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Pointless: Revenge Is a Rationalization, Not a Motivation
POINTLESS – THE FIRST BOOK IN THE REVENGE, UNHINGED SERIES!
Poison-laced bottles of water are sent to three states in the U.S Southwest. A bottling plant employee is killed in a questionable traffic accident. The first illnesses – and the initial death – surface, and the FBI takes over the cases.
Just as the perps planned.
The agent in charge is assassinated, and Senior Special Agent Kari Dineh, a rising star, is put in charge. She’s encouraged to include a former agent, a felon she helped drive out of the agency years earlier, as an advisor. The case immediately takes on political overtones, spurred by poems sent by the perps, opportunistic pundits rallying pro- and anti-FBI supporters, and aggressive media reporting.
Violence erupts and cities burn.
Dineh, a brilliant investigator, at first struggles with her new role, as memories of misogyny and Indigenous prejudice resurface. But she overcomes them, ultimately figuring out the real intentions of the criminal group behind the crimes.
However, the U.S.’s 50-50 split on the rule of law is above her pay grade.
REVENGE IS A RATIONALIZATION, NOT A MOTIVATION.
Poison-laced bottles of water are sent to three states in the U.S Southwest. A bottling plant employee is killed in a questionable traffic accident. The first illnesses – and the initial death – surface, and the FBI takes over the cases.
Just as the perps planned.
The agent in charge is assassinated, and Senior Special Agent Kari Dineh, a rising star, is put in charge. She’s encouraged to include a former agent, a felon she helped drive out of the agency years earlier, as an advisor. The case immediately takes on political overtones, spurred by poems sent by the perps, opportunistic pundits rallying pro- and anti-FBI supporters, and aggressive media reporting.
Violence erupts and cities burn.
Dineh, a brilliant investigator, at first struggles with her new role, as memories of misogyny and Indigenous prejudice resurface. But she overcomes them, ultimately figuring out the real intentions of the criminal group behind the crimes.
However, the U.S.’s 50-50 split on the rule of law is above her pay grade.
REVENGE IS A RATIONALIZATION, NOT A MOTIVATION.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2025
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 11, 2025
I have read several of Michael Geczi’s books and loved them. Pointless did not disappoint. It’s rare when the villain is exposed from the opening pages, but it works, revealing his motivation for revenge. We start out with a car wreck, then move to poison laced bottles, then on to the assassination of the FBI agent put in charge of the investigation. Each piece of the puzzle is carefully planned. The mystery is muddled and characters are betrayed. Who’s doing what to who? Michael Geczi keeps the answer close.
Project Les Talionis – An Eye For An Eye
We have a diverse group of characters, and not all will survive. As the body count increases, so does the level of suspense. The pacing of Pointless keeps the story moving at a steady clip. The suspense mounts as we approach the final pages, and, no sooner do I breathe a sigh of relief…The ending is worth a star of its own, because as much as I hate it, I love it.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Project Les Talionis – An Eye For An Eye
We have a diverse group of characters, and not all will survive. As the body count increases, so does the level of suspense. The pacing of Pointless keeps the story moving at a steady clip. The suspense mounts as we approach the final pages, and, no sooner do I breathe a sigh of relief…The ending is worth a star of its own, because as much as I hate it, I love it.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
July 8, 2025
ITA
L’ex agente dell’FBI Callum Greenway ha un solo obiettivo: vendicarsi. Dopo essere stato allontanato senza troppi complimenti a causa dell’ex marito della figlia, decide di orchestrare un piano complesso e segreto. Con l’aiuto della figlia e, sorprendentemente, proprio dell’ex genero, dà vita a un’operazione in cui deve essere chiamato “Direttore”: l’unico a conoscere l’intero disegno. Gli altri eseguono, senza sapere troppo e senza contatti diretti tra loro.
Il ritmo del libro è piuttosto lento all’inizio, e la presenza di molti personaggi può creare un po’ di confusione. Tuttavia, ogni figura trova il suo posto nella trama, che si sviluppa con una logica ben costruita. Il piano del Direttore prevede una serie di azioni a effetto domino, pensate per far passare il caso dalla polizia locale all’FBI, così da poter manipolare l’indagine e screditare l’agenzia che lo ha tradito.
Callum è un personaggio mosso da orgoglio ferito, narcisismo e rancore. È egocentrico, e quando le cose non vanno come vuole, perde il controllo. Dall’altra parte, a indagare, troviamo due agenti donne molto capaci, affiancate da colleghi maschi... meno brillanti. Questo contrasto serve anche a mettere in luce temi come sessismo e razzismo, che emergono nel corso della narrazione.
A complicare ulteriormente le cose ci sono due podcast: uno apertamente critico verso l’FBI, l’altro incredibilmente indulgente. Entrambi distorcono la realtà, alimentando confusione e tensione.
Il libro è avvincente, pieno di colpi di scena, personaggi che non si fanno scrupoli e orgogli feriti.
E poi c’è il finale.
Signor Geczi… a quando il seguito? Non può finire così!
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
Former FBI agent Callum Greenway has one goal: revenge. After being forced out because of his daughter's ex-husband, he decides to orchestrate a complex, secret plan. With the help of his daughter and, surprisingly, his ex-son-in-law, he sets up an operation in which he must be adressed as "Director": the only person who knows the entire plan. The others execute the plan without knowing too much and without having direct contact with each other.
The book starts off slow, and the large cast of characters can be confusing. However, each character finds his or her place in the plot, which develops with well-constructed logic. The Director's plan involves a series of domino-effect actions designed to shift the case from the local police to the FBI, allowing him to manipulate the forensic review and discredit the agency that betrayed him.
Callum is a character driven by wounded pride, narcissism, and resentment. He is self-centered and loses control when things do not go his way. In contrast, the two female agents leading the investigation are highly capable, while their male colleagues are less intelligent. This contrast highlights themes such as sexism and racism, which emerge throughout the narrative.
Further complicating matters are two podcasts: one openly critical of the FBI and the other incredibly forgiving. Both distort reality, fueling confusion and tension.
The book is gripping, full of twists and turns, and populated with characters who don't pull any punches and wounded egos.
And then there is the ending.
Mr. Geczi, when will the sequel be released? It can't end like this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
L’ex agente dell’FBI Callum Greenway ha un solo obiettivo: vendicarsi. Dopo essere stato allontanato senza troppi complimenti a causa dell’ex marito della figlia, decide di orchestrare un piano complesso e segreto. Con l’aiuto della figlia e, sorprendentemente, proprio dell’ex genero, dà vita a un’operazione in cui deve essere chiamato “Direttore”: l’unico a conoscere l’intero disegno. Gli altri eseguono, senza sapere troppo e senza contatti diretti tra loro.
Il ritmo del libro è piuttosto lento all’inizio, e la presenza di molti personaggi può creare un po’ di confusione. Tuttavia, ogni figura trova il suo posto nella trama, che si sviluppa con una logica ben costruita. Il piano del Direttore prevede una serie di azioni a effetto domino, pensate per far passare il caso dalla polizia locale all’FBI, così da poter manipolare l’indagine e screditare l’agenzia che lo ha tradito.
Callum è un personaggio mosso da orgoglio ferito, narcisismo e rancore. È egocentrico, e quando le cose non vanno come vuole, perde il controllo. Dall’altra parte, a indagare, troviamo due agenti donne molto capaci, affiancate da colleghi maschi... meno brillanti. Questo contrasto serve anche a mettere in luce temi come sessismo e razzismo, che emergono nel corso della narrazione.
A complicare ulteriormente le cose ci sono due podcast: uno apertamente critico verso l’FBI, l’altro incredibilmente indulgente. Entrambi distorcono la realtà, alimentando confusione e tensione.
Il libro è avvincente, pieno di colpi di scena, personaggi che non si fanno scrupoli e orgogli feriti.
E poi c’è il finale.
Signor Geczi… a quando il seguito? Non può finire così!
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
Former FBI agent Callum Greenway has one goal: revenge. After being forced out because of his daughter's ex-husband, he decides to orchestrate a complex, secret plan. With the help of his daughter and, surprisingly, his ex-son-in-law, he sets up an operation in which he must be adressed as "Director": the only person who knows the entire plan. The others execute the plan without knowing too much and without having direct contact with each other.
The book starts off slow, and the large cast of characters can be confusing. However, each character finds his or her place in the plot, which develops with well-constructed logic. The Director's plan involves a series of domino-effect actions designed to shift the case from the local police to the FBI, allowing him to manipulate the forensic review and discredit the agency that betrayed him.
Callum is a character driven by wounded pride, narcissism, and resentment. He is self-centered and loses control when things do not go his way. In contrast, the two female agents leading the investigation are highly capable, while their male colleagues are less intelligent. This contrast highlights themes such as sexism and racism, which emerge throughout the narrative.
Further complicating matters are two podcasts: one openly critical of the FBI and the other incredibly forgiving. Both distort reality, fueling confusion and tension.
The book is gripping, full of twists and turns, and populated with characters who don't pull any punches and wounded egos.
And then there is the ending.
Mr. Geczi, when will the sequel be released? It can't end like this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2025
Content Warnings:
Graphic:
Moderate:
Minor:
Pointless: Revenge is a Rationalization, Not a Motivation is a killer start to Michael Geczi’s new Revenge, Unhinged series. Ostensibly, this is the story of an ex-FBI member with a grudge, chucking a tanty by exacting revenge for every perceived wrong with no care for who is caught in the crossfire. This isn’t a spoiler, by the way. We’re told this from the beginning.
Don’t let that fool you, though. This isn’t just another ‘dime-a-dozen’ revenge fantasy. This book is complex, tightly woven, and emotionally intense. Every part of the plot is carefully planned for maximum engagement. More than once, I set out to read a chapter or two before performing some task or other, only to find myself still reading an hour later, so this probably isn’t the best choice of reading material for your lunch break. The ‘just one more chapter’ is strong in this one.
The subtext of the story has political overtones, dealing with issues of prejudice, law, and morality, and challenging the common perception that justice, law, and retribution are black-and-white. Senior Special Agent Kari Dineh, for example, struggles with internal conflict related to misogyny, prejudice and the internal politics within the Bureau.
As far as the writing is concerned, the book sports a diverse cast of characters. The plot moves at a good pace, the twists are well done, and a lot of chapters end on cliffhangers. Revealing the villain early in the piece increases the tension and allows Geczi to explore revenge not just as actions, but as an idea or justification.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the opposing podcasts. Seeing the public reactions like this adds a depth that isn't generally present in crime novels. We know from real-world experience that it's probably happening, but we generally don't get shown this glimpse into the narrative on the page. This was a good call on the part of the author. Also, can I just say how much I love the title of that one podcast: “FB, I Don’t Think So.” Ha ha ha! Genius name! Hilarious!
And that ending? Outstanding! Have you ever wanted to praise and shout at an author at the same time? Yeah, that was me after finishing this book.
If I had one piece of advice, it would be to either indent paragraphs, or add a blank line in between them, because some of us have trouble concentrating when the only breaks in the text are the chapter headings. However, I was reading a review copy, so that issue may have been caught and fixed in the final edit.
Overall, I felt this was a highly entertaining and thought-provoking read which explores a lot of deep issues without being preachy about it. I highly recommend picking it up at your earliest opportunity.
Graphic:
Moderate:
Minor:
Pointless: Revenge is a Rationalization, Not a Motivation is a killer start to Michael Geczi’s new Revenge, Unhinged series. Ostensibly, this is the story of an ex-FBI member with a grudge, chucking a tanty by exacting revenge for every perceived wrong with no care for who is caught in the crossfire. This isn’t a spoiler, by the way. We’re told this from the beginning.
Don’t let that fool you, though. This isn’t just another ‘dime-a-dozen’ revenge fantasy. This book is complex, tightly woven, and emotionally intense. Every part of the plot is carefully planned for maximum engagement. More than once, I set out to read a chapter or two before performing some task or other, only to find myself still reading an hour later, so this probably isn’t the best choice of reading material for your lunch break. The ‘just one more chapter’ is strong in this one.
The subtext of the story has political overtones, dealing with issues of prejudice, law, and morality, and challenging the common perception that justice, law, and retribution are black-and-white. Senior Special Agent Kari Dineh, for example, struggles with internal conflict related to misogyny, prejudice and the internal politics within the Bureau.
As far as the writing is concerned, the book sports a diverse cast of characters. The plot moves at a good pace, the twists are well done, and a lot of chapters end on cliffhangers. Revealing the villain early in the piece increases the tension and allows Geczi to explore revenge not just as actions, but as an idea or justification.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the opposing podcasts. Seeing the public reactions like this adds a depth that isn't generally present in crime novels. We know from real-world experience that it's probably happening, but we generally don't get shown this glimpse into the narrative on the page. This was a good call on the part of the author. Also, can I just say how much I love the title of that one podcast: “FB, I Don’t Think So.” Ha ha ha! Genius name! Hilarious!
And that ending? Outstanding! Have you ever wanted to praise and shout at an author at the same time? Yeah, that was me after finishing this book.
If I had one piece of advice, it would be to either indent paragraphs, or add a blank line in between them, because some of us have trouble concentrating when the only breaks in the text are the chapter headings. However, I was reading a review copy, so that issue may have been caught and fixed in the final edit.
Overall, I felt this was a highly entertaining and thought-provoking read which explores a lot of deep issues without being preachy about it. I highly recommend picking it up at your earliest opportunity.
May 27, 2025
Review of eBook
Callum Greenway [code name: Director] could see the unfolding events in his mind . . . an eye for an eye. Now, finally, he’s gathered his team and set everything in motion.
The poisoning of some water from the Albuquerque bottling plant would, he was certain, lead to consumer deaths. It was, in all respects, the perfect plan. He’d envisioned this plan for several years; the elimination of the bottling plant employee in a staged “accident” brought the FBI into the case.
Just as he’d planned . . . exacting his revenge.
=========
This book, first in the author’s The Revenge, Unhinged Series is a tale that is both mesmerizing and terrifying. Readers are introduced to a chilling character who has set his sights on revenge, no matter how much collateral damage may occur as his plan is carried out. Strong characters [not always likable] and a clever plot work together to pull readers into the telling of the tale. The dogged FBI agent works tirelessly, ultimately unraveling the true intentions of the team.
As the media keeps the case at the forefront of the news, readers will find themselves exploring the exact nature of revenge. This crime thriller is sure to keep readers involved as the “feeding frenzy” grows and chaos rules.
Readers who enjoy FBI thrillers, crime thrillers, and psychological mysteries will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free advance review copy of this book through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Callum Greenway [code name: Director] could see the unfolding events in his mind . . . an eye for an eye. Now, finally, he’s gathered his team and set everything in motion.
The poisoning of some water from the Albuquerque bottling plant would, he was certain, lead to consumer deaths. It was, in all respects, the perfect plan. He’d envisioned this plan for several years; the elimination of the bottling plant employee in a staged “accident” brought the FBI into the case.
Just as he’d planned . . . exacting his revenge.
=========
This book, first in the author’s The Revenge, Unhinged Series is a tale that is both mesmerizing and terrifying. Readers are introduced to a chilling character who has set his sights on revenge, no matter how much collateral damage may occur as his plan is carried out. Strong characters [not always likable] and a clever plot work together to pull readers into the telling of the tale. The dogged FBI agent works tirelessly, ultimately unraveling the true intentions of the team.
As the media keeps the case at the forefront of the news, readers will find themselves exploring the exact nature of revenge. This crime thriller is sure to keep readers involved as the “feeding frenzy” grows and chaos rules.
Readers who enjoy FBI thrillers, crime thrillers, and psychological mysteries will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free advance review copy of this book through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2025
This story is a twisted thriller, typical of Michael Geczi. I'm not sure what to say about it. It plays on all the current social issues and is a good investigative story. But, boy, does the ending come out of left field. I defy anyone to see the ending coming, and I'm still not sure what I think about it. My only hope is that Mr. Geczi will start the next book in the series where this one ends and explain it, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I highly recommend any of Mr. Geczi's works. His stories are intense, multilayered, and fascinating. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
October 27, 2025
I found Pointless to be one of those books that quietly gets under your skin. Michael Geczi weaves shifting layers of perspective and meaning in a way that’s both intriguing and deeply unsettling. At times, it’s an uncomfortable read - not because it’s poorly written (far from it), but because it forces you to sit with uncertainty and question your own assumptions as the narrative twists.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite, or perhaps because of, that unease, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a clever, disquieting piece of storytelling that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite, or perhaps because of, that unease, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a clever, disquieting piece of storytelling that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
May 17, 2025
Recieved an ARC copy of this book. It's about revenge and the residual effects even to the innocent people who somehow get involved because the understand and feel for the person's reasoning for revenge, or their own thinking of the reasons why are acceptable. This creates caioss amoung the community fueled by News Media and Radio Talk Show Hosts. It becomes a frenzy with and amoung FBI, and Local and State Officials. This spanding three states. Starts with contaminated water bottles and becomes an all out war. Revenge is not always sweet
June 5, 2025
He is not happy with life -- and especially with the milk industry
He decides he is going to do simething about it. AND he messes up the milking machines (he wants all of the cows to be milked by hand. Law enforcement cannot figure out what is happening . . .This is an amazing suspense book that you will totally enjoy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
He decides he is going to do simething about it. AND he messes up the milking machines (he wants all of the cows to be milked by hand. Law enforcement cannot figure out what is happening . . .This is an amazing suspense book that you will totally enjoy. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews