After being kicked over a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea, Italian criminal mastermind Giorgio Cattoretti has lost everything...including his left eye. Will "The Cat" land on his feet? Join Cattoretti on his quest as he hides out on the island of Cyprus, avoids the Russian mafia, and painstakingly plans and attempts the biggest art crime in history. ( This book is part of the bestselling Lust, Money & Murder series, but can be read as a stand alone)
Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.
It was really fun to read Cattoretti's point of view and I think the character development in this novel was sound. The plot of this was very odd but well thought out and it was very much analogous to how Cattoretti would evaluate his current situation at each turn.
I loved this book. It was a nice break from the original narrative but I am excited to read the next book to pick up where this one left off with Elaine
At the end of the third book, it seemed that Georgio Cattoretti met his match and Karma gave him what he deserved. However, in the fourth book, we find out that he is a little disabled, due to the fight he had with Elaine Brogan, but he is overall alive and kicking. Though barely surviving the fall, the waves and his injuries, Cattoretti is determined to hide from the local police, Interpol and the U.S. Secret Service that were looking for him. The memories and traumas caused by the time he was imprisoned in the U.S. made him vow to himself that he would rather commit suicide than spend another day behind bars. With the way the narration about Cattoretti’s survival and pitiful condition is told, it almost makes you sorry for him and his ingenuity reminds me of Robinson Crusoe.
But "the cat always lands on his feet" (Loc. 6074), as Cattoretti always said to himself. He manages to flee from Italy without being caught by the police and settles in Cyprus, where he lives peacefully for a while under a false identity. However, he is afraid that the Russian Mafia — let's say... an old acquaintance who laundered his counterfeit money — was probably following him. The head of the organisation could spill the beans and Cattoretti's contract killings would surface. Because he doesn't want to be caught and he hopes to seek protection, the Italian criminal goes to Moscow to talk to Yuri Zubov. However, things are not that smooth and his life may be at stake...
As you already noticed, the main events in this book revolve around Georgio Cattoretti, his survival story, his plans to find a hideout and to make a comeback in the criminal world. However, the narration also shows the Italian criminal's cynical relationship with his young submissive housekeeper and accomplice, Lexy. They travel to a few European countries and to Russia, where they have some interesting adventures, such as those from Amsterdam.
Personally, I truly enjoyed the information provided by the author about art and about the places visited by the characters. This all makes one feel the pulse of that certain city. The Italian criminal loves art, but inspiration strikes him in a bad way. He plans to make an immense art heist by stealing Pablo Picasso's paintings from Hermitage Museum, but let's not forget that he also wants to take revenge on Elaine Brogan. How will Georgio Cattoretti overcome all the obstacles? Will he achieve his goals? Read and you will find out! Until next time, don't hesitate to pick a good book!
A sequel to Lust-Money-Murder Book-4-Cattoretti's Return by Mike Wells is literally written in "notches on the fallen oak tree," as the character Cattoretti returns from the land of the dead, clawing back to life. He lives in hiding for days on from the Italian police until his wounds are healed; he collects dew and rain water to soak his nuts and fruits for breakfast and spends a hermitic life in the forest, hunting rabbits and fish to sustain.
In this thrilling and stupendous account, Mike Wells spins a brilliantly cunning tale in the heart of Europe in general, but Cyprus specifically, often tossing in Russia and Crimea into this spectacular bowl of salad, strewn all over the pathway of this resurrected evil master-mind, the art criminal Georgio Cattoretti and his shady girlfriend Lexy. Simply Un-Put-Downable!
This installment is the story of what happens to Giorgio Cattoretti after he was pushed from the cliff by Elaine who works for the Department Of Treasury detecting counterfeit bills. He kept her captive for quite some time, and at first he was a gentleman that showed her the finer things in life, but once she betrayed him he treated her with scorn and contempt. He also turned her into his private sex slave. She did not fight, there was no point to it. She was his prisoner, and was powerless, until the day he finally tried to end her life, she fought back and he got the worst of it. She stabbed him in the eye with a letter opener and managed to push him off the cliff.
Everyone assumed Giorgio was dead, even though there was still a warrant for his arrest, and he was on the most wanted list. Giorgio landed in the water, his face burning from the salt water and leaking blood, he also suspected his leg was broken, in several places. He went under, next thing he recalls is waking up on the beach, but exactly where, he had no idea. He is exhausted and badly hurt, he ends up with a fever, and cools himself in the ocean, ripping the remaining eye parts from his face. Eventually he gets better, disguises himself as best he can, and sneaks back into his house to retrieve some much needed cash. He rents a secluded villa where he can hid from the police and the Russian mob.
This story is action packed, a true thrilling experience. A young woman seemingly duped by every man who comes into her life. Her boss, her boyfriend, and also the man she was forced to help counterfeit money for. Elaine had an eye for detail, and became an agent to avenge her father. Trying to do the right thing has landed her in a world of trouble. Set up by her boss Lassiter, to take the fall for leaking technology that catches counterfeiting mistakes, then kidnapped by the mob, all her luck has went from bad, to total shit. Even though Giorgio's body hadn't been found, she felt he was out there somewhere, and he wouldn't rest until she was dead.
I was given this book in exchange for a fair but honest review, all opinions are solely my own and have no ill intent towards the author, publisher, or promoters of this book. Warning: This book contains adult language and situations, including rape and torture.
There's a reason why I adore Mike Wells. His newest novel The Picasso Chase, Book 1 shows why I fell so hard for his writing. And why Wells instantly became a top 5 favorite author when I read the first of many of his novels. Yes, he is that good!
It really is impossible to put down his books. If you scan the reviews on any random story he's written you'll see that very comment on well over half of them. The Picasso Chase is no different. I have never loved a villain more than I love Giorgio Cattoretti. And I can't tell you how excited I was to find out he was back. Sex appeal oozes from Giorgio's pores, intelligence dwells in every thought and word that slips form his lips. Vicious, cunning and absolutely keeps you on the edge of your seat. What more could you ask for in a bad guy?
This novel will keep your adrenaline pumping and you stalking Mike Wells' Website for when Book 2 is coming so you can find out what happens next. If you love to hate a bad guy, do not miss out on this fantastic read!!
Still hooked. Interesting twist on book 4, we learn much more about criminal Giorgio Cattoretti. To say "the cat is back" is an understatement. He's back all right and with a vengeance. Of course, I had to download book 5. I was eager to find out what happened to CIA Agent, Elaine Brogan.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy series that don't end until the final book. But, before downloading book 4 I'd highly suggest reading books, 1, 2 and 3 first. The books should be read in order as the story continues to build with each book.
Keeps the pages turning. Elaine is a fascinating and fun heroine. Looking forward to more in this series. Especially like the international landscape and the various settings.
The author, Mike Wells, gave me a copy of this novel as an ARC in exchange for my review. As always, content may have changed between the copy I received and the date of publication.
I have not read the three novels that come before this one in the “Lust, Money & Murder” series. A friend has been urging me to read them extolling their suspenseful virtue but I’m simply haven’t had time so came into Cattoretti’s Return without that background into the character. Wells in Lust, Money & Murder, Book 4 - Cattoretti's Return gives us a good base as to who Giorgio Cattoretti is and how dangerous he is when he falls from a cliff, nurses himself back to health and removes his own eye.
The main plot of Lust, Money & Murder, Book 4 - Cattoretti's Return revolves around Giorgio’s sense of loss of his own lifestyle. He’s not a man to sit comfortably. He could stay dead or he could contemplate a return to society and in order to do that he must take a chance to do some bridge repair. He chooses the Russian mafia for that work. Letting them know he survived may not be the risk that pays off for Giorgio but in this multi-faceted work it remains a sub-plot and not the driving force of the work. Giorgio has been betrayed by those he thought he could trust and a life without living on the edge of danger seems to bore him. He is well aware, as a man of 57, that if he doesn’t make his mark now he’ll be on the wrong side of the ‘you’re someone or no one’ coin.
Giorgio is joined by Lexy, a 21-year-old Greek girl with a sick mother and druggie brother desperate for work. She agrees to clean, cook and satisfies him sexually at will and agrees, in part, because she needs the money but because she also loves this powerful, one-eyed, man on sight. Lust, Money & Murder, Book 4 - Cattoretti's Return is by no means a romance but shows both how manipulative Giorgio is the depths of his brutality and narcissism. Lexy, as a character, fell somewhat flat at times for this reader. She was both really stupid but in key moments very smart. A result of the character’s inexperience? Prior to meeting Giorgio she had never left her corner of the world and he takes her on a jet setting research trip in order to choose the perfect museum from which to enact the biggest art heist the world has seen.
Lust, Money & Murder, Book 4 - Cattoretti's Return overall was well worth reading and I will be eagerly on board for the next. If you’re interested in the evolution of counter-culture baddies and their inner workings, pick up the tale of one of the best. The rest of the series is already locked and loaded on the Ipad for vacation and I eagerly await seeing how Giorgio got his start.
After reading the adult thriller series Lust, Money & Murder (Books 1, 2 & 3) (Lust, Money & Murder Series Book 123) I wasn't sure what to expect from another instalment. So I naturally thought, "Surely Giorgio Cattoretti must have had his comeuppance?"
Au contraire! This rotten apple and psychotic cyclops-like villain returns with a vengeance, and a certain degree of uncontrollable rage. Step aside Elaine Brogan, here is a very interesting but creepy character whose bizarre antics are so cleverly written, that they capture the readers imagination with wit and intelligence. Even though Giorgio is a nasty piece of work, Mike somehow manages to throw in some humour for good measure! Giorgio has an alter-ego, Xavier Dente who is understandably quite insane and just as Elaine (and Maria) fell into his sticky charismatic trap, in this volume, we are introduced to another vulnerable character, Lexy. She manages to stand her ground and knows what she wants and rather surprisingly, knows how to manipulate a murderous wretch like Giorgio . . . but this is only up to a point.
I thought books 1-3 were great, but this novel surpasses even those! How is that possible? Mike cleverly weaves in a number of new characters. Look out for Yuri Zubov, his henchman Pavel Smolin and a mysterious and ever elusive hit-man who goes under the pseudonym of 'The Artist'. Wonderful stuff!
The character interplay is fascinating, often very disturbing and yet comical at the same time so I would say this is more of a darker, black comedy than the previous instalments. Look out for the evocative descriptions of European architecture, historical anecdotes and the immaculately planned heist - an intricate series of events that leads us to the breathtaking climax.
All this proves that Mr Wells knows how to spin a good yarn and we are always kept on the edge of our seats. I am sure fans of the series will love the twist at the end, akin to an epic Hollywood blockbuster 'Godfather'-style thriller!
Thank you once again Mike and congratulations on publishing yet another excellent, inspiring masterpiece of action-thriller fiction! I, and no doubt many other readers too, really look forward to the next instalments!
Mike Wells anticipates his readers’ secret wishes!
When I read the first instalment of the series “Lust, Money and Murder 123”, I wished to know more about the characters. Especially about the villain – Mr. Giorgio Cattoretti!
His fall over a cliff into the Mediterranean at the end of Book 3 had left me with a lot of unanswered questions and I was really looking forward to reading the next book of the series!
And back he came – a changed man! A man who has suffered loss and pain, despair and wrath, a man who does not stop struggling to survive. Good and evil clash on the pages of the novel, only to remind us once again that there is no black and/or white reality.
Devoting the entire Book 4 to the development of Giorgio’s character, Mr. Wells dives into the depths of human nature. His mastery at story telling is further disclosed as well as the “unputdownable” quality of his books! The fast-paces narration and unexpected turns and twists have become his trade mark.
Will the villain manage to sustain the unexpected good change that life has brought to him? Will he plunge back into the turmoil of crime, hiding, killing? Will love be able to help him become a better human being?
You will need to read the book, in order to learn the answers to these questions. And although Book 4 has a stand-alone quality, I do recommend that readers start with the first three books of the series.
Just when you think it's over, Nick and Elaine reunite and it's happily ever after, Mike Wells just slaps you back to reality and give you this gem. Giorgio Cattoretti survives the fall. Who saw that coming? He nurses himself to health, removes his own eye and revenge is on his mind. However, his goal of avenging his ruin and disfigurement isn't something he rushes into. He's methodical and plots his revenge while continuing to satisfy his insatiable appetite for young beautiful women. He employs a housekeeper who will serve him in EVERY aspect and what ensues is something you must read. Again, the story is well told and Mr. Wells is able to give life to a villain in such a way, that you begin to root for the bad guy. Giorgio Cattoretti is as evil as they get, and yet a little bit of you is hoping he makes a clean get-away. Without giving too much away, Giorgio finds himself and becomes a new man when an unexpected surprise comes to his life. And just when you think he's a better man, a changed man, he reminds you that EVIL has no boundries. Mike Wells does what he does best in this book as he leaves us with another cliffhanger.....and worse, Book 5 is not out yet. ARGH.....I hope you enjoy these 4 books as much as I did.
Giorgio Cattoretti becomes Xavier Dente in the aftermath of Elaine Brogan sending him over a cliff instead of her being the one to fall. Giorgio spends one month reclaiming his life and grow used to his missing eye. Giorgio knows one thing that Elaine Brogan must pay for her betrayal and lies she caused him. Giorgio needs time to hatch plan to rebuild his life from the ashes of his old one. When Alexandra "Lexy" Papadakis interviews for housekeeping/live in cook job didn't expect much to happen only hoping to get the job because of her mother's ill health. Lexy gets the job only to find that Xavier expects more from her sexually. Lexy is willing to do anything to get Xavier to notice her and love her like she loves him. Lexy unknowningly stumbles upon Xavier's secret which causes her to question what she does know about her employer. Can Giorgio get his old life back? What will Lexy do with the truth? Your answers await you in Cattoretti's Return.
I'm really loving this series! Cattoretti is pure genius evil mastermind at work. The story and characters were real, complex, raw, and intriguing. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Got this book for a fair review. It seems that Giorgio Cattoretti is not going to give up his life without a fight. Fortunately he wins, with some giving up on his part.
Giorgio does more than survive, he thrives! The Cat now tries to rebuild his empire, but without his printing press, counterfeiting money is no longer and option. What other dastardly deeds can he do?
With the mafia on his back, if they find out that he is alive, surely they will try to end the life he fought so hard to regain. As I follow Giorgio in this book, I realize why he might be one of the sneakiest, vilest badass in all of villain-hood.
Most villain would have given up after awhile, but The Cat?
It always lands on its feet.
While the author says that you can read this as a standalone, it is probably best to read it from the start, that would explain why he ended up in the Mediterranean Sea in the first place.
Why should you read about a villain? Because, this one has a pretty devious mind, and it might teach you that even a bad guy has a place on earth.
Cattoretti is back with a vengeance and ready to take on anyone who gets in his way. He uses, abuses those who get close to him and is as evil as anyone can be. How far will he go to achieve what he wants?
Mike Wells is the consummate writer who can create a character that his readers love to hate. Once you begin one of his books there is no turning back. This is another page turner of the first degree.
I look forward with great anticipation to Book 2 and more exciting adventures in the world of Mike Wells, the master of multiple genres.
Not really convinced about Cattoretti's escape from his fall off a high rocky cliff. Anyhow the story continues -- he 'employs' a 21 year old (he's in his 50s by the way) and she loves the sex, and seemingly, him. This story is a departure from the original series, and as such, to my mind, a change of genre. To be honest I hate an author who changes genre mid-stream! I didn't sign up to read about a; maybe; successful crim, and frankly that's not my interest. I will not finish, having got to 62% of the book, it's not my subject and it's become boring.
I have enjoyed this novel , but have already spent more money than on well established authors It began as free them moved into 2.99 then moved to 5.99 for half a chapter I am disgusted how this author has chosen to publish his work As much as I'd like to see where this goes I refuse to continue to pay I have downloaded authors who are more accomplished and who have a much more established following than this I will not waste any more $$ when it appears I have at least 6 more at least. it's disappointing to have an author try to suck you in
Despite one serious research error where a murder was done by cutting elevator cables sending it 12 stories I still gve 5 stars to this story. There was closure and at the same time a cliffhanger which he does so well. Undoubtedly it will effectively hook you to the next book. As for the elevator murder, it is an impossibility. All elevators have infallible safety brakes. The cables can be removed but the car can fall only a foot or two.
I like to think I can spot most plot twists, red herrings, etc., but this one made my head spin. I'm a bit conflicted though, because even though I despise Giorgio, I found myself rooting for him at the same time. What an awesome story!
If you've spent any time with Elaine Brogan in the earlier books you'll be on the edge of your seat. "The Cat" is back, and he's angry.
These books are very well written with a story line that grows. Mike Wells keeps the story moving with twists and turns that keep you gripped. You can identify with the characters and they come alive as you read. This is one of the best series of books that I have read in a long time. I will definitely be buying more books written by Mike Wells. Looking forward to book 5
This one took me a little longer to get through as Cattoretti definitely was not my favourite person. I mean, he is the villain, but not the kind of villain where you’re like “okay that makes a little sense in a really twisted way.” It’s more like just downright villain. He also seemed pretty homophobic lmao. It was interesting to see what he eventually got up to after we all thought he died.
I am not good at writing reviews. But I do have to say The Picasso Chase Book one is excellent. Mr. Wells is one of my favorite authors. Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down.
Very good storyline. If you did not read books 1,2 and 3 you've missed out because it gives you a better insight into Giorgio and Elaine. Though we want to hate the villain it's hard not to have an attraction to him. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Catoretti is back, and showing he is even more vicious than the first three books showed him to be, and although is able to survive the fall, and his injuries, he developed a strong vengeful side against the ppl who've wronged him.
the story thus far is riveting and enthralling, and believable.
i really have no idea how the author does it but each book in the series just gets better and better. i defy anyone who can pick up the first book and not buy the next book in the series. another gripping read and looking forward to the fifth book.
OMG SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE this book is so full of surprises it made me laugh just when I thought I knew what was going to happen something completely different happened.