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Joey Peruggia #Prequel novel
Fortune in Blood
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense.
A NOVEL OF MURDER, THEFT, BETRAYAL AND MONEY ...
LOTS OF IT ...
Joey used to be a carefree surfer kid on Venice Beach. But as the youngest son of a notorious gangster, it seems he can't escape the life. Soon he's forced to prove himself by leading a team in the heist of the century. Will he be able to pull it off?
Vince was always worried about getting to lectures on time ... and spending time with his hot girlfriend. But everything changes when he's embroiled in his detective father's world. Now he's on the run for his life from the mob.
FBI Agent Monica is smart, beautiful, tough and unyielding. Caught in the middle of the mob and the police, her loyalty is being questioned by both sides. But Monica seems to have her own agenda ... In a world where corruption is rife, she will be tested to the limit.
Who can be trusted and who will be left standing? And who will ultimately escape with all the money? A showdown is set in motion and no one will be left unscathed.
In this elaborately plotted, fast-paced thriller, Phil Philips takes you on a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Fans of Matthew Reilly and James Patterson will fall in love with this book.
A NOVEL OF MURDER, THEFT, BETRAYAL AND MONEY ...
LOTS OF IT ...
Joey used to be a carefree surfer kid on Venice Beach. But as the youngest son of a notorious gangster, it seems he can't escape the life. Soon he's forced to prove himself by leading a team in the heist of the century. Will he be able to pull it off?
Vince was always worried about getting to lectures on time ... and spending time with his hot girlfriend. But everything changes when he's embroiled in his detective father's world. Now he's on the run for his life from the mob.
FBI Agent Monica is smart, beautiful, tough and unyielding. Caught in the middle of the mob and the police, her loyalty is being questioned by both sides. But Monica seems to have her own agenda ... In a world where corruption is rife, she will be tested to the limit.
Who can be trusted and who will be left standing? And who will ultimately escape with all the money? A showdown is set in motion and no one will be left unscathed.
In this elaborately plotted, fast-paced thriller, Phil Philips takes you on a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Fans of Matthew Reilly and James Patterson will fall in love with this book.
316 pages, ebook
First published September 15, 2016
144 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2017
Fortune in Blood LA Crime Heist Thriller by Phil Philips Review
Action filled thriller Prequel to Amazon Best Seller Mona Lisa's Secret.
Joey used to be a carefree surfer kid on Venice Beach. But as the youngest son of a notorious gangster, it seems he can’t escape the life. Soon he’s forced to prove himself by leading a team in the heist of the century. Will he be able to pull it off? Vince was always worried about getting to lectures on time, and spending time with his hot girlfriend. But everything changes when he’s embroiled in his detective father’s world. Now he’s on the run for his life from the mob. FBI Agent Monica is smart, beautiful, tough and unyielding. Caught in the middle of the mob and the police, her loyalty is being questioned by both sides. But Monica seems to have her own agenda. In a world where corruption is rife, she will be tested to the limit. Who can be trusted and who will be left standing? And who will ultimately escape with all the money? A showdown is set in motion and no one will be left unscathed.
What did I like? Now after reading this several things in Mona Lisa’s secret became clearer but I think both books are great and can really stand alone. Of course, my favorite character in this one is the strong Monica. She really plays a cat and mouse game and the best part is the ending!! But of course, Joey holds my heart in both books!
What will you like? The action will have your nose glued to the pages, the characters will keep you guessing and the ending will blow you away! Get prepared to read an awesome, incredible, spectacular, extraordinary action-filled read that keeps you in suspense till the very last page in this suspenseful thriller. The storyline and the characters will mesmerize you with action, mind-boggling growth that keeps getting stronger as the pages fly by. If you have not read book two, I recommend that you get it and continue the life of Joey and his roller-coaster ride to the end!
Action filled thriller Prequel to Amazon Best Seller Mona Lisa's Secret.
Joey used to be a carefree surfer kid on Venice Beach. But as the youngest son of a notorious gangster, it seems he can’t escape the life. Soon he’s forced to prove himself by leading a team in the heist of the century. Will he be able to pull it off? Vince was always worried about getting to lectures on time, and spending time with his hot girlfriend. But everything changes when he’s embroiled in his detective father’s world. Now he’s on the run for his life from the mob. FBI Agent Monica is smart, beautiful, tough and unyielding. Caught in the middle of the mob and the police, her loyalty is being questioned by both sides. But Monica seems to have her own agenda. In a world where corruption is rife, she will be tested to the limit. Who can be trusted and who will be left standing? And who will ultimately escape with all the money? A showdown is set in motion and no one will be left unscathed.
What did I like? Now after reading this several things in Mona Lisa’s secret became clearer but I think both books are great and can really stand alone. Of course, my favorite character in this one is the strong Monica. She really plays a cat and mouse game and the best part is the ending!! But of course, Joey holds my heart in both books!
What will you like? The action will have your nose glued to the pages, the characters will keep you guessing and the ending will blow you away! Get prepared to read an awesome, incredible, spectacular, extraordinary action-filled read that keeps you in suspense till the very last page in this suspenseful thriller. The storyline and the characters will mesmerize you with action, mind-boggling growth that keeps getting stronger as the pages fly by. If you have not read book two, I recommend that you get it and continue the life of Joey and his roller-coaster ride to the end!
February 7, 2020
This was a GoodReads giveaway of a Kindle ebook.
The writing is okay, but apparently the author is not a Californian native. More likely he is British. There could be a lot more attention to detail for my tastes. I think I am becoming increasingly nit picky about technical details. Why does the bank have so much cash in their vault? Where are the bank teller's bullet proof enclosures? Why is there never a GSR test? How can you make such huge cash payments in new bills without raising someone's eyebrows? Etc.
But my biggest issue has to do with the stupid, idiotic actions of the characters. The mistakes just kept adding up until I got to the half way point and decided to give it up. This story was not worth my effort to suspend all my connections to reality. I did not have any sympathy for any of the characters. I stop caring how their stories might end. I didn't care to see if justice prevails. I hate a DNF book, but it was too much of a disconnect for my brain. Don't get me wrong. I like to let my brain get carried away in the adventure and can usually look away from plot holes and technical blunders within a story, but this book isn't the one for me. I see other readers really liked this story and I hope you do also.
I only write this review to remind myself of my experience, so start reading and ignore my review.
Have a GoodReads.
The writing is okay, but apparently the author is not a Californian native. More likely he is British. There could be a lot more attention to detail for my tastes. I think I am becoming increasingly nit picky about technical details. Why does the bank have so much cash in their vault? Where are the bank teller's bullet proof enclosures? Why is there never a GSR test? How can you make such huge cash payments in new bills without raising someone's eyebrows? Etc.
But my biggest issue has to do with the stupid, idiotic actions of the characters. The mistakes just kept adding up until I got to the half way point and decided to give it up. This story was not worth my effort to suspend all my connections to reality. I did not have any sympathy for any of the characters. I stop caring how their stories might end. I didn't care to see if justice prevails. I hate a DNF book, but it was too much of a disconnect for my brain. Don't get me wrong. I like to let my brain get carried away in the adventure and can usually look away from plot holes and technical blunders within a story, but this book isn't the one for me. I see other readers really liked this story and I hope you do also.
I only write this review to remind myself of my experience, so start reading and ignore my review.
Have a GoodReads.
December 29, 2019
In a world of corruption and coercion, there are those who stand for the rights of the people. Those that stand tall, and refuse to bend to those that believe money and power, can overcome anyone's ethics and beliefs.
So, we have the mafia boss and his blood family, all who enjoy the fruits of the ill gotten gains.
On the other hand, you have the law enforcers; the police and FBI.
However, there's a few in the ranks of the Law, that are easily convinced to turn a blind eye, with a kickback to them. Again, there are others that have something to hide, making them open to blackmail, by those with an agenda.
So, this was a mixed up story of right against wrong, good against evil, and as in the real world situation, it is difficult to know who is who.
Interesting tale, well worth the read!
So, we have the mafia boss and his blood family, all who enjoy the fruits of the ill gotten gains.
On the other hand, you have the law enforcers; the police and FBI.
However, there's a few in the ranks of the Law, that are easily convinced to turn a blind eye, with a kickback to them. Again, there are others that have something to hide, making them open to blackmail, by those with an agenda.
So, this was a mixed up story of right against wrong, good against evil, and as in the real world situation, it is difficult to know who is who.
Interesting tale, well worth the read!
July 16, 2018
The powerful Peruggia crime family of Los Angeles has bungled an enormous heist and lost the patriarchs eldest son in the ensuing gunfight at the bank. JoeyPeruggia, the carefree surfer son, is now expected to step into his brother's shoes and recover the millions of money sitting in police headquarters. FBI agent has been dating the eldest son and wants her share of the millions along with the corrupt cops who are in the Peruggia's pocket who will breeze the way for the heist. But things never go as planned and this book has plenty of action, corruption and a few good guys who get the job done in the end, but at what cost. The story moved at a good pace with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader's attention. Characters were believable and well developed.
February 10, 2018
The summary on this book said that it was a prequel about Joey’s exploits before Mona Lisa’s Secret. It does take place before the storyline of that book, but Joey is just one of many characters, and certainly not the main one.
This is a story about a bank robbery orchestrated by Joey’s father and brother, and its aftermath. The first half of the book was a little slow in developing. The second half was riveting, and I couldn’t put it down. Be prepared for some twists and turns on the way to a surprise ending!
This is a story about a bank robbery orchestrated by Joey’s father and brother, and its aftermath. The first half of the book was a little slow in developing. The second half was riveting, and I couldn’t put it down. Be prepared for some twists and turns on the way to a surprise ending!
September 9, 2019
Thank you to author Phil Philips for this Kindle copy of Fortune in Blood, which I received FREE through First Reads.
Good story line with a nice set of devious characters. The writing itself didn't feel tight, thought out and organized. One other issue I had was that the story takes place in California, but the verbiage could easily have placed it in England. Other than that, Fortune in Blood was a good read, with just ONE editing issue I can recall, which far outshines the majority of e-books coming out these days.
Good story line with a nice set of devious characters. The writing itself didn't feel tight, thought out and organized. One other issue I had was that the story takes place in California, but the verbiage could easily have placed it in England. Other than that, Fortune in Blood was a good read, with just ONE editing issue I can recall, which far outshines the majority of e-books coming out these days.
March 31, 2019
Great read
I read this book after reading the other 2 books in the series, not knowing it existed. However it made no difference. If you read this before or after you will greatly enjoy the read. This is the team of Joeys' beginnings. His brutal father and how he escaped being a criminal. It's a tale of 2 young college age boys from 2 different backgrounds who become entwined I a thriller you don't want to miss.
I read this book after reading the other 2 books in the series, not knowing it existed. However it made no difference. If you read this before or after you will greatly enjoy the read. This is the team of Joeys' beginnings. His brutal father and how he escaped being a criminal. It's a tale of 2 young college age boys from 2 different backgrounds who become entwined I a thriller you don't want to miss.
August 17, 2019
This was one book that grabs and never let's go. Fast paced, alot of murders, robberies, bad cops, 6 million that everyone wants, manipulation on top of manipulation, it never stops. Twists that prove you never trust anyone.
One question, why wasn't the detective tested for GSR after being framed for shooting Alexander? Too obvious not to be included.
However, it was a good story and an enjoyable read.
One question, why wasn't the detective tested for GSR after being framed for shooting Alexander? Too obvious not to be included.
However, it was a good story and an enjoyable read.
March 18, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I wavered between giving this a 2 star and a 3 star rating. Ultimately went with a three because it kept me wanting to read to the end. What can I say, I like a good heist and a long con. The main problem I had was that the author tended to over explain things, to state the obvious. It made the reading a bit thick at times.
June 11, 2018
Crime thriller
I thought that the story was okay. There was nothing original or overly thrilling about it. The characters were what you would have expected. Not a bad read but not a great one.
I thought that the story was okay. There was nothing original or overly thrilling about it. The characters were what you would have expected. Not a bad read but not a great one.
March 14, 2019
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Full of action and twists & turns that leave you wondering who are the bad guys or is everybody a bad guy? This book was well thought out especially with how it ended. I stayed up way too late reading because I couldn't put it down!
September 28, 2019
Good characters, good plot. Internal politics within Police Department did not seem realistic. For a story set in Southern California, British terms like: "putting a body in a boot of a car", or a "singlet wearing" thug, our me off.
November 6, 2019
Exciting
The story was good and held your attention, but as I have said before I just don like all the foul language. I didn't really care for the ending of this book either. I won't be reading any more of his books.
The story was good and held your attention, but as I have said before I just don like all the foul language. I didn't really care for the ending of this book either. I won't be reading any more of his books.
May 5, 2021
The book for me started off at 4 stars, dropped to 3 in the middle, but ended at 5. So four overall. I like the characters, especially Vince and his dad. There were some obvious plot turns but there were a few that came out of nowhere. A bit choppy and a few plot holes but a good read overall.
November 22, 2017
A really great thriller!
A great riveting novel that you hate to put down. Mr. Philips has a mastery of making the reader want more.
A great riveting novel that you hate to put down. Mr. Philips has a mastery of making the reader want more.
March 15, 2018
A riveting and entertaining read.
March 25, 2018
Amazing
I gave it 5 stars because it was amazing i didn think phil was alive but that was good lol and. Then her at the end.
I couldn put the book down
I gave it 5 stars because it was amazing i didn think phil was alive but that was good lol and. Then her at the end.
I couldn put the book down
February 13, 2019
Good read
Quite gripping. Good plit and very nicely handled. Good thing about his novels are no unnecessary discussions or charactor intro.
Quite gripping. Good plit and very nicely handled. Good thing about his novels are no unnecessary discussions or charactor intro.
April 17, 2020
Great thrIller
This book kept you on your toes. You never knew what to expect. Great twist on who the bad guy really was.Can't wait to read the next book.
This book kept you on your toes. You never knew what to expect. Great twist on who the bad guy really was.Can't wait to read the next book.
May 13, 2020
Started this and then ran into a big time cuss word!
August 28, 2020
Wow!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It kept me guessing through the whole story. Wow! Now I*m on to the next one. Thank you.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It kept me guessing through the whole story. Wow! Now I*m on to the next one. Thank you.
January 2, 2021
An interesting read that perhaps shows Joey as not quite the squeaky clean chap the first 3 books made him out to be.
I wonder if there will be more in this spin off series, would be very readable
I wonder if there will be more in this spin off series, would be very readable
September 23, 2017
A very intensive read!
This book absolutely delivers -- suspense x 10! At first, I wondered if I would enjoy this book. As the intensity increased, I was glad I had continued! As a suspense/murder/intrigue reader, and I've read many, this story and it's characters and scenes were written quite well and believably carried out! I ran into so many twists and hairpin turns, it took a bit of thinking to keep the characters straight! Great read!
This book absolutely delivers -- suspense x 10! At first, I wondered if I would enjoy this book. As the intensity increased, I was glad I had continued! As a suspense/murder/intrigue reader, and I've read many, this story and it's characters and scenes were written quite well and believably carried out! I ran into so many twists and hairpin turns, it took a bit of thinking to keep the characters straight! Great read!
Want to read
April 9, 2018I cannot wait to read this, but my kindle is acting up. Soon I hope!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews