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High-Tech Crime Solvers #1
Virtually Lace
From USA Today bestselling author, Uvi Poznansky, comes a gripping techno-thriller, part of a multi-author series tied together by an interlocking cast of characters, all centered around the fantastic new promise of high technology and the endless possibilities for crime that technology offers, in a world where getting away with murder can be not only plausible, but easy…if you just know how. Haunted by finding the body of a beautiful dancer, Michael recreates the murder in virtual reality. Can he solve the mystery, before the man who killed Lace turns on the woman he loves?
Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the suspect, so as to avenge Lace’s murder.
Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late?
★★★★★ "I started reading the book and couldn't put it down, so I finished it in one day."
Scroll up and grab Virtually Lace today!
Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the suspect, so as to avenge Lace’s murder.
Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late?
★★★★★ "I started reading the book and couldn't put it down, so I finished it in one day."
Scroll up and grab Virtually Lace today!
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2018
133 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Uvi Poznansky
41 books357 followersUvi Poznansky is a USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. “I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.” Her romantic suspense box set, Love Under Fire, and her medical thriller box set, Do No Harm, made the USA TODAY bestselling list. Her romance box set, A Touch of Passion, was the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.
Education and work:
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.
Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.
Books and Genres:
Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.
Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death. Volume I and II are bundled in Apart from Love; volume III-V are bundled in Apart from War.
The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.
Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)
Education and work:
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.
Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.
Books and Genres:
Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.
Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death. Volume I and II are bundled in Apart from Love; volume III-V are bundled in Apart from War.
The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.
Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 3, 2019
There are literary genres where author Uvi Poznansky shines. When it comes to delving into the intricacies of human emotions and romance, few can match her abilities. This skill is on display in “Virtually Lace,” where readers can follow lead character Michael down a torturous path of love and hidden frustration.
With this offering, Ms. Poznansky crosses boundaries into suspense and crime while dipping a toe into the realm of science fiction. Michael is no ordinary sleuth. He employs computers and virtual reality tools in his attempts to recreate the scene of the crime. I thought this was a great idea, and that the overall idea worked well.
Moving into different genres can cause issues for the author, and there were a couple of hiccups in “Virtually Lace.” While the police depicted in the book would have fit perfectly on a television show, they appeared stiff in their conversations and the procedures followed in the story do not match reality. For instance, having the police shoot a character who has discarded his weapon after threatening another person would cause a public outcry (and it should), and there is no possibility that character would not be taken to a police station and booked for assault and kidnapping, just for starters.
I really liked the idea of creating a simulation of the crime scene, but the lack of explanation concerning the mechanics bothered me. Ms. Poznansky’s computer-generated characters perform free will actions, inventing movements that might or might not match what actually happened. The magical movement of these simulations may have been explained in the first book. Whether or not this was done, a few paragraphs of basic description would have eliminated this issue.
I applaud the author’s venture down unfamiliar avenues and mixing other genres with what she does well. The emotional romance/suspense story worked, and I found Michael and his partner Ash to be believable. The crime and sci-fi inconsistencies were bothersome when they occurred, breaking the pace of a good plot and story. Overall, I liked the book but felt additional research into unfamiliar areas would have strengthened this tale. Three-and-a-half stars.
With this offering, Ms. Poznansky crosses boundaries into suspense and crime while dipping a toe into the realm of science fiction. Michael is no ordinary sleuth. He employs computers and virtual reality tools in his attempts to recreate the scene of the crime. I thought this was a great idea, and that the overall idea worked well.
Moving into different genres can cause issues for the author, and there were a couple of hiccups in “Virtually Lace.” While the police depicted in the book would have fit perfectly on a television show, they appeared stiff in their conversations and the procedures followed in the story do not match reality. For instance, having the police shoot a character who has discarded his weapon after threatening another person would cause a public outcry (and it should), and there is no possibility that character would not be taken to a police station and booked for assault and kidnapping, just for starters.
I really liked the idea of creating a simulation of the crime scene, but the lack of explanation concerning the mechanics bothered me. Ms. Poznansky’s computer-generated characters perform free will actions, inventing movements that might or might not match what actually happened. The magical movement of these simulations may have been explained in the first book. Whether or not this was done, a few paragraphs of basic description would have eliminated this issue.
I applaud the author’s venture down unfamiliar avenues and mixing other genres with what she does well. The emotional romance/suspense story worked, and I found Michael and his partner Ash to be believable. The crime and sci-fi inconsistencies were bothersome when they occurred, breaking the pace of a good plot and story. Overall, I liked the book but felt additional research into unfamiliar areas would have strengthened this tale. Three-and-a-half stars.
January 14, 2019
Can a brutal murder be solved by a virtual simulation? Michael found Lace, her throat slit and the police have no suspects. Was it the gruesome scene he came upon that sparked his need to re-create the murder in a virtual simulation? Could it have been, in part to keep the woman he loves safe?
Ash was a victim of an attacker, but her mind has blocked out the events and the monster is still out there, could he be the same one who killed Lace? Will solving Lace’s murder help her heal or put her in more danger as she and Michael use their skills to tease out what happened that night? Can they identify the killer?
Uvi Poznansky’s VIRTUALLY LACE is proof that this author can create razor-taut tension while delving into the world of computer science as two people run their own investigation far off the traditional path of the police.
With a touch of romance, a lot of twists and some unexpected turns, this is a captivating read that comes to life as these characters use their confidence in technology to bring closure to what their human side abhors.
Edgy and filled with an intensity that never lets up, Ms. Poznansky has, once again brought another powerhouse read to life!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Uvi Poznansky!
Ash Suspense Thrillers - Book 2
Publisher: Uvi Poznansky (January 15, 2019)
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Print Length: 192 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Ash was a victim of an attacker, but her mind has blocked out the events and the monster is still out there, could he be the same one who killed Lace? Will solving Lace’s murder help her heal or put her in more danger as she and Michael use their skills to tease out what happened that night? Can they identify the killer?
Uvi Poznansky’s VIRTUALLY LACE is proof that this author can create razor-taut tension while delving into the world of computer science as two people run their own investigation far off the traditional path of the police.
With a touch of romance, a lot of twists and some unexpected turns, this is a captivating read that comes to life as these characters use their confidence in technology to bring closure to what their human side abhors.
Edgy and filled with an intensity that never lets up, Ms. Poznansky has, once again brought another powerhouse read to life!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Uvi Poznansky!
Ash Suspense Thrillers - Book 2
Publisher: Uvi Poznansky (January 15, 2019)
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: Suspense
Print Length: 192 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 11, 2019
The cover of Virtually Lace by Uvi Poznansky intrigued me and the surreal, dream-like first chapter pulled me into a unique murder mystery full of suspense and twists. The story begins when Michael, a virtual reality developer, follows a vaguely-familiar teenage woman who appears distressed at Laguna Beach.
In the dim light at dusk, he loses sight of her and can't clearly discern the landscape and people around him as he descends the trail after her. When he finally finds the young woman floating in the water near jagged rags, he struggles to piece together how his dream-like observations fit into the murder. To document the crime scene, he tries to take pictures with his smartphone, but it slips out of his hand into a wave. It is then he realizes that his presence so close to the body could implicate him as the murderer. Thus, he sets out to recreate the crime scene in a virtual reality simulation to help him solve the murder.
However, his investigation leads him down a dangerous path that could threaten the life of his lover, Ash, who had escaped a violent assault and lost memory of the attacker. The story is fast-paced and full of twists. The climax is riveting with haunting images.
Author Uvi Poznansky has masterfully written a character-driven mystery murder that is rich in sensory details, almost dreamlike. An example of the the rich description from the first chapter is as follows: "Electric lights buzzed in the buildings behind him, and foxtail ferns hissed, swaying along the trail. Her shadow flitted over the shrubs, falling father and farther out of reach." These details are important clues to solving the mystery. The romantic relationship of Michael and Ash is engaging and directly impacts the intrigue, suspense, and twists in the story. I was on the edge of my seat, fearing for their safety, as the plot thickens.
Virtually Lace is a must read for those who enjoy a fast-paced, character-driven suspense with a dash of romance.
In the dim light at dusk, he loses sight of her and can't clearly discern the landscape and people around him as he descends the trail after her. When he finally finds the young woman floating in the water near jagged rags, he struggles to piece together how his dream-like observations fit into the murder. To document the crime scene, he tries to take pictures with his smartphone, but it slips out of his hand into a wave. It is then he realizes that his presence so close to the body could implicate him as the murderer. Thus, he sets out to recreate the crime scene in a virtual reality simulation to help him solve the murder.
However, his investigation leads him down a dangerous path that could threaten the life of his lover, Ash, who had escaped a violent assault and lost memory of the attacker. The story is fast-paced and full of twists. The climax is riveting with haunting images.
Author Uvi Poznansky has masterfully written a character-driven mystery murder that is rich in sensory details, almost dreamlike. An example of the the rich description from the first chapter is as follows: "Electric lights buzzed in the buildings behind him, and foxtail ferns hissed, swaying along the trail. Her shadow flitted over the shrubs, falling father and farther out of reach." These details are important clues to solving the mystery. The romantic relationship of Michael and Ash is engaging and directly impacts the intrigue, suspense, and twists in the story. I was on the edge of my seat, fearing for their safety, as the plot thickens.
Virtually Lace is a must read for those who enjoy a fast-paced, character-driven suspense with a dash of romance.
January 19, 2019
For a mere 192 pages, Uvi Poznansky packed her story with not only romance and mystery, but also multi-dimensional characters, suspense and action, and a unique way of solving the murder. I was so fascinated by her description of programming virtual reality and actually researched the software. I also enjoy books with integrated recipes. I may not have a talent for computer programming, but will definitely be able to recreate the berry salsa! I did not read Book 1 of the series but Poznansky's expert weaving of important information from the previous story made this a stand-alone book. I intend to read that and a potential third one also.
February 13, 2019
Michael has been working on a virtual reality model in his garage. The military might be interested of course, but Michael’s interest lies more in the question of beauty—“Could beauty be taken apart… Would its data be synthesized, somehow, into a lifelike experience?” And how many different angles and points of view would one need to create that simulation? Then he sees real beauty and ugliness, life and death alongside the Pacific Coast Highway, and the reader is hooked.
The police are investigating of course, but the tale is told from Michael’s point of view, with beautiful scenery, complex mystery, fascinating art, and a touch of romance. The artist’s hand of the author is readily apparent in the character’s creations, both real and virtual. Suspicions grow. Reality intersects with the virtual. And a well-sculpted plot tells it all. A fast, fun and enticing read.
Disclosure: I read a pre-release version and I enjoyed it.
The police are investigating of course, but the tale is told from Michael’s point of view, with beautiful scenery, complex mystery, fascinating art, and a touch of romance. The artist’s hand of the author is readily apparent in the character’s creations, both real and virtual. Suspicions grow. Reality intersects with the virtual. And a well-sculpted plot tells it all. A fast, fun and enticing read.
Disclosure: I read a pre-release version and I enjoyed it.
January 19, 2019
***** A Fine, Versatile Author
Having already read several other books by this author, each time I finished one, I was impressed by the lyrical beauty of her descriptions and prose, coupled with some poignant backstories to her characters. Indeed, the very embodiment of literary grace.
But what bowled me over with this new book is that although there are still some lovely descriptions, she has basically switched gears and taken the reader in a new direction. A path where new genres, such as murder, science fiction, and the paranormal peek their heads out and show off their stuff. And the fact that she is able to keep us turning those pages as we wonder about a girl murdered on the beach, are exposed to corporate evil, learn about the ins-and-outs of virtual reality, and at the same time, get to see a nice, smoldering romance, well, my hats off to her. Definitely recommended!
Having already read several other books by this author, each time I finished one, I was impressed by the lyrical beauty of her descriptions and prose, coupled with some poignant backstories to her characters. Indeed, the very embodiment of literary grace.
But what bowled me over with this new book is that although there are still some lovely descriptions, she has basically switched gears and taken the reader in a new direction. A path where new genres, such as murder, science fiction, and the paranormal peek their heads out and show off their stuff. And the fact that she is able to keep us turning those pages as we wonder about a girl murdered on the beach, are exposed to corporate evil, learn about the ins-and-outs of virtual reality, and at the same time, get to see a nice, smoldering romance, well, my hats off to her. Definitely recommended!
March 5, 2019
Over the years, I have enjoyed reading Uvi Poznansky's novels. She weaves the ins and outs of human nature and emotions with romance, set in a variety of historical settings. This is her first venture into the world of virtual reality, combined with mystery, in which a murder must be solved. It's a good start but contains a few flaws.
As the story opens, dusk is creeping upon the city of Laguna Beach, California. Michael, a computer software genius, is strolling on a walkway near the city's shoreline. He spots a young woman darting ahead of him. Out of curiosity, he decides to follow, only to lose sight of her in the falling darkness. Soon, he stumbles upon her dead body, among the rocks, near the sandy beach. Fearing he would be accused and arrested for murder, he leaves the scene of the crime before the police arrive.
Later, Michael, with the help of his girl-friend, Ash, a computer genius who has her own major issues to deal with, assists Michael to computer generate a simulation of the shoreline where the victim was found. The two experiment with different scenarios in a effort to discover the murder suspect. They don't have any training in police investigative procedures, so they can only speculate if they are on the right track in discovering who the killer might be.
Unfortunately, this is also part of the problem. When the police enter the story, to investigate the murder, I shook my head. The way it unfolded was something out of a Hollywood movie script. As a retired police detective sergeant, I was appalled by the way it was handled. The two investigating officers appear to be morons with little training. Officers like this would never be tolerated on any police department. From the beginning of the crime investigation, through Michael's arrest and transported to the station, the procedures were wrong. I won't go into details, it would take too long. As far as the shooting, which would have violated departmental policies, that has been discussed by another reviewer.
Except for the police procedural errors (the author should have contacted the community relations department of the Laguna Beach Police Department for advice), Uvi Poznansky did a wonderful job in combining genres, new and old, in developing this suspenseful mystery filled with emotion and a touch of romance.
As the story opens, dusk is creeping upon the city of Laguna Beach, California. Michael, a computer software genius, is strolling on a walkway near the city's shoreline. He spots a young woman darting ahead of him. Out of curiosity, he decides to follow, only to lose sight of her in the falling darkness. Soon, he stumbles upon her dead body, among the rocks, near the sandy beach. Fearing he would be accused and arrested for murder, he leaves the scene of the crime before the police arrive.
Later, Michael, with the help of his girl-friend, Ash, a computer genius who has her own major issues to deal with, assists Michael to computer generate a simulation of the shoreline where the victim was found. The two experiment with different scenarios in a effort to discover the murder suspect. They don't have any training in police investigative procedures, so they can only speculate if they are on the right track in discovering who the killer might be.
Unfortunately, this is also part of the problem. When the police enter the story, to investigate the murder, I shook my head. The way it unfolded was something out of a Hollywood movie script. As a retired police detective sergeant, I was appalled by the way it was handled. The two investigating officers appear to be morons with little training. Officers like this would never be tolerated on any police department. From the beginning of the crime investigation, through Michael's arrest and transported to the station, the procedures were wrong. I won't go into details, it would take too long. As far as the shooting, which would have violated departmental policies, that has been discussed by another reviewer.
Except for the police procedural errors (the author should have contacted the community relations department of the Laguna Beach Police Department for advice), Uvi Poznansky did a wonderful job in combining genres, new and old, in developing this suspenseful mystery filled with emotion and a touch of romance.
January 1, 2019
Before Michael spotted the body, the idea of creating a simulation of the scene occurred to him.
Uvi Poznansky wears a coat of many colors. Originally from Israel where she studied Architecture and Town Planning then moving to the US where she studied Computer Science and became an expert in Software Engineering, Poznansky managed to combine the design elements of two studies into unique formats. And she has accomplished the same with the other side of her brain - making visual her ideas (she is an accomplished painter, drawer, and sculptor who has enjoyed exhibitions both in Israel and in California, her present base) and making words in poetry and in short stories and children's books.
Now Uvi introduces another aspect of her creativity – thrillers with romance – a series she titles Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance. This is the second volume in a series that demonstrates Uvi can take literature in any direction of her choice and succeed.
Uvi’s skill at both visual and written art is outstanding, but her history of diversity does not end there. A synopsis of this new book follows: ‘Haunted by discovering the body of Lace, a beautiful dancer whose throat has been slit, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ash? Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her own past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the man she suspects of killing Lace, so as to avenge her murder. Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late? Will he catch the murderer?’
Astonishingly well written, Uvi once again surprises us with the depth of her talent. This is one fine series to follow. Highly recommended.
Uvi Poznansky wears a coat of many colors. Originally from Israel where she studied Architecture and Town Planning then moving to the US where she studied Computer Science and became an expert in Software Engineering, Poznansky managed to combine the design elements of two studies into unique formats. And she has accomplished the same with the other side of her brain - making visual her ideas (she is an accomplished painter, drawer, and sculptor who has enjoyed exhibitions both in Israel and in California, her present base) and making words in poetry and in short stories and children's books.
Now Uvi introduces another aspect of her creativity – thrillers with romance – a series she titles Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance. This is the second volume in a series that demonstrates Uvi can take literature in any direction of her choice and succeed.
Uvi’s skill at both visual and written art is outstanding, but her history of diversity does not end there. A synopsis of this new book follows: ‘Haunted by discovering the body of Lace, a beautiful dancer whose throat has been slit, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ash? Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her own past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the man she suspects of killing Lace, so as to avenge her murder. Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late? Will he catch the murderer?’
Astonishingly well written, Uvi once again surprises us with the depth of her talent. This is one fine series to follow. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2019
A first-class mystery, thriller and suspense with perfect pacing...
Bestselling author Uvi Poznansky weaves fantastic murder, mystery and suspense tale with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the opening page. The author paints a gripping story of murder, virtual reality and romance in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and integrity.
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Haunted by discovering the body of Lace, a beautiful dancer whose throat has been slit, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ash?
Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her own past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the man she suspects of killing Lace, so as to avenge her murder.
Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late? Will he catch the murderer?’
Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. I’ve read this author several times and I must say I was very impressed yet again.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book's mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class murder mystery with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of mystery, thriller and suspense will want it!
This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and as always, the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Bestselling author Uvi Poznansky weaves fantastic murder, mystery and suspense tale with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the opening page. The author paints a gripping story of murder, virtual reality and romance in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and integrity.
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Haunted by discovering the body of Lace, a beautiful dancer whose throat has been slit, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ash?
Suffering some memory loss due to a violent incident in her own past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger to draw out the man she suspects of killing Lace, so as to avenge her murder.
Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent rescue mission, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. Will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart before it’s too late? Will he catch the murderer?’
Now, if that’s not enough to get your curiosity juices flowing, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. I’ve read this author several times and I must say I was very impressed yet again.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book's mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class murder mystery with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of mystery, thriller and suspense will want it!
This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and as always, the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
January 19, 2019
With a degree in computer science from the University of Michigan and career as an architect and software engineer, the author has put her education to great use in the writing of this book. It shines with her talent in creating virtual reality, but that can't outshine the love her characters have for one another in reality. Michael desperately tries to solve the murder of a young, beautiful ballerina named Lace before Ash, the love of his life, faces the same fate. She already has one thing too much in common with Lace, and he can't afford to let her end up the same way.
The landscape of the beach where the woman dies is described beautifully as is Lace, so intricately detailed that one can visualize it. There is a red herring that throws Michael off the track, but he picks up the trail again like a hound dog. Just as Ash puts herself in danger by modeling as Lace did, Michael is arrested and can't protect her. He has created a virtual simulation of Lace's murder to bring the mystery to life, but can he solve the clues in time to save Ash, especially when he is detained? Though there were a few hiccups no one else could write a novel with a virtual reality so realistic. I have put on a pair of those headpieces and played a few of those games, so I know what they're like, and this novel portrays the simulation realistically though it is virtual reality. This is one of my favorite books by this author. I'm glad I didn't miss it. She brings her talents to shine in the forefront of every description of virtual reality.
Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down and completed reading it in one day.
Young people who are into those games will love this book! Older people who are into love will adore the two main characters and root for Michael to save Ash before it is too late. Author BJ Robinson, Author of The Azalea Plantation Series, A Southern Spring, and others
The landscape of the beach where the woman dies is described beautifully as is Lace, so intricately detailed that one can visualize it. There is a red herring that throws Michael off the track, but he picks up the trail again like a hound dog. Just as Ash puts herself in danger by modeling as Lace did, Michael is arrested and can't protect her. He has created a virtual simulation of Lace's murder to bring the mystery to life, but can he solve the clues in time to save Ash, especially when he is detained? Though there were a few hiccups no one else could write a novel with a virtual reality so realistic. I have put on a pair of those headpieces and played a few of those games, so I know what they're like, and this novel portrays the simulation realistically though it is virtual reality. This is one of my favorite books by this author. I'm glad I didn't miss it. She brings her talents to shine in the forefront of every description of virtual reality.
Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down and completed reading it in one day.
Young people who are into those games will love this book! Older people who are into love will adore the two main characters and root for Michael to save Ash before it is too late. Author BJ Robinson, Author of The Azalea Plantation Series, A Southern Spring, and others
March 1, 2019
As a long time fan of Uvi Poznanski’s award winning, thought provoking, and captivating tales, I applaud Ms. Poznanski’s recent hop out of the box with a most exciting, romantic suspense VIRTUALLY LACE.
I also believe it takes a ton of gutsy talent for an author to leave behind their comfort genre, and offer a story that is completely different from what readers may have been expecting.
In VIRTUALLY LACE, Ms. Poznanski’s roller coaster of a ride in this who dunnit suspense focuses on how an intelligent, innocent man devises a way to escape a murder rap, when all the evidence points to him.
By revisiting it…
What was that, you say? Yes! Our hero Michael relies on the new software he and his partner Ash have invented for military purposes, using it instead to foster detective work for the purpose of clearing his name.
The variables for this vividly crafted tale rates five stars, in this reader’s opinion. It’s satisfying and cleverly woven with backstory, along with keeping you up to date with present day matters: his love for Ashley while nurturing her back to mental and emotional health after the horrific event she’s fighting to overcome, accepting a new job with a man Michael believes is capable of committing the murder, and being partnered for his new endeavor with a person he dislikes.
I liked and respected Michael. He remains steady and calm even when he knows the investigation will lead to the bull’s eye planted on his back. He’s loyal to his love interest Ash and empathetic about her demons. Michael’s a guy I’d enjoy having a cup of tea with and worth knowing.
Another positive worth mentioning - The clues throughout the story are so subtle, when I finished reading VIRTUALLY LACE, I smiled to myself thinking, “Oh, yeah. I get that now.”
At the risk of spoiling this innovating read for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure to enjoy Uvi Poznanski’s VIRTUALLY LACE, I’ll leave you with this: I’ve never read anything by this author I haven’t finished with a sigh of joy, or wishing the story continued forever.
Five glorious stars are awarded to Ms. Poznanski, for creating another bestseller, with a prequel now available. Bravo! I highly recommend VIRTUALLY LACE.
And, how about that beautifully designed cover?
I also believe it takes a ton of gutsy talent for an author to leave behind their comfort genre, and offer a story that is completely different from what readers may have been expecting.
In VIRTUALLY LACE, Ms. Poznanski’s roller coaster of a ride in this who dunnit suspense focuses on how an intelligent, innocent man devises a way to escape a murder rap, when all the evidence points to him.
By revisiting it…
What was that, you say? Yes! Our hero Michael relies on the new software he and his partner Ash have invented for military purposes, using it instead to foster detective work for the purpose of clearing his name.
The variables for this vividly crafted tale rates five stars, in this reader’s opinion. It’s satisfying and cleverly woven with backstory, along with keeping you up to date with present day matters: his love for Ashley while nurturing her back to mental and emotional health after the horrific event she’s fighting to overcome, accepting a new job with a man Michael believes is capable of committing the murder, and being partnered for his new endeavor with a person he dislikes.
I liked and respected Michael. He remains steady and calm even when he knows the investigation will lead to the bull’s eye planted on his back. He’s loyal to his love interest Ash and empathetic about her demons. Michael’s a guy I’d enjoy having a cup of tea with and worth knowing.
Another positive worth mentioning - The clues throughout the story are so subtle, when I finished reading VIRTUALLY LACE, I smiled to myself thinking, “Oh, yeah. I get that now.”
At the risk of spoiling this innovating read for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure to enjoy Uvi Poznanski’s VIRTUALLY LACE, I’ll leave you with this: I’ve never read anything by this author I haven’t finished with a sigh of joy, or wishing the story continued forever.
Five glorious stars are awarded to Ms. Poznanski, for creating another bestseller, with a prequel now available. Bravo! I highly recommend VIRTUALLY LACE.
And, how about that beautifully designed cover?
January 14, 2019
Virtually Lace: Review.
Virtually Lace begins with a bang. Ms Poznansky sets the reader up with excellent imagery. There is something in the atmosphere she creates that reminds me slightly of Phillip Marlowe. There is almost a modern noir feel to it. The interaction between Michael and the child is well written and the empathy displayed gave us a glimpse inside Michael’s mind.
There is a very clever plot line. A very “today” theme which includes the use of virtual reality to solve a very real crime. A lovely young dancer named Lace is murdered and it is Michael who finds her body. He sets out to try and solve the crime.
Enter Ash. The woman Michael is in love with. She is involved in the circumstances involving this crime but suffers memory loss due to a traumatic episode in her own life. Michael must try to save her from further danger as well as prove his own innocence.
I have read several books written by Ms Poznansky and have never been disappointed. She creates the back drops to her stories with sure and certain brush strokes. Her sense of time and place is impeccable, and her writing is rich and satisfying.
All in all, a very satisfying read, which I can highly recommend.
~John Holland. Author of Old Year’s Day~
Virtually Lace begins with a bang. Ms Poznansky sets the reader up with excellent imagery. There is something in the atmosphere she creates that reminds me slightly of Phillip Marlowe. There is almost a modern noir feel to it. The interaction between Michael and the child is well written and the empathy displayed gave us a glimpse inside Michael’s mind.
There is a very clever plot line. A very “today” theme which includes the use of virtual reality to solve a very real crime. A lovely young dancer named Lace is murdered and it is Michael who finds her body. He sets out to try and solve the crime.
Enter Ash. The woman Michael is in love with. She is involved in the circumstances involving this crime but suffers memory loss due to a traumatic episode in her own life. Michael must try to save her from further danger as well as prove his own innocence.
I have read several books written by Ms Poznansky and have never been disappointed. She creates the back drops to her stories with sure and certain brush strokes. Her sense of time and place is impeccable, and her writing is rich and satisfying.
All in all, a very satisfying read, which I can highly recommend.
~John Holland. Author of Old Year’s Day~
February 7, 2019
This story is very different from either the King David stories or the Music of Us series I've previously read, and yet, here as well, Poznansky manages to capture that lyrical storytelling magic that keeps you glued to the story long past your bedtime.
Virtually Lace offers a pallet of lovingly portrayed characters including Michael, the developer hero, Lace, the murdered dancer and Ash the beautiful love interest, developer and model.
With convincing detail and her usual impeccable story-telling skills, Poznansky follows Michael's painstaking efforts to determine what happened to Lace, his building of his virtual model and his relationship with the beautiful Ash, herself an assault victim. The story, like Michael's model, starts slowly, with only a few details and then picks up speed and adds details until the reader finds himself hurtling toward an explosive conclusion you will not see coming.
Although Virtually Lace will be a new kind of story for Poznansky fans, it's a thrill ride you will not soon forget.
Virtually Lace offers a pallet of lovingly portrayed characters including Michael, the developer hero, Lace, the murdered dancer and Ash the beautiful love interest, developer and model.
With convincing detail and her usual impeccable story-telling skills, Poznansky follows Michael's painstaking efforts to determine what happened to Lace, his building of his virtual model and his relationship with the beautiful Ash, herself an assault victim. The story, like Michael's model, starts slowly, with only a few details and then picks up speed and adds details until the reader finds himself hurtling toward an explosive conclusion you will not see coming.
Although Virtually Lace will be a new kind of story for Poznansky fans, it's a thrill ride you will not soon forget.
Want to read
September 12, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon today (9/12/2020)! 🎁
March 1, 2019
Loved this book
I gave this book five a stars as I really enjoyed the storyline about Ash and Michael. It was a great story
I gave this book five a stars as I really enjoyed the storyline about Ash and Michael. It was a great story
February 3, 2019
this book is Fast paced and has a unique storyline that hooks you in at the very beginning. we start off with a gentleman who stumbles upon a gruesome crime scene. Not everything is clear to us until the end. it was entertaining following the authors unique ability to make the reader think it's one person and it turns out to be somebody else. this is a story that you will want to read in one sitting, I had to pause it but was back listening 10 minutes later.
January 28, 2019
"A Unique, Interesting Novel"
A beautiful dancer called Lace has been found dead with her throat cut and thrown into the sea. Michael works as a developer of virtual reality which he decides may help him identify the killer. The woman Michael loves, Ash, has some memory loss from a sexual assault and could not identify her attacker. Can it be the same murderer? Will the killer seek Ash? This is a stunning, captivating short story which totally entertained me. Highly recommend.
A beautiful dancer called Lace has been found dead with her throat cut and thrown into the sea. Michael works as a developer of virtual reality which he decides may help him identify the killer. The woman Michael loves, Ash, has some memory loss from a sexual assault and could not identify her attacker. Can it be the same murderer? Will the killer seek Ash? This is a stunning, captivating short story which totally entertained me. Highly recommend.
January 25, 2019
The author did an excellent job of keeping me guessing as to the identity of who killed Lace. Just when I thought I had it figured out, she delivered a twist. I liked the virtual-reality angle Michael used to try to solve the case. It gave the story a modern feel. The setting where the incident took place was vividly described and so were the things Michael saw with his virtual-reality portrayal. Essentially, I felt I was 'virtually' there, watching things unfold.
January 28, 2019
Great Techno-Thriller!
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November 23, 2020
Michael & Ash’s Story Will Thrill Fans Of The Ash Suspense Thrillers With A Dash Of Romance Series! As Michael Waits For Ash To Heal, He Finds Himself A Suspect In Yet Another Brutal Attack.
This is book one in a series of interconnected stories by different authors, each delving into the exciting world of virtual reality and high-tech crime solving, highlighting fascinating tools and possibilities within the field in the context of a mystery.
Fans of the author are in for a real treat! Ash’s story is told in the three part Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance series. Here Michael, her boyfriend, gets to tell his own story. It takes place months after the incident that set off the Ash Suspense series.
Michael Morse, high school dropout, is a brilliant software developer. He chose not to pursue hacking, despite his talent. With the help of his girlfriend, he had been working on a startup in his garage until recently. His girlfriend Ash, who is working on her master’s degree at the University of California Irvine, assisted with developing a Virtual Reality model as an industrial designer. They are technically partners. He recently sold the software to a military ops company and remains contractually bound to working with the company to further develop the program. Ash should be as well, but that requires some explanation.
He has not seen her since the incident – the brutal rape that left her hospitalized and in a coma. He had visited her in the hospital, but her mother’s looks and suspicion made him terribly uncomfortable. Michael had developed an aversion to police as a result of the days of questioning he endured after the tragic event occurred. He had found Ash in a pool of blood hanging onto life, and he was the only real suspect. Her mother had never liked him, but with Ash in a coma and him as a suspect, she never let him live it down. The case still has not been solved. Ash has since left the hospital but refuses to answer his calls and texts. He had promised to give her time and wait for her, but her involvement in the project going forward is questionable. Michael feels her absence sorely, as his most inspired work comes when they are together, feeding off of one another’s energy.
The story opens at the end of April on a breezy evening at Laguna Beach. Lonely, Michael heads out to take a walk when at 8:03pm he notices a teenage girl that somehow looks familiar, and in a small way reminds him of Ash. Perhaps it was the distress that he sensed, but his instincts kick in. Something feels wrong, yet he knows he is crazy in his presumption. He follows her and the trail to the beach as he tries to reason with himself.
Along the way he loses sight of the girl, but he crosses paths with a number of others that leave an imprint on his mind. There is a homeless man on a bench. The two divers. The little girl selling sea shells. The three teens rough housing on the sand. And the body that he happens to stumble upon on some rocks. Of course Michael should call the police – but after his recent past he knows that is the last thing he wants to do. He will automatically become suspect number one by doing the right thing, so Michael follows a different path.
Michael goes to his new office and sets about constructing a virtual reality model of the crime scene in the hopes of finding the murderer before the police try to pin it on him. In the process he begins to connect some dots. One involves the name of the victim: Lace.
In the meantime he must deal with company politics. The system will now be used in politics and war instead of gaming. The president of the company, Mr. Armstrong, understands little about technology. Moreover, he has a bad temper and his lack of experience seems to get in the way. Mr. Armstrong assigns his nephew to assist Michael, and it happens to be someone that Michael vaguely knows. Manny Bullock, or Bull, is an artist without the requisite tech skills for the job, but Michael has no choice but work with the odd man.
Michael and Ash have an interesting relationship, and it is nice to see it from Michael’ point of view. Ash is a bit kooky. She is brilliant and independent, and very damaged from her brutal rape and its after effects (read her series for more). Michael is the most patient boyfriend she could ask for. He never pressures her for more when she asks for space to heal. Not to say he is perfect – he gets lost in his virtual reality creations and isn’t the best at keeping track of time. He is a genius, and together they make a great creative pair. Here his guilt for not preventing Ash’s attack drives him to do what he can to help a different victim, but Ash’s reasons for getting involved are different. She grows bold rather than cowering, and wants to see justice done, even if it puts herself at risk. She, too, gets a little lost in her own world at times. They go to battle solving crime with their intellect and the VR world they created. In the end there is a little healing as they find their way back together.
Dr. Michael Foreman, an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiology, enters the picture, hinting at book two of the series. It appears the two men, experts in their own fields, might be able to help one another.
Two issues merit mention. First, in the Ash Suspense Thrillers series Michael was a college dropout, not a high school dropout. Additionally, Michael is a little slow to make some obvious connections. Perhaps this just highlights his humanity – even the most brilliant of us cannot see what is right in front of our noses. It is also in all likelihood a product of his aversion to the police. He postpones and delays, exposing himself and others to danger, because he must be absolutely certain before coming forward.
Michael and Ash’s story will thrill fans of the Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance series. As Michael waits for Ash to heal, he finds himself a suspect in yet another brutal attack. The story is very well-written and plot-driven. The great attention given to detail makes for a lush and vivid tale that comes to life. The world of virtual reality that Michael creates is fascinating to read about. The characters are nicely developed. The story is written in third person in Michael’s POV. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
This is book one in a series of interconnected stories by different authors, each delving into the exciting world of virtual reality and high-tech crime solving, highlighting fascinating tools and possibilities within the field in the context of a mystery.
Fans of the author are in for a real treat! Ash’s story is told in the three part Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance series. Here Michael, her boyfriend, gets to tell his own story. It takes place months after the incident that set off the Ash Suspense series.
Michael Morse, high school dropout, is a brilliant software developer. He chose not to pursue hacking, despite his talent. With the help of his girlfriend, he had been working on a startup in his garage until recently. His girlfriend Ash, who is working on her master’s degree at the University of California Irvine, assisted with developing a Virtual Reality model as an industrial designer. They are technically partners. He recently sold the software to a military ops company and remains contractually bound to working with the company to further develop the program. Ash should be as well, but that requires some explanation.
He has not seen her since the incident – the brutal rape that left her hospitalized and in a coma. He had visited her in the hospital, but her mother’s looks and suspicion made him terribly uncomfortable. Michael had developed an aversion to police as a result of the days of questioning he endured after the tragic event occurred. He had found Ash in a pool of blood hanging onto life, and he was the only real suspect. Her mother had never liked him, but with Ash in a coma and him as a suspect, she never let him live it down. The case still has not been solved. Ash has since left the hospital but refuses to answer his calls and texts. He had promised to give her time and wait for her, but her involvement in the project going forward is questionable. Michael feels her absence sorely, as his most inspired work comes when they are together, feeding off of one another’s energy.
The story opens at the end of April on a breezy evening at Laguna Beach. Lonely, Michael heads out to take a walk when at 8:03pm he notices a teenage girl that somehow looks familiar, and in a small way reminds him of Ash. Perhaps it was the distress that he sensed, but his instincts kick in. Something feels wrong, yet he knows he is crazy in his presumption. He follows her and the trail to the beach as he tries to reason with himself.
Along the way he loses sight of the girl, but he crosses paths with a number of others that leave an imprint on his mind. There is a homeless man on a bench. The two divers. The little girl selling sea shells. The three teens rough housing on the sand. And the body that he happens to stumble upon on some rocks. Of course Michael should call the police – but after his recent past he knows that is the last thing he wants to do. He will automatically become suspect number one by doing the right thing, so Michael follows a different path.
Michael goes to his new office and sets about constructing a virtual reality model of the crime scene in the hopes of finding the murderer before the police try to pin it on him. In the process he begins to connect some dots. One involves the name of the victim: Lace.
In the meantime he must deal with company politics. The system will now be used in politics and war instead of gaming. The president of the company, Mr. Armstrong, understands little about technology. Moreover, he has a bad temper and his lack of experience seems to get in the way. Mr. Armstrong assigns his nephew to assist Michael, and it happens to be someone that Michael vaguely knows. Manny Bullock, or Bull, is an artist without the requisite tech skills for the job, but Michael has no choice but work with the odd man.
Michael and Ash have an interesting relationship, and it is nice to see it from Michael’ point of view. Ash is a bit kooky. She is brilliant and independent, and very damaged from her brutal rape and its after effects (read her series for more). Michael is the most patient boyfriend she could ask for. He never pressures her for more when she asks for space to heal. Not to say he is perfect – he gets lost in his virtual reality creations and isn’t the best at keeping track of time. He is a genius, and together they make a great creative pair. Here his guilt for not preventing Ash’s attack drives him to do what he can to help a different victim, but Ash’s reasons for getting involved are different. She grows bold rather than cowering, and wants to see justice done, even if it puts herself at risk. She, too, gets a little lost in her own world at times. They go to battle solving crime with their intellect and the VR world they created. In the end there is a little healing as they find their way back together.
Dr. Michael Foreman, an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiology, enters the picture, hinting at book two of the series. It appears the two men, experts in their own fields, might be able to help one another.
Two issues merit mention. First, in the Ash Suspense Thrillers series Michael was a college dropout, not a high school dropout. Additionally, Michael is a little slow to make some obvious connections. Perhaps this just highlights his humanity – even the most brilliant of us cannot see what is right in front of our noses. It is also in all likelihood a product of his aversion to the police. He postpones and delays, exposing himself and others to danger, because he must be absolutely certain before coming forward.
Michael and Ash’s story will thrill fans of the Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance series. As Michael waits for Ash to heal, he finds himself a suspect in yet another brutal attack. The story is very well-written and plot-driven. The great attention given to detail makes for a lush and vivid tale that comes to life. The world of virtual reality that Michael creates is fascinating to read about. The characters are nicely developed. The story is written in third person in Michael’s POV. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
January 31, 2025
4.5 Stars! I received this audio book from the author for an honest review! I really enjoy Miss Uvi Poznansky's books! Lots of romance and intrigue! Her covers always interest me and love that she does her own artwork! I have not much experience with virtual reality but reading about it in this story was really neat! A whole new world for me!
October 4, 2021
Thrills and chills, tracking a murder, virtual style!
In the opening scene, it’s sunset. Michael has parked near Laguna Beach to admire the view. As darkness creeps in, a breeze seems to be whispering something to him, something about murder. A young woman passes by. She’s in a hurry. Michael thinks he might have seen her before. Drawn to her for some unknown reason, his instinct is to follow her. She hurries away from him, scurrying down a beach trail. Everything is bathed in shadows as he pursues her. They’re separated by the rugged way the trail weaves in and out, but in the end, when Michael catches up to her, the girl is dead.
Later, Michael uses his virtual reality software to reconstruct the murder scene, and I feel like author Uvi Poznansky’s writing skills create a virtual reality for the reader. Our senses are pulled into the story from the beginning. The snap of a twig, darkness curtailing our vision, shadows transforming the landscape and making it dreamlike, these are the elements that make Poznansky’s story come alive. I was there, following Michael, tuned into his thoughts and frightened that something ominous was waiting for the girl he was trailing. When he loses his phone at the scene of the crime, I felt for him as he desperately searches for it in the water. I felt his confusion about what to do next. Should he call the police or will they think he might be the murderer?
There’s also a love story and a previous, unfortunate event that has fractured the bond that Michael and his girlfriend, Ash, have for each other. In spite of the trauma that Ash has suffered, she is intent on helping Michael. She doesn’t know who attacked her, but the girl’s murder motivates her to take action. She’s willing to put herself in danger to find the killer of the girl named Lace.
The vivid descriptions and the tension are there throughout the story. Will Michael be wrongly accused? Can his virtual reality program deliver up the killer? Will Ash survive or will the killer claim a second victim? There are lots of twists and turns in the story just as there were twists and turns when Michael was pursuing the girl. I was kept guessing and needed to keep reading until I finished the book.
On a final note, I was impressed by the way the author introduced the idea of virtual reality programs and how realistic they can seem. Again, the descriptions create an authentic, intense experience for the reader. We get a glimpse into the future and what might be waiting for us as virtual realities become part of life. Excellent storytelling! Highly recommended!
In the opening scene, it’s sunset. Michael has parked near Laguna Beach to admire the view. As darkness creeps in, a breeze seems to be whispering something to him, something about murder. A young woman passes by. She’s in a hurry. Michael thinks he might have seen her before. Drawn to her for some unknown reason, his instinct is to follow her. She hurries away from him, scurrying down a beach trail. Everything is bathed in shadows as he pursues her. They’re separated by the rugged way the trail weaves in and out, but in the end, when Michael catches up to her, the girl is dead.
Later, Michael uses his virtual reality software to reconstruct the murder scene, and I feel like author Uvi Poznansky’s writing skills create a virtual reality for the reader. Our senses are pulled into the story from the beginning. The snap of a twig, darkness curtailing our vision, shadows transforming the landscape and making it dreamlike, these are the elements that make Poznansky’s story come alive. I was there, following Michael, tuned into his thoughts and frightened that something ominous was waiting for the girl he was trailing. When he loses his phone at the scene of the crime, I felt for him as he desperately searches for it in the water. I felt his confusion about what to do next. Should he call the police or will they think he might be the murderer?
There’s also a love story and a previous, unfortunate event that has fractured the bond that Michael and his girlfriend, Ash, have for each other. In spite of the trauma that Ash has suffered, she is intent on helping Michael. She doesn’t know who attacked her, but the girl’s murder motivates her to take action. She’s willing to put herself in danger to find the killer of the girl named Lace.
The vivid descriptions and the tension are there throughout the story. Will Michael be wrongly accused? Can his virtual reality program deliver up the killer? Will Ash survive or will the killer claim a second victim? There are lots of twists and turns in the story just as there were twists and turns when Michael was pursuing the girl. I was kept guessing and needed to keep reading until I finished the book.
On a final note, I was impressed by the way the author introduced the idea of virtual reality programs and how realistic they can seem. Again, the descriptions create an authentic, intense experience for the reader. We get a glimpse into the future and what might be waiting for us as virtual realities become part of life. Excellent storytelling! Highly recommended!
March 3, 2019
( Format : Audiobook)
"The band is invisible."
There was a murder. Michael found the body of a lovely young girl, hanging over a rock in the sea, her throat slashed. He told no one. He'd seen her before, the girl in a white dress, in fact he'd been following her. His company was a creator of virtual reality and he decides t h o try to solve the crime by creating all of the instances he'd observed in the area before he found her. His girlfriend and erstwhile business partner was still recovering from a vicious rape of one year ago and she feels personally the attack on the woman.
There is a feeling of unreality which suffices the entire book. Beautifully written, the action swirls past as it in a dream. Sounds and images sparkle as Michael inches forward to the solution whilst trying to protect his dearest friend with whom he is in love, ever mindful that he had failed to protect her before. A stunningly visual and near magical book, perfectly performed by Don Warwick. His delivery is soft, little more than a loud whisper, which captures the strangeness of the atmospheric text. It is also bordering on slow, again matching the textual content, and each protagonist is given clearly differentiated and appropriate voicings: that of girlfriend Ash is especially good. An excellent performance.
I was very fortunate in having been freely gifted by the rights holder, at my reqjest, with a complimentary copy, via F.A.F.Y. Thank you so much. I have not previously read any books by this author but she has now been added to my 'look out for' list. A murder mystery with a difference and one it was a sheer pleasure to read. Recommended.
"The band is invisible."
There was a murder. Michael found the body of a lovely young girl, hanging over a rock in the sea, her throat slashed. He told no one. He'd seen her before, the girl in a white dress, in fact he'd been following her. His company was a creator of virtual reality and he decides t h o try to solve the crime by creating all of the instances he'd observed in the area before he found her. His girlfriend and erstwhile business partner was still recovering from a vicious rape of one year ago and she feels personally the attack on the woman.
There is a feeling of unreality which suffices the entire book. Beautifully written, the action swirls past as it in a dream. Sounds and images sparkle as Michael inches forward to the solution whilst trying to protect his dearest friend with whom he is in love, ever mindful that he had failed to protect her before. A stunningly visual and near magical book, perfectly performed by Don Warwick. His delivery is soft, little more than a loud whisper, which captures the strangeness of the atmospheric text. It is also bordering on slow, again matching the textual content, and each protagonist is given clearly differentiated and appropriate voicings: that of girlfriend Ash is especially good. An excellent performance.
I was very fortunate in having been freely gifted by the rights holder, at my reqjest, with a complimentary copy, via F.A.F.Y. Thank you so much. I have not previously read any books by this author but she has now been added to my 'look out for' list. A murder mystery with a difference and one it was a sheer pleasure to read. Recommended.
April 14, 2020
As a new reader of Ms. Poznansky's work, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading more of her books.
I was pulled into the story with a murder and that the individual who saw the body was someone working on virtual reality. This technology of futuristic advancements, and virtual reality made me take my time reading this story because I thought I might need time to digest it. I found the manner and pace of the material that was scientific in nature conveyed in an easily understood manner. The author created a world with settings and plots that unfolded naturally. While the concept is complex, the presentation and the ability to enjoy it as told by Uvi Poznansky makes it intriguing, and a hard to put down page turner! I took my time reading this book because I wanted to make sure I appreciated the detail and subject matter. I enjoyed both.
It was a pleasure as a reader, to follow the main character building his virtual reality world while following the clues of the crime as they are woven in. Each character is complex and artfully presented. The complexity of this story is one I have not had the privilege of reading in quite some time and I highly recommend it.
Colleen M.
I was pulled into the story with a murder and that the individual who saw the body was someone working on virtual reality. This technology of futuristic advancements, and virtual reality made me take my time reading this story because I thought I might need time to digest it. I found the manner and pace of the material that was scientific in nature conveyed in an easily understood manner. The author created a world with settings and plots that unfolded naturally. While the concept is complex, the presentation and the ability to enjoy it as told by Uvi Poznansky makes it intriguing, and a hard to put down page turner! I took my time reading this book because I wanted to make sure I appreciated the detail and subject matter. I enjoyed both.
It was a pleasure as a reader, to follow the main character building his virtual reality world while following the clues of the crime as they are woven in. Each character is complex and artfully presented. The complexity of this story is one I have not had the privilege of reading in quite some time and I highly recommend it.
Colleen M.
July 27, 2019
Ash and Michael are back, finally reconnecting. They used to create vertical reality programs in his garage. Michael's regular job, which also has to do with virtual reality, is becoming a real pain and Ash isn't working right now. When a beautiful woman, Lace, disappears going down to the beach, Michael finds her murdered. He really doesn't want to tell the police about it and immediately become a suspect. Instead he created a virtual reality scene to try and figure out the murder. Michael really wants to figure this murder out and Ash decides to become a temporary model for Michael's weird friend, Bull, to see what he's really up to. This suspenseful mystery is artfully written and I was immediately drawn into it. Pardon the pun. I love the two main characters and love to hate a few others. The minor characters are a big plus too. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommended it. It's definitely a page turner.
July 8, 2023
Having read the preceding book, I was expecting this to also be thrilling and captivating. Sometimes it was, but the plot was very different. Much of the story was centered on Michael, Ash's boyfriend, who is absorbed in his virtual reality career. When he tries to use virtual reality to solve a murder, he is somewhat successful. What surprises me is that he doesn't seem to have intelligence other than for his brilliance in the field of virtual reality.
I will admit that the depiction of the virtual world that Michael creates is fascinating. However, his lack of good judgement when it comes to acting on what he discovers in the virtual world surprised me. At least I was pleased with the behavior of the new characters in the story as they seemed to make sense. And I was glad to see the progress that Ash makes after what happened to her in the previous story.
I will admit that the depiction of the virtual world that Michael creates is fascinating. However, his lack of good judgement when it comes to acting on what he discovers in the virtual world surprised me. At least I was pleased with the behavior of the new characters in the story as they seemed to make sense. And I was glad to see the progress that Ash makes after what happened to her in the previous story.
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November 25, 2020Poznansky piles plenty of trouble on the main character's plate: solving a murder, becoming a suspect, and dealing with the aftermath of his ladylove's rape. Having him create a virtual simulation of the crime scene is a clever plot device.
I started out with the audiobook, but the first chapter unrolled too slowly for me, with way too many internal questions and cogitations. Also, the audiobook narrator's voicing was rather irritating at times; the lispy little girl sounded particularly cartoonish. I switched to the Kindle version, which I had bought in the Love Under Fire collection, and was able to skim through the story much better.
I started out with the audiobook, but the first chapter unrolled too slowly for me, with way too many internal questions and cogitations. Also, the audiobook narrator's voicing was rather irritating at times; the lispy little girl sounded particularly cartoonish. I switched to the Kindle version, which I had bought in the Love Under Fire collection, and was able to skim through the story much better.
September 16, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this story. I liked Michael who was intelligent and compassionate, and I liked Ash who was brave enough to try and overcome a debilitating incident in her past. I admired the creative idea of using virtual reality to solve a murder. Once the audiobook started, I was so engrossed that I listened to the whole audiobook in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Don Warrick's narration was great, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
December 9, 2021
Overall I was disappointed in this first book in the High-Tech Crime Solvers series. I loved the idea of the MC (Michael) recreating the crime scene using virtual reality but there were too many liberties taken with the appearance of the crime scene for my liking. Michael adds elements into his recreation that he didn't see, but seemed to fit the way he wanted the crime scene to appear. Then we wandered off into the occult or fantasy when the VR screen began to function on its own with no input from Michael. I could have handled these inconsistencies without too much difficulty, but then Ms. Poznansky had to delve into the base area of erotica. I don't want graphic sex scenes in my thrillers; or in any of my reading for that matter. Those scenes did not add a single thing to the story and made me reconsider reading the other stories by Ms. Poznansky that I have on my Kindle. (The thought of reading explicit scenes between King David and Bathsheba gives me cold chills.) Also, the ending here felt rushed and flung together as if Ms. Poznansky realized she was getting to the end of her word count and had to wind it up. I averaged my rating on this book to 3 stars, but it really only deserves 2.5 stars at the most, in my opinion.
April 22, 2019
Book 1 was great and I finished this one in a day! The virtual part of the story is genius! To do a reenacted crime scene in most police and detective stories is nothing new BUT a virtual simulation is. WOW When the plot picks up, there are still NO suspects. I was frustrated with Ash not being able to remember but, that shows the author's skills.
The suspense is there with Michael and the solving aspect. The scenery, computer skills and mystery make this a great book!
The suspense is there with Michael and the solving aspect. The scenery, computer skills and mystery make this a great book!
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