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Naive #1
Naive
EARLY PRAISE FOR
"Is Micah a modern day Mr. Ripley, or is he not? What a ride trying to figure it out!" --Celia S., Seattle
"I totally missed picking up my kid from school the day I finished this book." --Shara T., Nashville
_______
In Charles Royce's new mystery suspense thriller novel Na�ve, Micah Breuer, an accomplished art director living in present day New York City, comes home to find his husband Lennox lying naked on their living room floor in a pool of blood. Lennox has been brutally stabbed over 30 times but is still alive. Struggling to keep his husband breathing, Micah's efforts end up killing him, and he is arrested for the murder.
Mysterious items are found at the crime scene, some suggesting a connection to the company he works for, while others point to an elusive heroin dealer known as Ghost. With a trial looming, Micah's lawyer hustles to defend him. Together, they are catapulted into multiple dark realities of corporate corruption, Manhattan's drug underworld, a questionable and overzealous prosecution, and the possible betrayal of a close friend who may have masterminded a murderous scheme that could land Micah in prison for life.
As Micah wrestles with his naivet�, his friends and enemies begin to question their own.
_______
WOULD YOU LIKE THIS BOOK?
Fans of Patricia Highsmith (Talented Mr. Ripley) and Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) will hopefully relish in the intricate contemporary tale of manipulation and naivet�, propelled by a strong protagonist in a fight for survival. Similarly, fans of Paul Hawkins (The Girl on a Train) should enjoy a modern domestic murder with unexpected twists and turns. Mix in some Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer, Chasing the Dime) police procedural elements, some John Grisham (The Firm, The Last Juror) courtroom drama and some Richard Price (Lush Life) Manhattan lower east side nuance, and you have a delicious tale that should appease fans of all of these authors.
"Is Micah a modern day Mr. Ripley, or is he not? What a ride trying to figure it out!" --Celia S., Seattle
"I totally missed picking up my kid from school the day I finished this book." --Shara T., Nashville
_______
In Charles Royce's new mystery suspense thriller novel Na�ve, Micah Breuer, an accomplished art director living in present day New York City, comes home to find his husband Lennox lying naked on their living room floor in a pool of blood. Lennox has been brutally stabbed over 30 times but is still alive. Struggling to keep his husband breathing, Micah's efforts end up killing him, and he is arrested for the murder.
Mysterious items are found at the crime scene, some suggesting a connection to the company he works for, while others point to an elusive heroin dealer known as Ghost. With a trial looming, Micah's lawyer hustles to defend him. Together, they are catapulted into multiple dark realities of corporate corruption, Manhattan's drug underworld, a questionable and overzealous prosecution, and the possible betrayal of a close friend who may have masterminded a murderous scheme that could land Micah in prison for life.
As Micah wrestles with his naivet�, his friends and enemies begin to question their own.
_______
WOULD YOU LIKE THIS BOOK?
Fans of Patricia Highsmith (Talented Mr. Ripley) and Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) will hopefully relish in the intricate contemporary tale of manipulation and naivet�, propelled by a strong protagonist in a fight for survival. Similarly, fans of Paul Hawkins (The Girl on a Train) should enjoy a modern domestic murder with unexpected twists and turns. Mix in some Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer, Chasing the Dime) police procedural elements, some John Grisham (The Firm, The Last Juror) courtroom drama and some Richard Price (Lush Life) Manhattan lower east side nuance, and you have a delicious tale that should appease fans of all of these authors.
- GenresMystery ThrillerFiction
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2019
About the author
Charles Royce
4 books4 followersCharles Royce, born Charles (Chuck) Royce Hargett in Vicksburg, MS, grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River. From childhood, he was an avid reader, devouring hundreds of books through elementary school and well in high school. He wrote his first "novel" at age 10:
"Ever since I was little, I can remember writing. I wrote my first book when I was ten. Well, 'book' is a bit of an overstatement. It’s roughly 20 pages about a little girl with cancer, with the title “In Other Words, You’re Dying” in huge adolescent cursive on the front cover. I don’t remember what was happening at the time, but clearly I was trying to work through something. I devoured hundreds of books as a child and well into high school. Essays were always my favorite test-taking form. Creative writing courses in college led to me being fashion editor of our university newspaper. In the early nineties, I wrote a lost episode of “Friends,” thinking that somehow NBC would pick it up, and I could play Chandler’s long lost brother when it hit the small screen. I also wrote an original script about a struggling record company called “Off The Record,” a vehicle for Kirstie Alley because I couldn’t bear thinking that “Cheers” would never return." —Charles Royce
From there, much like the characters in his current and upcoming novels, being comfortable in the inherent duality of the human experience has enhanced his life. He describes it like this:
"My own life experience reminds me that the characters in my novel Naive inhabit a world I know all too well—where superficiality meets authenticity, where shadow meets light. For example, I’ve written double-platinum, Dove Award nominated, number-one songs for the Christian music industry, then I began drowning my demons in alcohol and drugs (I’ve been sober now since 2006). I’ve worked as creative director for an major entertainment publication in LA, even opened an advertising agency in NYC, then I gave it all up to open a small southern bakery in my hometown. Most recently I’ve studied mental health diagnosis and counseling in a master’s degree program, then I wrote Naïve, a novel where the protagonist may or may not be a psychopath. Currently I am a freelance creative director residing in Nashville with my partner of 5 years, who used to love me unconditionally. Then he read Naïve. Now he sleeps with one eye open."
"Ever since I was little, I can remember writing. I wrote my first book when I was ten. Well, 'book' is a bit of an overstatement. It’s roughly 20 pages about a little girl with cancer, with the title “In Other Words, You’re Dying” in huge adolescent cursive on the front cover. I don’t remember what was happening at the time, but clearly I was trying to work through something. I devoured hundreds of books as a child and well into high school. Essays were always my favorite test-taking form. Creative writing courses in college led to me being fashion editor of our university newspaper. In the early nineties, I wrote a lost episode of “Friends,” thinking that somehow NBC would pick it up, and I could play Chandler’s long lost brother when it hit the small screen. I also wrote an original script about a struggling record company called “Off The Record,” a vehicle for Kirstie Alley because I couldn’t bear thinking that “Cheers” would never return." —Charles Royce
From there, much like the characters in his current and upcoming novels, being comfortable in the inherent duality of the human experience has enhanced his life. He describes it like this:
"My own life experience reminds me that the characters in my novel Naive inhabit a world I know all too well—where superficiality meets authenticity, where shadow meets light. For example, I’ve written double-platinum, Dove Award nominated, number-one songs for the Christian music industry, then I began drowning my demons in alcohol and drugs (I’ve been sober now since 2006). I’ve worked as creative director for an major entertainment publication in LA, even opened an advertising agency in NYC, then I gave it all up to open a small southern bakery in my hometown. Most recently I’ve studied mental health diagnosis and counseling in a master’s degree program, then I wrote Naïve, a novel where the protagonist may or may not be a psychopath. Currently I am a freelance creative director residing in Nashville with my partner of 5 years, who used to love me unconditionally. Then he read Naïve. Now he sleeps with one eye open."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2020
Naive is definitely a fun little suspense novel! Micah comes home from a party, wondering why his husband Lennox never arrived, to find Lennox dying on the floor. Micah administers CPR, which isn't much help for multiple stab wounds. Micah ends up becoming the prime suspect. Thus begins a courtroom drama/mystery. Charles Royce takes a third-person perspective, looking at a small and interesting cast of Micah and Lennox' friends, detectives working on the case, and Micah's friend/attorney Shawn.
Suffice it to say, Micah has motive, but he's not the only one. There's an affair, a heroin dealer who used to supply Lennox before he got involved in a twelve-step program, a publishing war, a conflicted friend of the couple, and an ambitious prosecutor hoping to make a name for herself.
Charles Royce's characterizations are vivid, and his scenarios contain just enough realism to work. He keeps the reader guessing throughout. The glamour and grit of New York City provide an intriguing backdrop. In other words, Naive is everything you want in a beach/bed/vacation read! Well, maybe not so much if you're a man having difficulties with his husband or boyfriend right now...
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Suffice it to say, Micah has motive, but he's not the only one. There's an affair, a heroin dealer who used to supply Lennox before he got involved in a twelve-step program, a publishing war, a conflicted friend of the couple, and an ambitious prosecutor hoping to make a name for herself.
Charles Royce's characterizations are vivid, and his scenarios contain just enough realism to work. He keeps the reader guessing throughout. The glamour and grit of New York City provide an intriguing backdrop. In other words, Naive is everything you want in a beach/bed/vacation read! Well, maybe not so much if you're a man having difficulties with his husband or boyfriend right now...
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 11, 2020
Naive is definitely a fun little suspense novel! Micah comes home from a party, wondering why his husband Lennox never arrived, to find Lennox dying on the floor. Micah administers CPR, which isn't much help for multiple stab wounds. Micah ends up becoming the prime suspect. Thus begins a courtroom drama/mystery. Charles Royce takes a third-person perspective, looking at a small and interesting cast of Micah and Lennox' friends, detectives working on the case, and Micah's friend/attorney Shawn.
Suffice it to say, Micah has motive, but he's not the only one. There's an affair, a heroin dealer who used to supply Lennox before he got involved in a twelve-step program, a publishing war, a conflicted friend of the couple, and an ambitious prosecutor hoping to make a name for herself.
Charles Royce's characterizations are vivid, and his scenarios contain just enough realism to work. He keeps the reader guessing throughout. The glamour and grit of New York City provide an intriguing backdrop. In other words, Naive is everything you want in a beach/bed/vacation read! Well, maybe not so much if you're a man having difficulties with his husband or boyfriend right now...
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Suffice it to say, Micah has motive, but he's not the only one. There's an affair, a heroin dealer who used to supply Lennox before he got involved in a twelve-step program, a publishing war, a conflicted friend of the couple, and an ambitious prosecutor hoping to make a name for herself.
Charles Royce's characterizations are vivid, and his scenarios contain just enough realism to work. He keeps the reader guessing throughout. The glamour and grit of New York City provide an intriguing backdrop. In other words, Naive is everything you want in a beach/bed/vacation read! Well, maybe not so much if you're a man having difficulties with his husband or boyfriend right now...
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 22, 2020
Our main character and person of interest is named Micah Breuer, an accomplished art director living in present day New York City.
The story opens as Micah Breuer comes home to find his husband Lennox lying naked on their living room floor in a pool of blood. Lennox has been brutally stabbed over 30 times but is still alive. Micah panics and struggles to keep his husband from dying by implementing life saving techniques. His desperate efforts end up killing him, and Micah is arrested for Lenny’s murder.
Mysterious items are found at the crime scene, some suggesting a connection to the company he works for, while others point to an mysterious heroin dealer known as Ghost, due to a strange logo on the drug packets.
Micah seems doomed and with a trial looming, his lawyer Shawn races to defend him. Together, they are faced with multiple dark realities of corporate corruption, Manhattan’s drug underworld, and a questionable prosecution.
Mr. Royce has masterminded a murderous plot clever twists and turns.
The book lulled for this reader around the middle of the novel, but I pressed on with much satisfaction.
The story opens as Micah Breuer comes home to find his husband Lennox lying naked on their living room floor in a pool of blood. Lennox has been brutally stabbed over 30 times but is still alive. Micah panics and struggles to keep his husband from dying by implementing life saving techniques. His desperate efforts end up killing him, and Micah is arrested for Lenny’s murder.
Mysterious items are found at the crime scene, some suggesting a connection to the company he works for, while others point to an mysterious heroin dealer known as Ghost, due to a strange logo on the drug packets.
Micah seems doomed and with a trial looming, his lawyer Shawn races to defend him. Together, they are faced with multiple dark realities of corporate corruption, Manhattan’s drug underworld, and a questionable prosecution.
Mr. Royce has masterminded a murderous plot clever twists and turns.
The book lulled for this reader around the middle of the novel, but I pressed on with much satisfaction.
January 30, 2020
Courtroom dramas are not my usual choice for reading material, but this was so exciting -- a real page turner! The murder investigation of a New York corporate man, his husband the alleged killer. There was drama, intrigue, drug abuse and mystery. Definitely recommend and will look for more from Charles Royce.
Thank you to author Charles Royce, Chutter Hill publishers, and NetGalley for the early access.
Thank you to author Charles Royce, Chutter Hill publishers, and NetGalley for the early access.
May 25, 2020
Great book, but disappointed in racial insensitivity
I enjoyed the book and I liked the writing. However, I almost chucked it because the only black/albino character is a villain. The ending saved it somewhat, but as gay men we need to be extra sensitive to insensitivity. You cannot get upset when the only gay character is a villain if you cast the only albino/black character as one.
I enjoyed the book and I liked the writing. However, I almost chucked it because the only black/albino character is a villain. The ending saved it somewhat, but as gay men we need to be extra sensitive to insensitivity. You cannot get upset when the only gay character is a villain if you cast the only albino/black character as one.
January 14, 2020
BRILLIANT READ THIS NOVEL!
I loved this novel it had everything- it is thrilling exciting emotional and the end on my just BRILLIANT.
I hope Charles Royce continues his writing I will be eagerly awaiting each and every book. No pressure haha.
Thank you Mr Royce for a truly awesome story
I loved this novel it had everything- it is thrilling exciting emotional and the end on my just BRILLIANT.
I hope Charles Royce continues his writing I will be eagerly awaiting each and every book. No pressure haha.
Thank you Mr Royce for a truly awesome story
February 24, 2020
Mind Blowing
This book was action packed from the beginning to the last page! Who you think committed the crime will leave you utterly speechless. This book is the first one in its trilogy ! If you want to read a book that will keep you on your toes and your mind spinning "Naive" by Mr. Charles Royce is must read! Thank you Mr. Royce! Book 2 will be re ready Winter 2020.
This book was action packed from the beginning to the last page! Who you think committed the crime will leave you utterly speechless. This book is the first one in its trilogy ! If you want to read a book that will keep you on your toes and your mind spinning "Naive" by Mr. Charles Royce is must read! Thank you Mr. Royce! Book 2 will be re ready Winter 2020.
January 9, 2021
I can’t really decide how many stars I want to give this book, so I gave it 3. During most of the book I was fairly annoyed at how everything was being handled. It was also very obvious how it ended even though it was a good twist. Just predictable. It was written fairly well. But I’m still just perplexed on how to rate it.....
December 21, 2021
Started off strong - then the trial portion of the book seems to just "happen." Lean on strategy and nuances of a trial, the author seems to lose a lot of opportunity to strengthen the story.
Then the last 30 pages create a huge unexpected twist that comes seemingly from left field ... not enjoyable
Then the last 30 pages create a huge unexpected twist that comes seemingly from left field ... not enjoyable
December 24, 2019
Just who was "naive"
I opened my eyes, I read the words, follow the leads but to no avail. I was unable to decipher the clues as to the perpetrator so what I have come to believe is, it was "I" who was naive. An intriguing read.
I opened my eyes, I read the words, follow the leads but to no avail. I was unable to decipher the clues as to the perpetrator so what I have come to believe is, it was "I" who was naive. An intriguing read.
June 17, 2020
Complicated, gnarly twist at the very end, cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next one, but I am extremely disappointed in the racial insensitivity as another reviewer mentioned. Actually, not sure how this will affect whether or not I read the next book.
November 26, 2019
Great book - page turner murder mystery. Enjoyed it!
December 18, 2019
Awesome legal thriller!
Gripping story with surprising twists and turns. Very hard to put down. John Grisham has a competitor in the legal thriller genre. Don’t miss this one!
Gripping story with surprising twists and turns. Very hard to put down. John Grisham has a competitor in the legal thriller genre. Don’t miss this one!
January 1, 2020
Amazing!! I could not put it down!
February 17, 2020
So good. Thrilling page turner you can’t put down!!
September 30, 2020
WOW
This book...this author!!!! One of the best written pieces I've read in years!!! Keeps you guessing until the final words!!!
This book...this author!!!! One of the best written pieces I've read in years!!! Keeps you guessing until the final words!!!
March 1, 2020
Completely different style of writing than I’m used to and a complexly different story than I thought from the blurb. Quite brilliant and sparkling novel brimming with thoughts, insights and truths. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended. Wonderful surprise indeed.
December 20, 2019
Great book. Story kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 23, 2021
Had it wrong the whole time! So good!
July 26, 2023
Went to college with this author so it was fun reading his debut novel. Well written and loved the twist!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews