Cold Streak

by Lewis Aleman

When her family is murdered, Laura's dark journey of revenge takes off. Will her own lust for vengeance consume all that is left of her?

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2008

About the author

Lewis Aleman is the author of the vampire series, The Anti-Vampire Tale; the dark literary thriller, Cold Streak; and the time travel thriller, Faces in Time. Aleman's books have been Amazon Bestsellers, Kindle Bestsellers, and #1 in Myspace Books. Lewis Aleman has been voted Best Local Author by Jefferson Life Magazine, and he has been a special guest author at The Anne Rice VLFC Ball, The Undead Con, The Stan Lee Comikaze Expo, and The Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con. He has also been a judge for Scholastic writing contests on several occasions, and he frequently gives talks at schools about writing and how to succeed in a creative field.

Aleman graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Creative Writing, and he resides just outside of New Orleans. Before becoming a full-time writer, he taught high school english for 5 years. Currently, he is fast at work completing The Anti-Vampire Tale series, which will be followed by the first book in a realistic fantasy series, entitled A Brother, A Drunkard, and Something Odd.

He can be reached at:
LewisAleman.com
Facebook.com/LewisAlemanAuthor
Youtube.com/LewisAleman

Reviews

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your family were murdered? Aleman explores this question in a fast-paced, character-driven, gothic-style story that doesn't seem to follow any of the rules. What you expect to have as the climax of the novel comes in the first third of the book, making you thirsty to see what he's got up his sleeve. While mostly dark, there are moments of humor that are truly funny and lines that border on poetic. Two or three scenes are pretty gory, and the voice that haunts Laura creates some disturbing images. Andarus and Irene's constant bickering had me literally laughing out loud. (I have to side with Irene and say that you can't use 'confront' like that.) There are enough literary references to satisfy an avid bookworm like myself, but the novel never feels weighed down with them. People who enjoyed China Mieville's King Rat will find themselves drawn into the dark side of Riverview. The ending is vaguely reminiscent of Great Expectations, yet much more satisfying. What more could you want?

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com

Laura finds her world turned upside down one evening when she receives news that her husband and two daughters have been brutally murdered. After this tragic event, Laura is sent on a dark journey to seek vengeance for the crimes committed against her and her family.

Laura is wanted for more information about her family's murders, with Detective Andarus and his partner, Irene, on the case. Laura's journey takes her through chilling and dark moments, and there's the ever-present question of whether her quest for vengeance will consume her.

Mr. Aleman takes the reader through a dark and disturbing journey along with Laura. While some moments are gory and send chills up the spine, the cute bickering between Andarus and Irene create the comic relief that the story greatly needs. Alemen's unique writing style captures the reader from page one.

This book is a good read that will open the reader's eyes to the life of those who lose everything and have to deal with what happens afterwards.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aleman uses his descriptive talents from the very first paragraph to express every detail in such a way that you feel that you are standing in the middle of each scene. At times you can literally smell the stench of the more chilling scenes while completely empathizing with Laura's plight and her internal struggle for retribution and redemption. You will also smile and cheer on the budding romance in the book that is perfectly intertwined with the story.

Murder, gore, good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell, romance & love.....what more could you ask for in a single book?

[Rani · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely hate a book, but this was the longest 270 pages I've ever read in my life. It got great reviews on Amazon, and all I can figure is that the author must have gotten all of his friends to review it. I think I ordered it without reading what it was really about, regardless I thought I was getting a good thriller, but it's hardly thrilling when everything is solved withing the first 3rd of the book and you spend the rest of the book inside of the head of the main character, but really you just are so ready for her to die...Just didn't do it for me.

[Mark P. Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura is a very interesting character in that she does what many would want to do in her situation but are too afraid, but at the same time her actions shock and appall others. Her family has been killed and she goes after the people who did it. The writing is incredible. It's been a long time since I read a book with such poetic phrasing and insights into our everyday behavior. On top of the above it's a unique story that kept me anxiously flipping to the next page to see where Laura's journey would take her.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale is engrossing and well written. Vivid imagery is present throughout the book. There is exploration of the fight between good versus evil in each person. Perhaps not all is fully explained, but rarely are supernatural occurrences completely clarified. I look forward to future works from this author!

[Laura Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Streak is darker than what I'm use to reading but it's characters are what pulled me into it. They're realistic and they stay with you even after finishing the book. The writing is great. Some descriptions are gory and others are beautiful. The ending is amazing. Haven;t been abel to stop thinking about it.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this book got to me. Lewis' style of writing is a little different than I'm accustomed to. But once I started getting into the story I couldn't stop reading. I related to to the character so much. As a Mom you knew where the main character was coming from. All the heartache and revenge.
I have and still do recommend this book to my friends.

[Queen Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleman is a very talented writer. This story grabbed me from the first paragraph and held me till the end. Aleman has a steep vocabulary and exercised my brain a bit while reading it, so it might not be for someone looking for a light read.

[Brother Odd · Rating 5 out of 5]

reminiscent of The Crow but in a style of its own. very dark world that is intriguing and described in colorful detail. fast-paced with unexpected plot twists. i want to meet a girl like Irene.

[Michael Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - kept me turning pages, and thinking at the same time. Aleman's descriptions really draw you in. Highly recommend it! Liked it so much, I'm going to try his vampire book.

[Roberto · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tad disappointed with this one. It came on strong, and felt weak towards at the end.