One case haunts him. One chance to fix the past. One mistake could cost him everything.
Ex-Minneapolis Police Detective Rembrandt Stone walked away from a career he loved—just the price of being sure he can come home to the wife and daughter he cherishes. But he can’t shake the deep regret over a case left behind.
When his mentor, the former Chief of Homicide dies and leaves Rembrandt with a box of cold cases and a mysterious watch, he finds himself thrust into a world he recognizes—a world from twenty years ago—the same world he’s woken from in a cold sweat a hundred times. But is it a dream, or some kind of twisted reality?
If he solves the case that plagues him, and justice is finally served, will it destroy the life he loves?
Strap in for a mind-bending, time travel thrill ride in Book One of this riveting new series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.
Writing collectively as David James Warren, USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren, award-winning author James L. Rubart, and new voice, David C. Warren, are the creators of THE TRUE LIES OF REMBRANDT STONE.
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves travelling and telling stories about life, adventure and faith.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/
David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.
Compelling & vivid. As a fan of police procedurals with heart and an unexpected twist, I really enjoyed this story. That ending, though! Can't wait for book 2.
First off, thank you to the authors for the complimentary audio copy of this book. All opinions are my own. It is narrated by James Rubart, one of the three writers (the other two are David Warren and Susan May Warren). His narration is stellar and truly gives a voice to Rembrandt Stone and allowed me to picture Stone and his actions clearly. Even the chapters where the reader is in Eve's head do not suffer due to the male narration.
Secondly, I was a little frustrated that this ends on a cliffhanger and we have to wait a couple of months for the next installment. I do love that the series appears to be completely written so at least I don't have to wait a year for the next book!
Overall, the plot is fascinating and very fast paced. Rembrandt is a former police officer who learns that he can travel into the past in order to solve the cold cases that plague him with depression and nightmares in the present. Yet, in changing the past, even if it means saving lives, the present might be affected in ways he cannot even imagine.
This is a combination of police procedural, time travel (yet it is important to note that only Stone's consciousness travels, not his body), and a bit of a character study of an imperfect guy just trying to get it right. I love how traveling back to the 90s means a huge technological adjustment for Rem, I found those points incredibly fascinating and made me realize just how far things have come in just 20 years.
I have already pre-ordered the entire series and can't wait to read the rest!
What would you do if you can go back in time and change your regrets?
I'm just saying that if we did everything differently, we'd still have to learn the same lessons, somehow, right?
This new time-travel thriller by new author David James Warren (who is in fact a collaboration of James L Rubart, Susan May Warren and her son David) will consist of 6 books all published in 2021!
This was a quick read and I loved how we got to know Rem and his wife Eve. We start out meeting Rem, Eve and their daughter, Ashley and it is clear they are happy even though REM has some regrets about cold cases, and something happened to end his career which we are not aware of yet. As we go back in time with Rem, we get to see Rem and Eve’s POV. Though you end up with more questions than answers (this is the first book after all) and that ending!!! I enjoyed the ride in this first book and can’t wait for book nr 2!
I loved Rem as a main character - one of those where I get the feeling there is more to what we are seeing and I'm looking forward to the journey to getting to know who Rem really is and what makes him tick and made him who we saw in book 1.
I feel the passionate, darkly focused Rembrandt I've left behind working his way to the surface.
This is a clean book wrt language, but the characters is not saved and there is some talk of sexual relationships (no detail and not in your face ) and crime - too take note off for younger readers.
I guess I just think everything happens for a reason. And going back to change it would mean we'd be a lessor person for the lack of the lesson.
Whoa... I saw it coming... and I didn't at the same time. This series is looking to become one of my all-time favorites. Wow. Talk about impressive.
Rembrandt Stone is a wonderful and complex character that you both love and love to dream of smacking. Add to that a wife who isn't perfect but because we MOSTLY see her through his eyes, she almost seems like she is, and a partner who is nearly as complex as he is, and things get interesting.
Then the story hits. You're flung into two versions of the same world at once and without getting confused. The authors did a fabulous job of ensuring that this book has plenty of twists and turns without twisting your brain into knots and turning you off the story!
Fast-paced, laser-sharp writing keeps you turning pages (or not hitting pause on the audio in my case) until you go, "Wait! It's over? NOOOOO!" Then you click the next in the series and keep going, because who wouldn't want their heart sent on a wild ride, blown up, stomped on, stabbed, and strangled (so far)? And it gets better with every twist--even the ones you hate!
Off to torment myself with the next one. It's gonna be a great day!
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I usually don’t go in for wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff (I only know that reference from my husband) but the minute I read the premise for this series, I was sold. The story potential blew my mind, and David James Warren has well and truly delivered in this first instalment. I’m now desperate to get my hands on the rest of the series. I suppose I should be thankful I only have to wait a couple of months rather than six to twelve, but right now, any waiting time seems like forever!
It’s not just the premise of this series that has me hooked anymore. The execution brings life, colour, humour, and of course suspense to the story. It hadn’t even occurred to me how different our world was a mere twenty-four years ago, but it catches Rem out on several occasions. And then there are all the personal dynamics. Afterall, this particular cold case was when he was just beginning to get to know the woman who would eventually become his wife, and he has an extra twenty-four years’ work and life with his partner Burke under his belt as well. All those relationship dynamics (and more) come into play, and older and wiser Rem doesn’t necessarily act and react the same way his younger self did, even when he’s not consciously trying to rectify mistakes from the past. Anyone who knows anything about time-travel (even me!) knows that spells trouble.
Having read both Susan May Warren and James L. Rubart individually, I can say they’ve melded their writing styles seamlessly into a voice that is both distinct from their individual voices and perfectly suited to this story. There’s a shade of the world-weary (or perhaps just the older and wiser) detective to Rem’s first person narration, but he’s not without a sense of humour and still has an irrepressible energy about him. Especially once he finds himself in his twenty-four-years-younger body!
Honestly, if you love suspense—particularly police procedural suspense—you’re going to love this series. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Goodness. Where to begin? Cast the First Stone is the first installment in a six part book series by new author trio David James Warren. I had the privilege of receiving an early copy of Cast the First Stone as part of the street team. Time travel is not a typical book genre for me, nor are books in the thriller or crime solving genre. I am a longtime fan of Susan May Warren and trusted if anyone could make me a fan of a "time travel thriller", she could. I was not disappointed. Cast the First Stone delivered in a big way. I was hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down. I simply had to know what happened next and couldn't get enough details of Rembrandt and Eve's past. The cast of characters, starting with Rembrandt and Eve suck you in immediately. At the end of the book, both of them felt like family. I hurt for them and all they'd been through, felt their regrets deeply and cheered for them as if they were flesh and bone. The slow peel back of their individual and collective pasts had me turning pages feverishly and left me with a deep ache for more at the book's close. You know a story is well written when the characters feel like they could step off the page and you find yourself thinking about the details of the story long after you finish reading.
I couldn't have enjoyed this story more and can't wait to get my hands on book 2 (and 3, 4, 5 & 6)!
Note: This is a time travel thriller and deals with real crimes being discussed, relived and could be upsetting to some younger or more sensitive readers. Our world is full of horrific realities and some of those are discussed in this book. I would also note that while there was a subtle faith message through this first installment (one I hope is continued and built upon as the series progresses), it does have some content that I would consider grittier than Susan's typical work. It wasn't something that hindered my enjoyment of the book, but something I think is worth noting for other readers. I am always around to answer questions over at my instagram "the_cozybookworm" or you can message me here directly.
This book isn't even my typical read and I'm chomping at the bits to read the next in the series. Coming from a historical romance girl, I feel like that's saying something. What on earth would I find appealing about a time-traveling, rough-around-the-edges detective?
But this story is so good! There's enough detective work to keep mystery-lovers intrigued while there's just as much heart to the story to keep it character-driven. It's a masterful blend of storytelling that will appeal to any kind of reader who will allow themselves to simply go with the flow.
Because this book is a little trippy, too. Not full on trippy, but I mean . . . time travel. It works, though. It doesn't make sense to me (yet), but it works so well. I'm amazed.
If you don't like cliffhangers, wait until the whole series comes out and binge read the whole shebang because if they're all like this first read, they're going to be worth it.
*As a content note, there are mentions of alcohol and a few slight curse words. Don't come into this book thinking it's faith-based and squeaky clean. I didn't personally find a problem with the content, but I know some may be more sensitive.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All expressed opinions belong to me.
This is the first book in the “True Lies of Rembrandt Stone” series. It is written by three authors, Susan May Warren, James L. Rubart, and David C. Warren, under the pseudonym of David James Warren. I have read all of James L. Rubart’s books and a good portion of Susan May Warren’s books. This is a debut for David C. Warren who is the son of Susan May Warren. This book has it all between cold cases, romance, and time travel. I believe it will appeal to a wide variety of readers. This book is so good that it drew me in not from the first page but from the very first paragraph of the book. This is definitely a series that you are going to want to read from the beginning. I like that they made Rembrandt Stone, who is the main character, an author that writes books based on what he knows about being a police detective. However, this is just an interesting side story. By the end of this book, you are definitely left wanting more which is why it is so good that they have all six books scheduled to come out in 2021.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I was so excited to see this series become available on Kindle Unlimited. Great start to a time travel series. Rembrandt doesn't know how to control it, but finds himself back in 1997 and takes steps to alter the future. The ending definitely leaves it open for the next in the series.
Cast the First Stone was a fantastic read and one that left me eager for the next story!
I don't read time travel stories often, but this was an intriguing one that I kept wanting to pick back up and continue reading. I loved the whole "chance to fix the past" and might that destroy the life he currently has and loves? Thought-provoking and a fun read.
All in all, I loved Cast the First Stone and highly recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Now am not a big time traveling books but boy was this book a wonderful ride…. Knowing what’s gonna happen before it does and still trying to fix it even though it will change the future…. Adding to it all the mystery was just epic..
Also that CLIFFHANGER of an ending….. damn author you are CRUEL
So this book is way outside my comfort zone since I don't do sci-fi, thriller or time-travel. However, after seeing many, many posts on instagram about it, I have finally fallen down the Rembrandt Stone rabbit hole.
It surprised me in many ways, since as I mentioned I was a bit wary of the genre it's written in. However, the time travel is believable and just ‘light’ enough that I wasn’t confused as to what was going on, yet not overwhelmed with detailed explanations of how exactly it worked. Well done in my humble opinion.
Think fast-paced, rapid-fire suspense with a healthy dose of romance. I'm sure other readers have mentioned this but Cast the First Stone has an episodic feel to it, like I'm watching an episode of my favourite police procedural show.
I loved Eve and Rem’s relationship. In the present timeline, they’re older and more mature than most couples we see. I like that we get different person POVs for both characters (first person for Rem, third person for Eve). Actually, I enjoyed all the relationships in this one, including the sibling one between Eve and her brother. I feel invested in these characters and I can't wait to see how the story plays out throughout the series!
Try as I might, there are no happy endings. My heart. Poor Rem.
And that cliffhanger! I need to get my hands on book 2 right away!
Content Note:
Knowing what SWM fans will be expecting, I had to add a note about the content. I was already warned there wouldn't be faith content *yet* so for SMW readers expecting that, do take note you won't find that in this novel. We'll see how the rest of the series plays out. Additionally, this book toes the line for 'clean' as there is cursing (2 swear words I came across) and due to the nature of Rem and Eve being married in the present timeline, the romance is steamier than most Christian readers might expect. Nothing explicit, but lots of desire/thoughts (mainly on Rem's side). . Pregnancy before marriage.
"I guess I just think that everything happens for a reason. And going back to change it would mean we'd be a lesser person for the lack of the lesson."
Wow, what a stunning first novel in a series that promises mind-bending time-travel journeys with intriguing cold cases! Fans of James Rubart and Susan May Warren will see their imprint and trademark in the story with its intricate, fascinating plot that brings the readers into a speculative world and the passionate devotion and romance between Rem and Eve. But the compelling and gripping writing style is all David Warren and I am a fan! I'm so glad that the six books in the series will release right after the other, because I totally need to know how Rem's path turns out.
Rem is a battle-worn, broken, hurting retired detective who's just trying to write another best seller while loving his family and trying to fight the demons and regrets that haunt him. He's raw and real, honest and straight to the point. His first person present tense voice will grab your heart and burrow deep in your soul as you feel his anguish, torment, elation, and triumph. His tireless drive to bring justice is incredibly admirable and makes him a swoony hero. Eve has a third person voice in the past and she's a great match for Rem - practical, focused, but also tender and compassionate. Rem's race against the clock in solving the case in 1997 is adrenaline-filled and his emotional maturation from his visit to the past is powerful. The ending is a cliff-hanger....and I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on the second book.
If you love crime-suspense thriller and/or time travel, you will absolutely adore this book. I received a copy from the publisher and also via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Oh man, what a great first book to a very promising Christian fiction series! I listened to this on audiobook, with James L. Rubart narrating, and it hooked me right from the start. I have often said in past reviews that it can be difficult finding Christian series that men will enjoy; this is a book that anyone can and will enjoy. I love the grittiness of the detective aspect of the book as well as the science fiction part of time traveling. Even though it involves time travel, I found a lot of realism throughout the book in other areas, from the characters to the emotions to the dialogue. I will say that while this book has mystery with the detective angle, it is not a whodunnit where you try to guess among many suspects; instead, it is more character driven as well as follow the detective process from scene to scene. This is a well written book by three authors and I can’t wait to read (or listen to) more about Rembrandt Stone. His character is dealing with personal demons and can’t wait to see how he handles that explosive ending.
What an exciting book! The hero has a LOT going on and LOT to figure out, and that ending!! Although the authors are Christian, other than a mom praying before meals, there is no religious stuff in this book. It's just a clean read, and so good!! (Can I just say that I HATE that when I accidently click on the wrong version of a book and I've written the review that I can't change it, and it counts that I read it twice? I should've just left it as kindle. *sighs disgruntledly*) At least it merges them.
I didn't know too much about this book before I went into it. Just the basics: It's about a police investigator who is able to go back in time, and the book is authored by a trio of people (Susan May Warren, James L. Rubart, David Warren). I've been on Susie's and Jim's newsletters for a long time, so I heard a lot about this series as it was being written and released. When I scored a few free months on Kindle Unlimited, this was high on my interest list.
When the story opens, Rembrandt Stone is a retired inspector and has turned to unsuccessfully attempting to write a novel. He's haunted by his unsolved cases and various life failures, but his loving wife Eve and precious daughter are his whole world.
Rem receives a box of cold case files and an unusual gift from his former boss. The next thing he knows, he wakes up twenty-four years in the past on the day of his first case, the day he met Eve. The day he's had nightmares about for years due to the bombing that took the lives of so many people, and his inability to catch the criminal. At first Rem thinks he's dreaming once more, but he soon realizes it's all too real . . . and if he makes different choices, this time he might solve the case, catch the bomber, and save lives.
But will making changes irrevocably change his future? What if he messes things up with Eve? What if different choices erase the best parts of his life in his own timeline?
This book is easy to read, the case is interesting, and who doesn't like a good time travel story? Do be warned, however, that it ends on a cliffhanger, so you'll want to have Book 2 close in hand.
My biggest disappointment with the novel was that I didn't realize it was written for the general market, so there's no faith message, and there's content that I prefer not to read, particularly some swearing. I really wish that wasn't the case. I do plan to read more in the series to see how things unfold, but I'm sad I can't wholeheartedly recommend these books.
Pretty disappointed with this one. It is not at all a faith based series. It's wordly, and there's a lot of chemistry between two of the main characters. I grew a bit tired of hearing how the MC's bodies "responded" to each other, and the use of the word "delicious" in regards to their attraction to each other got to be a bit much and was overused. This was just not what I was expecting.
As far as the book itself, I didn't care for how the story lines completely split off near the beginning. I was close to marking as did not finish but decided to give it a chance. They did come together again but I definitely didn't care for the initial split of story lines.
Last note, I really enjoy James Rubarts books and was excited to learn he was the audio narrator for this audiobook. However, the narration was hard to listen to. Some of the voices sounded almost robotic. Even if the audio narration had been done differently though, my rating would be the same. I will not go on to finish this series.
A number of years ago I was scanning the shelves of my local library looking for that blue sticker with the white cross on it that indicated 'Christian', when I stumbled on Rooms by James Rubart. That was one powerful book! It was one of a very very few books with allegorical elements that my concrete mind actually understood. Fast forward a few years and I discover Susan May Warren's Christiansen family. So, when I found out that those two had teamed up with a new author, David Warren, to write a time travel series I was totally onboard. Enter Cast The First Stone which is the first book in the gritty new True Lies Of Rembrandt Stone series.
One thing I should mention is that time travel has never really been my genre, though I've read a few, but the whole idea of the book and the series intrigued me. What would I do if I had the chance to go back in time and change the things I most regret? What would YOU do? And what would the consequences be? Rembrandt Stone gets the chance to find out, the hard way!
Emotionally involving, riveting, sometimes a little gut-wrenching, and ending on a shocking cliffhanger, Cast The First Stone is one hard-hitting kick-off to a series that I know I will be eagerly anticipating each new release.
Gritty and straightforward, pulling no punches, the combined writing style of David James Warren is such that I honestly think the Cast The First Stone could easily appeal to men just as much as to women. I know it sure got my attention!
Whether time travel is really your thing or not, and you just might be surprised to find how much you do enjoy the True Lies Of Rembrandt Stone series, you should really give this book from the combined pen of David James Warren a chance...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
In the past I haven't really been one for time traveling sagas, but Cast the First Stone has made me rethink my past genre snub. The book starts out normal enough with Rembrandt, or Rem, telling about his daughter's birthday party in first person, and introducing us to his family, and himself, both as a writer and a previous detective, and the case that has haunted him for decades.
Suddenly Rem finds himself back at the case he can't get out of his nightmares, a place he's been back to hundreds of times in his dreams, but this dream seems a lot more real than the others, making him, and the reader, spend the entire novel trying to figure out if this is a dream or if he's actually altering the past. Very intriguing! It almost had a Back to the Future vibe to me in that sense, but imagine Doc Brown being able to go back to the past and be himself and not just see that version of himself. Very trippy!
The characters, especially Rem and his wife Eve, are very well developed, though I am hoping the rest of the series will go a bit deeper with other supporting characters that were just touched on in this novel, like his partner Burke, or the Mulligan family.
The writing does give off a masculine air, which is a refreshingly different pace, and in true Rembrandt Stone charm, and I loved that it always gave just enough mystery to keep you guessing without being too over the top or complex. Rem is without a doubt a flawed character, but you find yourself rooting for him to change the past that haunts him, and hope it doesn't all end up being a dream.
The word pictures are so incredibly vivid that I could see myself there riding along in the investigation and becoming vested in this world and these individuals, and the ending is pretty unique, as it has a satisfying conclusion, yet it also leaves a nice little cliffhanger that will pique anyones curiosity, and leads right into the next book in the series, No Stone Unturned, which is set to release April 2021.
A strong start to a new series that has some serious potential, especially if you're into crime drama and time travel, with a flavoring of romance, and a whole lot of intrigue.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Cast the First Stone by David James Warren Book 1 in the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series Rating: 4.5/5 Release date: February 9, 2021
I am a huge fan of Susan May Warren and was super excited to be chosen to be an early reviewer of this new series by multiple authors; however, I had a hard time reading past the first few chapters of the book but then BAM! The story really picked up, and I couldn't stop reading till the end. So if you start this book, please give it a chance and you will not be disappointed.
Rembrandt Stone's life is not perfect as a struggling author and former police investigator, but he doesn't hate his life. His wife, Eve, and daughter, Ashley, are the loves of his life, and he wouldn't have it any other way. When his old boss leaves him his watch and a box of cold case files, Rem's life gets very strange very fast. He remembers the unsolved case that haunts his nightmares and suddenly, it feels like he's traveled back in time to try to solve the case before it's too late. Can he discover what he missed previously? And at what cost?
Wow. Simple enough premise, but the authors did a great job of bringing Rembrandt Stone's past to life. I felt like I was right there with Rem experiencing the investigation and its many twists and turns. Getting into his head was interesting as he tried to sort through what he already knew from what he had forgotten. Although I wasn't quite hooked from the first few chapters, they were still necessary to establish Rem's background and home life. I expected the cliffhanger ending since it's a series and felt it was necessary. If you've ever seen the TV show, Continuum, you may enjoy this story that has some similarities but also has its own nuances. I can't wait to read what comes next!
Highly recommend if you enjoy time travel and crime thrillers with a hint of romance. I feel like the book (and series) has something for everyone.
My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
I don’t typically read time travel books but I took a chance with this book and new series because one of my favorite authors Susan May Warren helped co-write this book. I am so glad I did!
I really enjoyed getting to know the main character Rembrandt Stone. It was really interesting to read about his current life and then when he went back in time how he wanted to change tragic events- not for his own personal gain but to help others and prevent deaths. That was the person he was throughout this entire book.
I cannot believe the first book ended with a cliffhanger so of course I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 to be released! I found this story very well written with good drama and steady pace. Easy to follow even with the time travel element.
Highly recommend! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This is a fast-paced book that is going to keep you reading and make you wish book two was already out because it leaves you hanging. It’s actually written by three authors in one who have combined their names to make this into a new author. I found that unique and it really caught my attention.
Here in this book, you meet a family. Rem had his career ended but we don’t know why. His wife Eve and his daughter Ashley. We go back in time to catch up on what has happened and get two points of view being those of Eve and Rem.
I have to admit I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put the book down. Susan May Warren has long been a favorite of mine so I knew this book was going to be a favorite too. I’m a huge fan of suspense and thriller books and this one does not disappoint.
There is so much I’d love to say about this book but then I’d be giving away parts that you really should read on your own. Let’s just say this is a hot new series and you’re going to love it. I cannot wait for the next books to come out. All six are set to be released throughout this year!!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Second read update : Just as amazing as the first time, but perhaps a bit better! Now that I have read the whole series, I see the bits of foreshadowing in this first book. So awesome!
Okay I just need to slow my brain down to write this review. I didn't like it......I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! I am always ready to try a time travel, it is my favorite type of fantasy because you get a whole new level of intensity and stakes. And the first book in the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone has that in spades! Cast the first stone is the first book in this series and I devoured it and had a major book hangover after! I really loved Rem, he has those regrets that he wishes he could change, but you really see how he wants to do right by his family and I love how much he loves and treasures his wife (I completely ship them). These authors have crafted characters that I already love! I really loved the unique premise of going back in time to work on crimes. I love mysteries and I love how the suspense was worked into the story. Again, the stakes are high, and you will be craving book two at the end of this one! This is unlike any other time travel book that I have read, but I feel like it will go down as an all time favorite series. Buckle up! I was provided a complementary copy of this book from the publisher, my opinions are completely my own and honest.
Cast the First Stone The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #1 By David James Warren
He's haunted by the case that he was never able to solve. It invades his dreams and he is no closer to an answer than he was 24 years ago. Now he has a chance to reexamine everything but with the eyes of experience.
But is he dreaming? Or has he somehow returned to the past? Time is against him and finding answers is proving as elusive as it was the first time.
Now this book is the work of three authors who have combined their talents to provide us with a genre-crossing read that is unputdownable! Do you love police-procedurals? Mysteries? Romance? Speculative fiction? Time-travel? Well, if you answered yes to most, if not all of these, you will love the opening book in The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series.
Word of warning this does end in a cliffhanger, but all six of the books are releasing this year so every other month you can expect to continue Rembrandt's journey. A journey that will affect not only his past but his present and his future. So sit back and get ready for Cast the First Stone.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This novel is the kind of fiction you want to ask your friends-shoot, even literary strangers in a bookstore, have you read this one yet?
It has the gripping tension of a well-crafted suspense novel, time-travel which gently rips you from one period of time and plants you firmly in another, and riveting characters.
This is the brainchild of authors David Curtis Warren, Susan May Warren, and James L. Rubart. When I finished the novel, a gasp left my mouth. And, I am clamoring to read the next in this total of 6 book series.
Read it, that's my advice to you. You'll be thrilled you did. I can't say enough about the novel. It's excellence in literature.
I received this book from the publishers and was under no obligation to write nor post a review.
Great fun! The ending slayed me! (Y'all hurry up with the next installment please!)
I want to understand the time travel better - the mechanism and the why. But I'm pretty sure it'll come out in subsequent novels. Love the character: Rembrandt Stone. I love this name, I love his tortured soul, I love who he will probably become at the end of this series. Also, Eve is amazing and I want to be her just a little bit.
Worth the read! I'm obsessed with time travel novels and this one is great!
Loved this time travel suspense. Rembrandt Stone is a great character, and he becomes especially real in the audiobook narrated by James L. Rubart (the James in David James Warren).
Robin’s Ratings 5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite. 4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. 3🌟 = It kept me engaged/entertained. Glad I read it. 2🌟 = The book was fine but not a favorite. Just a matter of personal taste. 1🌟 = For whatever reason, this book didn’t engage me.
So I have heard the hype about the Rembrandt Stone series and now I know why! This book was better than I expected and now I am sucked into the storyline! So thankful all 6 are in KU so I can binge read them. Rembrandt Stone is a former detective who is plagued with nightmares of his cold cases. Then he inherits a watch that takes him back in time to help solve the cases when they were fresh. Unfortunately he learns that changing the past also changes the future. Can't wait to see what happens in the second book!
I read this book in three days. It was a fun and wild ride. The first book in a series that’ll all be available this year in 2021. It has everything. It’s a time traveling thriller that I’ll probably read again before the next book is released.