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Jack Rhodes #3
Pentimento
FOLLOW THE NEXT JACK RHODES MYSTERY AVAILABLE ONLY ON KINDLE VELLA FOR FREE!In the third of Stephen Carpenter’s Jack Rhodes Mysteries, Jack, a washed-up former bestselling author, is drawn into one of the world’s greatest literary what happened to Ernest Hemingway’s infamous lost manuscripts? When Jack’s friend, former FBI Special Agent Melvin Beauchamp, asks him to authenticate a short story allegedly written by Hemingway, Jack is convinced that the lost manuscripts have been found—but by whom? Intrigued, Jack takes off on a hunt for the priceless trove of papers, and the alluring, mysterious young woman who may have them. As the two pair up on a whirlwind cross-country journey, they encounter a rogue’s gallery of dangerous characters also on the hunt—a billionaire collector with a dark past, a couple of blood-thirsty mercenaries, and a twisted sociopath who will stop at nothing to acquire the priceless manuscripts. Facing danger, intrigue, and romance, Jack is forced to confront more than just the mystery of a lifetime. He must face his own demons, his lost literary ambitions, and long-buried memories of his own painful past—all of which lead him inevitably to the book’s shattering the truth always comes with a price.
- GenresFictionMystery Thriller
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2016
28 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 27, 2019
What I liked?
Stephen Carpenter really knows how to build upon a series. I’ve been a fan since reading Killer, which is the first in the Jack Rhodes mystery series. Pentimento included, the author builds up on the life of author Jack Rhodes. Through the situations presented, you see a different side of Jack Rhodes, from his journey in recovering from alcohol addiction to dealing with his wife’s suicide and the ensuing relationships birthed from there, and so on.
What I didn’t like?
I did not like the lack of returning of the key figures in Rhodes’ life. I was happy to see FBI Special Agent Melvin Beauchamp (he’s absolutely my favorite). But there were many others who figured heavily into his life (read Killer In the Hills, I won’t give it away here) that I expected him to have some sort of interaction with. It’s true that this is a different story but Jack is a different person and becomes a different person from Killer to Pentimento.
Overall…
This is a very interesting story surrounding Ernest Hemingway’s lost manuscripts. It has a hint of history and a ton of mystery. I’d give it a thirsty. I didn’t like it as much as I did the first two books. I thought it was okay, but if you’re new to the stories, you might like it more.
Stephen Carpenter really knows how to build upon a series. I’ve been a fan since reading Killer, which is the first in the Jack Rhodes mystery series. Pentimento included, the author builds up on the life of author Jack Rhodes. Through the situations presented, you see a different side of Jack Rhodes, from his journey in recovering from alcohol addiction to dealing with his wife’s suicide and the ensuing relationships birthed from there, and so on.
What I didn’t like?
I did not like the lack of returning of the key figures in Rhodes’ life. I was happy to see FBI Special Agent Melvin Beauchamp (he’s absolutely my favorite). But there were many others who figured heavily into his life (read Killer In the Hills, I won’t give it away here) that I expected him to have some sort of interaction with. It’s true that this is a different story but Jack is a different person and becomes a different person from Killer to Pentimento.
Overall…
This is a very interesting story surrounding Ernest Hemingway’s lost manuscripts. It has a hint of history and a ton of mystery. I’d give it a thirsty. I didn’t like it as much as I did the first two books. I thought it was okay, but if you’re new to the stories, you might like it more.
October 26, 2018
Loved the first two in this series but don't like this one at all, I'm afraid.....what a shame. I'm not really sure if it's because it's been six years since I read the first ones, and reading likes and dislikes change or what it is....it just seems way too farfetched and he's trying too hard to make Jack witty and funny in this one on almost every line and it gets irritating.
I only spotted one mistake before I packed it in at 44%.....when he mentioned a well lighted parking lot. But then American writers often write this so it might be OK over there, but it is terrible English here and should be well lit. I reached a line about training mercenaries and couldn't be bothered anymore.....it just made me roll my eyes and glaze over, I'm afraid.
I only spotted one mistake before I packed it in at 44%.....when he mentioned a well lighted parking lot. But then American writers often write this so it might be OK over there, but it is terrible English here and should be well lit. I reached a line about training mercenaries and couldn't be bothered anymore.....it just made me roll my eyes and glaze over, I'm afraid.
February 1, 2022
An intriguing and engrossing plot where Jack Rhodes is involved in finding the lost manuscripts of Hemingway. It is another action packed and fast paced race against those who want these manuscripts for the money and prestige they will bring. A great read that I enjoyed very much. Thanks Stephen Carpenter for another pleasurable and stimulating story.
May 2, 2024
Pretentious
I read his first two books and really liked his style of writing but was very disappointed with this book. Almost like it was written by a different person. Story line good But whole attitude was too pretentious.
I read his first two books and really liked his style of writing but was very disappointed with this book. Almost like it was written by a different person. Story line good But whole attitude was too pretentious.
December 9, 2017
Does not disappoint
Twists and turns keep you engaged and wondering. Jack's character is witty, unabashed and at the end, reflective. Dive in.
Twists and turns keep you engaged and wondering. Jack's character is witty, unabashed and at the end, reflective. Dive in.
April 21, 2018
Pentimento
Pretty good read. Had me guessing til the end. Wasn't sure if I was going to like this guy but but he was sure interesting
Pretty good read. Had me guessing til the end. Wasn't sure if I was going to like this guy but but he was sure interesting
December 27, 2019
Not Nearly As Good As The First
Really enjoyed the first novel, Killer. Second was pretty good too. This one, not so much. Just ok. What bothered me quite a bit was referenced to a safety in the Glock firearm. Maybe it’s just me, but in my job, i carried a Glock, and they don’t have a safety switch. He lost me from there.
Really enjoyed the first novel, Killer. Second was pretty good too. This one, not so much. Just ok. What bothered me quite a bit was referenced to a safety in the Glock firearm. Maybe it’s just me, but in my job, i carried a Glock, and they don’t have a safety switch. He lost me from there.
September 22, 2016
A new to me author with a series I am going to go back and catch with! This book caught my attention immediately and kept it till I finished it. Filled with intrigue, twists and red herrings enough for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit!!
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February 25, 2019A bit of a disappointment. Didn't mention where or how Karen is. Just completely dropped out of his life and returned to California. Left me with questions.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews