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39 Down
Paul Trifthauser is a simple graphic artist in Austria and the grandson of a WW2 cryptographer, but when he returns home. he discovers his grandfather is not the man he thought he was. With the help of an Indian prostitute and a secret code buried in 3,000 of his grandfathers old crossword puzzles, he resurrects his grandfather's network, only to put his life and those closest to him at extreme risk.
322 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2014
7 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Paul Schwartzmeyer
10 books6 followersPaul Schwartzmeyer is a former Marine Corp radio man. After graduating from college, he worked on oil rigs in the bayou's of offshore Louisiana and in Texas. For eight years he worked as an engineer in the Saudi Desert where he was given the highest level security clearance to work with radioactivity and explosives. He also worked in Dubai as well as in the Al Rub Al Khali, one of the most desolate places on earth.
Paul has traveled, predominately alone, to over 30 countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain, The Philippines, India and most of Europe. He has contacts worldwide that are soldiers of fortune, oil industry executives, combat veterans, hostage negotiators, madams and pub owners. He was once a member of the infamous "Lucy's Tiger Den", the American Legion China Post One in Bangkok
Paul has traveled, predominately alone, to over 30 countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain, The Philippines, India and most of Europe. He has contacts worldwide that are soldiers of fortune, oil industry executives, combat veterans, hostage negotiators, madams and pub owners. He was once a member of the infamous "Lucy's Tiger Den", the American Legion China Post One in Bangkok
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers.
This book was thrilling, with loads of exciting bends in the road. The characters were top to bottom and appeared to wake up in my mind. Some parts of the book might have been clarified a smidgen all the more, yet by and large, a great read.
This book is a goliath perused, brimming with captivating characters and engaging in various excellent manners, erotic and hot without licentiousness or indecency. I was especially intrigued by the author's profundity and care. I was additionally passed up his experience with the world; this is an extraordinary perused for any fanatic of movement composing.
This book was thrilling, with loads of exciting bends in the road. The characters were top to bottom and appeared to wake up in my mind. Some parts of the book might have been clarified a smidgen all the more, yet by and large, a great read.
This book is a goliath perused, brimming with captivating characters and engaging in various excellent manners, erotic and hot without licentiousness or indecency. I was especially intrigued by the author's profundity and care. I was additionally passed up his experience with the world; this is an extraordinary perused for any fanatic of movement composing.
April 2, 2021
This is a Paul Trifthauser Espionage Novel and the first book in the Joseph Schneider Traitor-Patriot Series. Talk about a page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat. Paul's life changed the day he stumbled upon his grandfather's secrets . A network that controls the world from the shadows. It's so secret He's on the run with his Glock and Alejandra, a gorgeous high-end Russian prostitute. They travel the world together hunting this cartel to take them out before they take him out. Wow, a great start to what is going to be an amazing series. It's fast paced and full of danger. The chemistry between Akejandra and Paul is explosive. I read an arc via Voracious Readers but also purchased a copy and I voluntarily chose to review it.
January 4, 2022
🔶🔸~ Oh, it's ended! Holy Smoke! ~🔸🔶
🔶🔸~ If you like mystery, suspense, and intrigue to the maximum... This is the book for you!
🔶🔸~ The author introduces a kaleidoscope of characters from all walks in life... How are they connected? Why?
🔶🔸~ I was drawn to the ever developing main character of Paul Trifthauser... Learning about his life and watching as he becomes who he needs to be... And yet the story closes as a stand alone novel all questions answered but you are left with a feeling, "Wait, there has to be more! There are mysteries still to solve." Luckily, after my "This cannot be the end!" attack. I discovered this is book one is a four part series.
🔶🔸~ After internet glitches with my email ended, I discovered I had received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only but it did not download (my internet at fault), so I downloaded the Kindle Unlimited edition. So happy I did!
🔶🔸~ I was not quite sure about the book in the beginning as it started off more slowly that I like but I am thankful I decided to read a bit more. After that I struggled to put the book down till the last chapter! It veers slightly darker than I like at times but it fits the story well. I am off to download book 2 to my Kindle! This journey is not over yet!!
🔶🔸~ What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading! 💕
🔶🔸~ If you like mystery, suspense, and intrigue to the maximum... This is the book for you!
🔶🔸~ The author introduces a kaleidoscope of characters from all walks in life... How are they connected? Why?
🔶🔸~ I was drawn to the ever developing main character of Paul Trifthauser... Learning about his life and watching as he becomes who he needs to be... And yet the story closes as a stand alone novel all questions answered but you are left with a feeling, "Wait, there has to be more! There are mysteries still to solve." Luckily, after my "This cannot be the end!" attack. I discovered this is book one is a four part series.
🔶🔸~ After internet glitches with my email ended, I discovered I had received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only but it did not download (my internet at fault), so I downloaded the Kindle Unlimited edition. So happy I did!
🔶🔸~ I was not quite sure about the book in the beginning as it started off more slowly that I like but I am thankful I decided to read a bit more. After that I struggled to put the book down till the last chapter! It veers slightly darker than I like at times but it fits the story well. I am off to download book 2 to my Kindle! This journey is not over yet!!
🔶🔸~ What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading! 💕
June 27, 2021
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
Paul Trifthauser was working as a graphic artist in Austria when he inherited his grandfather’s estate, which seemed to consist mostly of 3000 crossword books. After returning to the USA with his Ukrainian fiancée Arianna, they started tidying up only to find clues to a fortune hidden in the puzzles.
Because of his grandfather’s legacy, Paul is being followed by a lot of people, but who are they working for? His hunt for answers only raises more questions and the foremost one is: Who can he trust?
I really enjoyed this story, much more than I thought I would. There are a lot of characters, and they are very well written; good guys as well as bad guys. The plot is mind-bogglingly complex and I finished the book with only a vague idea of what had happened, much like my forays into Robert Ludlum's novels.
Even though I think the main character is a jerk I would still like to read some more in the sequence. Hopefully the editing is better in the next books as this one was peppered with typos, incorrect or missing punctuation, wrong homophones and inconsistent character names.
Paul Trifthauser was working as a graphic artist in Austria when he inherited his grandfather’s estate, which seemed to consist mostly of 3000 crossword books. After returning to the USA with his Ukrainian fiancée Arianna, they started tidying up only to find clues to a fortune hidden in the puzzles.
Because of his grandfather’s legacy, Paul is being followed by a lot of people, but who are they working for? His hunt for answers only raises more questions and the foremost one is: Who can he trust?
I really enjoyed this story, much more than I thought I would. There are a lot of characters, and they are very well written; good guys as well as bad guys. The plot is mind-bogglingly complex and I finished the book with only a vague idea of what had happened, much like my forays into Robert Ludlum's novels.
Even though I think the main character is a jerk I would still like to read some more in the sequence. Hopefully the editing is better in the next books as this one was peppered with typos, incorrect or missing punctuation, wrong homophones and inconsistent character names.
April 22, 2021
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers.
I found plenty to like in the book. There are some well written characters. I found the playful Alejandra the most fun and intriguing character. I couldn’t take to the protagonist Paul Trifthauser. I simply found myself not particularly caring about him. It just seems however precariously the odds were stacked against him he got the best of the situation without even a scrape. Despite the premise of the story being quite interesting, everything just came off without any real explanation in some parts. This brought it down a little for me. The copy I read clearly hadn’t been proofread either, so many inconsistencies in character names and obvious typos.
I found plenty to like in the book. There are some well written characters. I found the playful Alejandra the most fun and intriguing character. I couldn’t take to the protagonist Paul Trifthauser. I simply found myself not particularly caring about him. It just seems however precariously the odds were stacked against him he got the best of the situation without even a scrape. Despite the premise of the story being quite interesting, everything just came off without any real explanation in some parts. This brought it down a little for me. The copy I read clearly hadn’t been proofread either, so many inconsistencies in character names and obvious typos.
March 30, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only
This was an interesting read. Plenty of action, sex, and villany. Characters were well written. I admittedly was not a fan of Arianna. I found Alejandra far more likeable and interesting as a character. Also loved the character Sam. I found it heavy going in places simply because of the nature of the story, puzzles,shares etc. But the action and characters kept me intrigued.
The copy I was reading says March 2020 Edit and unfortunately due to it being an edit, there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors, even character names spelt differently throughout. I'm sure these wouldn't have made it into the final edit.
A solid 3 and a half stars!
This was an interesting read. Plenty of action, sex, and villany. Characters were well written. I admittedly was not a fan of Arianna. I found Alejandra far more likeable and interesting as a character. Also loved the character Sam. I found it heavy going in places simply because of the nature of the story, puzzles,shares etc. But the action and characters kept me intrigued.
The copy I was reading says March 2020 Edit and unfortunately due to it being an edit, there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors, even character names spelt differently throughout. I'm sure these wouldn't have made it into the final edit.
A solid 3 and a half stars!
March 28, 2021
I received a complementary copy of this book via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book and read it in two sittings. The characters are well developed and the story is paced well. The premise for the story is interesting and I feel that I know quite a bit more about the world of finance and spies! The end of the book leaves room for lots more adventures for the main characters and my intention is to read the other three books in the series to see what happens next!
I would recommend this book. It would make a great holiday read.
I really enjoyed reading this book and read it in two sittings. The characters are well developed and the story is paced well. The premise for the story is interesting and I feel that I know quite a bit more about the world of finance and spies! The end of the book leaves room for lots more adventures for the main characters and my intention is to read the other three books in the series to see what happens next!
I would recommend this book. It would make a great holiday read.
April 21, 2021
I read a Voracious Readers edit copy
I enjoyed the story line and it did hold my interest. I did find it hard to keep track of all the characters, in particular the bankers. The editing didn't help as spelling mistakes in names had me wondering who Peter was, when it should have been Petr. The story line is definitely a bit far-fetched, but then I guess all good books are. 3.5 stars. Not sure if I'll read the rest of the series though.
I enjoyed the story line and it did hold my interest. I did find it hard to keep track of all the characters, in particular the bankers. The editing didn't help as spelling mistakes in names had me wondering who Peter was, when it should have been Petr. The story line is definitely a bit far-fetched, but then I guess all good books are. 3.5 stars. Not sure if I'll read the rest of the series though.
May 24, 2021
39 Down is a wonderful book that pulls you into the action in the first few pages. The fast-paced intrigue, interesting and well-drawn characters, and the whirlwind suspense make this book an "all-nighter." I happily recommend this book to those who enjoy a thrilling adventure and--like me--can't wait to read more!
--P. M. Owen
[N.B.: I was given a review copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.]
--P. M. Owen
[N.B.: I was given a review copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.]
May 4, 2021
Recieved a copy through Voracious Readers.
Comparisons to the Bourne series or Le Carre how could you not pick it up.
I enjoyed the plot but couldn't get invested in most of the characters; as though more time needed to be spent with them instead of racing, and yes it's fast paced and we were racing from twist to the next turn.
Comparisons to the Bourne series or Le Carre how could you not pick it up.
I enjoyed the plot but couldn't get invested in most of the characters; as though more time needed to be spent with them instead of racing, and yes it's fast paced and we were racing from twist to the next turn.
May 28, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from voracious readers.
Reading this book was akin to riding a roller coaster. The twists and turns the brief moment atop the highest peak then at last dropping you into a beautiful barrel roll. Simply Devine. It keeps you riveted in your chair reading another chapter, then another until eventually you are finished. Amazing
Reading this book was akin to riding a roller coaster. The twists and turns the brief moment atop the highest peak then at last dropping you into a beautiful barrel roll. Simply Devine. It keeps you riveted in your chair reading another chapter, then another until eventually you are finished. Amazing
April 26, 2021
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers.
This book was suspenseful with lots of twists and turns. The characters were in depth and seemed to come alive in my head. There were parts that could have been explained a bit more but overall a really good read.
This book was suspenseful with lots of twists and turns. The characters were in depth and seemed to come alive in my head. There were parts that could have been explained a bit more but overall a really good read.
May 9, 2021
Great psychological thriller really gets your brain cells moving trying to keep up with the action. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers and was hooked but not a light holiday read!
April 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! Will likely read the others!!
Read
June 12, 2021A great book that transports you to all corners of the world. You never know what is going to happen as Paul sets out to discover who his grandfather really was and the legacy he left behind.
June 30, 2021
Excellent action spy novel for fans of the genre.
My Review
My Review
August 29, 2015
More 3 1/2 than 3 stars. Plot is very complicated, perhaps overly so. Still not sure about parts of it and not sure protagonist is either! However, I liked it well enough to read the next in this series. One other point: I read this on my Kindle, and all I can say is who edited this?? That person should be fired! The book is full of typos and grammatical errors. It was awful!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews