Fatal Gift

by H. Michael Frase, Michael Frase

The murder of a local celebrity in a rural Tennessee field. It was the perfect hit, or so the killer thought. However, Kasey Riteman saw it all, hidden just a few feet away, frozen in fear. Despite being flat broke and hounded by a decade of bad choices, she is determined to bring justice to the the woman she saw murdered. To this end, Kasey devises a “foolproof” scheme to help the cops find the killer without becoming involved herself. What Kasey cannot know is that she has just sought help from the very men responsible for the woman's assassination.

Genres: Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime

502 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a very hard time getting into this book and picked it up and put it down several times. After finally reading the whole story I felt that while there were some good parts to this story, I mostly thought it was very long winded with far too many characters and I found myself skimming through a lot of it. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble arrived in threes for young Kasey Reitman. She was sexually harassed by her boss. She lost her job. Then her car broke down on a country road, where she witnessed a vicious murder. To bring the killer to justice without exposing herself, Kasey disguised herself as a psychic, and led the police to the scene of the crime. But when media attention swarmed around her, there was nowhere to hide.

I must say if I could give this more than 5/5 stars I would!! What an absolutely fantastic read!! Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. An absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I will be honest and was going to read this at a later date as it is one of the longest books on my list to read. However, it was chosen to be read next by a friend and I am glad it was!! very strong characters and excellent descriptions where you really can feel as if you are in the story. I was on the edge of my chair every time I picked it up to read, was as much as possible as I hated putting it down. Highly recommend to anyone really but especially to fans of crime, murder mystery and anyone who enjoys a book full of twists and turns. A massive well done to the author and I hope to see more of your work! xx

[Missy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me two tries to get through this book. It is a heavy read and I was not that impressed.

Donated to Friends of the Library Sale

[GrnEyed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kasey Riteman’s life was not the greatest in the world. She has no parents; she has her best friend, Brenda, her cat, Sam, and a job she didn’t care for in the slightest. After a confrontation with her boss, who loves to hit on her despite her telling him no, Kasey goes out for a drive and ends up with her world turned upside down. It was bad enough that she broke down with a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere but then she stumbles about a crime that shatters her world. When she discovers who the woman is she wants to bring her killer to just but she doesn’t know how to do that without causing herself even more complications in her life.
Kasey is forced to make some quick decisions and once she does there is no turning back. She is thrust into the center of a murder investigation and news reports about said murder. Kasey is forced to face twists and turns around every corner. Will the story she told the reporter, Brandie, stick or will everything fall apart when Pete and Re-Pete come down hard on her? Michael Frase makes sure you keep turning the pages to find out if she will make it out alive or if she too will suffer the same fate as Donna. This is most definitely an excellent book that will keep you wondering if Kasey will make it out alive. If you are like me you will keep reading, even if it means losing some sleep, to get to the end.

[Edna Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this Author and this book flows easy to read. You will
meet all kinds of people in this book. This was a quick but fast paced stand alone.
I might re-read this story but I just do not know at first I when I opened this book
I started to question myself if I should read it or not.
Kasey Riteman is the typical drunk who leans over the sink and her mouth is
dry and like sand.

[Elisa Schiorlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kasey, una giovane cameriera piena di debiti, si ritrova per caso testimone dell'omicidio di una donna che tutti pensano sia scappata di casa,
Impaurita non vuole andare dalla polizia così cerca un altro modo per poter far trovare il cadavere della donna.

Mi è abbastanza piaciuto, ricco di particolari descrittivo

[poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book it started really well and grabbed my interest but for me it dragged a bit in the middle then picked up again towards the end.I enjoyed it and would read more from this author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. How Kasey was able to help Donna had an interesting twist and not knowing who was out to help and who was out to harm Kasey had me guessing until the end.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal gift by Michael Frase.
A good read. Good story. Some good characters. Little slow but good. 4*.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly I struggled to get into this book. Therefore found myself bored and not paying attention. This is not the authors fault but the book just didn’t hit it for me.

[Susan Bissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Frase first book, I found this story a great read as it will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for bad circumstances to come Kasey way after she has witnessed the murder of a woman by a man eviler than the devil himself. Talk about having a bad day as Kasey knees her boss in the family jewels after he makes pass at her in the pantry at the restaurant she works at and loses her job. Kasey gets into her car and drives off to blow off her anger when she finds herself in the middle of nowhere in the dead of night after driving for several hours. Her old Honda Civic blows a tire and leaves her stranded on an old country dirt road. Kasey decides to walk looking for help when she comes across a couple she hears arguing in an old apple orchard. Thinking she has found help, she soon finds out she is witnessing a man who is holding a woman against her will pleading for her life. She hides in the brush thinking she may be able to help her when he man rapes and murders the woman, and then buries her body. Kasey hightails it out of there after the man finishes burying the woman and leaves. With superhuman strength, Kasey gets her flat tire off her car and changes it and gets the heck of out there and drives home. But now her problem is how does she live with what she sees and can she? How can she report the woman's murder without getting murdered by the ruthless killer herself? That is when Kasey, after several sleepless nights, she comes up with the plan that will keep her safe and finds justice for the murdered woman. The one place she feels can keep her safe is by going to media with her story, which makes her famous over night, and complicates her life even more as the police become involved are out to disprove her story. What makes things even worst for Kasey, and may even get her killed in the process, is a powerful politician is implicated and is found behind the murder of the woman she witness. As things begin to unravel for Kasey she is beginning to find out that she can't trust the police the very people she believed could her safe and out of harm's way. Whom can she turn to and still get justice for the murder victim, plus stay alive in the process?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 1996 suspense novel. I picked this up at a used book sale for a beach read. Had never heard of the author. I thought this book was great! I was surprised to see so-so comments on Good Reads, although comments on Amazon were a bit better. It's very well written, and it kept me on edge until the very last page. It could very well be made into a great movie. Googled to see, and there WERE production rights with Julia Roberts in mind, but apparently it never came to fruition. Looking forward to reading more by Frase.

[Naomie Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review Naomie
Bailey
!2/16/14

I am reading “Fatal Gift” by H.Michael Frase. I liked the book because i love thrillers and in this book something happens and when the chapter ends, it makes you want to read more. I also like it because of the suspense. The main settings are mainly in Kacey’s apartment because there are many different settings, and at the news station.The main characters are Kacey Rightman, Donna Stanton, Brandir Muller, and Jordan Taylor. I would recommend this because it is a good and it’s a thriller.

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Fatal Gift by Michael Frase. This novel appears to be updated - I have read this book in the past.
That being said, it is a scary read. A young woman witnesses a murder accidentally. She knows the people who killed her are connected to organized crime. She has made a connection with the victirm; she has to do something - but what - or will she be killed as a result!
I liked this book - great character development and plotline. I recommend.
Amazon

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kasey witnesses the execution style murder of a beautiful woman, she knows her life will never be the same. Everyone believes the beautiful Donna Stanton is on a beach somewhere enjoying her life but Kasey knows this isn't true. How will she let everyone know without getting involved and getting herself killed.
This book had me hooked from the start. A real page turner that kept me reading way past my bedtime. A hard book to put down.

[Carrie]

This is one of the creepiest books I have read in a long time!!! So far so good!

Alas, I ended up putting this one down. I will probably try again when I am in the mood for it. It definitely wasn't bad or anything; I would recommend it to others. I just didn't finish it.

[Micky Parise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading H. Michael Frase, very interesting writing, full of suspense and a great book. Loved the characters, plot, descriptions, very enjoyable book. Thrilled to the end. Recommend highly.

[Lynli · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book because I live in Nashville and I thought it would be fun to read. The characters were not developed well, the plot was not well thought out and it was not a good read.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Fatal Gift" - written by H Michael Frase and published in 1997 by Carroll & Graf Publishers. This one was pretty lousy.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think YOU'VE had a bad day, just wait 'til you read what happens to Kasey... Then, re-evaluate YOUR day! This book has it all: Suspense, Surprises, Thrills, Chills, Murder and Mayhem... It's a full-out roller coaster ride from start to finish. And, this is one ride you're not going to want to get off of, until you know how it will end!

I loved the character of Kasey. She is vivid, complex, multi-faceted and very likeable. And it is easy to get on board with her wanting and trying to do the right thing. She just doesn't know she's brought her concerns to the wrong people! And now, she is in more danger than ever. Her luck is so rotten, you just want to pull her through the pages, give her a big hug and let her cry it out on your shoulder. Then, you want to give her the low-down on what you know but she doesn't, put her back into the pages and, better informed now, watch her go get justice for the voiceless.

This plot line was solidly written, quite intriguing and very interesting. This was what I call a "one sitter", because once you pick it up, you're not going to want to put it down or get up, until the last word on the last page has been absorbed.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Claren Books in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Gina Burgess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Character development is top notch. You really get to know these characters, but in not in such a way that has you deeply caring about them. They have flaws; their emotions are raw; they make really bad choices; really bad things happen to them. Other than that its a rollercoaster ride for the reader.

I really really hate head jumping without transitions that ease the reader in a logical slide from one character to another so that connections can be made and distinctions between characters are drawn. Oh well... there are a lot of characters and it can get a bit confusing at times. This is more suspense than mystery.

This is a raw book, graphic, and void of much compassion. I get the feeling that the author didn't like even one of these characters. However, it is very vibrant. You can smell the grass pollen and dust and the fear.

Received this eBook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.