What do you think?
Rate this book
The Perfect 10
POLO IS NOT JUST THE GAME OF KINGS. IT’S A BLOOD SPORT IN THE PERFECT 10.
The final of the US Open is just days away, and Juancito Harrington, the world’s best polo player, is found dead in a posh Palm Beach hotel suite.
The good news is that Palm Beach P.D. quickly identifies the trophy wife of Juancito’s team owner as the primary suspect. The bad news is that everyone in polo knows that Kelly Dick doesn’t murder her lovers. She recycles them.
Only one man can crack the case: Rick Hunt, a West Point graduate currently assigned to the White House. Hunt is no detective, but he’s a lifelong polo player who needs no introduction to the world’s top pros. Or his ex-fiancée. Or her new boyfriend, an old teammate with a score to settle.
The final of the US Open is just days away, and Juancito Harrington, the world’s best polo player, is found dead in a posh Palm Beach hotel suite.
The good news is that Palm Beach P.D. quickly identifies the trophy wife of Juancito’s team owner as the primary suspect. The bad news is that everyone in polo knows that Kelly Dick doesn’t murder her lovers. She recycles them.
Only one man can crack the case: Rick Hunt, a West Point graduate currently assigned to the White House. Hunt is no detective, but he’s a lifelong polo player who needs no introduction to the world’s top pros. Or his ex-fiancée. Or her new boyfriend, an old teammate with a score to settle.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
24 people are currently reading
2851 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 14, 2021
The Perfect 10
by Eric O’Keefe brings mystery and murder to one of the oldest know team sports: polo. Just prior to the semi-finals of the US Open for Polo, Argentinian Juancito Harrington, the world’s best polo player is found dead in Palm Beach, Florida. This happens just before the US President’s state visit to Argentina. Hoping to ensure the murder is solved quickly, Captain Rick Hunt, assigned to the White House, is sent to assist the local police. While he isn’t a detective, he has played polo all of his life and knows the top professional players.
Rick is a likeable character, but he definitely had flaws as well. The other characters were not nearly as well-defined, but that didn’t detract from the flow of a great story line.
I went into this book not knowing much about polo, but over the course of the book I learned a lot without it being a download of information. The author did a great job of weaving the information into the story line including the life style of some top players and their sponsors.
The plot had some twists and turns, but I guessed who the murderer was. However, the author takes the book to an unexpected ending and that makes a great set-up for a second book. Will this book a series? I certainly hope so.
Overall, this is a well-written, fast-paced, and entertaining murder mystery that kept me entertained and engaged. There are some surprises along the way that keep the story interesting and alive. Don’t be fooled by the cover of this book which would lead one to believe that this is mainly a romance novel. It’s not. With all of the polo matches as well as the mystery, this book should appeal to both sports and mystery enthusiasts.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Rick is a likeable character, but he definitely had flaws as well. The other characters were not nearly as well-defined, but that didn’t detract from the flow of a great story line.
I went into this book not knowing much about polo, but over the course of the book I learned a lot without it being a download of information. The author did a great job of weaving the information into the story line including the life style of some top players and their sponsors.
The plot had some twists and turns, but I guessed who the murderer was. However, the author takes the book to an unexpected ending and that makes a great set-up for a second book. Will this book a series? I certainly hope so.
Overall, this is a well-written, fast-paced, and entertaining murder mystery that kept me entertained and engaged. There are some surprises along the way that keep the story interesting and alive. Don’t be fooled by the cover of this book which would lead one to believe that this is mainly a romance novel. It’s not. With all of the polo matches as well as the mystery, this book should appeal to both sports and mystery enthusiasts.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
January 25, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
The cover alone is good enough reason to buy this book. It's by Robert McGinnis, and is superb.
This is an odd book. It just doesn't seem be written in an American style. It's closer in style to a European novel of the last century. It's a lot like reading one of the translations from the old Malko series of the 1970's.
The polo background and the descriptions of the games make this stand out. They're very authentic and exciting.
I liked it, but definitely nothing resembling the Fawcett Gold Medal books the cover is implying.
The cover alone is good enough reason to buy this book. It's by Robert McGinnis, and is superb.
This is an odd book. It just doesn't seem be written in an American style. It's closer in style to a European novel of the last century. It's a lot like reading one of the translations from the old Malko series of the 1970's.
The polo background and the descriptions of the games make this stand out. They're very authentic and exciting.
I liked it, but definitely nothing resembling the Fawcett Gold Medal books the cover is implying.
January 7, 2021
Good thriller
Even though I did not know much about Polo, I feel as if I have a slight knowledge now. Polo is at the heart of this murder mystery. The story takes you into the heart of the Polo world and you are as fascinated by it as you are by the mystery. It is intriguing story. It was fast paced and interesting. A good read.
Even though I did not know much about Polo, I feel as if I have a slight knowledge now. Polo is at the heart of this murder mystery. The story takes you into the heart of the Polo world and you are as fascinated by it as you are by the mystery. It is intriguing story. It was fast paced and interesting. A good read.
December 25, 2023
2.5 stars
Relentlessly vintage, The Perfect 10 is clearly echoing the thriller formula from a bygone era, by authors such as Ian Fleming or Dick Francis, featuring a handsome, all-capable, womanizing male protagonist, female characters who are conventionally attractive, lusting over the said male lead, and all taking place in ritzy settings such as polo match, grand hotel, and private yacht.
If detailed play-by-play polo matches and white-collar crime interests you, The Perfect 10 is a commendable execution delivering it alongside a decent murder mystery. Objectively speaking, I do find the novel drags (it's absurdly large cast didn't help the matter), weighted down by disposable scenes irrelevant to the primary plot, and the last act closes on unsatisfying note, leaving some threads unresolved. On the other hand, with it being a 2020 release featuring a story sets in current time, I do find its plainly archaic world view slightly disconcerting, I'd wished The Perfect 10 is more self-aware regarding its dated references and the upper class bubble, rather than just being stuck in the mentality of the 70s.
Ultimately, I'm clearly not the target audience for The Perfect 10; the crime feels very 'rich people problem' and unsympathetic, and the characterization painfully old-school (I groan when every female character is written as a willing participant to the male lead's seduction). So perhaps take me rating with a grain of salt.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
Relentlessly vintage, The Perfect 10 is clearly echoing the thriller formula from a bygone era, by authors such as Ian Fleming or Dick Francis, featuring a handsome, all-capable, womanizing male protagonist, female characters who are conventionally attractive, lusting over the said male lead, and all taking place in ritzy settings such as polo match, grand hotel, and private yacht.
If detailed play-by-play polo matches and white-collar crime interests you, The Perfect 10 is a commendable execution delivering it alongside a decent murder mystery. Objectively speaking, I do find the novel drags (it's absurdly large cast didn't help the matter), weighted down by disposable scenes irrelevant to the primary plot, and the last act closes on unsatisfying note, leaving some threads unresolved. On the other hand, with it being a 2020 release featuring a story sets in current time, I do find its plainly archaic world view slightly disconcerting, I'd wished The Perfect 10 is more self-aware regarding its dated references and the upper class bubble, rather than just being stuck in the mentality of the 70s.
Ultimately, I'm clearly not the target audience for The Perfect 10; the crime feels very 'rich people problem' and unsympathetic, and the characterization painfully old-school (I groan when every female character is written as a willing participant to the male lead's seduction). So perhaps take me rating with a grain of salt.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
January 12, 2021
An exciting plot with entertaining characters and a sport under represented in the literary world this book had all the ingredients to make for a phenomenal read. However, as a reader it was hard to recover from the constant whiplashing of characters. Chapter breaks were short and each chapter thrashed readers from character to new character making it hard to get one's bearings on the purpose, background and nuances of each character presented, and there were a lot. The first few paragraphs of each chapter were spent trying to decipher which person was narrating the chapter, distracting the reader from fully immersing themselves in the chapter and first person narrative of said persona. The only foreseeable reason for introducing readers to so many characters so abruptly was that it allowed the author to skip the formalities of developing character background into the foundation of the book by instead just dropping readers into each actor's head. However, when done with 5+ characters it began to feel like a whirlwind.
Regardless, the protagonist, Captain Hunt, made for an enjoyable character, full of nuances and skills that continued to unfurl as the book progressed. Additionally, I will certainly never look at the sport of polo the same way, as I am now fascinated by the spectators, skill of the athletes and dangers of the chase.
Ultimately, "The Perfect 10" is an enjoyable, enticing and mysterious read. Introducing us to a likely new sport and many new and nuanced characters. I do hope for more adventures with Captain Hunt, but would like more of Hunt and less time in the heads of everyone else encountered.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Regardless, the protagonist, Captain Hunt, made for an enjoyable character, full of nuances and skills that continued to unfurl as the book progressed. Additionally, I will certainly never look at the sport of polo the same way, as I am now fascinated by the spectators, skill of the athletes and dangers of the chase.
Ultimately, "The Perfect 10" is an enjoyable, enticing and mysterious read. Introducing us to a likely new sport and many new and nuanced characters. I do hope for more adventures with Captain Hunt, but would like more of Hunt and less time in the heads of everyone else encountered.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2021
The Perfect 10 takes the reader into the lush world of Palm Beach and gives us a peak at the scandalous residents that reside there. Eric O'Keeffe gives the reader a front seat to the world of polo as it runs in Palm Beach.
What should bed a typical polo season is interrupted by the death of one of the game's Perfect 10 (a reference to their handicap). Playboy Juancito Harrington is killed at a plush resort. The case seems open and shut but Rick Hunt, member of the Department of Defense and friends to the president, thinks there is much more to the case. He must figure out who killed of the polo player before both the Presidential visits to Argentina and the US Open in Florida.
You have to enjoy Polo to actually enjoy this book. This book doesn't use polo as a background or setting. Instead polo is more the focus than the actual murder. There are several matches including our superhero hero was a brilliant player, detective, solider, etc. I wasn't fond of Rick Hunt and his . perfection and grandioseness. Combine this with a sport I don't care about, I wasn't enraged with the story or the characters.
Also, the book is written in really short chapters. Readers have no time to really meet the characters and have a chance to look at the crime and try to figure out themselves. I had trouble keeping up with who was who and their motives. I felt lost and skimmed many paragraphs trying to wade the extraneous sections trying to stay connected to the main story.
I did enjoy the art and nostalgia of the covers and sketches included. Famous artist Robert Edward McGinnis know for his book covers and movie posters for movie like James Bond drew the cover and provides other sketches. I enjoyed seeing the basic drawing and them seeing what the final result was: a cover of sex and nostalgia.
The book is ambitious. But it's no perfect ten, in fact I give a lackluster three star wishing I could just straight up say two stars. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone but polo players and fans of the spots.
I receveied an ARC from the Publisher. All opinions are my own
What should bed a typical polo season is interrupted by the death of one of the game's Perfect 10 (a reference to their handicap). Playboy Juancito Harrington is killed at a plush resort. The case seems open and shut but Rick Hunt, member of the Department of Defense and friends to the president, thinks there is much more to the case. He must figure out who killed of the polo player before both the Presidential visits to Argentina and the US Open in Florida.
You have to enjoy Polo to actually enjoy this book. This book doesn't use polo as a background or setting. Instead polo is more the focus than the actual murder. There are several matches including our superhero hero was a brilliant player, detective, solider, etc. I wasn't fond of Rick Hunt and his . perfection and grandioseness. Combine this with a sport I don't care about, I wasn't enraged with the story or the characters.
Also, the book is written in really short chapters. Readers have no time to really meet the characters and have a chance to look at the crime and try to figure out themselves. I had trouble keeping up with who was who and their motives. I felt lost and skimmed many paragraphs trying to wade the extraneous sections trying to stay connected to the main story.
I did enjoy the art and nostalgia of the covers and sketches included. Famous artist Robert Edward McGinnis know for his book covers and movie posters for movie like James Bond drew the cover and provides other sketches. I enjoyed seeing the basic drawing and them seeing what the final result was: a cover of sex and nostalgia.
The book is ambitious. But it's no perfect ten, in fact I give a lackluster three star wishing I could just straight up say two stars. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone but polo players and fans of the spots.
I receveied an ARC from the Publisher. All opinions are my own
January 11, 2021
Rick Hunt is pulled from duty in Argentina to investigate the murder of Juancito- one of the worlds most renowned polo players - and playboys. As Hunt circumnavigates the events surrounding Jauncito’s death, he gets pulled back into the world of Polo, and winds up in the US open against some of the most prominent players in the world.
As someone who knows absolutely nothing about polo, the author did a great job at interpreting the rules and lingo in a way that didn’t leave me confused or lost. One of the supporting characters, Agent Cortes, is also clueless about polo and needs to get caught up right away! So I appreciated this integration Into the story line! Overall, this was a good murder mystery that balanced some suspense and entertainment. There were a few times I felt that the story line went off in directions that didn’t quite wrap up, but overall the main plot kept me reading til the end.
Thank you to the author and Greenleaf Book Group for a review copy.
As someone who knows absolutely nothing about polo, the author did a great job at interpreting the rules and lingo in a way that didn’t leave me confused or lost. One of the supporting characters, Agent Cortes, is also clueless about polo and needs to get caught up right away! So I appreciated this integration Into the story line! Overall, this was a good murder mystery that balanced some suspense and entertainment. There were a few times I felt that the story line went off in directions that didn’t quite wrap up, but overall the main plot kept me reading til the end.
Thank you to the author and Greenleaf Book Group for a review copy.
December 24, 2020
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and Eric O'Keefe for the opportunity to read The Perfect 10.
Okay before you bail because of the cover, remember the good old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover." When I saw this cover, I was like...what the heck is this? While the artwork is nice and it definitely ties in to a huge aspect of the novel, it doesn't really sit right with the main audience this book is geared toward. I think a polo player riding on a horse as the featured image with a nice gun and blood splatter in the corner would be a nice cover for this murder mystery novel. Just saying.
This book is about the murder of the world's most famous polo player, Juan Harrington. Rick Hunt, a once-polo-player now White House captain is sent to Palm Beach to address the case and find the murderer. The Palm Beach Police Department just wants to get the case closed as soon as possible, despite the fact that the evidence isn't all accounted for. Hunt wants to find the culprit and do justice to the beloved Juancito.
In the meantime, the U.S. Open for polo is taking place in Palm Beach at the same time as the investigation (as that is when all the major polo players are conveniently collected in one place). When polo player (and senator) King Kennedy breaks his thumb during a match, he asks Hunt to play in his place.
This book is full of polo matches, making it reminiscent of a sports novel as well as a mystery. The polo aspect was rather interesting and added a whole extra element to the novel that a lot of mystery novels do not have. The writing feels just as eloquent as the game of kings, and it was a quick read. The chapters are nice and short and jump around to different scenes that are happening simultaneously or used to explain something that happened moments before a just-read chapter. Unfortunately, I had a major guess of who the murderer was the whole time and I was right. The hints were woven in so subtly, but they were there. Still, this was a fun mystery and I know a few people that would really enjoy reading this book.
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for the amazing goody box you sent with this book as well! It came with a magnet, stickers, a bookmark, and an actual polo ball. That's above and beyond!
Okay before you bail because of the cover, remember the good old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover." When I saw this cover, I was like...what the heck is this? While the artwork is nice and it definitely ties in to a huge aspect of the novel, it doesn't really sit right with the main audience this book is geared toward. I think a polo player riding on a horse as the featured image with a nice gun and blood splatter in the corner would be a nice cover for this murder mystery novel. Just saying.
This book is about the murder of the world's most famous polo player, Juan Harrington. Rick Hunt, a once-polo-player now White House captain is sent to Palm Beach to address the case and find the murderer. The Palm Beach Police Department just wants to get the case closed as soon as possible, despite the fact that the evidence isn't all accounted for. Hunt wants to find the culprit and do justice to the beloved Juancito.
In the meantime, the U.S. Open for polo is taking place in Palm Beach at the same time as the investigation (as that is when all the major polo players are conveniently collected in one place). When polo player (and senator) King Kennedy breaks his thumb during a match, he asks Hunt to play in his place.
This book is full of polo matches, making it reminiscent of a sports novel as well as a mystery. The polo aspect was rather interesting and added a whole extra element to the novel that a lot of mystery novels do not have. The writing feels just as eloquent as the game of kings, and it was a quick read. The chapters are nice and short and jump around to different scenes that are happening simultaneously or used to explain something that happened moments before a just-read chapter. Unfortunately, I had a major guess of who the murderer was the whole time and I was right. The hints were woven in so subtly, but they were there. Still, this was a fun mystery and I know a few people that would really enjoy reading this book.
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for the amazing goody box you sent with this book as well! It came with a magnet, stickers, a bookmark, and an actual polo ball. That's above and beyond!
February 22, 2021
Did not finish. Looking for a light read after the last few books. Only made 50 pages. Who reads this kind of garbage? There was not a single enjoyable or relatable character. Everyone is rich and amazing and beautiful and smart and so fancy. Yuck. Words can't describe how over the top pretentious every character is. Complete trash and not even readable trash (like Tucker Max)...just completely terrible.
December 30, 2020
Juan Harrington is a famous Argentinian polo player. He always looks forward to playing polo in Palm Beach. On a Tuesday morning he checks into his favorite hotel, Brazilian Court. Later that afternoon, a maid making her rounds finds Juan dead in his bedroom. Enjoyable and compelling read. Would recommend.
Thank you to Eric O’Keefe, NetGalley, and River Grove Books for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to Eric O’Keefe, NetGalley, and River Grove Books for the ARC of this book.
December 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. At the time I requested to be a reviewer of this book, I wasn't able to see the cover of the book or I would have never requested it. The storyline sounds innocent enough but when the book came and I saw the drawing on the cover, I realized this would not be a book that I would enjoy. Not only was the offensive drawing on the cover but also several on the back cover and there are several pages of drawings in the back of the book itself. After seeing these drawings I made the decision not to read the book. So my review is based solely on the visual aspect of the cover.
February 22, 2022
O'Keefe kept me captivated from the first page. We're thrown into the lavish, luxurious lifestyle of the sport of the kings as we follow the protagonist, Richard Hunt, through his assignment to solve the murder of an all-star Argentinian polo player, Juancito Harrington. O'Keefe's eloquent descriptions, dynamic plot, cunning characters, and dramatic ending warranted a five star review in my opinion.
As a writer, I can appreciate an author's superb sense of style and syntax. O'Keefe did not disappoint. I'm not normally drawn to murder mystery books, but I would recommend this to anyone looking for an entertaining read about polo: the sport of the kings.
As a writer, I can appreciate an author's superb sense of style and syntax. O'Keefe did not disappoint. I'm not normally drawn to murder mystery books, but I would recommend this to anyone looking for an entertaining read about polo: the sport of the kings.
February 8, 2021
I find it fascinating that so many of the reviews surrounding this book are focused on the cover and not the sorry... I too found the cover to be a surprise and not at all relevant to the story contained between its covers. That being said, McGinnis is amazing and his art is very cool - I'm just not sure that it was a great fit for this particular book.
As murder mysteries go, I found this one to be slower than I like - I suspect it's due to the extensive polo descriptions, as well as the focus on brands and lifestyle. It's a category of book I don't normally pick up - I know a lot of people enjoy reading about the High Life, so name-dropping is no big deal, but it's never really been the way to my heart. That tends to be view a well-plotted, well-paced mystery with great characterization. Unfortunately I felt this one lacking in those areas...
For me the biggest issues were pacing and the lack of a chance to truly get into the heads of the characters. There was so much happening that I just didn't get the connection with the characters that I was hoping for because things were constantly moving around from place to place and person to person... Like a lot of other readers, I found the short chapters and multiple points of view distracting rather than engaging. The writing is engaging and the style is very easy, but on the whole it just wasn't a great fit for me. It's a nice peek into a very different world than my own, but confirmed for me that I'm glad I live in my world and not this one!
The book did come with one of the most amazing press kits I've seen in a really long time though! It arrived in a printed box with the book and a custom polo ball and bookmarks and stickers with the distinctive McGinnis look, in a way that was very clever and definitely caught my eye and attention before I even started reading the book. So definitely kudos for the clever angle here!
Thank you very much to the publisher and author for my obligation free review copy - and the super cool polo ball! I can say with authority that I'm the only person I know who owns one... :-)
As murder mysteries go, I found this one to be slower than I like - I suspect it's due to the extensive polo descriptions, as well as the focus on brands and lifestyle. It's a category of book I don't normally pick up - I know a lot of people enjoy reading about the High Life, so name-dropping is no big deal, but it's never really been the way to my heart. That tends to be view a well-plotted, well-paced mystery with great characterization. Unfortunately I felt this one lacking in those areas...
For me the biggest issues were pacing and the lack of a chance to truly get into the heads of the characters. There was so much happening that I just didn't get the connection with the characters that I was hoping for because things were constantly moving around from place to place and person to person... Like a lot of other readers, I found the short chapters and multiple points of view distracting rather than engaging. The writing is engaging and the style is very easy, but on the whole it just wasn't a great fit for me. It's a nice peek into a very different world than my own, but confirmed for me that I'm glad I live in my world and not this one!
The book did come with one of the most amazing press kits I've seen in a really long time though! It arrived in a printed box with the book and a custom polo ball and bookmarks and stickers with the distinctive McGinnis look, in a way that was very clever and definitely caught my eye and attention before I even started reading the book. So definitely kudos for the clever angle here!
Thank you very much to the publisher and author for my obligation free review copy - and the super cool polo ball! I can say with authority that I'm the only person I know who owns one... :-)
Want to read
December 13, 2020Giveaway Win!
March 14, 2021
This is the first fiction effort by Texan journalist Eric O'Keefe. It's set in the rarified atmosphere of elite polo, and its cast is pulled from the world's rich and politically connected. It's crime plot is triggered by the murder of a world renowned Argentinian polo player who is found in a Florida hotel room dead from a gun shot. With the President of the United States heading to Argentina the following month, there is pressure on multiple agencies to solve the crime, which has the earmarks of being an international incident.
To this end, the White House calls in Captain Rick Hunt, of the US Army. Not just a military man, but a former high flying polo player and favourite of a powerful senator. Rick Hunt teams up with Secret Service Agent Cris Cortez and together they seek to infiltrate the secrets and lies of the polo-loving, champagne swilling, rich and privleged set, a journey that includes polo playing, hob-nobbing on million-dollar yachts, visits to the White House and swanning around in chinos and chiffon.
Rick Hunt is clearly modelled after James Bond; he's handsome, rich, knows all the moves, and always comes out on top. Men want to be him, women want to bed him. The connection to James Bond is also suggested by the book's cover art by Robert McGinnis, who did a number of movie posters for Bond films, as well as cover art for 50s westerns, crime novels, thrillers and murder mysteries. (Check out the end of the novel for a number of draft illustrations that were done for the cover).
Needless to say, this novel does not offer deep characterisations - characters are drawn with the same supercificality represented by the characters themselves. However, the novel is fun, the characters still engaging, dialogue is snappy and the action is well paced. The resolution was also not predicatable - at least to me O'Keefe is an accomplished writer and the story has verve enough to warrant marking this as one to read.
To this end, the White House calls in Captain Rick Hunt, of the US Army. Not just a military man, but a former high flying polo player and favourite of a powerful senator. Rick Hunt teams up with Secret Service Agent Cris Cortez and together they seek to infiltrate the secrets and lies of the polo-loving, champagne swilling, rich and privleged set, a journey that includes polo playing, hob-nobbing on million-dollar yachts, visits to the White House and swanning around in chinos and chiffon.
Rick Hunt is clearly modelled after James Bond; he's handsome, rich, knows all the moves, and always comes out on top. Men want to be him, women want to bed him. The connection to James Bond is also suggested by the book's cover art by Robert McGinnis, who did a number of movie posters for Bond films, as well as cover art for 50s westerns, crime novels, thrillers and murder mysteries. (Check out the end of the novel for a number of draft illustrations that were done for the cover).
Needless to say, this novel does not offer deep characterisations - characters are drawn with the same supercificality represented by the characters themselves. However, the novel is fun, the characters still engaging, dialogue is snappy and the action is well paced. The resolution was also not predicatable - at least to me O'Keefe is an accomplished writer and the story has verve enough to warrant marking this as one to read.
January 15, 2021
One of the world’s most famous polo players, Juancito, is murdered days before a huge tournament. Local law enforcement thinks to case is cut and dry, arresting the woman Juancito is having an affair with. But in comes Capt Rick Hunt, US Army stationed at the White House. Hunt grew up in the polo world, playing on the Army team for years. He’s asked to consult on the case because of his familiarity with polo and the community surrounding it. It becomes evident quickly to Hunt that Juancito’s lover wasn’t his murderer. The story bounces between Hunt, the husband of the arrested lover and a gossip magazine journalist. As for being a murder mystery, it is less that than the story of an Army captain in the middle of a major polo tournament.
The story jumps around to multiple different characters very quickly. Easy to keep them straight but there’s not a whole lot of detail. Just he did this, he did that. Very obvious the author is a journalist in writing style - no frills, just the facts. Made for a very quick read.
I have seen several other readers commenting on the cover of the book. It is quite scandalous though there wasn’t a whole lot of what was implied by the cover in the actual book.
My opinion of the book - meh. Some of the bits about polo were interesting but as I said before, for a murder mystery there wasn’t much investigating going on. Could be more enjoyable for someone that’s interested in the high maintenance society surround polo but wasn’t for me.
Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group for sending me the book!
The story jumps around to multiple different characters very quickly. Easy to keep them straight but there’s not a whole lot of detail. Just he did this, he did that. Very obvious the author is a journalist in writing style - no frills, just the facts. Made for a very quick read.
I have seen several other readers commenting on the cover of the book. It is quite scandalous though there wasn’t a whole lot of what was implied by the cover in the actual book.
My opinion of the book - meh. Some of the bits about polo were interesting but as I said before, for a murder mystery there wasn’t much investigating going on. Could be more enjoyable for someone that’s interested in the high maintenance society surround polo but wasn’t for me.
Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group for sending me the book!
May 7, 2021
I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway. The story starts off with the murder of a famous Argentinian polo player, who is also legendary for his affairs. We soon discover that he was last seen with his polo team's owner's wife. Rick Hunt, an Army captain currently assigned to the White House, is soon called in to help the Palm Beach police force. Rick Hunt is a former polo player so knows the cast of characters.
The chapters typically comprise of a short scene, and this makes the story feel quick paced. Chapters end strong with something to pique the readers' interest. Typically each chapter switches to another character, and at the beginning, I found it a bit difficult to figure out who was who, especially with the polo players. The author obviously knows a lot about polo as details of various practices and games were set out. I live in Palm Beach County so recognized the street names and some places.
There is one "killer" identified up front. Throughout the book, there is no delving into other possible murderers, their motives, or clues -- a trademark of a mystery book. Halfway through the story, there were more motives to kill Rick Hunt than the actual victim. Around 85% of the way through the story, Hunt thinks that he should really explore who actually killed the polo player. You don't say! As a result, I never became particularly vested in the story. The killer was revealed at the end, but it felt anticlimactic. Usually I am reading until late at night to find out whodunnit, but I could have put this book down at any point.
The chapters typically comprise of a short scene, and this makes the story feel quick paced. Chapters end strong with something to pique the readers' interest. Typically each chapter switches to another character, and at the beginning, I found it a bit difficult to figure out who was who, especially with the polo players. The author obviously knows a lot about polo as details of various practices and games were set out. I live in Palm Beach County so recognized the street names and some places.
There is one "killer" identified up front. Throughout the book, there is no delving into other possible murderers, their motives, or clues -- a trademark of a mystery book. Halfway through the story, there were more motives to kill Rick Hunt than the actual victim. Around 85% of the way through the story, Hunt thinks that he should really explore who actually killed the polo player. You don't say! As a result, I never became particularly vested in the story. The killer was revealed at the end, but it felt anticlimactic. Usually I am reading until late at night to find out whodunnit, but I could have put this book down at any point.
July 20, 2023
I won this book from Goodreads.
Rick Hunter is our main character, tasked with solving a high profile murder of a well known polo player. I found this book was enjoyable and did a good job of explaining polo and the world around it. The mystery does get solved, but ended on a cliffhanger. If there are ever more books in this series, I would love to read them.
Rick Hunter is our main character, tasked with solving a high profile murder of a well known polo player. I found this book was enjoyable and did a good job of explaining polo and the world around it. The mystery does get solved, but ended on a cliffhanger. If there are ever more books in this series, I would love to read them.
January 29, 2021
As I've done with my other books based in Florida, I did one of my Swampy's Florida podcasts:
https://anchor.fm/swampysflorida/epis...
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of 10 points.
https://anchor.fm/swampysflorida/epis...
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of 10 points.
December 29, 2020
The book was alright but I wish the cover was a little bit less lowbrow
December 8, 2020
🌴🌴🌴
•Okay so this book right here was IT! I read it really fast and the more I was nearing to the climax, the harder it was to keep this (e)book down. I read till 4 in the morning and I only do this if a book is really really interesting.
•It covered a lot of subjects-be it the game of kings itself, Palm beach, the White House, the US Secret Service, the media etc. and different POVs as well. The most amazing thing was that none of it creates a distraction from the main plot and makes the story more intriguing and complex( which I really liked!).
•Totally loved the main characters and how clever they were.
•This was the first work of fiction by Eric O'Keefe who is an author and screenplay writer as well and has an extensive knowledge about polo as well as the US media.
•Also the 70's style amazing artwork ( my half-assed photography doesn't do justice to it imsorry! ) on the cover is by Robert McGinnis who is known for his posters for classics such as Breakfast At Tiffany's, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, and many more.
🌴🌴🌴
This book was so much more than I imagined it would be. There was a murder and mystery around it ofcourse, but other than that it was centered around a sport so amazing ( which I almost knew nothing about, I thank God for this book), with a hint of romance as well. What more can you ask for?! This book releases today itself.
I would wholeheartedly give this a 5/5 ⭐ rating.
I will recommend this a 100%.
Keep reading 😊
•Okay so this book right here was IT! I read it really fast and the more I was nearing to the climax, the harder it was to keep this (e)book down. I read till 4 in the morning and I only do this if a book is really really interesting.
•It covered a lot of subjects-be it the game of kings itself, Palm beach, the White House, the US Secret Service, the media etc. and different POVs as well. The most amazing thing was that none of it creates a distraction from the main plot and makes the story more intriguing and complex( which I really liked!).
•Totally loved the main characters and how clever they were.
•This was the first work of fiction by Eric O'Keefe who is an author and screenplay writer as well and has an extensive knowledge about polo as well as the US media.
•Also the 70's style amazing artwork ( my half-assed photography doesn't do justice to it imsorry! ) on the cover is by Robert McGinnis who is known for his posters for classics such as Breakfast At Tiffany's, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, and many more.
🌴🌴🌴
This book was so much more than I imagined it would be. There was a murder and mystery around it ofcourse, but other than that it was centered around a sport so amazing ( which I almost knew nothing about, I thank God for this book), with a hint of romance as well. What more can you ask for?! This book releases today itself.
I would wholeheartedly give this a 5/5 ⭐ rating.
I will recommend this a 100%.
Keep reading 😊
January 8, 2021
Polo can be a dangerous sport, but what happens off the field can be deadly. In the days before the final of the US Open, the world's best polo player, Juancito Harrington, is found dead in a Palm Beach hotel. Although the Palm Beach Police Department has a suspect in mind, those in the know are certain that the authorities have it wrong. Enter Rick Hunt: a military aide in the White House who has experience on the polo field and can legitimately be the eyes and ears for the government. The problem is, will Hunt's investigation place a target on his back?
As someone who knew nothing about polo before reading the Perfect Ten, the author did a good job of explaining the ins and outs of the world of polo. I liked the premise, but the plot itself convoluted and confusing at times. I wanted to like Rick Hunt, but I really never felt a connection to his character. Overall, the twists and turns of the plot felt more like a smokescreen with the obvious suspect out in the open the whole time. The Perfect Ten was a bit of a disappointing read for me, as I have read many mystery novels that hit all of their marks. Those with an interest in glamorous world of polo may like the novel for its rich explanations, but The Perfect Ten was a missed opportunity for me.
Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity, via the publisher, to read The Perfect Ten. The choice to review this book was my own.
As someone who knew nothing about polo before reading the Perfect Ten, the author did a good job of explaining the ins and outs of the world of polo. I liked the premise, but the plot itself convoluted and confusing at times. I wanted to like Rick Hunt, but I really never felt a connection to his character. Overall, the twists and turns of the plot felt more like a smokescreen with the obvious suspect out in the open the whole time. The Perfect Ten was a bit of a disappointing read for me, as I have read many mystery novels that hit all of their marks. Those with an interest in glamorous world of polo may like the novel for its rich explanations, but The Perfect Ten was a missed opportunity for me.
Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity, via the publisher, to read The Perfect Ten. The choice to review this book was my own.
January 23, 2021
I don't know about you, but I often choose a book to read based on its cover. That is the case with this book by Eric O'Keefe. I liked the 1960's retro look and the promise of a book set in Palm Beach, Florida. Flurries may be swirling outside my window, but when I open this book I'm transported to palm trees and polo ponies. A perfect escape for late January.
Going into this book I didn't know anything about polo outside vintage Ralph Lauren commercials. Now I have a better understanding of the game and now realize that it has a global fandom. This book is a fast-paced mystery in the style of James Patterson. This book has multiple POV characters and it takes a little while before you, the reader, understand how the different characters fit into the central mystery of who killed Juan Harrington and why. It's like an out of focus picture that slowly becomes sharp.
As the field of suspects narrows, I had a pretty good idea of motive but I wasn't sure who was the killer before it was revealed. If you like reading thrillers and you enjoy sports, add this book to your TBR pile, and get ready for the high stakes world of the Sport of Kings.
I got a copy of this book via #NetGalley and the opinions are mine. #ThePerfect10 #NetGalley
Going into this book I didn't know anything about polo outside vintage Ralph Lauren commercials. Now I have a better understanding of the game and now realize that it has a global fandom. This book is a fast-paced mystery in the style of James Patterson. This book has multiple POV characters and it takes a little while before you, the reader, understand how the different characters fit into the central mystery of who killed Juan Harrington and why. It's like an out of focus picture that slowly becomes sharp.
As the field of suspects narrows, I had a pretty good idea of motive but I wasn't sure who was the killer before it was revealed. If you like reading thrillers and you enjoy sports, add this book to your TBR pile, and get ready for the high stakes world of the Sport of Kings.
I got a copy of this book via #NetGalley and the opinions are mine. #ThePerfect10 #NetGalley
January 24, 2021
Captain Richard Hunt is a member of a polo playing family. He had a chance at a polo career for himself, but decided his talents lay in other directions. He did not want to be a journeyman polo player when he could be an excellent Army officer, assigned to the White House. When a champion polo player from Argentina, Juan (Juancito) Harrington, is killed in Palm Beach, Hunt is assigned by people in Washington SC to find the killer.
We spend an incredible amount of time on polo in this book. Most of the detecting is done by a police detective and a tabloid newshound. Hunt does figure out who the killer is (I'm not telling) by stumbling on his motive. He is helped by a Secret Service agent, Cristina Cortes, and her list of specialized crime fighters. Because he'd rather not get in the papers as the man who found Juancito's killer, Hunt gave the information to the police detective.
I liked the polo information. I knew it was a fast paced game, but I never understood the role the horses played in it. You have to have a horse who wants to play polo to be a success at the game. I enjoyed the book.
I received the copy of the book I read for this review from the publisher, River Grove Books. #ThePerfect10
We spend an incredible amount of time on polo in this book. Most of the detecting is done by a police detective and a tabloid newshound. Hunt does figure out who the killer is (I'm not telling) by stumbling on his motive. He is helped by a Secret Service agent, Cristina Cortes, and her list of specialized crime fighters. Because he'd rather not get in the papers as the man who found Juancito's killer, Hunt gave the information to the police detective.
I liked the polo information. I knew it was a fast paced game, but I never understood the role the horses played in it. You have to have a horse who wants to play polo to be a success at the game. I enjoyed the book.
I received the copy of the book I read for this review from the publisher, River Grove Books. #ThePerfect10
January 8, 2021
I was contacted by the Greenleaf Book Group with an offer to receive a copy of this book to review. I am a mystery fan who is always looking for new authors to read so I was excited to receive this. When the book arrived I was put off by the cover but I was able to quickly get into this story.
The murder of Juancito Harrington, a world class polo player and playboy, takes place in the opening pages of the book. The police quickly zero in on the wife of the polo team’s owner in an effort to quickly close the case. Rick Hunt, an army captain attached to the White House, is called in to investigate. Juanito was a hero to the people of Argentina and the President is preparing for a visit to the country. While Hunt has no experience with murder investigations, he has competed in the sport and is familiar with the people involved. Even though the police are satisfied that they have the killer, Hunt also views Juancito’s brother Cesare with suspicion.
Eric O’Keefe sets his book among the rich in Palm Beach. His chapters are short and the story moves quickly. There are several satisfying twists, making this a book that will satisfy mystery fans.
The murder of Juancito Harrington, a world class polo player and playboy, takes place in the opening pages of the book. The police quickly zero in on the wife of the polo team’s owner in an effort to quickly close the case. Rick Hunt, an army captain attached to the White House, is called in to investigate. Juanito was a hero to the people of Argentina and the President is preparing for a visit to the country. While Hunt has no experience with murder investigations, he has competed in the sport and is familiar with the people involved. Even though the police are satisfied that they have the killer, Hunt also views Juancito’s brother Cesare with suspicion.
Eric O’Keefe sets his book among the rich in Palm Beach. His chapters are short and the story moves quickly. There are several satisfying twists, making this a book that will satisfy mystery fans.
January 9, 2021
The perfect ten is a complex mystery with a contrasting cast of characters that seem to dominate the polo world. The deceased Juan Harrington is famous polo player from Argentina who is murdered on U. S. soil in a posh Palm Beach hotel.
What did I like? I thought the cover was a perfect rendition of how this book went. A hot polo player with clandestine meetings with women until the moment of his murder. A playboy of sorts. The mystery itself was shrouded only by Captain Rick Hunt, sent in by the POTUS to lead the investigation and monitor the increasingly volatile situation since Juan was deeply loved by his country.
Would I buy or recommend? This book wasn’t a whodunnit by any means more of a poster look at Polo and it’s players. The chapters too short to allow you more than a glimpse at a situation before galloping off to the next. I had an extremely hard time really getting into the story because I have zero experience with polo. I thought it would be more mystery but it was easy to see who committed the murder. So I would not buy and only recommend for people who like polo.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
What did I like? I thought the cover was a perfect rendition of how this book went. A hot polo player with clandestine meetings with women until the moment of his murder. A playboy of sorts. The mystery itself was shrouded only by Captain Rick Hunt, sent in by the POTUS to lead the investigation and monitor the increasingly volatile situation since Juan was deeply loved by his country.
Would I buy or recommend? This book wasn’t a whodunnit by any means more of a poster look at Polo and it’s players. The chapters too short to allow you more than a glimpse at a situation before galloping off to the next. I had an extremely hard time really getting into the story because I have zero experience with polo. I thought it would be more mystery but it was easy to see who committed the murder. So I would not buy and only recommend for people who like polo.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
March 2, 2021
This book was read thanks and through NetGalley, it was published on December 8th, 2020.
As usual on this blog, we will talk not about the story but how I felt while read it.
And let me tell you this story is a thriller that starts when someone murders Juancito, the best polo player in the world, and the prime suspect is his trophy wife.
That being said my polo knowledge is zero, and I felt like the Polo was their main character more than the agent in charge to solve the case and the trophy wife, which it cannot be a positive experience if like me you know nothing about the game.
The author does a nice job setting the story and narrative, the story moves quick and keeps emerging you into the story. I highly recommend it to people who loves thrillers with murder, lies, and a high society world, this is the book for you, like I said my recommendation is do a quick investigation about Polo before read it, it will make the story move way faster.
Do I like it? Yes
Do I recommend it? Yes
As usual on this blog, we will talk not about the story but how I felt while read it.
And let me tell you this story is a thriller that starts when someone murders Juancito, the best polo player in the world, and the prime suspect is his trophy wife.
That being said my polo knowledge is zero, and I felt like the Polo was their main character more than the agent in charge to solve the case and the trophy wife, which it cannot be a positive experience if like me you know nothing about the game.
The author does a nice job setting the story and narrative, the story moves quick and keeps emerging you into the story. I highly recommend it to people who loves thrillers with murder, lies, and a high society world, this is the book for you, like I said my recommendation is do a quick investigation about Polo before read it, it will make the story move way faster.
Do I like it? Yes
Do I recommend it? Yes
December 25, 2020
Thank you to Greenleaf Press.
Don't let the front cover and back cover fool you of a polo player and a barely dressed woman. At first you would think it would be an erotic book or something like that but it was a mystery. The book came with the usual swag of magnet, bookmark, etc., but also a polo ball which impressed me. Not sure what I'll do with it but it's hard plastic and can be used! LOL.
I do have to admit that I skipped over a small portion of the polo matches but I did learn a lot about them and what the title really meant.
Not only was it a mystery but it was a love story too and I didn't think that Hunt (Rick) would end up with his ex. I really thought it would be the Secret Service Agent he was working with who was a stunner and smart too.
And as usual, I didn't know who the murderer was until almost the end.
Don't let the front cover and back cover fool you of a polo player and a barely dressed woman. At first you would think it would be an erotic book or something like that but it was a mystery. The book came with the usual swag of magnet, bookmark, etc., but also a polo ball which impressed me. Not sure what I'll do with it but it's hard plastic and can be used! LOL.
I do have to admit that I skipped over a small portion of the polo matches but I did learn a lot about them and what the title really meant.
Not only was it a mystery but it was a love story too and I didn't think that Hunt (Rick) would end up with his ex. I really thought it would be the Secret Service Agent he was working with who was a stunner and smart too.
And as usual, I didn't know who the murderer was until almost the end.
January 28, 2021
This book is proof of the saying that you can't judge a book by the cover! From the illustration on the front, I was expecting there to be a bunch of sex scenes that I would have to skip over. It is a nice surprise to see that there wasn't a single one. It is just a great mystery.
I don't know much about polo so learning a bit about that game was very interesting. I also liked seeing the way that different security agencies work together, like local police, Secret Service, etc...The book also shows the way that the media today can be a major player in investigations, too, especially in clouding public perception of the facts.
The mystery was great and really kept me guessing as to person and motive. I have to say it was a surprise to find out who the murderer was, the motive, and how it was accomplished. And the ending, wow.
I don't know much about polo so learning a bit about that game was very interesting. I also liked seeing the way that different security agencies work together, like local police, Secret Service, etc...The book also shows the way that the media today can be a major player in investigations, too, especially in clouding public perception of the facts.
The mystery was great and really kept me guessing as to person and motive. I have to say it was a surprise to find out who the murderer was, the motive, and how it was accomplished. And the ending, wow.
February 24, 2021
Perfect 10 is a fast pace, fun, murder mystery with a realistic view into the lux polo world! You can smell the horses & leather!
I read this book in 2 days, couldn’t put it down! O’Keef had me guessing the whole time who the killer was, and it was definitely a twist!
The way he describes the rich & beautiful of the polo community, makes you want to be part of it.
I’ve been to polo parties in west palm, and O’Keef nailed it. The over the top parties, high end fashion, (I still think about a pair of pucci shoes a woman wore at a polo party), beautiful people who have it all & more.
I highly recommend reading The Perfect 10! You’ll find yourself trying to figure out who the killer is and how to get invited to an exclusive polo party!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews