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Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings
The scent of his own blood shakes away the disbelief of the gunman entering the city council room. Todd remembers that smell and can’t deny that he is once more the target of a gunman’s bullet.
Healing from his physical wounds is the easy part, grounded in gratitude for his very survival. Rebuilding his life will be the hard part. But he is reminded he is luckier than others whenever he thinks of his friend Rick who was murdered.
After the first time he was shot, Todd had to learn to walk again, but now he faces the bigger challenge of learning how to love.
Healing from his physical wounds is the easy part, grounded in gratitude for his very survival. Rebuilding his life will be the hard part. But he is reminded he is luckier than others whenever he thinks of his friend Rick who was murdered.
After the first time he was shot, Todd had to learn to walk again, but now he faces the bigger challenge of learning how to love.
304 pages, ebook
First published June 18, 2018
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Todd Allen Smith
1 book4 followersTodd Allen Smith went from journalist to news story when he was shot while covering the Kirkwood City Council on February 7, 2008. In a case of truth being stranger than fiction, Todd had survived a pervious shooting as part of a robbery in 1997. He brings that unique perspective to his first book, “Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings,” which comes out June 18.
In the book he shares his story of survival and recovery from both shootings. The latter includes the romance that has resulted in his getting married. Finally, the book recounts the unsolved gay bashing murder of his friend.
While this is Todd’s first novel, his work has already appeared in press. Most recently, he was included in “Queer Families: An LGBTQ+True Stories Anthology.”
In addition, he has worked professionally as a reporter and editor for newspapers and websites for 20 years.
Todd holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Kansas and Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Central Missouri.
He has shared his story of the Kirkwood Missouri City Council shooting with the New York Times, Newsweek, MSN and local media outlets in St. Louis. He is still sought out from national media and gun control organizations for his viewpoints when it comes to mass shootings and violence.
In the book he shares his story of survival and recovery from both shootings. The latter includes the romance that has resulted in his getting married. Finally, the book recounts the unsolved gay bashing murder of his friend.
While this is Todd’s first novel, his work has already appeared in press. Most recently, he was included in “Queer Families: An LGBTQ+True Stories Anthology.”
In addition, he has worked professionally as a reporter and editor for newspapers and websites for 20 years.
Todd holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Kansas and Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Central Missouri.
He has shared his story of the Kirkwood Missouri City Council shooting with the New York Times, Newsweek, MSN and local media outlets in St. Louis. He is still sought out from national media and gun control organizations for his viewpoints when it comes to mass shootings and violence.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 20, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
I expected a dark, edgy thriller with a smattering of romance. What I got was something entirely different.
Author Todd Smith had the misfortune of being shot not once, but twice. The first time was during a robbery attempt after moving to a new city. The second occurred on his job reporting on the Kirkwood City Council meeting after he returned to his home state of Missouri. An enraged citizen, complaining of how the city was screwing him over and hurting his business, was responsible for multiple fatalities, include that of the mayor. Todd was lucky to escape with his life, though he suffered a serious gunshot wound to the hand.
This is not a thriller, or romance, or crime novel. It is a fictional account based on the true story of Todd Smith’s life. While names, characters, places and businesses may have been the products of the author’s imagination, it was clear that Todd Smith, the main character, was the author. While the reader learns of the grim circumstances surrounding Todd’s two shootings and the brutal murder of a close friend, we get to watch him grow as a character and get a glimpse of his friendships, his co-workers, his family and his relationships.
The story was fraught with minor errors that I hope were caught in the final version, shallow characterization, and stilted dialogue. I knew that Todd felt pain when he was shot. I knew he grieved over his friend Rick’s brutal slaying. And I knew that he was in love with David. I just couldn’t feel any of it.
Blatant authorial intrusion early in the narrative was disconcerting and confusing. Was I reading a memoir or a novel? The journalistic reportage and dual presence of author and character kept me distant from people, places, and events. I wanted Todd the character and not Todd the author.
Perhaps this would have worked better as a memoir. Though the story was compelling and held my interest throughout, the style left me cold.
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I expected a dark, edgy thriller with a smattering of romance. What I got was something entirely different.
Author Todd Smith had the misfortune of being shot not once, but twice. The first time was during a robbery attempt after moving to a new city. The second occurred on his job reporting on the Kirkwood City Council meeting after he returned to his home state of Missouri. An enraged citizen, complaining of how the city was screwing him over and hurting his business, was responsible for multiple fatalities, include that of the mayor. Todd was lucky to escape with his life, though he suffered a serious gunshot wound to the hand.
This is not a thriller, or romance, or crime novel. It is a fictional account based on the true story of Todd Smith’s life. While names, characters, places and businesses may have been the products of the author’s imagination, it was clear that Todd Smith, the main character, was the author. While the reader learns of the grim circumstances surrounding Todd’s two shootings and the brutal murder of a close friend, we get to watch him grow as a character and get a glimpse of his friendships, his co-workers, his family and his relationships.
The story was fraught with minor errors that I hope were caught in the final version, shallow characterization, and stilted dialogue. I knew that Todd felt pain when he was shot. I knew he grieved over his friend Rick’s brutal slaying. And I knew that he was in love with David. I just couldn’t feel any of it.
Blatant authorial intrusion early in the narrative was disconcerting and confusing. Was I reading a memoir or a novel? The journalistic reportage and dual presence of author and character kept me distant from people, places, and events. I wanted Todd the character and not Todd the author.
Perhaps this would have worked better as a memoir. Though the story was compelling and held my interest throughout, the style left me cold.
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
dnf-or-hated
June 13, 2018DNF at 50% - No Rating
I tried. I really tried to get into this, but between the switch between past and present(?), and the writing style in general (example: an avoidance of contractions making the dialogue feel stilted), I am not enjoying this.
It has a unique voice and I'm fascinated by it being somewhat autobiographical. Now this could totally be a case where I'm not in the right headspace right now, and I'm afraid by continuing I will begin actively disliking this so I'm going to put a pin in this for now.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I tried. I really tried to get into this, but between the switch between past and present(?), and the writing style in general (example: an avoidance of contractions making the dialogue feel stilted), I am not enjoying this.
It has a unique voice and I'm fascinated by it being somewhat autobiographical. Now this could totally be a case where I'm not in the right headspace right now, and I'm afraid by continuing I will begin actively disliking this so I'm going to put a pin in this for now.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 19, 2018I started writing the review probably 4-5 times now, and I still don't know how to begin.
First- might be funny / because of the title and cover / I thought the book is going to be a mystery/ cops/ bad ass duded / investigations/ MM romance.
Imagine my surprise when, let's say on page 5, I realized- well, nope. It isn't.
Ok, that's my fault, of course, for making up stuff beforehand.
It is, in fact, more of an autobiography of the author himself, who survived not one, but two shootings.
Beyond doubt- this is a unique story, and I am not going to comment on the bravery, required to cope with all that and even write a story about it.
Maybe it was the writing style, maybe the too many details which were more like a telling of what happened.,
but it just didn't work for me.
I honestly am not even sure how to rate it. For a biography, or a memoir it might deserve more stars, but for what I expected - I don't know...
* Copy was kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
First- might be funny / because of the title and cover / I thought the book is going to be a mystery/ cops/ bad ass duded / investigations/ MM romance.
Imagine my surprise when, let's say on page 5, I realized- well, nope. It isn't.
Ok, that's my fault, of course, for making up stuff beforehand.
It is, in fact, more of an autobiography of the author himself, who survived not one, but two shootings.
Beyond doubt- this is a unique story, and I am not going to comment on the bravery, required to cope with all that and even write a story about it.
Maybe it was the writing style, maybe the too many details which were more like a telling of what happened.,
but it just didn't work for me.
I honestly am not even sure how to rate it. For a biography, or a memoir it might deserve more stars, but for what I expected - I don't know...
* Copy was kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
June 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
I’m going to start this review a little differently, partly because I’m not really sure how to start the review. Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings is a fictionalized memoir of the book’s author, Todd Smith. The basic story is true, but the names, places, and other aspects of the story have been changed for the novel.
Smith had the ill luck to be the victim of not one, but two shootings, the last of which was the mass shooting of a Town Council meeting at Kirkwood City Hall in 2008. Two police officers, two Council members, and the Director of Public Works were killed. The city mayor was wounded and died months later as a result of his injuries. Smith was a reporter for a local paper and was ultimately the sole survivor of the shooting. And this was after surviving a previous shooting during a robbery gone wrong and enduring the murder of a close friend to violent crime. The only reason I’ve detailed all this is because when you read Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings, you aren’t reading a fiction story, but the recollections of a man’s life. It’s what makes this book so hard to review. Because Murder, Romance and Two Shootings isn’t very good.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
I’m going to start this review a little differently, partly because I’m not really sure how to start the review. Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings is a fictionalized memoir of the book’s author, Todd Smith. The basic story is true, but the names, places, and other aspects of the story have been changed for the novel.
Smith had the ill luck to be the victim of not one, but two shootings, the last of which was the mass shooting of a Town Council meeting at Kirkwood City Hall in 2008. Two police officers, two Council members, and the Director of Public Works were killed. The city mayor was wounded and died months later as a result of his injuries. Smith was a reporter for a local paper and was ultimately the sole survivor of the shooting. And this was after surviving a previous shooting during a robbery gone wrong and enduring the murder of a close friend to violent crime. The only reason I’ve detailed all this is because when you read Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings, you aren’t reading a fiction story, but the recollections of a man’s life. It’s what makes this book so hard to review. Because Murder, Romance and Two Shootings isn’t very good.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
June 19, 2018
3.5 stars- A little rough edged stylistically, but a great true story
I originally saw Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings featured on Netgalley crossposted in both the LGBTQIA and romance categories. The blurb sounded really interesting and I suppose going in I was expecting a romantic suspense or even more of a hurt-comfort story. Though this title does include some of the main character’s romantic relationships over the years, it’s worth noting that it’s really a memoir, and the incredible story it tells is in fact true. Overall, I was interested just not fully invested for the majority of the book. This was partially due to my incorrect assumptions based on the categories the book appeared in as well as the title, but probably was more a result of the author’s style.
The writing in Murder, Romance and Two Shootings is a bit clunky and the dialogue often felt stilted. Given the author’s journalistic background, the fact-by-fact style versus the rounded storytelling popular in fiction isn’t all that surprising, but it is jarring and made it more difficult to stay connected to the characters and story. These days I don’t read many nonfictional titles and I’ve rarely read memoirs, so admittedly I can’t compare the style within genre; I just know I found it difficult to really settle in with this book. That said, the story itself was interesting- exposing vulnerabilities, experiences, and ultimately strengths that are important to hear and understand. I appreciated how raw and stripped down some scenes and emotions were, particularly those when Todd struggled with coming out, recovering from his injuries, and dealing with relationship issues. The author made it impossible to not empathize with Todd’s experiences- whether they were personably relatable or not. Although I did struggle with the style, I’m glad I read Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings, and I suspect readers who enjoy memoirs featuring unique experiences and struggles may enjoy it as well.
*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*
I originally saw Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings featured on Netgalley crossposted in both the LGBTQIA and romance categories. The blurb sounded really interesting and I suppose going in I was expecting a romantic suspense or even more of a hurt-comfort story. Though this title does include some of the main character’s romantic relationships over the years, it’s worth noting that it’s really a memoir, and the incredible story it tells is in fact true. Overall, I was interested just not fully invested for the majority of the book. This was partially due to my incorrect assumptions based on the categories the book appeared in as well as the title, but probably was more a result of the author’s style.
The writing in Murder, Romance and Two Shootings is a bit clunky and the dialogue often felt stilted. Given the author’s journalistic background, the fact-by-fact style versus the rounded storytelling popular in fiction isn’t all that surprising, but it is jarring and made it more difficult to stay connected to the characters and story. These days I don’t read many nonfictional titles and I’ve rarely read memoirs, so admittedly I can’t compare the style within genre; I just know I found it difficult to really settle in with this book. That said, the story itself was interesting- exposing vulnerabilities, experiences, and ultimately strengths that are important to hear and understand. I appreciated how raw and stripped down some scenes and emotions were, particularly those when Todd struggled with coming out, recovering from his injuries, and dealing with relationship issues. The author made it impossible to not empathize with Todd’s experiences- whether they were personably relatable or not. Although I did struggle with the style, I’m glad I read Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings, and I suspect readers who enjoy memoirs featuring unique experiences and struggles may enjoy it as well.
*eARC received via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*
did-not-finish
October 17, 2018DNF page 55.
First things first, I picked this up because it's by a local-ish author, thinking it a novel. It is not. It's an autobiographical, fictionalized telling of the author's life (though it's referred to as a novel and the cover has the look of a novel). I was further confused (especially not yet having grasped that it isn't a novel) that the blurb refers to Jeremy as the character that is shot, while in the book it is Todd who is shot. (After 55 pages I still don't know who Jeremy is, if there is a Jeremy and that's not an editorial error.) But mostly I'm DNFing this book because it jumps too quickly into events, not allowing the reader to get to know the characters and it's cluttered with the mundane to the point of boredom. I rather suspect it's just a case of poor writing.
First things first, I picked this up because it's by a local-ish author, thinking it a novel. It is not. It's an autobiographical, fictionalized telling of the author's life (though it's referred to as a novel and the cover has the look of a novel). I was further confused (especially not yet having grasped that it isn't a novel) that the blurb refers to Jeremy as the character that is shot, while in the book it is Todd who is shot. (After 55 pages I still don't know who Jeremy is, if there is a Jeremy and that's not an editorial error.) But mostly I'm DNFing this book because it jumps too quickly into events, not allowing the reader to get to know the characters and it's cluttered with the mundane to the point of boredom. I rather suspect it's just a case of poor writing.
unable-to-finish
June 25, 2018DNF - sadly this is not what I thought it would be and didn't work for me.
July 9, 2018
When this story opens, we find journalist Todd Smith has been shot…for the second time. He starts to reminisce about his life, about finally graduating from college, leaving home and being excited to be living with his best friend, Kevin. This is supposed to be a start of a new journey for him, and newfound freedoms. Until he is shot.
Author Todd Allen Smith take us on a journey of anguish, heartache, physical pain, and the many different emotions that become part of Todd’s life. He moves from place to place, from employment to unemployment; he comes out to family and friends, moves back home; and he faces the murder of a very close friend and the outcome of various relationships as well as the nightmares that follow the shootings and hate crimes and then never finding the guilty parties. When Todd reunites with Kevin, he sees a new side to his friend, and Todd finds a new love, but the mental stress takes a dramatic toll on the relationship.
Once I got into this memoir, I had to pause and remember that this is a true story about Todd Smith, the author. I thought the structure may have been a little bit better if it had been set up like a diary, it may seem lengthy and drawn out, but this is his life story, and I imagined it was probably very difficult for him to put pen to paper for this. I want to say that a lot of what is said in this novel is the story of a young man growing up and facing everyday life and tragedy. Getting shot—not just once, but twice—is not something many of us have faced, or ever will. I have to give Todd Allen Smith a lot of credit for being brave enough to write and share his story.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Author Todd Allen Smith take us on a journey of anguish, heartache, physical pain, and the many different emotions that become part of Todd’s life. He moves from place to place, from employment to unemployment; he comes out to family and friends, moves back home; and he faces the murder of a very close friend and the outcome of various relationships as well as the nightmares that follow the shootings and hate crimes and then never finding the guilty parties. When Todd reunites with Kevin, he sees a new side to his friend, and Todd finds a new love, but the mental stress takes a dramatic toll on the relationship.
Once I got into this memoir, I had to pause and remember that this is a true story about Todd Smith, the author. I thought the structure may have been a little bit better if it had been set up like a diary, it may seem lengthy and drawn out, but this is his life story, and I imagined it was probably very difficult for him to put pen to paper for this. I want to say that a lot of what is said in this novel is the story of a young man growing up and facing everyday life and tragedy. Getting shot—not just once, but twice—is not something many of us have faced, or ever will. I have to give Todd Allen Smith a lot of credit for being brave enough to write and share his story.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
June 13, 2018
First time book for this author and its a great start. The title says it all, you get action and intense situations mixed up in a romance to hold the pieces together. What I didn't realize when starting this book that it was inspired by real events, which gives this a unique edge and heartfelt experience. I read this in one night, each characters journey and the support surrounding them is amazing. Can't wait for the next. This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2018
Like the title, the book is very descriptive. As the reader, you really get pulled into the story which is also the author's life. While the book covers events that most of us, hopefully, will never know, the description of the author's coming out is something that will resonant with many readers and the romance is universal. In many ways the book is like a good carnival ride, it is exciting and also a little bit scary and when it ends you can't wait to get back on line.
September 2, 2018
I'd like to thank Netgalley for sending me a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Vivid memoir! It was a bit dry for me and I wished I knew more about what was happening around Todd like other people's thoughts as well. It would make everything more well-rounded. But I do understand that this is a memoir and I really applaud Smith in telling this. What are the chances he'd be shot twice?
Vivid memoir! It was a bit dry for me and I wished I knew more about what was happening around Todd like other people's thoughts as well. It would make everything more well-rounded. But I do understand that this is a memoir and I really applaud Smith in telling this. What are the chances he'd be shot twice?
March 17, 2021
I appreciated this book for what it was--it is a fictionalized autobiography of probably the worst and best things that can happen to a person in their life. When we think of all the mass shooting and the fall out from them--people will live with this terror for the rest of their lives. What this book does to me is document what happens when the worst thing does happen, but still their is a silver lining for him--David.
June 24, 2018
Full review at :
https://optimumm.blog/2018/06/23/review-murder-romance-and-two-shootings-by-todd-smith/
Murder, Romance and two shooting isn’t the typical book that I’m used to reading.
It’s not a fiction, it’s not a romance novel, it’s not a mystery novel either. It’s real facts, it’s an autobiography, it’s a testimony…. And I loved it.
I must emphasize that I read the ARC version, and the main character was named Todd.
The book starts in 1997, 21 years ago, when Todd, a young man—freshly graduated from college and with a broken heart—moves in Delaware with his best friend, Kevin, who already lives there. A few days after moving in, Todd was shot in the leg by two guys who tried to rob him. That starts a long and painful process of recovering. Months after being shot, Todd moves back to his hometown. Life starts to get back to normal. He found a job, a boyfriend and was able to have time with Rick (his other best friend) until Rick was brutally murdered in a gay bashing. Todd lost his best friend, his boyfriend and his job approximately at the same time. Years later, he was back to St Louis and met David. When Todd thought life was finally good, he was shot again, and then the long, painful process of recovering starts over with all that it implies.
This book is the real life of Todd Smith, the author and it’s his first book.
When I started the book, I was perplexed about the writing. It was well written, with good editing, but I was surprised by the way the story was told. It was a succession of facts. The author doesn’t try to make us cry or smile, he doesn’t try to force feelings on us. He just told his truth, his life and what he’d been through. He relates facts exactly like a journalist relates events…. It’s the same process here, and it works for me, I cried with him and for him.
I’m impressed by his courage to stand naked in front of us, telling us what it really is to be shot (nothing glamourous like in the TV), to come out to his family, what it is to lose a friend brutally in such an awful manner. How he met the love of his life, what they’d been through together, how his PTSD and depression had put the couple in danger, and how they almost lost each other.
The author gives us a piece of himself. He isn’t a superhero, just a normal guy that life put through hell. I respect him more for that.
This book deserves to be read. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to Todd story, even if you weren’t shot, you can understand how it feels to be lost, to lose your mind, and not know who you are anymore.
It’s 4 OptimuMMs… Because Rick!
***The ARC was provided by NineStar Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
https://optimumm.blog/2018/06/23/review-murder-romance-and-two-shootings-by-todd-smith/
Murder, Romance and two shooting isn’t the typical book that I’m used to reading.
It’s not a fiction, it’s not a romance novel, it’s not a mystery novel either. It’s real facts, it’s an autobiography, it’s a testimony…. And I loved it.
I must emphasize that I read the ARC version, and the main character was named Todd.
The book starts in 1997, 21 years ago, when Todd, a young man—freshly graduated from college and with a broken heart—moves in Delaware with his best friend, Kevin, who already lives there. A few days after moving in, Todd was shot in the leg by two guys who tried to rob him. That starts a long and painful process of recovering. Months after being shot, Todd moves back to his hometown. Life starts to get back to normal. He found a job, a boyfriend and was able to have time with Rick (his other best friend) until Rick was brutally murdered in a gay bashing. Todd lost his best friend, his boyfriend and his job approximately at the same time. Years later, he was back to St Louis and met David. When Todd thought life was finally good, he was shot again, and then the long, painful process of recovering starts over with all that it implies.
This book is the real life of Todd Smith, the author and it’s his first book.
When I started the book, I was perplexed about the writing. It was well written, with good editing, but I was surprised by the way the story was told. It was a succession of facts. The author doesn’t try to make us cry or smile, he doesn’t try to force feelings on us. He just told his truth, his life and what he’d been through. He relates facts exactly like a journalist relates events…. It’s the same process here, and it works for me, I cried with him and for him.
I’m impressed by his courage to stand naked in front of us, telling us what it really is to be shot (nothing glamourous like in the TV), to come out to his family, what it is to lose a friend brutally in such an awful manner. How he met the love of his life, what they’d been through together, how his PTSD and depression had put the couple in danger, and how they almost lost each other.
The author gives us a piece of himself. He isn’t a superhero, just a normal guy that life put through hell. I respect him more for that.
This book deserves to be read. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to Todd story, even if you weren’t shot, you can understand how it feels to be lost, to lose your mind, and not know who you are anymore.
It’s 4 OptimuMMs… Because Rick!
***The ARC was provided by NineStar Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
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