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The Mandelbrot Series #01
The Luck Theory
John, an esteemed professor in experimental mathematics, is working on a ground-breaking new theory when he wins the lotto jackpot. Twenty-four hours later he is dead and the question Who killed him? We follow Sean, a retired Special Forces veteran, in his quest to hunt down his brother’s killer before he ends up in jail, or in a coffin himself. But in order to be successful Sean has to confront a past he has long tried to forget. Three years earlier, Sean introduced John to some government agents. That introduction ruined a lot of people’s lives, including Sean’s. Will John’s death provide Sean an opportunity to finally redeem himself, or will it lead to his ultimate downfall?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2018
469 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Erik Hamre
11 books30 followersErik is the author of ten thrillers.
He lives in Sydney.
You can contact Erik at eh@erikhamre.com
He lives in Sydney.
You can contact Erik at eh@erikhamre.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 30, 2019
This was my "work out" book - I like to read on my iPad when I'm on the elliptical. It was a good mystery plot - except the author keeps vital information from the readers so there's no chance a reader could figure it out. I know it's a mystery, yet the good ones will give you all the clues - except you don't pick up on them until the end and then you're like "OMG" :) I did like the main protagonist and wanted to see what happened to him.
But don't get me started with the emotional depth of the book or the romance - both in very short supply. I'm thinking this must be more standard in an action/suspense type stories - they're heavy on plot and action.
But don't get me started with the emotional depth of the book or the romance - both in very short supply. I'm thinking this must be more standard in an action/suspense type stories - they're heavy on plot and action.
March 13, 2019
Good plot
Well written, good characters and a solid plot unfolding at the right pace. Enjoyed it quite a bit and will probably follow the author and his work for more :-)
Well written, good characters and a solid plot unfolding at the right pace. Enjoyed it quite a bit and will probably follow the author and his work for more :-)
Want to read
December 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/11/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
A LOTTO JACKPOT WIN. A DEAD BROTHER. A PAST THAT CAN'T BE WASHED AWAY.
John, an esteemed professor in experimental mathematics, is working on a ground-breaking new theory when he wins the lotto jackpot. Twenty-four hours later he is dead and the question is: Who killed him?
We follow Sean, a retired Special Forces veteran, in his quest to hunt down his brother's killer before he ends up in jail, or in a coffin himself. But in order to be successful Sean has to confront a past he has long tried to forget.
Three years earlier, Sean introduced John to some government agents. That introduction ruined a lot of people's lives, including Sean's.
Will John's death provide Sean an opportunity to finally redeem himself, or will it lead to his ultimate downfall?
Blurb:
A LOTTO JACKPOT WIN. A DEAD BROTHER. A PAST THAT CAN'T BE WASHED AWAY.
John, an esteemed professor in experimental mathematics, is working on a ground-breaking new theory when he wins the lotto jackpot. Twenty-four hours later he is dead and the question is: Who killed him?
We follow Sean, a retired Special Forces veteran, in his quest to hunt down his brother's killer before he ends up in jail, or in a coffin himself. But in order to be successful Sean has to confront a past he has long tried to forget.
Three years earlier, Sean introduced John to some government agents. That introduction ruined a lot of people's lives, including Sean's.
Will John's death provide Sean an opportunity to finally redeem himself, or will it lead to his ultimate downfall?
January 19, 2019
This book was mediocre at best. Poorly written - I mean, he repeats the same sentence in the same paragraph?! That happened several times -, with an OK storyline, characters aren't very developped and you can't really get attached to any of them... I give it two stars because I wanted to finish and find out the end, and also because the end was a surprise-ish - it didn't make sense, at all, but it wasn't the logical solution I thought it would be. Would personnally not recommend - if you are looking for an easy-read and a good thriller, this is not it.
August 20, 2025
I love a good thriller!
Quotes:
“ he found it easier to talk at people than to people”
“I’ll use her to get to know my brother’s colleagues. Who doesn’t like a puppy? That will be my first clue. Who doesn’t the puppy like, my second. I don’t necessarily mistrust people who don’t like dogs, but I sure as hell trust a dog who doesn’t like a person.”
“Simple self-similar patterns copied over and over eventually result in chaos.”
“Order within disorder is the trademark of mathematical chaos. Order creates chaos,”
“How deeply do you miss someone when you have to remove every trace of their existence just to get through the day?”
“Do you know what the definition of a terrorist is?” “A coward,” I say. Sienna smiles. Then she says, “True. But the literal definition is a person who uses unlawful intimidation and violence, especially against innocent civilians, in the pursuit of a political or a religious aim.”
“The world is full of chaos,” she continues, “but that doesn’t prevent us from trying to make order of it.”
Quotes:
“ he found it easier to talk at people than to people”
“I’ll use her to get to know my brother’s colleagues. Who doesn’t like a puppy? That will be my first clue. Who doesn’t the puppy like, my second. I don’t necessarily mistrust people who don’t like dogs, but I sure as hell trust a dog who doesn’t like a person.”
“Simple self-similar patterns copied over and over eventually result in chaos.”
“Order within disorder is the trademark of mathematical chaos. Order creates chaos,”
“How deeply do you miss someone when you have to remove every trace of their existence just to get through the day?”
“Do you know what the definition of a terrorist is?” “A coward,” I say. Sienna smiles. Then she says, “True. But the literal definition is a person who uses unlawful intimidation and violence, especially against innocent civilians, in the pursuit of a political or a religious aim.”
“The world is full of chaos,” she continues, “but that doesn’t prevent us from trying to make order of it.”
December 21, 2018
Not great literature, but entertaining enough whodunit. Takes place in Australia. Math professor who had been working on a program that could predict events (like where and when someone would cash a lottery ticket), wins $4m in the lottery and is promptly murdered. His ex-special forces brother appears to be getting framed for the murder, so he has to solve the case before the police have enough to lock him up. The story was a bit too neatly packaged (people and circumstances are never that obliging to work in your favor). The author tried to use American style language because he has more readers here than in Australia, but there was one phrase he used a lot that we don't. When checking on progress, characters would say "How are you going?" rather than "How are you doing?" or "How are things coming?" as we would.
January 7, 2019
Twists and turns and math add up...
to a pretty decent thriller. The plot can be a stretch at times, but it held my interest. The murder of a math professor sets his brother on a hunt for the killer and he finds more than he bargained for. The writing is decent. The author explained at the end that he wrote the book in American English rather than Australian but I wish he would have been true to the Sydney setting. Something I didn't care for was the use of first person present tense. I just find it annoying. But you may be okay with it and it didn't keep me from liking the book and reading to the end. Which was satisfying and tied up the loose ends.
to a pretty decent thriller. The plot can be a stretch at times, but it held my interest. The murder of a math professor sets his brother on a hunt for the killer and he finds more than he bargained for. The writing is decent. The author explained at the end that he wrote the book in American English rather than Australian but I wish he would have been true to the Sydney setting. Something I didn't care for was the use of first person present tense. I just find it annoying. But you may be okay with it and it didn't keep me from liking the book and reading to the end. Which was satisfying and tied up the loose ends.
December 16, 2018
A very convoluted story of two vastly different brothers and how they come to be estranged .through an incident predicted to happen. Unfortunately it is predicted and happensbutnot for another 3 years and in the meantime one of them loses his young son and wife. It is up
Through an unforseen incident one brother loses his 2 yesr old son and eventually his wife. The other brother becomes involved after a 3 year estrangement when his brother is murdered and leaves him a 4 million dollar wnning lottery ticket. A thoroughly great rea
Through an unforseen incident one brother loses his 2 yesr old son and eventually his wife. The other brother becomes involved after a 3 year estrangement when his brother is murdered and leaves him a 4 million dollar wnning lottery ticket. A thoroughly great rea
December 20, 2018
3.5 stars. Right from the beginning the story was quite gripping. Since I am not used to reading complex plot therefore I lost the writer couple of times during reading this book (too many places, events n people to remember, that I am definitely bad at) yet I managed to complete this book without putting it down.
This novel have a potential to be made into a movie !!
This novel have a potential to be made into a movie !!
January 1, 2019
A head scratcher!.
This is my first book by this author. He spins a good tale, but seems to get lost in his own story. The protagonist is a very savvy spec ops guy, so the story goes, but doesn't seem to have a clue sometimes. I will try another book by this author, but I don't have high expectations.
This is my first book by this author. He spins a good tale, but seems to get lost in his own story. The protagonist is a very savvy spec ops guy, so the story goes, but doesn't seem to have a clue sometimes. I will try another book by this author, but I don't have high expectations.
February 2, 2019
Good Read
The book was good. There are many characters who I sometimes were difficult to follow. Maybe because I read mainly at night, so only a bit at the time. If I'd read for longer periods of time, I feel I wouldn't have had such difficulty following the story.
Highly recommended for those who read for more than one hour at a time!
The book was good. There are many characters who I sometimes were difficult to follow. Maybe because I read mainly at night, so only a bit at the time. If I'd read for longer periods of time, I feel I wouldn't have had such difficulty following the story.
Highly recommended for those who read for more than one hour at a time!
March 6, 2019
This was the first one of his books i have read i was drawn to the plot via my daily bookbub email again i was not disappointed the plot seems to be a plot within a plot it started with his bother winning 4 million pounds on the lottery just 3 day later he is found dead his brother is top of the polices suspect list a good read please pick this one up
January 18, 2020
Top notch
What an absorbing book. Well written, great characters and a dog called Fluffball, to boot. Can't recommend this book high!y enough. Stunning scenarios, and technological ideas explained so that even I could follow them! I look forward to the next read. Thanks for this work, Erik.
What an absorbing book. Well written, great characters and a dog called Fluffball, to boot. Can't recommend this book high!y enough. Stunning scenarios, and technological ideas explained so that even I could follow them! I look forward to the next read. Thanks for this work, Erik.
April 22, 2023
When you change the future is it always for the better? Follow Sean as his life twists and turns following his brothers murder. Where will life go what will change? Is there any way out of this? Could it be that there is more to the story?
I really enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns i cant wait for the next in the series!
I really enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns i cant wait for the next in the series!
December 13, 2018
This is my second book by this author. I'm impressed by the breadth and depth of his ideas. Interesting, complex and unique. Simple, punchy writing. Refreshingly un-sexist. Would make for some great movies. (Love the cover design, too.)
December 14, 2018
Keeps you thinking
The bond between brothers can be tight and stretched to a breaking point but it is still there. This book makes you see what some will do to make that bond again even though one may not know. Well thought out and written. Give it a read!
The bond between brothers can be tight and stretched to a breaking point but it is still there. This book makes you see what some will do to make that bond again even though one may not know. Well thought out and written. Give it a read!
December 15, 2018
The Luck Theory
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a former military sniper suspected of killing his brother for the inheritance. The plot thickens as more suspects and more possible motives come to the surface.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a former military sniper suspected of killing his brother for the inheritance. The plot thickens as more suspects and more possible motives come to the surface.
December 16, 2018
Well worth reading
This is a fast moving first person novel. It is well written and draws a little from the past as well as the present. It is about smart people but you don’t need to be an intellect to get it.
This is a fast moving first person novel. It is well written and draws a little from the past as well as the present. It is about smart people but you don’t need to be an intellect to get it.
December 19, 2018
Greed overcomes luck!
A new program results in a family tragedy and a very unusual twist. Can seemingly random events bring predictable results? This author evokes more questions than answers in this evocative tale. Very hard to put this book down. CE Williams free from Bookbub
A new program results in a family tragedy and a very unusual twist. Can seemingly random events bring predictable results? This author evokes more questions than answers in this evocative tale. Very hard to put this book down. CE Williams free from Bookbub
December 21, 2018
Not an Einstein
I am definitely mathematically challenged like Sean Roscoe so most of the math explanations were over my head, but I loved this book and the winding path it took to solve the mysteries of the killings. Plan to read more of Mr. Hamre 's books.
I am definitely mathematically challenged like Sean Roscoe so most of the math explanations were over my head, but I loved this book and the winding path it took to solve the mysteries of the killings. Plan to read more of Mr. Hamre 's books.
December 21, 2018
Interesting concept
A twisting storyline. Enjoyable characters. Relies heavily on computer programming and other "futuristic theories" that ran my head in a few circles. But overall, a fun read.
A twisting storyline. Enjoyable characters. Relies heavily on computer programming and other "futuristic theories" that ran my head in a few circles. But overall, a fun read.
December 25, 2018
Interesting plot, some clarity needed for me.
While well paced, some additional clarity about what the protagonist is thinking or considering would have helped me follow and enjoy this book more.
While well paced, some additional clarity about what the protagonist is thinking or considering would have helped me follow and enjoy this book more.
December 27, 2018
:)Juxtaposition
Would you chase your brother's killer? Not only chase them but find them using their own experience levels to find them. This seems like a book written to support another. Read it.
Would you chase your brother's killer? Not only chase them but find them using their own experience levels to find them. This seems like a book written to support another. Read it.
December 27, 2018
As twisty and suspensful as a romantic thriller about rattlesnakes courting
You'll not be dissappointed should you choose to pick up this author's works! I know i shan't hesitate over my next choice, given another opportunity
You'll not be dissappointed should you choose to pick up this author's works! I know i shan't hesitate over my next choice, given another opportunity
December 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The story was original and well paced. The characters felt real. I cared what happened to them. I felt the ending was satisfying and left me wanting more at the same time. A fun read.
December 29, 2018
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed reading this book. Most of the novels I read are pretty dismal, and to me, even though this one did have a sad back story, it was pretty positive, at least from the main characters perspective, which made it fun to read.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Most of the novels I read are pretty dismal, and to me, even though this one did have a sad back story, it was pretty positive, at least from the main characters perspective, which made it fun to read.
January 4, 2019
The plot was exciting and the book is well written, a little unfamiliar that everything is written in the present.
I have just read a book by the author earlier, and as the previous book, this could probably also be a movie.
Recommended!
I have just read a book by the author earlier, and as the previous book, this could probably also be a movie.
Recommended!
January 7, 2019
Fast Paced
This is a great read if you don't mind reading late a few nights. It's a true page turner. Would make an excellent movie or TV series. I've suggested that my husband out it on his TBR list for sure. Will be following this author.
This is a great read if you don't mind reading late a few nights. It's a true page turner. Would make an excellent movie or TV series. I've suggested that my husband out it on his TBR list for sure. Will be following this author.
January 7, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable read!
This book contains so many twists that I did not want to put it down. I enjoyed how the plot developed and the characters grew. Looking forward to future reads.
This book contains so many twists that I did not want to put it down. I enjoyed how the plot developed and the characters grew. Looking forward to future reads.
February 20, 2019
Intrigued to the last page
This book was filled with twists and turns from the first to the last page. The personalities were deep and intriguing. I was in from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I would definitely recommend this book.
This book was filled with twists and turns from the first to the last page. The personalities were deep and intriguing. I was in from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I would definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews