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Richard "Dick" Moonlight #5
Moonlight Sonata
SOMETIMES A MAN WHO GOES MISSING SHOULD STAY MISSING!
From NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author, Vincent Zandri, comes the next installment in the internationally acclaimed Dick Moonlight, PI series. For fans of Charlie Huston, Don Winslow, and Harlan Coben, the Dick Moonlight series is pure noir, tossed against a backdrop of hard-boiled action, with some romantic/suspense thrown into the mix
When a hotshot literary agent by the name of Suzanne Bonchance lures Richard Moonlight into searching for her missing star client—the boozing, womanizing Roger Walls—the private detective finds himself waist-deep in a whole lot of trouble. But when a sexy, young MFA in Writing student who claims to know Walls comes to his rescue, Moonlight not only becomes smitten with her charm, he also finds himself falling in love with a girl he barely knows. As the trail for Walls narrows, and the truths about everyone who has ever been involved with Roger Walls are revealed, Moonlight finds himself wanting to run away as fast as his legs will take him. One thing he can't outrun, however, are bullets.
From NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author, Vincent Zandri, comes the next installment in the internationally acclaimed Dick Moonlight, PI series. For fans of Charlie Huston, Don Winslow, and Harlan Coben, the Dick Moonlight series is pure noir, tossed against a backdrop of hard-boiled action, with some romantic/suspense thrown into the mix
When a hotshot literary agent by the name of Suzanne Bonchance lures Richard Moonlight into searching for her missing star client—the boozing, womanizing Roger Walls—the private detective finds himself waist-deep in a whole lot of trouble. But when a sexy, young MFA in Writing student who claims to know Walls comes to his rescue, Moonlight not only becomes smitten with her charm, he also finds himself falling in love with a girl he barely knows. As the trail for Walls narrows, and the truths about everyone who has ever been involved with Roger Walls are revealed, Moonlight finds himself wanting to run away as fast as his legs will take him. One thing he can't outrun, however, are bullets.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2013
About the author
Vincent Zandri
255 books578 followers"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly
“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter
"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider
"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times
“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post
"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal
Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 31, 2013
Private detective Dick Moonlight is hired by a literary agent to track down a best-selling poet/novelist. It makes for perfect writer porn, the kind I can't help but eat up, which may be why I thought this was the best read in the Moonlight series.
Zandri's prose flows effortlessly as usual, making it a fast but satisfying read. Many crime novels that attempt this speed lose something in the process, but it's a testament to Zandri's talent that Moonlight Sonata never feels empty.
Zandri's prose flows effortlessly as usual, making it a fast but satisfying read. Many crime novels that attempt this speed lose something in the process, but it's a testament to Zandri's talent that Moonlight Sonata never feels empty.
March 31, 2014
Proofreading is needed (waste for waist, daughter's for the plural of daughter, etc.). There was also a disconnect with a time element: a meeting was set for 2:00 but at 5:45 he thought he might be late.
I could overlook some of the less polished and too graphic aspects of the book, but necrophilia more than crosses the line. Just no. Had to stop there.
I could overlook some of the less polished and too graphic aspects of the book, but necrophilia more than crosses the line. Just no. Had to stop there.
February 4, 2019
Necrophilia - really! If you’re interested here’s your novel.
August 31, 2020
While foul language doesn't always offend me, I thought the use of it in the novel was unnecessary. This crime novel was a bit too gritty for me. The story I thought was a little stretched and didn't particularly like the characters. The story just didn't impress me much or really want me to blaze through to the end.
March 31, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Who's up for some breakfast?."
Just knowing the book is by Vincent Zandri sets this reader's pulse pounding. Throw reality on of the window and look out for fast action, slick written one liners and, in the case of P.I.Richard Moonlight, a rattling good story with humour housing from every page.
Richard (Dick, an appropriate nickname given his attraction to the ladies) used to be a cop until he made himself unwelcome. Now he's private, and he's written a book - autobiographical fiction based around one of his earlier cases - Moonlight Falls. When one of the most respected agents in the country, now also gone independent, contacts him to find one of her best selling authors, Roger Walls, gone missing for over a week, Rick sees an opening to introduce his own manuscript.
But, of course, nothing is quite what it seems.
Great characters, great p!ot, great fun. And made all the more so by narrator, Andrew Wehrlen's interpretation of Moonlight himself, fast talking and sarcastically witty, and his separate voicing of all the other protagonists. Great pairing of text and narrator.
I received a complimentary copy of Moonlight Sonata, at my request, from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. I have really enjoyed this series so far: how long Moonlight can continue is not known - he has an inoperable bullet fragment in his brain which, if it moves, will kill him instantly. So, living close to sudden death, he makes the most of his life. His book, Moonlight Falls, is also available!
"Who's up for some breakfast?."
Just knowing the book is by Vincent Zandri sets this reader's pulse pounding. Throw reality on of the window and look out for fast action, slick written one liners and, in the case of P.I.Richard Moonlight, a rattling good story with humour housing from every page.
Richard (Dick, an appropriate nickname given his attraction to the ladies) used to be a cop until he made himself unwelcome. Now he's private, and he's written a book - autobiographical fiction based around one of his earlier cases - Moonlight Falls. When one of the most respected agents in the country, now also gone independent, contacts him to find one of her best selling authors, Roger Walls, gone missing for over a week, Rick sees an opening to introduce his own manuscript.
But, of course, nothing is quite what it seems.
Great characters, great p!ot, great fun. And made all the more so by narrator, Andrew Wehrlen's interpretation of Moonlight himself, fast talking and sarcastically witty, and his separate voicing of all the other protagonists. Great pairing of text and narrator.
I received a complimentary copy of Moonlight Sonata, at my request, from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. I have really enjoyed this series so far: how long Moonlight can continue is not known - he has an inoperable bullet fragment in his brain which, if it moves, will kill him instantly. So, living close to sudden death, he makes the most of his life. His book, Moonlight Falls, is also available!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
I received audiobook version of this book for free from the author / narrator / publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
I gave it 3 Stars = "I liked it" rating only because of the narration by Andrew B. Wehrlen. I've listened to several other books performed by him and as usual, he did a fab job in this book as well. His voice acting carried this book on own shoulder. Without that, this book doesn't have much going for it.
The detective story has a very slow start. For a long long time, nothing much happens. I was almost on the verge of quitting it. Thankfully it picked up pace and got interesting midway. But again it took a nosedive and lost my interest. Things get too implausible. The romance angle felt very badly shoehorned in. I didn't enjoy it much.
I gave it 3 Stars = "I liked it" rating only because of the narration by Andrew B. Wehrlen. I've listened to several other books performed by him and as usual, he did a fab job in this book as well. His voice acting carried this book on own shoulder. Without that, this book doesn't have much going for it.
The detective story has a very slow start. For a long long time, nothing much happens. I was almost on the verge of quitting it. Thankfully it picked up pace and got interesting midway. But again it took a nosedive and lost my interest. Things get too implausible. The romance angle felt very badly shoehorned in. I didn't enjoy it much.
March 25, 2018
Richard Moonlight, the sharp, witty, womanizing Private Dick. This episode in the journal of Moonlight P.I. cases has the intrepid detective looking for famous author Roger Walls. Moonlight’s romantic indiscretions will get him in trouble once again, as I have a feeling it usually does. Between the writer and his less-than-ethical agent, several cans of worms are opened forcing Moonlight to be at the top of his game in order to stay out of jail. The story is fast-paced and the action keeps the pages turning. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
March 20, 2020
This is a fast paced keep you on the age of your seat story. There are many ups and downs and just when I thought I knew who and when and why....I didn’t. Everyone is intertwined and intermingled.
I enjoy how the author puts his stories together. They are a perfect blend of mystery, drama and suspense. They are easy to listen to. The characters are all weird and unpredictable. This makes for fun listening.
I listened to this on audio. Andrew B Wehrlen does an excellent job. I enjoy listening to his books.
I enjoy how the author puts his stories together. They are a perfect blend of mystery, drama and suspense. They are easy to listen to. The characters are all weird and unpredictable. This makes for fun listening.
I listened to this on audio. Andrew B Wehrlen does an excellent job. I enjoy listening to his books.
March 1, 2018
A Great Story
This book is filled with unique and interesting characters that are continuously changing as more information is revealed. The story arc keeps the reader engrossed and digging for information. The action keeps the story exciting without getting too grisly. I went back to read it again just to make sure I got everything out of it. Moonlight has a perfect wit, making him amusing all the way through the story.
This book is filled with unique and interesting characters that are continuously changing as more information is revealed. The story arc keeps the reader engrossed and digging for information. The action keeps the story exciting without getting too grisly. I went back to read it again just to make sure I got everything out of it. Moonlight has a perfect wit, making him amusing all the way through the story.
March 20, 2020
Despite this being book 7 in the series, I don't feel skipping the intervening books mattered much. Most references are back to book 1, Moonlight Falls. But I am glad I read Moonlight Falls before this one. This story is a little over the top, but exciting and suspenseful, nonetheless.
Andrew B. Wehrlen performs satisfactorily with just a couple of mispronunciations.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Andrew B. Wehrlen performs satisfactorily with just a couple of mispronunciations.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 22, 2019
Moonlight agrees to find a missing author. What he finds is murder, drugs, the Russian mob, and a million dollars . The Moonlight series is always great fun. A few curse words, but, always where you would expect someone to use them.
November 7, 2019
My review is based on the audiobook. This was a good story that kept my attention. It was steady paced with interesting characters. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. This was my first of this series and I definitely am interested in more
October 4, 2018
Moonlight Sonata - a review by Rosemary Kenny
PI Dick Moonlight is up to his neck in literary shenanigans, in Book 7 in the Dick Moonlight Mystery Thriller series. He's been hired by a once-famous, now disgraced has-been book publisher, Suzanne Bonchance, to find her sole client - Roger Mills, troubled alcoholic poet and novelist, who's gone on a longer-than-usual bender and not returned as expected.
With 'Elvis' as his sidekick and deputy, working for free to repay the money he owes Dick, the duo embark on an investigation that would make Sherlock Holmes weep with frustration at the ineptitude and delays they almost seem to welcome!
Once found, can Mills come up with his expected magnum opus? What secret is Suzanne hiding?
Who is Richard Stalin - and what interest does he have in finding Mills?
What events take place between Dick and Sissy, Mills' wife, that Dick later regrets?
Who are Erica and Vanessa and how do they deceive Mills? Who are they in league with?
The answers to these and many more intriguing questions can be found as you enjoy the outstanding Vincent Zandri's fascinating plot and interesting character development. Get it today!
PI Dick Moonlight is up to his neck in literary shenanigans, in Book 7 in the Dick Moonlight Mystery Thriller series. He's been hired by a once-famous, now disgraced has-been book publisher, Suzanne Bonchance, to find her sole client - Roger Mills, troubled alcoholic poet and novelist, who's gone on a longer-than-usual bender and not returned as expected.
With 'Elvis' as his sidekick and deputy, working for free to repay the money he owes Dick, the duo embark on an investigation that would make Sherlock Holmes weep with frustration at the ineptitude and delays they almost seem to welcome!
Once found, can Mills come up with his expected magnum opus? What secret is Suzanne hiding?
Who is Richard Stalin - and what interest does he have in finding Mills?
What events take place between Dick and Sissy, Mills' wife, that Dick later regrets?
Who are Erica and Vanessa and how do they deceive Mills? Who are they in league with?
The answers to these and many more intriguing questions can be found as you enjoy the outstanding Vincent Zandri's fascinating plot and interesting character development. Get it today!
June 4, 2014
I received a copy of this book via the goodreads giveaway program.
Vincent Zandri’s new novel, Moonlight Sonata is the latest caper in the Richard Moonlight, ex-cop turned private detective series. Hired to find Roger Walls, the renowned poet and novelist who has gone missing, the private dick is sucked into Walls’ bizarre world (very young trophy wife who does everything and everyone, the hot-shot literary agent turned pusher, the small-town hick body guards and the Russian mafia are just some of the f-uped characters in this book). Just like a rollercoaster the novel starts out with an excruciating slow climb and then midway through it takes on the speed of a runaway car till it’s astonishing conclusion. If you enjoy a slow build-up with twists you’ve never saw coming and a whooper of an ending then this is the book for you.
Vincent Zandri’s new novel, Moonlight Sonata is the latest caper in the Richard Moonlight, ex-cop turned private detective series. Hired to find Roger Walls, the renowned poet and novelist who has gone missing, the private dick is sucked into Walls’ bizarre world (very young trophy wife who does everything and everyone, the hot-shot literary agent turned pusher, the small-town hick body guards and the Russian mafia are just some of the f-uped characters in this book). Just like a rollercoaster the novel starts out with an excruciating slow climb and then midway through it takes on the speed of a runaway car till it’s astonishing conclusion. If you enjoy a slow build-up with twists you’ve never saw coming and a whooper of an ending then this is the book for you.
July 19, 2014
I read Moonlight Sonata by Vincent Zandri as part of the Deadly Dozen: 12 Mysteries/Thrillers set.
Dick Moonlight is a PI with shrapnel in his head from a botched suicide. He fears that the bullet will dislodge and kill him. He is hired by the literary agent Suzanne Bonchance to find Roger Walls, who has gone missing (actually on a bender). This book is filled with lots of womanizing, lots of drink, lots of lies, and lots of tedious details.
For me, Dick Moonlight is not a believe character and all the happenings seem contrived, as if the writer were trying too hard to create the story. On the other hand, this is the sixth book in the Dick Moonlight Thriller series—there is a following. Perhaps you will enjoy it.
Dick Moonlight is a PI with shrapnel in his head from a botched suicide. He fears that the bullet will dislodge and kill him. He is hired by the literary agent Suzanne Bonchance to find Roger Walls, who has gone missing (actually on a bender). This book is filled with lots of womanizing, lots of drink, lots of lies, and lots of tedious details.
For me, Dick Moonlight is not a believe character and all the happenings seem contrived, as if the writer were trying too hard to create the story. On the other hand, this is the sixth book in the Dick Moonlight Thriller series—there is a following. Perhaps you will enjoy it.
July 3, 2024
Will Moonlight find the author or a bullet?
Once again, I’ve read another Dick Moonlight book out of order, I doubt it will be the end of the world or disrupt my Moonlight binge. I find myself hopelessly addicted to these stories. There’s something about how Mr. Zandri weaves humor, snark, sex, crime, and mystery all together into a package that is cohesive and highly entertaining. Moonlight Sonata is filled with some seriously flawed characters who can’t tell the truth even when their lives depend on it. Moonlight encounters situations that aren’t close to what they appear or are presented as when he is hired as he attempts to solve his case and get his payday. I have to say Moonlight Sonata is one of my favorites of the series.
Once again, I’ve read another Dick Moonlight book out of order, I doubt it will be the end of the world or disrupt my Moonlight binge. I find myself hopelessly addicted to these stories. There’s something about how Mr. Zandri weaves humor, snark, sex, crime, and mystery all together into a package that is cohesive and highly entertaining. Moonlight Sonata is filled with some seriously flawed characters who can’t tell the truth even when their lives depend on it. Moonlight encounters situations that aren’t close to what they appear or are presented as when he is hired as he attempts to solve his case and get his payday. I have to say Moonlight Sonata is one of my favorites of the series.
October 12, 2016
I really liked this book. It has a very swift moving story line, well written, with quite a few surprises. I could not put it down, read in one sitting. A very good detective book, with enough action to keep you interested. Richard Moonlight is a very believable character, not perfect or infallible and that is what makes his character human.
Would recommend, and if you have not read any of Mr. Zandri's novels, check out the Chase Baker series. Quit the series, lots of action, mystery and twists and turns up the wazoo! He has some stand alone novels that are absolutely worth reading!! I loved When Shadows Come. Check them out, you won't be sorry.
Would recommend, and if you have not read any of Mr. Zandri's novels, check out the Chase Baker series. Quit the series, lots of action, mystery and twists and turns up the wazoo! He has some stand alone novels that are absolutely worth reading!! I loved When Shadows Come. Check them out, you won't be sorry.
January 12, 2016
Dick Moonlight is a PI, used to be cop, in Albany, NY. He did not leave the police force on good terms. I suggest you read Moonlight Falls first, if you have not already done so. This one sounds simple on the cover, find a drunken poet/novelist. The plot thickens, as they say, after the poet is found. It should come as no surprise that Moonlight's client is not exactly as she appears to be, nor are the victims and culprits. Very entertaining read!
February 3, 2016
OK, a hard boiled private detective - a private dick. Maybe from the 1940s?
A client, a poet, who has lines like, "Who sent thee, scoundrel?" I let this pass the first time, since he was drunk.
When the picture of Michelle and Barack Obama was on display - COGNITIVE DISSONANCE !!!
I decided the book had exceeded my daily limit of @&^%#. (I quit reading this "work", and I plan to avoid further books written by the same author.)
A client, a poet, who has lines like, "Who sent thee, scoundrel?" I let this pass the first time, since he was drunk.
When the picture of Michelle and Barack Obama was on display - COGNITIVE DISSONANCE !!!
I decided the book had exceeded my daily limit of @&^%#. (I quit reading this "work", and I plan to avoid further books written by the same author.)
December 19, 2013
As always, Zandri's rich writing is the hook for me where even incidents involving the seediest of locations can seem somehow beautiful. Brilliant storytelling and fascinating characters combine to make the latest in the Moonlight series a true gem.
April 7, 2014
This is one of those detective books that I normally dislike. However; Dick Moonlight (pretty much a male slut) is so obnoxious that he's likeable. I can't believe I ended up liking this book.
March 20, 2014
Not much else to say but this book was all kinds of amazing. I now have myself a new favourite private dick, Dick Moonlight! I cannot wait to treat myself to the rest of this series!
Want to Read
July 25, 2016Deadly Dozen: 12 Mysteries/Thrillers
April 17, 2014
Moonlight Sonata by Vincent Zandri. This book is in the Deadly Dozen box set. It was good. Did not know who was bad or good until the end. The ending surprised me.
June 17, 2014
Badly written, full of grammar mistakes, horribly annoying main character. I couldn't finish reading it, each passing chapter made me want to kick the main character in the ***
August 11, 2014
I'll be reading more in the future. I enjoyed the Moonlight character.
December 8, 2015
Couldn't get into, lousy beginning killed the whole thing for me
October 8, 2014
Plot had some good twists in the end, but it had too much sex in it for my taste.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews