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Blindsided
xyz
340 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2006
1353 people are currently reading
1531 people want to read
About the author
Jay Giles
18 books8 followersJay Giles is an award-winning writer in a different genre—advertising. You’ve seen his work on national television and in magazines and newspapers. During his career as an agency writer and creative director, he has marketed products from automobiles to whisky, earning more than 500 honors for creative excellence. He and his wife divide their time between homes in Cincinnati and Sarasota.
Jay's debut novel, Blindsided, was published by Reagent Press in 2006 and is available in premium trade paperback, audio, and digitial e-book editions. Soon also available in a premium hardcover edition with a slipcover.
Jay's second novel, Time on the Wire, was released in premium hardcover in 2008 and in premium trade paperback in 2009.
Jay's third novel, Moneymoon's End, will be published in premium hardcover in 2010.
Jay's debut novel, Blindsided, was published by Reagent Press in 2006 and is available in premium trade paperback, audio, and digitial e-book editions. Soon also available in a premium hardcover edition with a slipcover.
Jay's second novel, Time on the Wire, was released in premium hardcover in 2008 and in premium trade paperback in 2009.
Jay's third novel, Moneymoon's End, will be published in premium hardcover in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
November 9, 2015
Lo que más me gustó de la historia fue la relación de Matt y Tory. Son tan shippeables.
Me gustó como estaban desarrollados los personajes. Me gustó mucho el protagonista, Matt. Es un personaje 'likeable', y por todo lo que le pasó en su vida anteriormente, y todo lo que le seguía pasando, realmente quería que todo terminara bien para él de una vez por todas!
Me gustó cuando hacia el final el tipo se transformó en Rambo jajajajjaja. En fin. La historia en sí no fue demasiado sorpresiva o impredecible, pero aún así me entretuvo, sobre todo porque estaba a la expectativa de CUANDO iba a pasar algo entre Matt y Tory.
"We have to make a pact. I'm not going to lose you. You're not going to lose me."
Me gustó como estaban desarrollados los personajes. Me gustó mucho el protagonista, Matt. Es un personaje 'likeable', y por todo lo que le pasó en su vida anteriormente, y todo lo que le seguía pasando, realmente quería que todo terminara bien para él de una vez por todas!
Me gustó cuando hacia el final el tipo se transformó en Rambo jajajajjaja. En fin. La historia en sí no fue demasiado sorpresiva o impredecible, pero aún así me entretuvo, sobre todo porque estaba a la expectativa de CUANDO iba a pasar algo entre Matt y Tory.
"We have to make a pact. I'm not going to lose you. You're not going to lose me."
February 12, 2018
Not great
The story had some intrigue but writing, character development and emotional content were definitely lacking. But, on the plus side, it was free!
The story had some intrigue but writing, character development and emotional content were definitely lacking. But, on the plus side, it was free!
May 2, 2014
Not the best I have read. Almost gave up twice, but ploughed through it. Last quarter a bit better, but characters 2 dimensional and the plot unbelievable. 2.5 stars rounded down.
July 4, 2015
A good fast paced crime thriller, with a couple of plots to keep it interesting and great believable characters.
Well written and worth a look
Well written and worth a look
August 22, 2020
Interesting read
July 6, 2019
A fun, quick, light read, filled with action to keep the pages turning.
September 2, 2014
An interesting yarn that features stockbroker Matt Seattle down in Sarasota, Fl.. One of Matt's best friends/ clients is Joe Jesso who in his late 70's got married a week after meeting Janet Wakeman. Matt knows this is a huge scam but before he can help Joe, it happens that Joe passes away. Matt is quickly hit with a huge suit & set of allegations about his business dealings with Joe. Janet and her "brother/ lawyer" Greg Nevitt are out to destroy Matt and his business. Along comes mobster Don D'Onifrio who wants Matt to raid Joe's estate for money that Joe secretly swindled out of the mob. Matt and his lawyer Julian Ockerman, and along with PI Tori Wright devise a plan to have one of D'Onfrio's men pretend to be wealthy, and marry Janet to steal the money back. The scheme is supervised by D'Onfrio gangster WW, who follows Matt's every move. WW even kills one of Matt's family members to really shake Matt up. The story came roaring out of the gate in this novel. The middle was still holding it together pretty well. However I was really let down by ending. Kind of just turned me off to the book after I had enjoyed it very much until then. The characters and dialog are very entertaining. Frankie and his beer are a trip ! I'd recommend this for those not looking for a hard thriller without any mystery. It was okay overall. I gave it 4 stars out of 5. Really I would have given it 3.5 stars, but I rounded up. Give it a read, it's somewhat okay. Best of all this books very quickly ! It does fly.
June 21, 2014
Thriller is an understatement!!!
From the moment I started reading I couldn't stop! Jay Giles is my new favorite thriller, crime, mystery novelist. His style of writing had me instantly invested in the lives of the characters, and the way he intricately intertwined thrills with drama left my head spinning! Usually I judge a good thriller/mystery by how quickly I figure out what the end game is, but Blindsided had me so wrapped up I didn't have time to because I was too busy getting to the next page! I was "blindsided" by every twist and turn Mr. Giles took me on!!! This is my first ebook experience, but this is a book I HAVE to add to my shelves! I can't wait to read it again and look forward to my next adventure with Mr. Giles; extraordinary job Mr. Giles, and that's another understatement!
From the moment I started reading I couldn't stop! Jay Giles is my new favorite thriller, crime, mystery novelist. His style of writing had me instantly invested in the lives of the characters, and the way he intricately intertwined thrills with drama left my head spinning! Usually I judge a good thriller/mystery by how quickly I figure out what the end game is, but Blindsided had me so wrapped up I didn't have time to because I was too busy getting to the next page! I was "blindsided" by every twist and turn Mr. Giles took me on!!! This is my first ebook experience, but this is a book I HAVE to add to my shelves! I can't wait to read it again and look forward to my next adventure with Mr. Giles; extraordinary job Mr. Giles, and that's another understatement!
April 19, 2016
Great story, background research questionable
I was attracted to this book due to having worked in the in the securities industry. If you know nothing about the industry, read on. It's a great book. Although the story was great, I was a little disappointed when it came to the research on the industry and how the author portrayed the complaint process in an unrealistic manner. There were simple things, such as the author used N.A.S.D., instead of NASD. The NASD was no longer existent when this book was published. The NASD had become FINRA four years prior. It was unrealistic for the"NASD" to raid the office on an allegation of churning, and for ML not to be aware of the complaint prior to the broker. In summary, great book, great story, but if you're reading this being in the industry, you will cringe a little on the processes and events that transpire.
I was attracted to this book due to having worked in the in the securities industry. If you know nothing about the industry, read on. It's a great book. Although the story was great, I was a little disappointed when it came to the research on the industry and how the author portrayed the complaint process in an unrealistic manner. There were simple things, such as the author used N.A.S.D., instead of NASD. The NASD was no longer existent when this book was published. The NASD had become FINRA four years prior. It was unrealistic for the"NASD" to raid the office on an allegation of churning, and for ML not to be aware of the complaint prior to the broker. In summary, great book, great story, but if you're reading this being in the industry, you will cringe a little on the processes and events that transpire.
June 10, 2018
I get thru most books listening to the audio versions while I work. I nearly gave up on this one after a two minutes because the narration on the audio version was so bad. Fortunately, the Kindle version has a text-to-speech ability and the story was good enough to overcome the near-monotone version as delivered by Alexa (still immeasurably better than the audiobook version by RP Audio that I downloaded from my library). After finishing work, I switched to the Kindle text to finish.
Some characters are a little thin, near one dimensional, but the main characters and the story overcome that. An enjoyable quick read!
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minor spoiler follows
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I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more made of Matt's character development as revealed with his phone conversations with Dr Adelle Swarthmore. She reminds him that he needs to come out of his shell more after the loss of his family years earlier. She, and some of his clients, want to see him find someone else to share his life with and move on from his loss. They step up and provide all sorts of emotional and material support--from the owner of his favorite restaurant, to his neighbor who helps change his looks, and especially to the jeweler who offers a beautiful antique wedding ring (not knowing it's meant as a prop for the sham wedding they're planning and mistakenly believing it's for a real wedding between Matt & Tory). I expected a "I never knew how many true friends I had because I had closed myself off to others" moment between Matt & Dr Swarthmore that never came. People he had considered casual friends/neighbors/clients treated him as close friends and really came through for him when he needed their help, and did so without any hesitation.
Some characters are a little thin, near one dimensional, but the main characters and the story overcome that. An enjoyable quick read!
*****************
minor spoiler follows
*****************
I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more made of Matt's character development as revealed with his phone conversations with Dr Adelle Swarthmore. She reminds him that he needs to come out of his shell more after the loss of his family years earlier. She, and some of his clients, want to see him find someone else to share his life with and move on from his loss. They step up and provide all sorts of emotional and material support--from the owner of his favorite restaurant, to his neighbor who helps change his looks, and especially to the jeweler who offers a beautiful antique wedding ring (not knowing it's meant as a prop for the sham wedding they're planning and mistakenly believing it's for a real wedding between Matt & Tory). I expected a "I never knew how many true friends I had because I had closed myself off to others" moment between Matt & Dr Swarthmore that never came. People he had considered casual friends/neighbors/clients treated him as close friends and really came through for him when he needed their help, and did so without any hesitation.
October 25, 2025
Matt Seattle is a financial broker who lost his wife and kids in a recent accident. He is in the process of putting his life back together when one of his favorite clients, an older gentleman named Joe Jesso dies. Joe had been investing large sums of money with him and pulling the money out within short time frames. Joe gets married unexpectedly and within a week he is dead. After Joe's death, Matt learns that the money Joe was investing wasn't his own, he had stolen it from the mafia and they expect to get all their money back - which he doesn't have and never did! The story unfolds from there. Despite the review expressing concern about not being true to the inner workings of the financial industry and the actual review processes, if you enjoy a great suspense thriller and aren't in it to be critic on the details you can enjoy this read. I had a wonderful time reading this and feeling the tension build! I thought the story was great and felt the pain with Matt. There's something truly awful about being caught in web that you didn't make but can't get out of easily! Great read!
December 9, 2017
"A Slowly Progressing Thriller"
This is a thriller which is slow to thrill you. But hang on, it does eventually ramp up to be a moving thriller. While at a stockbrokers' morning meeting, Matt Seattle befriends elderly Joe Jesso, who has just announced his recent marriage. One week later, Joe is dead. Matt hires an investigator to look into Joe's death since he surprisingly finds out he is the man's trustee of Joe's millions of dollars estate. Joe's attorney is going to have him removed as trustee, while Joe's widow will be suing Matt. And considering Matt has recently lost his wife and child in an auto accident, just how can one man handle all this? Soon, Matt learns that Joe had secrets such as embezzling money from a drug cartel. Everyone seems to be out to seek the dead man's money. What a task as Matt flounders into a nest of spiders. A little slow to read, the main character seems to lack many emotions as he moves forward to save his stockbroker business. It's worth the read; give it a try.
This is a thriller which is slow to thrill you. But hang on, it does eventually ramp up to be a moving thriller. While at a stockbrokers' morning meeting, Matt Seattle befriends elderly Joe Jesso, who has just announced his recent marriage. One week later, Joe is dead. Matt hires an investigator to look into Joe's death since he surprisingly finds out he is the man's trustee of Joe's millions of dollars estate. Joe's attorney is going to have him removed as trustee, while Joe's widow will be suing Matt. And considering Matt has recently lost his wife and child in an auto accident, just how can one man handle all this? Soon, Matt learns that Joe had secrets such as embezzling money from a drug cartel. Everyone seems to be out to seek the dead man's money. What a task as Matt flounders into a nest of spiders. A little slow to read, the main character seems to lack many emotions as he moves forward to save his stockbroker business. It's worth the read; give it a try.
November 4, 2020
Page turner from the very beginning!
From the first page, this novel had me hooked! The author pulled off a very believable David vs. Goliath scenario between an independent investment broker and a money-laundering drug funded banker. There was even an unexpected romance tossed in.
I honestly did not know how the story was going to turn out. The author had me guessing to the very end. He hinted at several possibilities, but I really wasn’t sure which way the plot was going to turn. It was definitely exciting on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, complete with murder, intrigue, kidnapping and a host of others dangers before all was said and done.
While the body count was high, the profanity and inappropriate situations were nil. I wouldn’t exactly call this a cozy mystery, and while the author mentioned a few religious things, it definitely wasn’t Christian fiction. However, it was quite enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a good, clean suspense novel, then this is a good choice. Just be prepared to miss a bit of sleep, while trying to figure out what will happen next!
From the first page, this novel had me hooked! The author pulled off a very believable David vs. Goliath scenario between an independent investment broker and a money-laundering drug funded banker. There was even an unexpected romance tossed in.
I honestly did not know how the story was going to turn out. The author had me guessing to the very end. He hinted at several possibilities, but I really wasn’t sure which way the plot was going to turn. It was definitely exciting on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, complete with murder, intrigue, kidnapping and a host of others dangers before all was said and done.
While the body count was high, the profanity and inappropriate situations were nil. I wouldn’t exactly call this a cozy mystery, and while the author mentioned a few religious things, it definitely wasn’t Christian fiction. However, it was quite enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a good, clean suspense novel, then this is a good choice. Just be prepared to miss a bit of sleep, while trying to figure out what will happen next!
December 13, 2018
Blindsided is a fast paced thriller.
Matt Seattle, a successful stockbroker, befriends a particular elderly client who dies suddenly. When he goes to pay his respects he suspects foul play & is drawn in to an incredulous roller coaster ride of dangerous villains. It's a real page turner that I had a hard time putting down.
BUT
Please do not bother with the audio version as the narrator is just awful. He reads as though he's on a fast train & his stop is coming up. There is barely a pause between changing situations or characters.
Pinching his nose to do some of the voices was ridiculous & his females voices are caricatures of cartoonish ones, the female English secretary is a very strange mixture but certainly not English.
I reverted to reading text to really enjoy the authors work.
I thought it weird that every time he had a dream he would ring Dr. Adelle Swarthmore (psychologist) to discuss it but then I'm English so perhaps this is the American way.
Matt Seattle, a successful stockbroker, befriends a particular elderly client who dies suddenly. When he goes to pay his respects he suspects foul play & is drawn in to an incredulous roller coaster ride of dangerous villains. It's a real page turner that I had a hard time putting down.
BUT
Please do not bother with the audio version as the narrator is just awful. He reads as though he's on a fast train & his stop is coming up. There is barely a pause between changing situations or characters.
Pinching his nose to do some of the voices was ridiculous & his females voices are caricatures of cartoonish ones, the female English secretary is a very strange mixture but certainly not English.
I reverted to reading text to really enjoy the authors work.
I thought it weird that every time he had a dream he would ring Dr. Adelle Swarthmore (psychologist) to discuss it but then I'm English so perhaps this is the American way.
August 10, 2018
A thriller novel by Jay Giles . The protagonist is Matt Seattle , a financial broker by profession. The plot is about how a simple act of humanity can lead a person into a commotion of troubles.What gets the plot interesting is the introduction of the villains one by one and how everything gets dangerous all of a sudden. Narrated beautifully the author has been successful in creating strong characters and is able to keep the readers engaged till the very end . There comes a point where one feels the story could have ended a little earlier. This novel is for all thriller lovers. Overall a good book to read.
February 19, 2019
Interesting but completely unbelievable plot. I found it absolutely ridiculous that federal agents and law enforcement were so willing to share tons of detailed information regarding running investigations into criminals and their activities with an accountant and seriously doubt that the mob would have gone for Matt Seattle's ridiculous plan of getting a black widow to the altar with a dupe in such a short period of time.
I was also disturbed pets being killed (one of them tortured), though I will say the characters got over that quickly enough. And it made no sense to me that the mob kept Matt's secretary alive when they clearly had no compunction in killing everyone else.
I was also disturbed pets being killed (one of them tortured), though I will say the characters got over that quickly enough. And it made no sense to me that the mob kept Matt's secretary alive when they clearly had no compunction in killing everyone else.
September 25, 2019
Don't mess with a man on a mission
Blindsided is the perfect title for this book. Matt, a stockbroker, was blindsided by his "good friend", an investor he worked with for several years, before he died. What Joe didn't tell Matt was he was investing money Joe stole from a drug cartel he had worked for, before he retired. The man who wanted to take over the cartel wanted the money back, but it was in the hands of the black widow who married him 2 weeks before he died. And things go downhill from there. There is suspense, danger, kidnapping, life and death, an even a happy ending, or three. A very absorbing read. I couldn't put it down!
Blindsided is the perfect title for this book. Matt, a stockbroker, was blindsided by his "good friend", an investor he worked with for several years, before he died. What Joe didn't tell Matt was he was investing money Joe stole from a drug cartel he had worked for, before he retired. The man who wanted to take over the cartel wanted the money back, but it was in the hands of the black widow who married him 2 weeks before he died. And things go downhill from there. There is suspense, danger, kidnapping, life and death, an even a happy ending, or three. A very absorbing read. I couldn't put it down!
June 9, 2023
Hang on through a lot of drama
First time I started to read this I got sidetracked....wasn't really "into" it. Many months later I go back and start over from beginning. Stockbroker gets caught up into cartel business just having been a nice guy with a client. That client is old, rich & target of a black widow & dirty lawyer pretending to be her "brother". Married one week he dies & his money becomes fight to get but the cartel get involved. Stockbroker dealing from death of his beloved wife, son & daughter is emotionally a mess. His business, life, friends in danger but this mild mannered really good guy eventually beats the cartel & finds life worth living again.
First time I started to read this I got sidetracked....wasn't really "into" it. Many months later I go back and start over from beginning. Stockbroker gets caught up into cartel business just having been a nice guy with a client. That client is old, rich & target of a black widow & dirty lawyer pretending to be her "brother". Married one week he dies & his money becomes fight to get but the cartel get involved. Stockbroker dealing from death of his beloved wife, son & daughter is emotionally a mess. His business, life, friends in danger but this mild mannered really good guy eventually beats the cartel & finds life worth living again.
September 3, 2018
A page turned for surr
This was definitely a thriller. I couldn't put it down. Matt Seattle really had a way of coming up with was to get things to work out for them. Watching his mind work was amazing. He figured out what he needed to do and did it. Right up to the end O couldn't second guess how things were going to turn out and an awful lot of books, I know how it ends by the time I am half way through them. I recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery thrillers!
This was definitely a thriller. I couldn't put it down. Matt Seattle really had a way of coming up with was to get things to work out for them. Watching his mind work was amazing. He figured out what he needed to do and did it. Right up to the end O couldn't second guess how things were going to turn out and an awful lot of books, I know how it ends by the time I am half way through them. I recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery thrillers!
October 17, 2017
Do NOT listen to the audio version of this book. The narrator was awful. He literally was pinching his nose to do some of the voices and his deep baritone made the female characters all sound like caricatured little girls.
The story itself was good and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the book instead of listening to it. It still got away a bit from the writer and often delved into far-fetched, over the top plot holes.
The story itself was good and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the book instead of listening to it. It still got away a bit from the writer and often delved into far-fetched, over the top plot holes.
December 29, 2016
Matt, the stockbroker, and Eddie, his dog are worried when one of his former clients doesn't show up at his office. Joe had recently married and Matt knew nothing about his new wife. Then the mob shows up to collect their money--that Matt had unknowlingly been investing thru Joe. Eddie is killed and Matt's life turned upside down. Good characters. I rate this a 4.3
December 28, 2017
Parts of the plot made no sense:
The arranged wedding because of a $300K debt was stupid. Amt insignificant to cartel.
Why weren't police in or outside the room of Tory?
All the conversations about dreams to Dr were boring and insignificant.....skipped over
Was glad to get the read over with.
Probably over rated the book
Don Svedberg
The arranged wedding because of a $300K debt was stupid. Amt insignificant to cartel.
Why weren't police in or outside the room of Tory?
All the conversations about dreams to Dr were boring and insignificant.....skipped over
Was glad to get the read over with.
Probably over rated the book
Don Svedberg
February 10, 2018
Fast paced and a complete story
Too many new "books" are really half a complete story, or even less. This book gets 4 stars for being grammatically correct, for actually having proper punctuation, and a good, standalone story! Something to really appreciate in modern publishing. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Too many new "books" are really half a complete story, or even less. This book gets 4 stars for being grammatically correct, for actually having proper punctuation, and a good, standalone story! Something to really appreciate in modern publishing. I look forward to the rest of the series.
May 16, 2018
Kept Reading and Turning The Pages
I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing style. A nice way to relax at the end of the day before turning in for the night.
I found the main characters believable, likeable and people I identified with.
The story line kept me turning the pages and I found myself wondering what was going to happen to Matt today!
I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing style. A nice way to relax at the end of the day before turning in for the night.
I found the main characters believable, likeable and people I identified with.
The story line kept me turning the pages and I found myself wondering what was going to happen to Matt today!
June 16, 2019
Matt Seattle, a stockbroker befriends a new, profitable client, Joe Jesso.
His client surprises him by telling Matt that he, Jesso, is newly married. Jesso dies a week later. Matt get involved in a lawsuit from new wife, pressure from a drug cartel (Jesso was investing stolen cartel money), and pressure from the FBI and Local police, AND investigation by licensing board.
His client surprises him by telling Matt that he, Jesso, is newly married. Jesso dies a week later. Matt get involved in a lawsuit from new wife, pressure from a drug cartel (Jesso was investing stolen cartel money), and pressure from the FBI and Local police, AND investigation by licensing board.
March 24, 2021
Page-turning at its best!
This is one of those stories that capture the reader's interest from the very first page. Matt's stockbroking company is very successful until a regular client is found dead. The tale is very involved - best to read it for yourself - you'll find it an exciting read right to the end.
This is one of those stories that capture the reader's interest from the very first page. Matt's stockbroking company is very successful until a regular client is found dead. The tale is very involved - best to read it for yourself - you'll find it an exciting read right to the end.
March 28, 2022
It IS a thriller
Intriguing, interesting, nail-biting. I couldn't stop reading it. Matt Seattle was very successful broker, dealing with the death of his wife and child. Dare he let himself love again? Then one of his favorite clients suddenly dies and Matt's life becomes a nightmare!
Intriguing, interesting, nail-biting. I couldn't stop reading it. Matt Seattle was very successful broker, dealing with the death of his wife and child. Dare he let himself love again? Then one of his favorite clients suddenly dies and Matt's life becomes a nightmare!
October 25, 2017
A fun read
Page turner ! Each short chapter lead excitingly to the next and I found myself caring about the main characters which is key to a successful writer. Goes quickly, easy to get through.
Page turner ! Each short chapter lead excitingly to the next and I found myself caring about the main characters which is key to a successful writer. Goes quickly, easy to get through.
November 10, 2017
Has everything
This story has everything, mystery, murder, intrigue, love, a knight in not so shining armour, and a princess. Money, and greed....what else could you ask for. Great read
This story has everything, mystery, murder, intrigue, love, a knight in not so shining armour, and a princess. Money, and greed....what else could you ask for. Great read
February 5, 2018
Good Read
This book was action packed and enjoyable. Very well written. Not full of unneeded graphic sex. I cried at one part (Eddie) because it seemed so real. I had to keep reminding myself it was fiction. Nice work! Will read more from this author.
This book was action packed and enjoyable. Very well written. Not full of unneeded graphic sex. I cried at one part (Eddie) because it seemed so real. I had to keep reminding myself it was fiction. Nice work! Will read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews