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Greed #3
Wicked Greed
Torture disfigures and maims, traumatizing a person’s psyche. It also torments the lives they…touch.
A sick, twisted email lands at journalism outlets across the south, referencing innocent little animals and primal urges, Hollywood movie stars and women of a certain ilk...tearing flesh from bone. The haunting note tests Michael’s over-protective nature, and he questions if it’s just a prank from a sheltered computer geek, or a prophetic sign of a future heinous act.
A shadow of death swallows up one beautiful young lady after another…and no one can stop it. But what force is behind this chain of sadistic killings, pulling the strings, toying with pretty girls who want nothing more than to meet Mr. Right? As Michael and his band of brothers (and sister) track a series of bizarre murders in southern college towns—slowly piecing together what the FBI can’t—a savage monster strikes close to home.
When blood pours from the soul you love, the pain isn't of this world.
In the end, lives will be forever changed. And one will not survive.
A sick, twisted email lands at journalism outlets across the south, referencing innocent little animals and primal urges, Hollywood movie stars and women of a certain ilk...tearing flesh from bone. The haunting note tests Michael’s over-protective nature, and he questions if it’s just a prank from a sheltered computer geek, or a prophetic sign of a future heinous act.
A shadow of death swallows up one beautiful young lady after another…and no one can stop it. But what force is behind this chain of sadistic killings, pulling the strings, toying with pretty girls who want nothing more than to meet Mr. Right? As Michael and his band of brothers (and sister) track a series of bizarre murders in southern college towns—slowly piecing together what the FBI can’t—a savage monster strikes close to home.
When blood pours from the soul you love, the pain isn't of this world.
In the end, lives will be forever changed. And one will not survive.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2014
33 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
John W. Mefford
77 books402 followersAmazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 20, 2020
This author has an amazing ability to write stories with characters that you really know, they become friends, or enemies! You are right there in every scene feeling deeply all that is happening, surprising yourself by crying or calling out unexpectedly at a harrowing moment! This book Will tear your heart out...As it did mine!
Michael continues working hard at the paper, soon finding his team investigating horrible murders of women...One at first...Which quickly becomes two..then three..Each scene as gruesome as the first...No evidence is found, no signs of who or why...Just dead women, each with massive slashes to the throat...Michael attempts to keep spirits up and attacks the investigation in different ways...Intern Andi is working on an Adoption and Foster home story...Finding some glaring problems in That world that may bring danger to hers...And all of a sudden, a man shows up on Michael's doorstep, declaring himself Michael's unknown half-brother!! WHAT?! And strange things keep happening....
A fabulous story that will definitely have you turning pages quickly from start to finish...Maybe a few breaks to wipe your eyes...I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.Out 12/25/2020...Be READY!!!
Michael continues working hard at the paper, soon finding his team investigating horrible murders of women...One at first...Which quickly becomes two..then three..Each scene as gruesome as the first...No evidence is found, no signs of who or why...Just dead women, each with massive slashes to the throat...Michael attempts to keep spirits up and attacks the investigation in different ways...Intern Andi is working on an Adoption and Foster home story...Finding some glaring problems in That world that may bring danger to hers...And all of a sudden, a man shows up on Michael's doorstep, declaring himself Michael's unknown half-brother!! WHAT?! And strange things keep happening....
A fabulous story that will definitely have you turning pages quickly from start to finish...Maybe a few breaks to wipe your eyes...I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.Out 12/25/2020...Be READY!!!
January 1, 2021
Greed thriller #3
A shadow of death swallows up one beautiful young lady after another…and no one can stop it.... in the end, lives will be forever changed. And one will not survive......grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Michael, the main character, continues to work hard at the newspaper when he find himself investigating horrible murders of young women, each had massive slashes to the throat... gruesome scenes hard to swallow ...
With a powerful prose peppered with details we are taken on a wild spin of evil, greed and corruption. The scene setting is as brutal as it is necessary although we do have some comic relief in this tense story. It starts slowly and I wondered where the story was going at first but it didn’t take too long before the greed of flesh and lust was most prominent. Of course we have a side story in the mix I wondered at what point the two stories would mesh. Too entrenched by then I kept pushing forward eager to figure out who was behind all this. But Mr. Mefford had other things in mind that divulging too early the outcome teasing us till the very last moment.
In few words
In “Wicked Greed” we are in a complex plot doubled with intricate subplot everything wrapped nicely and played out with compelling characters. A fabulous story that had me turning pages quickly from start to finish.
Thank you Mr.Mefford for the opportunity to read this book.
A shadow of death swallows up one beautiful young lady after another…and no one can stop it.... in the end, lives will be forever changed. And one will not survive......grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Michael, the main character, continues to work hard at the newspaper when he find himself investigating horrible murders of young women, each had massive slashes to the throat... gruesome scenes hard to swallow ...
With a powerful prose peppered with details we are taken on a wild spin of evil, greed and corruption. The scene setting is as brutal as it is necessary although we do have some comic relief in this tense story. It starts slowly and I wondered where the story was going at first but it didn’t take too long before the greed of flesh and lust was most prominent. Of course we have a side story in the mix I wondered at what point the two stories would mesh. Too entrenched by then I kept pushing forward eager to figure out who was behind all this. But Mr. Mefford had other things in mind that divulging too early the outcome teasing us till the very last moment.
In few words
In “Wicked Greed” we are in a complex plot doubled with intricate subplot everything wrapped nicely and played out with compelling characters. A fabulous story that had me turning pages quickly from start to finish.
Thank you Mr.Mefford for the opportunity to read this book.
December 30, 2020
Excellent 3rd book in the Greed series. This time Michael Doyle and his crew of reporters is on the trail of a coed killer with an obsession for throats. Meanwhile his intern, Andee, is working on an expose to bring down an organization dealing in black market children who are sold to the highest bidder. Great characters and a twisted plot that keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommended
December 31, 2020
( Format : ebook )
"Could it be this easy?"
John Mefford's Greed series just keeps getting better. Someone is sending 'Yours Truly' letters to the newspaper, apparently outlining the career route to the author's becoming a killer. Are they real? Has he started his murder run yet? Or is he already boasting of his conquests. Or perhaps they are simply sick jokes. Meanwhile, a company seems to be getting rich baby bartering, and Michael's sexy half brother appears out of the blue, desired by some, distrusted by others.
Each of the protagonists, even those with lesser presence, is well formed, with a reality and the writing is effortlessly visual, taking the reader into unknown places. The story might be dark but there are always those human touches that lifts the book, the numerous gross moment of spurting foodstuff, or a trip or a fall, which both lightens the mood and adds to the humanity of the characters.
Although the third in the Greed series, Wicked Greed can be read as a stand alone. Recommended to all who enjoy well delivered murder mysteries with very human protagonists.with lives of their own.
"Could it be this easy?"
John Mefford's Greed series just keeps getting better. Someone is sending 'Yours Truly' letters to the newspaper, apparently outlining the career route to the author's becoming a killer. Are they real? Has he started his murder run yet? Or is he already boasting of his conquests. Or perhaps they are simply sick jokes. Meanwhile, a company seems to be getting rich baby bartering, and Michael's sexy half brother appears out of the blue, desired by some, distrusted by others.
Each of the protagonists, even those with lesser presence, is well formed, with a reality and the writing is effortlessly visual, taking the reader into unknown places. The story might be dark but there are always those human touches that lifts the book, the numerous gross moment of spurting foodstuff, or a trip or a fall, which both lightens the mood and adds to the humanity of the characters.
Although the third in the Greed series, Wicked Greed can be read as a stand alone. Recommended to all who enjoy well delivered murder mysteries with very human protagonists.with lives of their own.
February 16, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mefford Just Keeps Getting Gooder & Gooder!!!
This is the third book in “THE GREED SERIES” by John Mefford and is by far the most intense. His skill at making the most unexpected twists and turns is remarkable. You will fall in love with the fully fleshed out characters and the world he creates for them. This tells the story of the greed for human bodies and small foster children in dual plot lines. You will be transfixed by this book and have difficulty putting it down. I have loved all of Mefford’s books because he continues to hone his craft and keep you fully engaged in the story. You live, eat and sleep the story right along with the characters that have now become like family. Although gory in places, Mefford keeps it real and doesn’t get carried away with this aspect. He tells you just the facts and no more in that arena. Definitely a master storyteller I highly recommend this book and this series. Don’t miss out on this amazing book/series.
Mefford Just Keeps Getting Gooder & Gooder!!!
This is the third book in “THE GREED SERIES” by John Mefford and is by far the most intense. His skill at making the most unexpected twists and turns is remarkable. You will fall in love with the fully fleshed out characters and the world he creates for them. This tells the story of the greed for human bodies and small foster children in dual plot lines. You will be transfixed by this book and have difficulty putting it down. I have loved all of Mefford’s books because he continues to hone his craft and keep you fully engaged in the story. You live, eat and sleep the story right along with the characters that have now become like family. Although gory in places, Mefford keeps it real and doesn’t get carried away with this aspect. He tells you just the facts and no more in that arena. Definitely a master storyteller I highly recommend this book and this series. Don’t miss out on this amazing book/series.
December 17, 2020
Seed of the Devil himself, heinous, gruesome, barbaric, mentally disturbed, ghoulish, and anyone’s worse nightmare, bad bad villain goes on a WICKED serial killing spree. He had a penchant for a certain type of woman...like Marissa Doyle, wife of Journalist Michael Doyle. NO one was safe, the FBI was helpless, but most of all so were Michael and Marissa...until they weren’t. NO SPOILERS. Fast paced action packed thriller right to the last pages. Wicked Greed, by accomplished Author John W. Mefford is one wicked read ride!! I couldn’t put the book down though, even if I had wanted to. Mr. Mefford’s writing style grabs the reader and refuses to let go, until the story is told. And was it EVER TOLD in WICKED GREED!! Oh yes indeed. Scary but very worthy read!
December 28, 2020
Another great book by Mr Mefford in the Greed series. He presents realistic characters with great depth. After a family tragedy one finally believe that Michael and Marisa’s life together has finally stabilized and they can finally settle down into their jobs, their lives. The book has many twists, and turns that keep you very interested in what happens next. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat holding your breath at times. Great book and I think if you enjoy books with suspense this is a must read.
December 30, 2020
Someone is killing women, but who? Michael Doyle is investigating these murders along with everyone at the Times-Herald newsroom. As the bodies keep piling up, everyone is on edge and determined to find the killer and stop the bloodshed. A series of disturbing emails is sent to several newspapers with everyone trying to decipher them. The FBI becomes involved but the killings keep happening. As the investigation unfolds it is clear that the murderer is someone no one suspects. This book kept me reading on into the night. There are some pretty gruesome scenes. I was shocked at the ending not wanting to believe what happens. You will see what I mean when you finish this book.
May 12, 2021
The story is amazing. The author draws you right into the story. You cannot help but become involved, not only with the story, but the characters are with you while reading. His twists and turns keep you squirming in your seat wondering what will happen next. I really can't say enough good about this book. I think it's my favorite in the series so far. I highly recommend you read this.
May 31, 2018
Finally! A good book.
It's been a while since I've read something I was excited about. I didn't skip paragraphs. I read for hours at a time. Great storytelling. Great characters. I'll definitely read more of this guy's work.
It's been a while since I've read something I was excited about. I didn't skip paragraphs. I read for hours at a time. Great storytelling. Great characters. I'll definitely read more of this guy's work.
December 11, 2020
What a roller coaster ride. Sometimes confusing. Many twist and turns. Just finished and feeling very emotional. John Mefford builds his characters so well you become very invested with them. His story keeps you turning pages well into the night.
December 28, 2020
A twisted tale of pursuit and murder that pulls you through the story, one clue at a time. Masterfully tells the story in a way that keeps you chasing the truth of a murderers journey. At times the clues tell you where it is headed, the conclusion still manages to surprise.
February 14, 2021
Hard to put down!
Very complex storyline involving murdered coeds, and illegal adoptions. Very cryptic emils snt to newspappers. Can the newpaper and FBI figure it all out and find the killer? Another ver good book by one of my favorite authors!H
Very complex storyline involving murdered coeds, and illegal adoptions. Very cryptic emils snt to newspappers. Can the newpaper and FBI figure it all out and find the killer? Another ver good book by one of my favorite authors!H
January 1, 2021
This one keeps you on your toes throughout, with a surprise ending. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
March 24, 2021
One more excellent book.
Anybody with a thirst for intreague and mystery will love this book. It is well written and leaves the reader spell bound.
Anybody with a thirst for intreague and mystery will love this book. It is well written and leaves the reader spell bound.
December 29, 2020
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Great book plenty twist and turns that will keep you guessing.
January 12, 2021
Once again the author has written a book that is twisted, mysterious, with a lot of action and a page turner. I don't know where the author gets his ideas for books but they are all so good and well written. As in the other series, I enjoy the relationship of Michael and Marissa and they do seem to have a lot of things going on at one time. Even though Michael is an editor at a newspaper, he seems to find himself as a detective as three girls are murdered in his area. He can’t just let it go when the paper gets “Yours truly” letter at the newspaper. But that wouldn’t be Michael with only one thing going on. No Michael also is involved with some criminal activity at a foster home and then someone comes to his house and claims he’s his brother.. There was so much going on you really have to pay attention.
December 26, 2020
There are terrible killings going on in Dallas. But that's not the only place. There are 3 other places where young girls are being killed. Oddly enough after the body is discovered, the killer or killers send emails to the newspapers in the affected cities. The FBI can't seem to find out who it is, but the killer(s) seem attracted to young women with blonde highlights in their hair. This describes Michael Doyle's wife Maris. Michael works at ta newspaper in Dallas. As the body count goes up, Michael gets very involved in helping the FBI catch the killer. Can they discover who it is before more girls are killed? Why target this kind of woman with this hair coloring? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 28, 2020
Another great book by Mefford. Wicked Greed is the third book in The Greed Thrillers Series and each book gets better than the last. Even though this is the third book in the series it can very well be read as a standalone. This has many twists and turns that will keep you engaged. I was drawn in right from the beginning and did not want to put this book down. This is very well written and the characters are well developed. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
January 7, 2015
Favorite Quote:
He couldn't help himself. "What's next?" "Quiet," she said. She leaned up and kissed him, her fang-like teeth tearing skin on his lower lip. "I'll be back in a quick minute. Meanwhile, drop the clothes, would ye?" The first blood drawn was his. He chuckled. "Did I tell you I like your accent?" That was lame, he knew. She didn't respond or turn around, as she disappeared into a dark corner. He'd play along. Isn't that why he'd convinced his dear old dad to fork over ten grand for this trip anyway? Of course, he'd fabricated an entirely different story for his out-of-touch dad. He'd told him it was all about his exposure to new cultures, new ways of thinking—an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. How Dad ran a multimillion-dollar company perplexed him. Dad was so fucking gullible. The crack of a whip pierced his left ear, and he literally jumped two feet in the air. "You don't listen very well, do ye?" she asked, sounding more militaristic. "Shit, you, uh, surprised me." He began to unbutton his shirt, his heart hammering his chest, a touch of fear invading his thoughts, and he eyed her outfit, full of metals studs, leather, and all sorts of piercings in places that normally were hidden. "Three lashes for ye then." He knew she was serious, and he ripped off his clothes. For the next hour, she played all sorts of games with her student, leaving welts, breaking skin, and drawing blood. He wasn't as experienced, but he caught on to the game, and knew her ultimate purpose.
This was a given to me in exchange for an honest review. As always the author has done a great job!!! Michael gets very disturbing emails at his job and nobody knows what to think. What they find out is that they have a serial killer. One who kills college girls by cutting their throat! It seems that the more emails that Michael gets the more murders happen. What will Michael do next? Will he be the one to solve the cases? Or will he happen to be next?
Throughout this book I found myself intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. I also was trying to figure out who did it myself. The characters are very well developed. I love these stories and how they keep you on the edge of your seat.
FIVE INTRIGUE ANGELS
He couldn't help himself. "What's next?" "Quiet," she said. She leaned up and kissed him, her fang-like teeth tearing skin on his lower lip. "I'll be back in a quick minute. Meanwhile, drop the clothes, would ye?" The first blood drawn was his. He chuckled. "Did I tell you I like your accent?" That was lame, he knew. She didn't respond or turn around, as she disappeared into a dark corner. He'd play along. Isn't that why he'd convinced his dear old dad to fork over ten grand for this trip anyway? Of course, he'd fabricated an entirely different story for his out-of-touch dad. He'd told him it was all about his exposure to new cultures, new ways of thinking—an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. How Dad ran a multimillion-dollar company perplexed him. Dad was so fucking gullible. The crack of a whip pierced his left ear, and he literally jumped two feet in the air. "You don't listen very well, do ye?" she asked, sounding more militaristic. "Shit, you, uh, surprised me." He began to unbutton his shirt, his heart hammering his chest, a touch of fear invading his thoughts, and he eyed her outfit, full of metals studs, leather, and all sorts of piercings in places that normally were hidden. "Three lashes for ye then." He knew she was serious, and he ripped off his clothes. For the next hour, she played all sorts of games with her student, leaving welts, breaking skin, and drawing blood. He wasn't as experienced, but he caught on to the game, and knew her ultimate purpose.
This was a given to me in exchange for an honest review. As always the author has done a great job!!! Michael gets very disturbing emails at his job and nobody knows what to think. What they find out is that they have a serial killer. One who kills college girls by cutting their throat! It seems that the more emails that Michael gets the more murders happen. What will Michael do next? Will he be the one to solve the cases? Or will he happen to be next?
Throughout this book I found myself intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. I also was trying to figure out who did it myself. The characters are very well developed. I love these stories and how they keep you on the edge of your seat.
FIVE INTRIGUE ANGELS
December 26, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Greed series. It’s fast paced, full of twists and turns and kept me interested till the end. It is a very entertaining mystery /thriller. Although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This honest review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy from the author
February 22, 2016
If you don't like blood, sex, or violence, do not read this book. It wouldn't be fair to read it knowing that there is blood, sex and violence, and then write a bad review because you don't like those things.
I am not sure what to make of this book. There are a lot of characters, though one main character. There are a lot of plots, but one main plot with the others eventually merging into it. It's kind of predictable, but kind of not. It's just a lot.
The first thing that struck me was the level of snark in the writing. Snark was prevalent in all of the characters, so it didn't seem genuine. I do see the sarcasm linking two of the characters (hindsight), but that was only in the beginning of the book.
The second thing that I noticed that ANNOYINGLY happened through the entire book was the way women were always described by their chests. Yes, hair and neck were also mentioned. But the chest is really the defining characteristic for all women, right? Come on, Mr. Author.
If you don't like blood, sex, or violence, do not read this book. True true true. Every character thinks about sex all the time in this book. It's a book about a killer or killers, so there's going to be blood. And of course there is usually violence that goes along with the killing.
Over all, each storyline seemed a little rushed to me. At the time of the action, things happened so fast, it was hard to figure out exactly what happened. It was suddenly over. I think the pacing could have been better if there was more build up and then slower action with more description during the actual kill scenes. This was true during the one exciting moment that had nothing to do with death (trying not to spoil anything).
This is book 3 of a series. I read that it was stand alone. I agree with that. I was fine not reading the other two books. However, this book doesn't necessarily end. It definitely concludes, but generously allows for a fourth book. I'm probably going to leave the series at this point with just reading book 3.
I am not sure what to make of this book. There are a lot of characters, though one main character. There are a lot of plots, but one main plot with the others eventually merging into it. It's kind of predictable, but kind of not. It's just a lot.
The first thing that struck me was the level of snark in the writing. Snark was prevalent in all of the characters, so it didn't seem genuine. I do see the sarcasm linking two of the characters (hindsight), but that was only in the beginning of the book.
The second thing that I noticed that ANNOYINGLY happened through the entire book was the way women were always described by their chests. Yes, hair and neck were also mentioned. But the chest is really the defining characteristic for all women, right? Come on, Mr. Author.
If you don't like blood, sex, or violence, do not read this book. True true true. Every character thinks about sex all the time in this book. It's a book about a killer or killers, so there's going to be blood. And of course there is usually violence that goes along with the killing.
Over all, each storyline seemed a little rushed to me. At the time of the action, things happened so fast, it was hard to figure out exactly what happened. It was suddenly over. I think the pacing could have been better if there was more build up and then slower action with more description during the actual kill scenes. This was true during the one exciting moment that had nothing to do with death (trying not to spoil anything).
This is book 3 of a series. I read that it was stand alone. I agree with that. I was fine not reading the other two books. However, this book doesn't necessarily end. It definitely concludes, but generously allows for a fourth book. I'm probably going to leave the series at this point with just reading book 3.
October 22, 2014
Wicked Greed by John W. Mefford is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third installment in the Greed series. After the truly awful experiences Marisa and Michael went through, they are slowly putting the tragic past behind them and moving on with their lives. However, there is just a little hitch in their plans for peace. It seems the newspaper has been getting some rather disturbing emails. This puts Micheal back in touch with Carl, the detective we met in the first book in the series.
As young college age girls are being murdered in a most gruesome way and the emails continue, Michael and his team are on the job, getting closer to action than they should, perhaps.
I have to say Michael and Marisa's family has many secrets and more of them pop out of the closet in this book, this time on Micheal's side of things.
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series, this one went awry... very awry.
Where the story went off track is something I can't really divulge without giving away critical plot lines. But, suffice it to say I was not at all pleased with the outcome. I do have the 4th and latest installment of this series and will go ahead and catch all the way with it, but I'm not sure how I will feel about things from this point on. Sometimes there is just too much of a gut punch and then you can't go back an unring the bell. I'm pretty opened minded with books, so I'll try to start the next book with the proverbial clean slate and see how it all turns out.
Maybe I should have waited to write the review on this one for a day or so because at the moment I'm still pretty ticked off. But, maybe it's better to convey these emotions now while they are still really fresh. The best I can do with this one is a 3.
This is the third installment in the Greed series. After the truly awful experiences Marisa and Michael went through, they are slowly putting the tragic past behind them and moving on with their lives. However, there is just a little hitch in their plans for peace. It seems the newspaper has been getting some rather disturbing emails. This puts Micheal back in touch with Carl, the detective we met in the first book in the series.
As young college age girls are being murdered in a most gruesome way and the emails continue, Michael and his team are on the job, getting closer to action than they should, perhaps.
I have to say Michael and Marisa's family has many secrets and more of them pop out of the closet in this book, this time on Micheal's side of things.
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series, this one went awry... very awry.
Where the story went off track is something I can't really divulge without giving away critical plot lines. But, suffice it to say I was not at all pleased with the outcome. I do have the 4th and latest installment of this series and will go ahead and catch all the way with it, but I'm not sure how I will feel about things from this point on. Sometimes there is just too much of a gut punch and then you can't go back an unring the bell. I'm pretty opened minded with books, so I'll try to start the next book with the proverbial clean slate and see how it all turns out.
Maybe I should have waited to write the review on this one for a day or so because at the moment I'm still pretty ticked off. But, maybe it's better to convey these emotions now while they are still really fresh. The best I can do with this one is a 3.
January 25, 2015
4 Stars
When the newspaper Michael works for receives some disturbing emails from someone known only as ‘Yours Truly’, and various females turn up dead, the police and FBI begin to wonder if there is a connection between the two.
I have read about Michael Doyle before, in a book called ‘Committed’, it was two or three years ago and I’m not sure if it was part of this series or not, but Michael’s life seems to have moved on some in the years since we last met. I haven’t read books one and two (Fatal Greed and Lethal Greed) of this series, but it is clear that Marisa who was also a character in ‘Committed’, and Michael, tied the knot at some point. I don’t think I needed books one and two to follow this plot, but I feel there are some holes in the characters backgrounds that are a result of my not reading Fatal & Lethal Greed.
Wicked Greed is a good read, there are a number of events happening around different characters within the story to keep you wondering all the time if each new situation that pops up is relevant to the murders and if they will all tie in together at the end. I was a little saddened by the turn of events in the latter part of the book, it was a possibility throughout the story but I still didn’t expect such a drastic twist to happen.
Overall this is a comfortable read, with a good flow, interesting plot, and well developed characters. The murders are quite gruesome so the book is not for the feint of heart but it is definitely worth a read if you’re not!
Copy supplied for review
October 18, 2014
I really do enjoy this series, but gosh darn if they don’t make me angry!
The books start off with one mystery and all is well and good, but then, the author goes and throws in another mystery that you have no idea what happened.
But you’re too entrenched in the story to go back and see if you missed something and forgot because you want to figure out what the heck is going on.
So you keep reading and pushing forward when another little mini story comes along.
A little further along, another mini story.
You keep pushing forward because we need to figure this out, but you aren’t sure how or if something is related.
So you have one book. One author. Two mysteries and two mini stories.
In this case, we have Wicked Greed. Authored by John W. Mefford. The mystery of the emails and the murders and the mystery of the adoption center. The mini story of the long lost brother. And the intern at the paper running into a hunky boy mini story.
If or how they are all related? I know the answer, but I’m not going to share because you do not want to miss this book.
As mentioned above, Wicked Greed can be read as a stand alone book, but I found that reading Fatal Greed, Lethal Greed and then this one, helped me learn more about the characters (and made for a more fun read!)
The books start off with one mystery and all is well and good, but then, the author goes and throws in another mystery that you have no idea what happened.
But you’re too entrenched in the story to go back and see if you missed something and forgot because you want to figure out what the heck is going on.
So you keep reading and pushing forward when another little mini story comes along.
A little further along, another mini story.
You keep pushing forward because we need to figure this out, but you aren’t sure how or if something is related.
So you have one book. One author. Two mysteries and two mini stories.
In this case, we have Wicked Greed. Authored by John W. Mefford. The mystery of the emails and the murders and the mystery of the adoption center. The mini story of the long lost brother. And the intern at the paper running into a hunky boy mini story.
If or how they are all related? I know the answer, but I’m not going to share because you do not want to miss this book.
As mentioned above, Wicked Greed can be read as a stand alone book, but I found that reading Fatal Greed, Lethal Greed and then this one, helped me learn more about the characters (and made for a more fun read!)
October 13, 2014
Yikes--what an ending to a fast paced murder mystery where Greed for money and recognition is behind it all. I will be reading the next book and my review will be up on 10/20 I think it is. I just have to know what happens next. The actual murderer is still on the loose--Michael has taken off for parts unknown. Why has he taken off? You will have to read this book to find out!
College girls are found dead with their larynx's cut out--emails keep showing up at the newsroom after each killing which make no sense what so ever. The FBI is clueless. Meanwhile Michael's half brother that he did not know he had shows up at his home. Andi-the intern at the newspaper-cracks an adoption ring wide open helping a young mother and her autistic son in the process.
There is some comic relief in all this--the intrepid computer geek--Marissa's (Michaels wife) man hungry friend Clarissa who does end up with Brandon who also works at the newspaper, I think!
This can still be read as a stand alone -there are references to the prior book but not necessary to understanding and reading this one. However-I think you better read this one before the next!!Wicked Greed
College girls are found dead with their larynx's cut out--emails keep showing up at the newsroom after each killing which make no sense what so ever. The FBI is clueless. Meanwhile Michael's half brother that he did not know he had shows up at his home. Andi-the intern at the newspaper-cracks an adoption ring wide open helping a young mother and her autistic son in the process.
There is some comic relief in all this--the intrepid computer geek--Marissa's (Michaels wife) man hungry friend Clarissa who does end up with Brandon who also works at the newspaper, I think!
This can still be read as a stand alone -there are references to the prior book but not necessary to understanding and reading this one. However-I think you better read this one before the next!!Wicked Greed
November 7, 2014
By now one might think that the subject of Greed might be overdone with the first two books in this series following that theme, however it seems that is not the case. The emotional roller coaster readers are put on can be quite disturbing but the thrill is interesting and leaves you perplexed while anticipating the next story. Once again characters are presented with a dilemma with Michael and Marisa thrown into action packed turmoil.
Mefford does well at creating stories that are very complex and thought provoking which is why I will continue reading as many books as he presents in this series. Although I read the 4th book first and may be at the end, I can’t help but hope for more as I am now intrigued at just how many times greed can disrupt a person’s life and in such a variety of ways. Keep them coming Mefford as you have gained loyalty with your brilliant work!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
Mefford does well at creating stories that are very complex and thought provoking which is why I will continue reading as many books as he presents in this series. Although I read the 4th book first and may be at the end, I can’t help but hope for more as I am now intrigued at just how many times greed can disrupt a person’s life and in such a variety of ways. Keep them coming Mefford as you have gained loyalty with your brilliant work!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
September 14, 2014
When Michael Doyle receives a disturbing email at the newspaper office that he works at, he and his colleagues don’t quite know what to think of it. After bodies of beautiful college girls start showing up with their throats cut out, it becomes clear that a serial killer is on the loose. As more emails arrive, with each murder it seems, Michael is sure they are related even though there is no apparent connection.
This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I even caught myself brainstorming questions and ideas along side the team. I have enjoyed Michael and his colleagues since book one. Even though he seems to draw trouble, he still lands on his feet. I admit that I guessed the killer and his end game early on, but the author did have me second-guessing all the way through.
This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I even caught myself brainstorming questions and ideas along side the team. I have enjoyed Michael and his colleagues since book one. Even though he seems to draw trouble, he still lands on his feet. I admit that I guessed the killer and his end game early on, but the author did have me second-guessing all the way through.
October 14, 2014
Another WOW for this series! #3 in the "Greed" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would suggest reading the others in this amazing series, yes on none other than greed, murder, and mystery. Who would have thought that an author could keep the greed theme going for so long, but he has and it only gets better. The characters are engaging, flawed, and interesting. The storyline is fast paced, filled with action, with a seat on the edge of your seat theme. I enjoyed this tale. Can't wait to read the fourth in this amazing series.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot due to language and content
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
*Received for an honest review from the publisher*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot due to language and content
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
December 11, 2020
A fast paced murder mystery with several interesting plots and great well developed characters. Great storytelling with gruesome murders taking place in this tale. A real page turner with a suspenseful ending. Highly recommended story and series by a very talented author. Ready for the conclusion to this well written series.
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