’s adventure into a swiftly paced thriller, which is rife with kidnapping, danger, chases, daring escapades, and unexpected narrative turns.
Mixed in with the action and tense narrative are tender and poignant scenes, including Ariana’s struggles to come to terms with her family’s tragic fate. Ariana’s stark realization that the so-called-revolutionaries may have their own ulterior motives in their fight for freedom adds a layer to the narrative.
Miller beautifully depicts the intricacies of human relationships, and his treatment of the nineteenth century Havana’s turbulent socio-political scene is convincing. Throughout, he touches on relevant themes of freedom, oppression, humanity, integrity, love, friendship, trust, betrayal, and how a person copes or fails to cope when fate turns hard against them.
This thrilling tale of revenge and shifting loyalties should win Miller plenty of fans.
The narrative is swift, and Miller’s skill at developing the tension of the situation with precision make the pages fly. As Ariana sets out to take her revenge, Miller turns the latter’s adventure into a swiftly paced thriller, which is rife with kidnapping, danger, chases, daring escapades, and unexpected narrative turns.
Mixed in with the action and tense narrative are tender and poignant scenes, including Ariana’s struggles to come to terms with her family’s tragic fate. Ariana’s stark realization that the so-called-revolutionaries may have their own ulterior motives in their fight for freedom adds a layer to the narrative.
Miller beautifully depicts the intricacies of human relationships, and his treatment of the nineteenth century Havana’s turbulent socio-political scene is convincing. Throughout, he touches on relevant themes of freedom, oppression, humanity, integrity, love, friendship, trust, betrayal, and how a person copes or fails to cope when fate turns hard against them.
This thrilling tale of revenge and shifting loyalties should win Miller plenty of fans.
June 17, 2022
Reading The Drop makes you feel like you are watching an old school black and white Hollywood gangster movie. The author paid extra attention to the setting, characters and plot providing subtle hints and twists throughout keeping readers actively engaged.
Jimmy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up kidnapped while on vacation with his wife after a bombing at their mafia owned hotel’s casino. Meanwhile, a band of rebels set on overthrowing the government plan out a series of intricate attacks to create havoc and chaos to bring attention to their cause. Are the attacks and the kidnapping a coincidence or are they somehow connected? When a mysterious man randomly shows up at several key places he begins to create a panic in Jimmy’s wife, the casino manager, and the rebels. Who is this mysterious man and does he have anything to do with the recent events? Or is he simply a man on vacation in the wrong place at the wrong time?
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and the plot was on point. I read this book in a day partly because it’s under 300pgs and because I needed to know how everything connected together. Like any good thriller reader, I had my suspicions and theories but this story kept me engaged it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Rating 4.5 stars
Thank you @bythebookvbp and @authorjamiller for this gifted copy to be apart of the book bomb in exchange for my honest feedback!
Jimmy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up kidnapped while on vacation with his wife after a bombing at their mafia owned hotel’s casino. Meanwhile, a band of rebels set on overthrowing the government plan out a series of intricate attacks to create havoc and chaos to bring attention to their cause. Are the attacks and the kidnapping a coincidence or are they somehow connected? When a mysterious man randomly shows up at several key places he begins to create a panic in Jimmy’s wife, the casino manager, and the rebels. Who is this mysterious man and does he have anything to do with the recent events? Or is he simply a man on vacation in the wrong place at the wrong time?
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and the plot was on point. I read this book in a day partly because it’s under 300pgs and because I needed to know how everything connected together. Like any good thriller reader, I had my suspicions and theories but this story kept me engaged it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Rating 4.5 stars
Thank you @bythebookvbp and @authorjamiller for this gifted copy to be apart of the book bomb in exchange for my honest feedback!
May 26, 2022
Set in Havana, Cuba just prior to Castro, this suspense/thriller The Drop, by John Anthony Miller, is a wild ride full of surprises. Written with great prose and meticulous attention to detail in both setting and characters, makes it a real winner.
A very interesting and diverse set of characters in The Drop. First there is, Jimmy Foster who is the uber wealthy Wall Street guy. He is married to, Darlene, who is gorgeous and a gold digger. He loves Havana, and he and Darlene come often to enjoy the sun, pool, music and sometimes the casinos in the city. They have everything going for them and should be the perfect couple. Yet some people are never satisfied, and the grass is always seems greener on the other side. So when Jimmy is kidnapped, she is not overly distraught.
There is another beautiful woman involved in this story, Ariana. She and her family where once wealthy until it was all taken away by Batista. Now she is out for revenge. However, revenge costs money, lots of money. Steal from the mob… no problem. Kidnaping, well maybe not so good.
Especially, when a wife has everything to gain from a missing husband and everything to lose if he is found.
Lastly there is the private detective, Harry, that has a mysterious air about him. Is he in Havana on behalf of a jealous husband or is there something else going on? He is definitely in the all the right places at the right times and seems better prepared than the police to find Jimmy.
So many little twists and subtle hints of what is to come as the story progresses. However, as I have mentioned in the past, I hate spoilers. Instead, I am leaving with this vague overview and hope that I have given you enough to peak your interest.
I loved the setting of this book; because, I am starting to feel worn out on historical books set either during WWI or WWII and this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Also, I am highly appreciative that the author took great care in the scene descriptions. It enhanced the story and allowed me to place myself in the characters’ shoes.
The characters were well done and there was a lot of subtly in their actions. I didn’t always understand their actions and that made the book more interesting. However, it all comes together neatly in the end and I got why the characters did what they did.
I can’t fail to mention just how good the plot was. There was a twist at the end that I never saw coming. Even after several days to noodle on the ending, I am still left shaking my head. It was alluded to; however, I never put two and two together, which is unusual for me. Well done!
This book had everything going for it and Miller has become one of my favorite authors. If you are looking for a historical fiction story in an unusual setting and a twisty plot, then this the book for you. I highly recommend you read it.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
A very interesting and diverse set of characters in The Drop. First there is, Jimmy Foster who is the uber wealthy Wall Street guy. He is married to, Darlene, who is gorgeous and a gold digger. He loves Havana, and he and Darlene come often to enjoy the sun, pool, music and sometimes the casinos in the city. They have everything going for them and should be the perfect couple. Yet some people are never satisfied, and the grass is always seems greener on the other side. So when Jimmy is kidnapped, she is not overly distraught.
There is another beautiful woman involved in this story, Ariana. She and her family where once wealthy until it was all taken away by Batista. Now she is out for revenge. However, revenge costs money, lots of money. Steal from the mob… no problem. Kidnaping, well maybe not so good.
Especially, when a wife has everything to gain from a missing husband and everything to lose if he is found.
Lastly there is the private detective, Harry, that has a mysterious air about him. Is he in Havana on behalf of a jealous husband or is there something else going on? He is definitely in the all the right places at the right times and seems better prepared than the police to find Jimmy.
So many little twists and subtle hints of what is to come as the story progresses. However, as I have mentioned in the past, I hate spoilers. Instead, I am leaving with this vague overview and hope that I have given you enough to peak your interest.
I loved the setting of this book; because, I am starting to feel worn out on historical books set either during WWI or WWII and this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Also, I am highly appreciative that the author took great care in the scene descriptions. It enhanced the story and allowed me to place myself in the characters’ shoes.
The characters were well done and there was a lot of subtly in their actions. I didn’t always understand their actions and that made the book more interesting. However, it all comes together neatly in the end and I got why the characters did what they did.
I can’t fail to mention just how good the plot was. There was a twist at the end that I never saw coming. Even after several days to noodle on the ending, I am still left shaking my head. It was alluded to; however, I never put two and two together, which is unusual for me. Well done!
This book had everything going for it and Miller has become one of my favorite authors. If you are looking for a historical fiction story in an unusual setting and a twisty plot, then this the book for you. I highly recommend you read it.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
September 15, 2022
This book and its plot was phenomenal, fresh, and fantastic. Like Breakfast at Cannibal Joe’s, I’ve come across a true gem of a read for the second time this year; not underrated but unbelievably unbeknownst to most, it appears.
I loved the detailed scenes that played out in Havana, much like a 1950s-60s gangster movie, with a good bit of lighthearted humor. And who doesn’t love an awesome, intelligent female heroine - one who is quick-witted, easily able to turn around any scenario to her benefit, all the while allowing the men around her to think they were the ones in control? Darlene Foster may have used her looks and body to control men, but Ariana Rojas used her mind to get what she wanted.
A quick paced, highly recommended read that you won’t regret (and even if you do regret it, it’s only 257 pages, with the dialogue, text, and 2-3 page chapters making it seem even shorter). It’s full of adventure and mishaps from the very start... and it’s not until the very last few pages that you truly understand what happened; how the plan was executed. In the end, everyone got what they deserved.
So much better than all of the “books of the year” I constantly hear about, yet am nearly always let down by. Give it a chance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
I loved the detailed scenes that played out in Havana, much like a 1950s-60s gangster movie, with a good bit of lighthearted humor. And who doesn’t love an awesome, intelligent female heroine - one who is quick-witted, easily able to turn around any scenario to her benefit, all the while allowing the men around her to think they were the ones in control? Darlene Foster may have used her looks and body to control men, but Ariana Rojas used her mind to get what she wanted.
A quick paced, highly recommended read that you won’t regret (and even if you do regret it, it’s only 257 pages, with the dialogue, text, and 2-3 page chapters making it seem even shorter). It’s full of adventure and mishaps from the very start... and it’s not until the very last few pages that you truly understand what happened; how the plan was executed. In the end, everyone got what they deserved.
So much better than all of the “books of the year” I constantly hear about, yet am nearly always let down by. Give it a chance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
May 22, 2022
Jimmy is a wealthy American businessman who is well-known at the Paradise Casino in Havana, Cuba and a regular visiting weekends each month. Havana is becoming a hot spot as revolution is building to remove Batista from power. The rebels need money to support their cause and decide to kidnap Jimmy and collect a large ransom. While in captivity, Jimmy informs the rebels that no one will pay the ransom. The characters in this novel include a greedy, unfaithful wife, amateur rebels, dirty police officers, the Tampa Mafia, a professional at making people disappear and other questionable people. It is a fun story to read with a terrific twist at the end.
June 20, 2022
If you love old-school gangster movies with a humerous twist, this is the book for you. The Drop gave me all the feels of those kinds of movies, which I love.
This was a super quick read for me as I love this author's writing. The story itself is fun and even though I knew what the double-cross was, it didn't take anything away from the story overall.
I especially love that whatever could go wrong with the kidnapping, did. It made for a really fun break between my other reads and I wholeheartedly recommend this one for historical fiction fans.
I sincerely appreciate the author and By the Book VBP for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
This was a super quick read for me as I love this author's writing. The story itself is fun and even though I knew what the double-cross was, it didn't take anything away from the story overall.
I especially love that whatever could go wrong with the kidnapping, did. It made for a really fun break between my other reads and I wholeheartedly recommend this one for historical fiction fans.
I sincerely appreciate the author and By the Book VBP for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
June 21, 2022
Throughly entertaining read
June 24, 2022
I would like to thank Bythebook for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Title: The Drop
Author: John Anthony Miller
Synopsis: Havana, 1958: the perfect kidnapping. . . . until no one will pay the ransom.
Ariana Rojas is alluring, intelligent, sophisticated, and wealthy – at least until a brutal dictator steals the family fortune. Determined to get back what she lost; she joins the revolution. It isn’t long before she hatches a clever scheme, the perfect crime, to recover what she once had while getting revenge at the same time. She arranges the kidnapping of Jimmy Foster, a wealthy American who spends weekends in Havana with his gorgeous wife Darlene.
Even with meticulous planning, Ariana makes one crucial mistake. She never dreams that Darlene Foster won’t pay the ransom. But with a missing husband and a huge inheritance, Darlene has options she likes a whole lot more.
Review: I don’t read thrillers often and while I don’t hate them I think it’s out of fear that it will end up predicable? However, The Drop is not predicable and I didn’t think it would end the way it did which I was very happy about! When I was close to the end things started making sense and I was able to piece it together! This book has me wanting to try out more thriller books! I would recommend it if your looking for a good thriller that has a twist you won’t see coming!
Title: The Drop
Author: John Anthony Miller
Synopsis: Havana, 1958: the perfect kidnapping. . . . until no one will pay the ransom.
Ariana Rojas is alluring, intelligent, sophisticated, and wealthy – at least until a brutal dictator steals the family fortune. Determined to get back what she lost; she joins the revolution. It isn’t long before she hatches a clever scheme, the perfect crime, to recover what she once had while getting revenge at the same time. She arranges the kidnapping of Jimmy Foster, a wealthy American who spends weekends in Havana with his gorgeous wife Darlene.
Even with meticulous planning, Ariana makes one crucial mistake. She never dreams that Darlene Foster won’t pay the ransom. But with a missing husband and a huge inheritance, Darlene has options she likes a whole lot more.
Review: I don’t read thrillers often and while I don’t hate them I think it’s out of fear that it will end up predicable? However, The Drop is not predicable and I didn’t think it would end the way it did which I was very happy about! When I was close to the end things started making sense and I was able to piece it together! This book has me wanting to try out more thriller books! I would recommend it if your looking for a good thriller that has a twist you won’t see coming!
April 26, 2022
The Drop has well developed characters and an interesting location. I enjoyed the book.
July 19, 2022
Have you ever while reading a book felt like you knew the end but go beserk on reaching the climax and seeing a different turn of events altogether?
Well this book is one of that kind!
Filled with lots of twists and turns and an unpredictable ending, this book has the potential to keep the readers intrigued throughout.
I was hooked since beginning till the very last page.
The story is about Ariana Rojas who is a rich, sophisticated, alluring woman who joins the revolutionaries in their fight for freedom and becomes a part of the kidnapping plan of Jimmy Foster as the rebels needed money to support their cause. Jimmy Foster is a rich American who loves to spend weekends in Havana with his beautiful wife Darlene. Ariana's plan was perfect until Darlene refuses to pay the ransom.
Now what will happen to Jimmy? Will Ariana succeed in the fight for freedom? Does Darlene have any secret motive for not paying the ransom? To know the answers, hurry up and grab this fabulous book.
The flow of the book is well paced which makes it an engaging read.
The author created a surreal feeling and connection between the reader and the main character.
The plot of this book is well constructed. The characters are well developed and have various layers to them. The narration is quiet crisp and clear.
This book has a unique cast of characters: a Mafia casino manager, a greedy unfaithful wife, a mysterious private detective, and revolutionaries in name only. I won't be surprised if this book is adapted into a movie!
The language is kept simple by the author which helps the reader to understand and interpret the book in an easier way and connects the readers to the book.
This book is hard to put down once you start reading it. It was a quick fun read which I finished within 2 days(although it had 74 chapters) and I recommend this to everyone who loves to read mystery and thriller books.
Thankyou
Well this book is one of that kind!
Filled with lots of twists and turns and an unpredictable ending, this book has the potential to keep the readers intrigued throughout.
I was hooked since beginning till the very last page.
The story is about Ariana Rojas who is a rich, sophisticated, alluring woman who joins the revolutionaries in their fight for freedom and becomes a part of the kidnapping plan of Jimmy Foster as the rebels needed money to support their cause. Jimmy Foster is a rich American who loves to spend weekends in Havana with his beautiful wife Darlene. Ariana's plan was perfect until Darlene refuses to pay the ransom.
Now what will happen to Jimmy? Will Ariana succeed in the fight for freedom? Does Darlene have any secret motive for not paying the ransom? To know the answers, hurry up and grab this fabulous book.
The flow of the book is well paced which makes it an engaging read.
The author created a surreal feeling and connection between the reader and the main character.
The plot of this book is well constructed. The characters are well developed and have various layers to them. The narration is quiet crisp and clear.
This book has a unique cast of characters: a Mafia casino manager, a greedy unfaithful wife, a mysterious private detective, and revolutionaries in name only. I won't be surprised if this book is adapted into a movie!
The language is kept simple by the author which helps the reader to understand and interpret the book in an easier way and connects the readers to the book.
This book is hard to put down once you start reading it. It was a quick fun read which I finished within 2 days(although it had 74 chapters) and I recommend this to everyone who loves to read mystery and thriller books.
Thankyou
May 11, 2022
A hugely entertaining novel with an eclectic cast of characters and rollercoaster plot—think Keystone Cops meet the Sopranos. John Anthony Miller weaves a story with wannabe Cuban revolutionaries, corrupt police, not-so-innocent damsels, and heavy-handed mobsters against a backdrop of ’56 Ford coupes, dark rum, roulette wheels, and cigars—did I mention crocodiles? None of the characters are really who you think they are. Put this book first on your list of summer beach reads; you will be happy you did. I received an advance copy for review.
June 20, 2022
Cuba, 1958
Ariana, after losing everything to Batista, joins the resistance. She comes up with a plan to kidnap Jimmy Foster, a rich American who weekends in Havana with his wife, but what the resistance didn't count on was his wife having little to no interest in paying his ransom.
This was a fun read! One thing I'll mention: I do not know much about Cuba's history, and I'm not sure if knowing more will add more to the story. Not knowing much certainly didn't take anything away for me.
This book had a little bit of everything:
- short chapters! My absolute favorite!
- characters you root for and characters you love to hate. Darlene was God awful. #iykyk Some of the rebels were bumbling idiots & brought some laugh-out-loud moments.
- witty banter between the characters.
- constant action. Something was always going on. Mob activity. Shoot outs. Car chases. The list goes on!
- twists and turns. Those last few chapters had so many twists, I was flying through the pages. I actually went back and reread a part or two to make sure I had everything right at the end.
- some fun 50s pop culture references.
If you're a fan of mob movies, this book will be right up your alley!
Thank you to the author for choosing By The Book VBP to promote your work!
Ariana, after losing everything to Batista, joins the resistance. She comes up with a plan to kidnap Jimmy Foster, a rich American who weekends in Havana with his wife, but what the resistance didn't count on was his wife having little to no interest in paying his ransom.
This was a fun read! One thing I'll mention: I do not know much about Cuba's history, and I'm not sure if knowing more will add more to the story. Not knowing much certainly didn't take anything away for me.
This book had a little bit of everything:
- short chapters! My absolute favorite!
- characters you root for and characters you love to hate. Darlene was God awful. #iykyk Some of the rebels were bumbling idiots & brought some laugh-out-loud moments.
- witty banter between the characters.
- constant action. Something was always going on. Mob activity. Shoot outs. Car chases. The list goes on!
- twists and turns. Those last few chapters had so many twists, I was flying through the pages. I actually went back and reread a part or two to make sure I had everything right at the end.
- some fun 50s pop culture references.
If you're a fan of mob movies, this book will be right up your alley!
Thank you to the author for choosing By The Book VBP to promote your work!
June 20, 2022
A great book went thru it in 2 hours. Lighthearted story of crime at the casino with terrific characters that the writer really lets you see. The body of the novel keeps a quick pace of mystery with suspense. Set in Havana Cuba during its heyday of a tropical casino vacation and the turmoil of its government. The ending was a real surprise which is always a treat.
I especially like this writer and will be looking forward to reading more of his novels, he is right up my alley as a fellow Philadelphia native.
A signed copy win turned out to be such a treat by John Anthony Miller. Thank you, Mr. Miller.
I especially like this writer and will be looking forward to reading more of his novels, he is right up my alley as a fellow Philadelphia native.
A signed copy win turned out to be such a treat by John Anthony Miller. Thank you, Mr. Miller.
October 19, 2022
Good old fashioned who done it. The author developed several characters that you knew would be intertwined differently than they were presented but it was up to the reader to try and figure it out before the end. Placing the story in a historical setting (early in the Cuban revolution) made it more interesting. I will look to buy more of John Anthony Miller's mysteries.
June 23, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
The Drop is such a fun read. How can a book with a kidnapping, bomb, affair, Revolution and mob ties be fun? It just is! 🤷♀️
This one has a lot of moving parts and dual storylines that all somehow connect. Cuba in the late 1950’s has never been so entertaining.
I would say it’s a mixed genre of historical fiction with some thriller/suspense aspects. It’s twisty y’all. I found myself tearing through the pages towards the end and I read the entire book over a days time.
I highly recommend this one for a fun ride and some truly horrible characters you will love to despise mixed with a bit of history. There’s really something for everyone here. I won’t spoil the ending but it’s a must read. 🤐
Thanks to John for allowing VBP to promote your book(s). You are truly such a versatile writer and I’m so glad this one wound up on my shelf. Just trust me and check out all his books out, you can thank me later. ♥️
The Drop is such a fun read. How can a book with a kidnapping, bomb, affair, Revolution and mob ties be fun? It just is! 🤷♀️
This one has a lot of moving parts and dual storylines that all somehow connect. Cuba in the late 1950’s has never been so entertaining.
I would say it’s a mixed genre of historical fiction with some thriller/suspense aspects. It’s twisty y’all. I found myself tearing through the pages towards the end and I read the entire book over a days time.
I highly recommend this one for a fun ride and some truly horrible characters you will love to despise mixed with a bit of history. There’s really something for everyone here. I won’t spoil the ending but it’s a must read. 🤐
Thanks to John for allowing VBP to promote your book(s). You are truly such a versatile writer and I’m so glad this one wound up on my shelf. Just trust me and check out all his books out, you can thank me later. ♥️
November 1, 2022
John Anthony Miller’s novel -The Drop - is delightfully entertaining. The exotic location – Havana, Cuba on the eve of the Cuban Revolution – a precursor of what was to come to the paradise island, basking in the sun, just ninety miles off the southern-most tip of Key West and Miami - will set the stage for the schemes and plans of a motley group of rebels, eager to start the revolution, seeking revenge against members of the Batista regime. The dialogue of the characters – Ariana Rojas, Mario, Carlos, Pablo, Jimmy and Darlene Foster, a wealthy couple from Miami, Buddy Stefano, manager of Paradise, the casino and luxury hotel, who has ties to the Tampa Mafia, Joey Moretti, an enforcer from Tampa, Captain Felix Diaz of the Havana Police Department, Harry Bennett, from Chicago, Illinois, and Rafael, the putative leader of the revolutionaries - will engage you from the very first page to the very end of the narrative.
As Buddy Stefano copes with the bombing of his casino, and as Darlene Foster copes with the emotional hardships surrounding the kidnapping of her husband, Jimmy Foster, the rebels become bolder, attacking and targeting certain people as they enter the Havana Police Department, seeking revenge for past criminality.
Nevertheless, the schemes and plans of Ariana Rojas, and Rafael, and Jimmy and Darlene Foster, and Buddy Stefano, will undoubtedly go awry, as Murphy's law, an adage or epigram, that states "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong" comes into play, making for some interesting developments, possible scenarios, and unthinkable resolutions. Miller is an expert in describing these possible scenarios.
And you may ask yourself if Jimmy Foster, Ariana Rojas, and the rebels will ever find justice – either divine justice, cosmic justice, or earthly justice - on a paradise island, on the verge of a revolution, populated by snakes, corrupt officials, and gangsters? We must remember that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” In other words, “man reaps what he sows.” I am sure that you will be more than satisfied and thrilled with the outcome, with the justice that is metered out to the characters, planning and scheming, on this paradise island.
Therefore, I highly recommend and encourage all readers to pick up and read a copy of The Drop by John Anthony Miller.
As Buddy Stefano copes with the bombing of his casino, and as Darlene Foster copes with the emotional hardships surrounding the kidnapping of her husband, Jimmy Foster, the rebels become bolder, attacking and targeting certain people as they enter the Havana Police Department, seeking revenge for past criminality.
Nevertheless, the schemes and plans of Ariana Rojas, and Rafael, and Jimmy and Darlene Foster, and Buddy Stefano, will undoubtedly go awry, as Murphy's law, an adage or epigram, that states "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong" comes into play, making for some interesting developments, possible scenarios, and unthinkable resolutions. Miller is an expert in describing these possible scenarios.
And you may ask yourself if Jimmy Foster, Ariana Rojas, and the rebels will ever find justice – either divine justice, cosmic justice, or earthly justice - on a paradise island, on the verge of a revolution, populated by snakes, corrupt officials, and gangsters? We must remember that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” In other words, “man reaps what he sows.” I am sure that you will be more than satisfied and thrilled with the outcome, with the justice that is metered out to the characters, planning and scheming, on this paradise island.
Therefore, I highly recommend and encourage all readers to pick up and read a copy of The Drop by John Anthony Miller.
June 11, 2022
Cuba 1958 the perfect setting for this suspense/thriller/mystery revolutions, political intrigue, and the lives of everyday people trying to get ahead, interweaved with people affected by it all. Who plans it best? It unfolds in the very last chapters and it doesn't disappoint! Thank goodness for rainy days I couldn't put it down!!!
February 5, 2024
A kind of faster-paced 'Our Man in Havana' with a nice twist at the end, Miller explores the complexities of late-Batista corruption in Cuba, although does less justitice than they deserve to the 'rebels' who become caricatures. But treated as a crime novel, it moves along nicely.
November 12, 2022
This is a wild and wonderful ride - Havana 1958 - and we are there - gangsters and rebels - twists and turns - all make for a great read.
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