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Freddy Ferguson #1
Gate 76
A mysterious woman fleeing an unknown terror boards the wrong plane at San Francisco International and disappears into the heart of the country. Freddy Ferguson, a troubled detective with a violent past, believes she's the only living witness to a crime that has captivated the nation.
Sifting through the wreckage of her past, he begins to understand who she's running from, and why. Now he must track her down before her pursuers can silence her for good.
Sifting through the wreckage of her past, he begins to understand who she's running from, and why. Now he must track her down before her pursuers can silence her for good.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
734 people are currently reading
1247 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Diamond
11 books108 followersAndrew Diamond writes mystery, crime, noir, and an occasional comedy. His books feature cinematic prose, strong characterization, twisting plots, and dark humor. Amazon editors named Impala a best of the month mystery, and IndieReader named it to their best of 2016 list. Impala also won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for mystery and the 24th Annual Writer’s Digest award for genre fiction.
Gate 76 was named named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, while BestThrillers.com selected both Gate 76 (2018) and To Hell with Johnny Manic (2019) to their best of the year lists. The Sellout (2024) won the IndieReader Discovery Award for humor.
His next book, Grid Zero, will be available on June 30, 2025.
You can follow Andrew online at https://adiamond.me
Gate 76 was named named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, while BestThrillers.com selected both Gate 76 (2018) and To Hell with Johnny Manic (2019) to their best of the year lists. The Sellout (2024) won the IndieReader Discovery Award for humor.
His next book, Grid Zero, will be available on June 30, 2025.
You can follow Andrew online at https://adiamond.me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 17, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Diamond, and Stolen Time Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
What at first seems to be an airline disaster thriller soon takes on a life of its own in Andrew Diamond’s latest novel. While waiting to board his flight back to DC, Freddy Ferguson notices another passenger in queue at Gate 76, a flight soon departing San Francisco for Honolulu. This passenger, a fairly attractive blonde, seems distraught and slips out of line at the last minute, rushing to board another plane. As Ferguson lands in DC, the news is full of reports of that Hawaii-bound flight, which blew up soon after takeoff and killed all those on board. Ferguson and the Private Investigation firm for which he works is soon hired by the airline to look into what might have happened. Even with a baggage handler in custody in San Francisco, something does not seem right, especially since Ferguson saw that woman acting oddly. Ruled one of the dead passengers, Ferguson knows this woman, Anna Brook, may hold the clue to better understanding what actually happened and who is to blame. Sifting through all the paperwork and following up on leads sees Ferguson chase down a tangential idea to the heart of Texas, where things take an interesting turn and leave him wondering if he can penetrate the layers of red tape put in place by the Feds. Might there be something more sinister than an act of terror? Ferguson may have bitten off more than he can chew with this case, as he battles his own personal demons from the past. Diamond offers readers an interesting thriller that evolves continuously. Recommended for those who like a little mystery with their high-paced thrillers.
This being my introduction to the world of Andrew Diamond, I was not sure how I would react. The dust jacket blurb had me hooked and the novel began well, developing not only the backstory of Freddy Ferguson’s rough life before becoming a PI, but also some of the more personal aspects to the man’s life that shaped him. Diamond creates a number of interesting characters that could, should he choose, be the foundation of an entire series. The uniqueness of some central characters mesh well and give the reader much to hold their attention, though I will admit that the story does develop in such a way that there are numerous individuals who emerge and whose storylines must be followed, causing a degree of confusion at some points. Working with a mix of short and longer chapters, Diamond pulls the reader into the middle of the story and develops the plot effectively, creating both the slow revelation and the cliffhanger moments in equal measure. I enjoyed Diamond’s varied nature when it came to presenting the narrative and the twists taken to get to the final outcome, leaving the reader to piece the entire case together over the span of the book. These twists keep things engaging and free from a predictable outcome. I’ll surely read another Andrew Diamond novel, given the chance to do so.
Kudos, Mr. Diamond, for this wonderful piece. I hope some of your other pieces are just as exciting and that you’ll consider bringing Freddy Ferguson back for more.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
What at first seems to be an airline disaster thriller soon takes on a life of its own in Andrew Diamond’s latest novel. While waiting to board his flight back to DC, Freddy Ferguson notices another passenger in queue at Gate 76, a flight soon departing San Francisco for Honolulu. This passenger, a fairly attractive blonde, seems distraught and slips out of line at the last minute, rushing to board another plane. As Ferguson lands in DC, the news is full of reports of that Hawaii-bound flight, which blew up soon after takeoff and killed all those on board. Ferguson and the Private Investigation firm for which he works is soon hired by the airline to look into what might have happened. Even with a baggage handler in custody in San Francisco, something does not seem right, especially since Ferguson saw that woman acting oddly. Ruled one of the dead passengers, Ferguson knows this woman, Anna Brook, may hold the clue to better understanding what actually happened and who is to blame. Sifting through all the paperwork and following up on leads sees Ferguson chase down a tangential idea to the heart of Texas, where things take an interesting turn and leave him wondering if he can penetrate the layers of red tape put in place by the Feds. Might there be something more sinister than an act of terror? Ferguson may have bitten off more than he can chew with this case, as he battles his own personal demons from the past. Diamond offers readers an interesting thriller that evolves continuously. Recommended for those who like a little mystery with their high-paced thrillers.
This being my introduction to the world of Andrew Diamond, I was not sure how I would react. The dust jacket blurb had me hooked and the novel began well, developing not only the backstory of Freddy Ferguson’s rough life before becoming a PI, but also some of the more personal aspects to the man’s life that shaped him. Diamond creates a number of interesting characters that could, should he choose, be the foundation of an entire series. The uniqueness of some central characters mesh well and give the reader much to hold their attention, though I will admit that the story does develop in such a way that there are numerous individuals who emerge and whose storylines must be followed, causing a degree of confusion at some points. Working with a mix of short and longer chapters, Diamond pulls the reader into the middle of the story and develops the plot effectively, creating both the slow revelation and the cliffhanger moments in equal measure. I enjoyed Diamond’s varied nature when it came to presenting the narrative and the twists taken to get to the final outcome, leaving the reader to piece the entire case together over the span of the book. These twists keep things engaging and free from a predictable outcome. I’ll surely read another Andrew Diamond novel, given the chance to do so.
Kudos, Mr. Diamond, for this wonderful piece. I hope some of your other pieces are just as exciting and that you’ll consider bringing Freddy Ferguson back for more.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 19, 2018
Gate 76 begins with Freddy Ferguson, a troubled detective, noticing a woman who seems distressed and uncomfortable, with a suspicious man, while at the airport. Freddy follows her and sees her get on a plane and then get off and get on another plane. Later that day, the first plane crashes, killing everybody on board. Freddy's agency works for the airlines so he and his coworkers began looking for clues to what happened to the plane and who caused it to blow up.
Freddy had an uncomfortable premonition that trouble surrounded this lady, even before the plane crashed. After the accident, he's on a mission to find out what she was doing and why she changed planes. He keeps his search secret from his employer and co-workers and comes into contact with a shady FBI agent. During all of this, Freddy is haunted by his past, memories of his cruel father and the death of his mother and his boxing career that was derailed by a crooked manager. Freddy is bitter and sad and trusts no one and these feelings surround his search for the mystery woman.
At first I was lost interest in the book when it was talking about Freddy's boxing past but that past is a big part of what makes Freddy who he is and leads him to react to others the way he does. His past with his parents color his outlook on life greatly and I began to appreciate how knowing his background helped me to have a better understanding of the choices he makes.
I enjoyed the book and wouldn't mind reading more about Freddy...I think his outlook on life may have changed by the end of the book and it'd be nice to read more about him. Thank you to Stolen Time Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
Freddy had an uncomfortable premonition that trouble surrounded this lady, even before the plane crashed. After the accident, he's on a mission to find out what she was doing and why she changed planes. He keeps his search secret from his employer and co-workers and comes into contact with a shady FBI agent. During all of this, Freddy is haunted by his past, memories of his cruel father and the death of his mother and his boxing career that was derailed by a crooked manager. Freddy is bitter and sad and trusts no one and these feelings surround his search for the mystery woman.
At first I was lost interest in the book when it was talking about Freddy's boxing past but that past is a big part of what makes Freddy who he is and leads him to react to others the way he does. His past with his parents color his outlook on life greatly and I began to appreciate how knowing his background helped me to have a better understanding of the choices he makes.
I enjoyed the book and wouldn't mind reading more about Freddy...I think his outlook on life may have changed by the end of the book and it'd be nice to read more about him. Thank you to Stolen Time Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 4, 2018
This book had elements of a good story but the final result just didn't do anything for me. It started off promising with a private detective noticing some suspicious behavior by a woman at an airport. She's listed as a passenger of a plane that explodes, killing everyone on board. Freddy Ferguson is determined to find the answers to the case that is captivating the nation.
Unfortunately, the best part of the book is the beginning and then it is all downhill from there. I started to lose interest once the story started flashing back to Freddy's boxing career. Normally, I am all for good character development but I just didn't care for the whole troubled and damaged story line. I became so bored with Freddy that it really took me out of the present story of finding out more about the female at the airport. In general I just wasn't a fan of the writing style and the book just wasn't for me.
Thank you to BookishFirst for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, the best part of the book is the beginning and then it is all downhill from there. I started to lose interest once the story started flashing back to Freddy's boxing career. Normally, I am all for good character development but I just didn't care for the whole troubled and damaged story line. I became so bored with Freddy that it really took me out of the present story of finding out more about the female at the airport. In general I just wasn't a fan of the writing style and the book just wasn't for me.
Thank you to BookishFirst for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
March 9, 2019
This was another impulse (cheap) buy that I found surprisingly good. Freddy Ferguson is a former boxer which a troubled past who now works as a PI with a reputable firm. On his way through San Francisco airport he notices an attractive woman behaving oddly in the queue for boarding a flight to Honolulu. With nothing better to do he keeps an eye on her and sees her dash away from the gate at the last minute and head towards a flight to Chicago.
Later he learns that the Hawaii flight exploded shortly after take-off killing everyone on board. The flight was full, every seat taken. But Freddy knows that's not quite right. His firm is tasked by the airline to assist in the investigation. Freddy is on the fringes but feels that the woman, Anna Brook, knows something about how or why that plane exploded and so begins the painstaking task of tracking her down and putting together a very different scenario to the official version. Along the way he gets himself into quite a lot of bother but his old boxing skills come in very handy. This was an engaging mystery with many thrilling elements. I will be looking for another Andrew Diamond book soon.
Later he learns that the Hawaii flight exploded shortly after take-off killing everyone on board. The flight was full, every seat taken. But Freddy knows that's not quite right. His firm is tasked by the airline to assist in the investigation. Freddy is on the fringes but feels that the woman, Anna Brook, knows something about how or why that plane exploded and so begins the painstaking task of tracking her down and putting together a very different scenario to the official version. Along the way he gets himself into quite a lot of bother but his old boxing skills come in very handy. This was an engaging mystery with many thrilling elements. I will be looking for another Andrew Diamond book soon.
May 7, 2018
When Freddy Ferguson witnesses a mysterious woman appear to board one flight, only to race toward another gate at the last minute, he had no idea she would become his gut-deep fixation. Why didn’t she board the plane she was escorted to? That plane that was blown out of the sky only minutes later. Was that fear or determination on her face? Does she know something that could yet get her killed?
As a private detective working for the airline, it’s his job to investigate the passenger manifest for possible suspects. The plane was full, they said. All passengers were accounted for, they said. No one survived, they said, but Freddy knows better and he is determined to find out who she was, what she was running from and where she went…
Hard-boiled mystery at its grittiest, GATE 76 by Andrew Diamond is the story of a man with a dark past, who knows that even justice cannot be trusted, but sometimes you need to work the angles and only then will the truth come out. Corrupt politicians, dirty cops and secrets uncovered add all the elements of a great suspense as we become wrapped up in the story of a man who cares, in spite of his past, or perhaps because of it.
High on detail and plot twists, the suspense ratchets high in this complex tale! If you like your heroes a little rough around the edges, hardened by life, yet still able to do the right thing at any cost and your villains hiding deep in the shadows of a labyrinth of deceit and crime, GATE 76 could be just what you're looking for.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Stolen time Press!
Publisher: Stolen Time Press (June 1, 2018)
Publication Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
As a private detective working for the airline, it’s his job to investigate the passenger manifest for possible suspects. The plane was full, they said. All passengers were accounted for, they said. No one survived, they said, but Freddy knows better and he is determined to find out who she was, what she was running from and where she went…
Hard-boiled mystery at its grittiest, GATE 76 by Andrew Diamond is the story of a man with a dark past, who knows that even justice cannot be trusted, but sometimes you need to work the angles and only then will the truth come out. Corrupt politicians, dirty cops and secrets uncovered add all the elements of a great suspense as we become wrapped up in the story of a man who cares, in spite of his past, or perhaps because of it.
High on detail and plot twists, the suspense ratchets high in this complex tale! If you like your heroes a little rough around the edges, hardened by life, yet still able to do the right thing at any cost and your villains hiding deep in the shadows of a labyrinth of deceit and crime, GATE 76 could be just what you're looking for.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Stolen time Press!
Publisher: Stolen Time Press (June 1, 2018)
Publication Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 20, 2018
Good book with an excellent beginning, lots of twists and unexpected ending.
Thanks to netgalley/author/publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to netgalley/author/publisher for the ARC.
March 25, 2018
How often do you feel that immediate interest/ attraction to a complete stranger? Do you go out of your way to assess the person’s state of mind, state of life, state of well being? A chance encounter at an airport leaves Private Investigator Freddy Ferguson wondering if there is something more to the mysterious, good looking woman. The one with multiple bruises on her arm. The one who gives the appearance to board a plane, then doesn’t. The one who just missed being blown to bits on the same plane she almost boarded. Too much coincidence and, when the airline hires his boss to look into the matter, Freddy finds himself on a mission to find this woman and understand why she changed her mind, her appearance and, quite literally, disappeared.
Andrew Diamond’s mystery/ suspense novel, “Gate 76”, is full of all the excitement and drama one would expect in a page-turning thriller. His main character, Freddy, has his own story, which unravels as the plot thickens. The woman he seeks has a complex tale of her own to share, one that will shatter both politics and the law. But will anyone believe her? That’s the big question that hangs over the mysterious woman as she struggles to come to terms with her precarious situation and wonders how much she can trust to Freddy. However, Freddy’s a good sleuth, among other things, and he manages to put the pieces together. This is an intense story with lots of unexpected twists and turns, contemporary in its use of the element of terrorism and corrupt politicians and law enforcers. A great read.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
Andrew Diamond’s mystery/ suspense novel, “Gate 76”, is full of all the excitement and drama one would expect in a page-turning thriller. His main character, Freddy, has his own story, which unravels as the plot thickens. The woman he seeks has a complex tale of her own to share, one that will shatter both politics and the law. But will anyone believe her? That’s the big question that hangs over the mysterious woman as she struggles to come to terms with her precarious situation and wonders how much she can trust to Freddy. However, Freddy’s a good sleuth, among other things, and he manages to put the pieces together. This is an intense story with lots of unexpected twists and turns, contemporary in its use of the element of terrorism and corrupt politicians and law enforcers. A great read.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
October 19, 2018
my rating 2.75 stars rounded up to 3
E-arc
Firstly, my thanks to Bookish.com, author Diamond, and the publisher for a pre-release e-copy of this novel to read for my honest and unbiased review.
This pulls the reader in at the gate, pun intended. This opens at San Francisco’s Int’l Airport, with passengers in a queue line. I won’t reiterate the main plot line as many have done so already, and the description by the publisher sums it up well for you.
Meeting complex and damaged character Freddy Ferguson was intriguing, but I found myself losing interest when his boxing background was brought in to the story, in the first few chapters. I admit I’m not a fan of the sport. His abusive background was vaguely explored but not developed well enough to draw me in to feeling strong empathy for him. Something was lacking here.
The investigation into the mystery woman who changed planes kept me reading but I found it bored me at times. The addition of several other characters muddled the story line for me and I found it was requiring more attention than I was willing to give.
The creativity of the author impressed me and I wish him well in future endeavors.
E-arc
Firstly, my thanks to Bookish.com, author Diamond, and the publisher for a pre-release e-copy of this novel to read for my honest and unbiased review.
This pulls the reader in at the gate, pun intended. This opens at San Francisco’s Int’l Airport, with passengers in a queue line. I won’t reiterate the main plot line as many have done so already, and the description by the publisher sums it up well for you.
Meeting complex and damaged character Freddy Ferguson was intriguing, but I found myself losing interest when his boxing background was brought in to the story, in the first few chapters. I admit I’m not a fan of the sport. His abusive background was vaguely explored but not developed well enough to draw me in to feeling strong empathy for him. Something was lacking here.
The investigation into the mystery woman who changed planes kept me reading but I found it bored me at times. The addition of several other characters muddled the story line for me and I found it was requiring more attention than I was willing to give.
The creativity of the author impressed me and I wish him well in future endeavors.
May 9, 2018
This story begins with a private investigator, Freddy Ferguson, observing an attractive woman being manhandled to board a flight to Hawaii. He watches as she manages to make a switch and board a flight to Chicago. He wonders about what he observed on his flight back home to Washington, D.C., and when he disembarks Freddy hears the news that the Hawaii flight has crashed into the sea with a full passenger list.
The next day, Freddy and his partner, Ed Hartwell, are engaged by the airline’s management to help investigate whether it is an accident or sabotage. A cell phone video shows an explosion in the plane’s midsection just before it plunges into the ocean. Hartwell, a former FBI agent, is tasked to San Francisco to monitor the FBI’s investigation while Freddy is assigned to dig into the backgrounds of the passengers, looking for terrorist connections or violent offenders with records.
While Freddy doesn’t bring his observations of the woman in the San Francisco airport to anyone’s attention he knows there is one passenger who was not on the plane and his “premonition” about her drives his need to find her and who she’s running from.
What unfolds as Freddy begins to track this woman, identified as Anna, is a compelling story of corruption and greed. Andrew Diamond develops characters that pull the reader into the story. A fine balance is struck between following the bombing investigation and discovering the details of Anna’s situation, both of which are subject to Freddy’s sharing pieces of his past. The writing style will remind readers of those “pulp” detective novels from the 50’s. This is a complex and richly conceived novel that deserves to be savored.
The next day, Freddy and his partner, Ed Hartwell, are engaged by the airline’s management to help investigate whether it is an accident or sabotage. A cell phone video shows an explosion in the plane’s midsection just before it plunges into the ocean. Hartwell, a former FBI agent, is tasked to San Francisco to monitor the FBI’s investigation while Freddy is assigned to dig into the backgrounds of the passengers, looking for terrorist connections or violent offenders with records.
While Freddy doesn’t bring his observations of the woman in the San Francisco airport to anyone’s attention he knows there is one passenger who was not on the plane and his “premonition” about her drives his need to find her and who she’s running from.
What unfolds as Freddy begins to track this woman, identified as Anna, is a compelling story of corruption and greed. Andrew Diamond develops characters that pull the reader into the story. A fine balance is struck between following the bombing investigation and discovering the details of Anna’s situation, both of which are subject to Freddy’s sharing pieces of his past. The writing style will remind readers of those “pulp” detective novels from the 50’s. This is a complex and richly conceived novel that deserves to be savored.
June 5, 2018
First off, I want to say that apparently this author is not well known. Yet. Well, I think readers are missing a very good book here. Now, on with my review.
Wow! What an adventure this book took me on. I absolutely loved the narration by Freddy about his life. He would make a statement about something in his past and then a few chapters later, he would explain what had happened to him.
The mystery woman shows up very early in the book, as in chapter 1 and then anything about her goes away. This caused some disappointment. However, the author kept me so interested in the other things that were going on that I quickly forgot about it. I realized why the author had hidden her for a while whenever she was brought back into the story. And, why I hadn't heard anything about her.
When she did reappear? Wow!! What a story. It was a surprise for the reader, as well as Freddy.
I could not believe all the layers and layers of the truth and how those crimes were committed. It was very original and an excellent read. I tore through this book wanting to know WTF?
Andrew Diamond is now officially one of the author's I will be looking for in the future.
Huge shout out to the character, Bethany. This woman has got it all going on and she doesn't take any crap. Loved her!!
Thanks to Stolen Time Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Wow! What an adventure this book took me on. I absolutely loved the narration by Freddy about his life. He would make a statement about something in his past and then a few chapters later, he would explain what had happened to him.
The mystery woman shows up very early in the book, as in chapter 1 and then anything about her goes away. This caused some disappointment. However, the author kept me so interested in the other things that were going on that I quickly forgot about it. I realized why the author had hidden her for a while whenever she was brought back into the story. And, why I hadn't heard anything about her.
When she did reappear? Wow!! What a story. It was a surprise for the reader, as well as Freddy.
I could not believe all the layers and layers of the truth and how those crimes were committed. It was very original and an excellent read. I tore through this book wanting to know WTF?
Andrew Diamond is now officially one of the author's I will be looking for in the future.
Huge shout out to the character, Bethany. This woman has got it all going on and she doesn't take any crap. Loved her!!
Thanks to Stolen Time Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 6, 2018
3.5 stars
Freddy Ferguson is a private investigator. While walking through the San Francisco airport, a blonde woman catches his attention as she is being escorted on to a flight to Hawaii. She doesn't look very pleased with her escort, maybe this is why she catches Freddy's attention. There are other people in the airport as well that seem to be watching her and her escort to see if they are doing what they should. After she boards the plane and her "handlers" clear the area, she gets off the Hawaii flight and gets on another bound for Chicago. Shortly after take off, the Hawaii flight explodes in the air. Did this woman know the plane was going to blow up? Where did she go and do the people who were looking after her know? Now working with the airline to try and find who did this, Freddy finds corruption in the highest of places. Will he be able to find out what is going on and find the girl?
Thank you to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
At first this book started out slow for me. I didn't like taking so much time flashing back to Freddy's life. I'm not sure how it tied in with his current situation. Over all the book was pretty good. I felt a very personal connection to the book with all the places mentioned in it in the Washington, D.C. area where I currently live and in Texas where I spent my college years driving all around the state.
Overall, the book was pretty good, redeeming itself towards the end, keeping me drawn in to find out what was going to happen in the end.
Freddy Ferguson is a private investigator. While walking through the San Francisco airport, a blonde woman catches his attention as she is being escorted on to a flight to Hawaii. She doesn't look very pleased with her escort, maybe this is why she catches Freddy's attention. There are other people in the airport as well that seem to be watching her and her escort to see if they are doing what they should. After she boards the plane and her "handlers" clear the area, she gets off the Hawaii flight and gets on another bound for Chicago. Shortly after take off, the Hawaii flight explodes in the air. Did this woman know the plane was going to blow up? Where did she go and do the people who were looking after her know? Now working with the airline to try and find who did this, Freddy finds corruption in the highest of places. Will he be able to find out what is going on and find the girl?
Thank you to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
At first this book started out slow for me. I didn't like taking so much time flashing back to Freddy's life. I'm not sure how it tied in with his current situation. Over all the book was pretty good. I felt a very personal connection to the book with all the places mentioned in it in the Washington, D.C. area where I currently live and in Texas where I spent my college years driving all around the state.
Overall, the book was pretty good, redeeming itself towards the end, keeping me drawn in to find out what was going to happen in the end.
April 2, 2018
After a very strong start, this book hopelessly morphs into a confusing story with way, way too many people in it for my liking. I've read a part on Saturday, and when I opened the book again on Sunday, I was completely lost and didn't know what it was all about, except for that very strong start.
So I'm very sorry to say but I gave up. Two starts because the story is there - somewhere.
So I'm very sorry to say but I gave up. Two starts because the story is there - somewhere.
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars
This book’s blurb claims that the MC believes the mysterious woman witnessed a crime that has captivated the nation.
That...is not at all the situation. I don’t mean that he believes it and is ultimately proven wrong; I mean the description itself is not what happens in the story, and I don’t know how it got past X number of people and into the summary.
Otherwise, this was just an alright book for me. The writing was pretty decent but the plot wobbled around a fair bit.
TW/CW for violence, fatphobia, sexism, mentions of rape, alcoholism, hard drug use, depictions of domestic abuse.
This book’s blurb claims that the MC believes the mysterious woman witnessed a crime that has captivated the nation.
That...is not at all the situation. I don’t mean that he believes it and is ultimately proven wrong; I mean the description itself is not what happens in the story, and I don’t know how it got past X number of people and into the summary.
Otherwise, this was just an alright book for me. The writing was pretty decent but the plot wobbled around a fair bit.
TW/CW for violence, fatphobia, sexism, mentions of rape, alcoholism, hard drug use, depictions of domestic abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
This was a procedural that was a solid 4.5 stars raised to 5. Our hero, a former professional boxer, is a DC private detective. He sees a woman at the San Francisco airport that he is convinced needs help. He sees her go through boarding for one plane and then leave after everyone is boarded and go to another plane. When he gets back to DC he learns that the first plane crashed, killing everyone on board shortly after takeoff. Their firm is hired by the airline to look into the crash and his partner goes to San Francisco while he stays in DC to do his part. His investigation leads to Texas, FBI agents who aren’t what they appear to be, politics, drugs and murder. It is well plotted and the kind of novel you, the reader, shouldn’t begin reading in the evening. Even the characters are charismatic enough to are you want to learn more about them. Thanks to Net Galley and Stolen Time Press for an ARC for an honest review.
April 22, 2018
On the cover we see an airplane in the sky.
It all starts when a mysterious woman takes the wrong plane to flee an unknown terror and she disappears. Detective Ferguson is investigating this disappearance by thinking that she has witnessed a crime. The more he goes forward in this investigation, the more he will discover many things about the past of this famous unknown.
A captivating story I liked the pen of the author, the script.
It all starts when a mysterious woman takes the wrong plane to flee an unknown terror and she disappears. Detective Ferguson is investigating this disappearance by thinking that she has witnessed a crime. The more he goes forward in this investigation, the more he will discover many things about the past of this famous unknown.
A captivating story I liked the pen of the author, the script.
April 26, 2018
Reading Gate 76 took me back in time to the novels of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. The hero of the novel is Freddy Ferguson, a former boxer turned private investigator. The story is told in the first person by Freddy starting with him going through security at SFO and noticing a woman who appears to be being strong-armed onto a flight by a sketchy character. Freddy is a guy who gets premonitions and something about this woman definitely raises his antennae, especially when he sees her get back off the flight, change her appearance in a ladies room, and board a different flight. When a disaster happens next and Freddy is part of the investigation team hired to discover the cause, he just knows that he has to pursue this mystery woman to solve the case.
Gate 76 is a good old-fashioned mystery and a terrific book. Andrew Diamond develops strong characters, and I would definitely read future novels featuring Freddy Ferguson. The book is tightly written and fast moving. I would highly recommend to all mystery lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for providing me an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Gate 76 is a good old-fashioned mystery and a terrific book. Andrew Diamond develops strong characters, and I would definitely read future novels featuring Freddy Ferguson. The book is tightly written and fast moving. I would highly recommend to all mystery lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for providing me an advance copy in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2018
“Gate 76” by Andrew Diamond is a modern thriller with a classic noir feel. Freddy Ferguson, A private detective with a dark and troubled past, notices a suspicious woman at San Francisco International airport. When the plane that lists her on the passenger manifest explodes, killing everyone on board, he resolves to find answers. The case mesmerizes the nation, and Freddy works to discover the truth. In the process, he uncovers corrupt politicians, dirty cops, and past secrets.
Diamond creates a complex tale with slow suspense, plot twists, and cliffhanger moments. The characters are numerous (almost too many) including the good, the not so good, and the ones who might be both.
I received a copy of “Gate 76” from Andrew Diamond, Stolen Time Press, and Net Galley. I recommend it for readers who want the old noir feel in a current setting. I am not usually a reader of noir, either classic or current, so it is hard for me to accurately rate a book of this genre, but I liked “Gate 76.” It has the elements of a good story, and the mixed chapter length gives readers needed breaks from the drama.
Diamond creates a complex tale with slow suspense, plot twists, and cliffhanger moments. The characters are numerous (almost too many) including the good, the not so good, and the ones who might be both.
I received a copy of “Gate 76” from Andrew Diamond, Stolen Time Press, and Net Galley. I recommend it for readers who want the old noir feel in a current setting. I am not usually a reader of noir, either classic or current, so it is hard for me to accurately rate a book of this genre, but I liked “Gate 76.” It has the elements of a good story, and the mixed chapter length gives readers needed breaks from the drama.
February 6, 2020
3.5 bumped up to 4 because i did like the story itself, i just found it very hard to like the MC. I wanted to because he tries to present himself as the nice dude with the bad past or whatever he just makes a lot of weird off hand comments? But the book was fine other than the like 2 chapters about how he doesn't usually look at boob but oh *her* boobs were just so great, he had to talk about then for TWO CHAPTERS?!
July 1, 2018
I received this book as a Good reads giveaway. First I would like to say thank you for allowing me to read and review the book. In exchange for that I will give a fair and just review. Although the book started off strongly, about a third thru the book, it began to drag for me. When I read a thriller or book of suspense, I really look for it to hook me quickly and not let me go. I kept putting this book down the longer I read because if just couldn't keep my interest. I know from reading other reviews many really loved the book, that's why the world goes round because what one person enjoys isn't always the case with someone else. I did finish this book just wasn't what I expected it to be,
July 14, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview Gate 76 by Andrew Diamond.
A woman is going on a plane and it looks suspious to a private investigator. The woman enters a ladies room and he notices that something is not right. The plane crashes and PI, Freddy Ferguson knows that something is wrong here and must investigate to find out what is behind this mysterious woman and the plane. What a page turner!
Great characters, action, and one I could not put down
Intriguing and on point. Rating 5 stars.
A woman is going on a plane and it looks suspious to a private investigator. The woman enters a ladies room and he notices that something is not right. The plane crashes and PI, Freddy Ferguson knows that something is wrong here and must investigate to find out what is behind this mysterious woman and the plane. What a page turner!
Great characters, action, and one I could not put down
Intriguing and on point. Rating 5 stars.
March 29, 2018
I had a difficult time getting through this one. What could have been suspenseful just wasn't. There was a lot of narrative that bogged everything down. And the characters weren't all that likeable. I found it hard to connect to Freddy. I had no interest in spending time with him, learning more about him, or finding out what made him tick. Found the story disappointing to say the least when I expected so much more.
May 5, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this publication in return for an unbiased review.
Gate 76 is a good old-fashioned crime mystery. Not a "light read" by any means. Very well written, it has strong multiple characters and a complex plot with lots of twists and turns, and demands ones full attention.
This one deserves a strong 5 stars.
Gate 76 is a good old-fashioned crime mystery. Not a "light read" by any means. Very well written, it has strong multiple characters and a complex plot with lots of twists and turns, and demands ones full attention.
This one deserves a strong 5 stars.
October 16, 2020
Honestly, all I can say is this book is a 5+ stars and absolutely the best book I have EVER read. Andrew Diamond has found his niche in life and this is his true calling. As we read Gate 76 we learn about Freddy Ferguson. A private Investigator who while boarding a plane noticed a very pretty blonde who was very nervous and pacing back and forth while in line to board a plane. She entered the plane and seconds latter she disembarked it and entered another plane. What was it about this woman who had fascinated Freddy. Soon after boarding his plane and landing at his destination, he learned that the initial plane the blonde had boarded, blew up killing all. Freddy was able to find out her name and that she was presumed dead on the flight. However, she was alive and well and keeping a secret. This book is well written with plenty of well organized characters. Told in a first person point of view, I was fully engulfed in this book and at the end before I really realized it. This author is a great story teller who has an imagination that allows the reader to feel as though they are apart of the story.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2018
This was an intriguing read. It started off at a fast pace, with Freddy observing a man and woman boarding a plane acting strangely. Freddy does undercover work and notices more than the average man. He also notices that the woman doesn’t board the plane as expected. Then the plane explodes in midair. Freddy winds up investigating the incident. This leads us to meeting a lot of unsavory characters. I liked this story and the intensness of the pace but didn’t care for the use of the Lord’s name in vain. Also, while I appreciated the backstory of Freddy’s boxing past, I felt like it was a little overdone. It helped to know he had done this as a career because it strengthened the character in regards to his occupation in the present but it was touched upon a little too much. However, this didn’t take away too much from the story. I would recommend this book. It would make a great movie.
July 23, 2018
Give me a book by a new to me author any day after reading this!! The cover plus the synopsis was what drew me in. I am so glad I read this book. One chapter in and I was hooked! In the first little bit of the book, we learned about Freddy Ferguson's rough life before becoming a Private Investigator and also some more important parts of his life, parts that helped shape him into the man he is. There are so many twists that keep the story interesting and engaging and most definitely free from a predictable ending. The way he wrote about his characters makes me think he might be working on a series, and if so, I can not wait!
Thanks to NetGalley, Andrew Diamond and Stolen Time Press for the chance to review this book!
Like the review? Read some of my others at http://calibookreviews.com
Thanks to NetGalley, Andrew Diamond and Stolen Time Press for the chance to review this book!
Like the review? Read some of my others at http://calibookreviews.com
October 19, 2018
This was pretty middle of the road. I wanted a story to suck me in and I didn’t want to have to think. Boom and boom, Gate 76 did the job. There were also a few funny parts where I actually found myself chuckling. Like here:
“I just don’t think anyone would be lucky enough to pick a name that happened to belong to a nurse, and then board a flight full of nurses. I know some people who have the opposite kind of luck. Like they call 911 because they were in a bike accident and then the ambulance runs them over.”
I can relate.
“I just don’t think anyone would be lucky enough to pick a name that happened to belong to a nurse, and then board a flight full of nurses. I know some people who have the opposite kind of luck. Like they call 911 because they were in a bike accident and then the ambulance runs them over.”
I can relate.
December 3, 2023
An interesting plot and characters diverging from Central Casting tropes (to a degree), and yet can't give it four stars, mostly because I haven't been convinced by the the protagonist (and narrator). For a former boxer, he's all too prone to go for grappling, exposing himself to unnecessary damage. His introspection has weird, arbitrary limits, too. Still, a diverting read. Make it 3.4 stars, if you will.
July 11, 2018
This was a good mystery/thriller type story, not stellar, but good. The writing flowed and the story took off right away. There was not a lot of slow paced areas, just straight up action from the get go. Enough that it kept you going. The only parts that were a little slower were the backstory parts but they were probably necessary for the story so I didn't mind it.
However, it just wasn't a book that kept me wanting to turn pages and keep reading way past my middle age bedtime. I found myself having to make myself pick up the book to finish it instead of looking forward to my nightly reading. So because of that I am giving it 3 stars, a good story but not anything super special.
Thank you to the publishers for my advance copy.
However, it just wasn't a book that kept me wanting to turn pages and keep reading way past my middle age bedtime. I found myself having to make myself pick up the book to finish it instead of looking forward to my nightly reading. So because of that I am giving it 3 stars, a good story but not anything super special.
Thank you to the publishers for my advance copy.
February 19, 2025
Very good thriller/mystery with an interesting, complex story. The character development for the major character was very well done. The antagonist’s character was thin. Also, a reader will need to develop a Dramatis Personae to keep track of the characters. Overall a great read and recommend.
December 2, 2018
This was an interesting book. I enjoyed the characters.
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