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The Incident: a novella
When Tom Slater and his eight-year-old son walk to their car after seeing a New Jersey Devils hockey game, they are accosted by two loudmouths who were sitting near them during the game. They try to rob Slater, but he fights back, inadvertently killing one of the attackers. Slater is subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter. Enter Sidney Diamond, the flashy female attorney who maintains that the only way for Slater to save himself from being convicted is for young Nolan to testify, he being the only eyewitness as to what really happened. Slater and his wife will have nothing of it. See what happens as Slater tries to protect his son from reliving this traumatic experience, while also trying to avoid a multi-year prison sentence.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2020
115 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bronte
18 books130 followersMichael Bronte is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and lives in Monroe, New Jersey. "All of the heroes in my novels are everyday people," says Bronte. "Any of them could be your next door neighbor. None of us really know what we're capable of until the time comes for us to reach beyond the boundaries of our everyday lives. Remarkable feats of courage are performed everyday, by everyday people. It's amazing."
As a young teenager I remember reading paperback mysteries under a huge oak tree outside my parents’ neighborhood grocery store in Dalton, Massachusetts, a small town located in the heart of the Berkshires. I can recall pulling a book from the rack and getting locked in to those novels as the fragrant summer breeze of Berkshire County tried to turn the page before I was done reading it. I don’t know why, but I was greatly affected by a book titled The Fan Club, by Irving Wallace. When I was done reading it, I can still recall thinking that someday I’d be able to write a book like that on my own; I knew I could do it.
Well, the idea stayed dormant for over thirty years while I did what I thought I should have been doing for a living (looking back, it all seems so trivial sometimes) until I rekindled my infatuation with writing novels. Now, many years after that, and many mistakes and many failures later, there are nine Michael Bronte novels available. They are: The Dealership, Presidential Risk, Porchball, The Tenth Caller, Lost Friday, The Brothers, Call Me Crash, and The Handyman, and Homicide: Party of Twelve
As a young teenager I remember reading paperback mysteries under a huge oak tree outside my parents’ neighborhood grocery store in Dalton, Massachusetts, a small town located in the heart of the Berkshires. I can recall pulling a book from the rack and getting locked in to those novels as the fragrant summer breeze of Berkshire County tried to turn the page before I was done reading it. I don’t know why, but I was greatly affected by a book titled The Fan Club, by Irving Wallace. When I was done reading it, I can still recall thinking that someday I’d be able to write a book like that on my own; I knew I could do it.
Well, the idea stayed dormant for over thirty years while I did what I thought I should have been doing for a living (looking back, it all seems so trivial sometimes) until I rekindled my infatuation with writing novels. Now, many years after that, and many mistakes and many failures later, there are nine Michael Bronte novels available. They are: The Dealership, Presidential Risk, Porchball, The Tenth Caller, Lost Friday, The Brothers, Call Me Crash, and The Handyman, and Homicide: Party of Twelve
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 14, 2021
Tom and his young son are walking toward their car after watching hockey game. They've had a great afternoon and Tom is remembering how his own father never had the time to be a really on-hands father.. something Tom is determined not to let happen with his son.
Just as they get to the elevator, two men accost them. These are the same men who were sitting behind them at the game, being loud and obnoxious, spouting language that shouldn't be repeated around young children.
Tom doesn't want any problems, but the two men seem determined to create havoc. One of the men draws a knife and demands Tom's money, wallet, jewelry.
What the men don't understand is that Tom is carrying mace ... and he was a Ranger. His instincts are still with him, he inadvertently kills one of the attackers.
Tom is not surprised when the cops show up, although he becomes much more worried when they haul him way in handcuffs.
Facing time in jail .. .away from his wife and son .. the other man he fought with claims that Tom was the one who had the knife.
Finally being released on a bond, he does the one thing that will guarantee he doesn't go to prison. Putting his revolver in his car, he seeks out the only witness.
There's a lot packed into this novella. Although not highly suspenseful, due to careful character development, it is a riveting read. The ending came fast and furious and was entirely unexpected.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Just as they get to the elevator, two men accost them. These are the same men who were sitting behind them at the game, being loud and obnoxious, spouting language that shouldn't be repeated around young children.
Tom doesn't want any problems, but the two men seem determined to create havoc. One of the men draws a knife and demands Tom's money, wallet, jewelry.
What the men don't understand is that Tom is carrying mace ... and he was a Ranger. His instincts are still with him, he inadvertently kills one of the attackers.
Tom is not surprised when the cops show up, although he becomes much more worried when they haul him way in handcuffs.
Facing time in jail .. .away from his wife and son .. the other man he fought with claims that Tom was the one who had the knife.
Finally being released on a bond, he does the one thing that will guarantee he doesn't go to prison. Putting his revolver in his car, he seeks out the only witness.
There's a lot packed into this novella. Although not highly suspenseful, due to careful character development, it is a riveting read. The ending came fast and furious and was entirely unexpected.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 4, 2022
Boring and just a touch racist.
April 4, 2021
Typical crime story.
It reads like a Law & Order episode. White man runs into Hispanic and black thugs, and he is charged. Inturn he employes beautiful, sexy legged and smelling attorney. Sadly, the trend continues with the unnecessary foul language. And, I've also noticed authors using pet names for spouses in ridiculous situations; a couple times in this novella.
I will give credit where due. I thought the ending was clever, and atypical.
My favorite, hands down, part of the book, I wrote down. "She glanced at them like someone would look at something stuck to their shoe, and ignored them completely."
That line says it all. I've stopped reading mainstream authors. I'm not a sheep. Let's see well-written stories without trashy, typical rhetoric.
It reads like a Law & Order episode. White man runs into Hispanic and black thugs, and he is charged. Inturn he employes beautiful, sexy legged and smelling attorney. Sadly, the trend continues with the unnecessary foul language. And, I've also noticed authors using pet names for spouses in ridiculous situations; a couple times in this novella.
I will give credit where due. I thought the ending was clever, and atypical.
My favorite, hands down, part of the book, I wrote down. "She glanced at them like someone would look at something stuck to their shoe, and ignored them completely."
That line says it all. I've stopped reading mainstream authors. I'm not a sheep. Let's see well-written stories without trashy, typical rhetoric.
September 30, 2023
Protagonist’s Hot-Headed Transformation
A compelling read that expertly tackles themes of injustice and personal growth. The story’s strong points lie in its well crafted narrative and intriguing plot. However, I didn’t quite appreciate the portrayal of the protagonist’s attraction to his lawyer while married. Despite this, the ending ties up the story nicely and leaves a positive impression. I particularly appreciated the incorporation of legal terminology and proceedings, adding depth to the narrative. “The Incident” is a good read, earning a solid 4.5 out of five rating.
A compelling read that expertly tackles themes of injustice and personal growth. The story’s strong points lie in its well crafted narrative and intriguing plot. However, I didn’t quite appreciate the portrayal of the protagonist’s attraction to his lawyer while married. Despite this, the ending ties up the story nicely and leaves a positive impression. I particularly appreciated the incorporation of legal terminology and proceedings, adding depth to the narrative. “The Incident” is a good read, earning a solid 4.5 out of five rating.
February 5, 2021
Prudential Center. It was Kids Appreciation Night. Level 5, row D. Nolan Slater (8) & Thomas “Tom” Slater (dad/father, US Army 2nd Battalion, 75th. Ranger Regiment, Iraq x 2) went & watched the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers.
Nolan got an autograph from Rurik Olsen (hockey player), & I bought him a NJ Devils hockey stick also.
Parking garage Market St. 2 guys started harassing us as we were leaving.
D’Andre Okoye (white) got sprayed with pepper spray. Mr. green jacket (A/A) was no match either.
Detective Milo Alvarez (Newark PD) & partner Detective Rhonda Johnson (Newark PD partner) showed up at the doorstep.
Robin Slater (wife/mother) let them in & then went into the other room with Nolan.
Tom (pharmaceutical co. sales) began explaining things to the 2 cops.
It seems Vincent James Carlson (African/American) with the knife was dead.
Tom was Mirandarized, arrested & taken to lockup for 2nd-degree murder.
Robin brought Jerry Ebberstein (Ebberstein & Ebberstein, Attorneys at Law, JD, Catholic, Knights of Columbus) to see Tom (Catholic, Knights of Columbus).
Sidney Diamond (f, attorney, JD) came to see Tom next.
Judge Wilson Murdoch set Ton’s bail at $100-grand.
Robin didn’t want Nolan testifying in court.
All rise! The District Court of Essex County is now in session, The Honorable Judge Sandra Perkins is presiding.
Prosecution: ADA Harold Sniezak, Defense: Sidney Diamond Thomas “Tom” Slater
How will the trial turn out?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written psychological thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Nolan got an autograph from Rurik Olsen (hockey player), & I bought him a NJ Devils hockey stick also.
Parking garage Market St. 2 guys started harassing us as we were leaving.
D’Andre Okoye (white) got sprayed with pepper spray. Mr. green jacket (A/A) was no match either.
Detective Milo Alvarez (Newark PD) & partner Detective Rhonda Johnson (Newark PD partner) showed up at the doorstep.
Robin Slater (wife/mother) let them in & then went into the other room with Nolan.
Tom (pharmaceutical co. sales) began explaining things to the 2 cops.
It seems Vincent James Carlson (African/American) with the knife was dead.
Tom was Mirandarized, arrested & taken to lockup for 2nd-degree murder.
Robin brought Jerry Ebberstein (Ebberstein & Ebberstein, Attorneys at Law, JD, Catholic, Knights of Columbus) to see Tom (Catholic, Knights of Columbus).
Sidney Diamond (f, attorney, JD) came to see Tom next.
Judge Wilson Murdoch set Ton’s bail at $100-grand.
Robin didn’t want Nolan testifying in court.
All rise! The District Court of Essex County is now in session, The Honorable Judge Sandra Perkins is presiding.
Prosecution: ADA Harold Sniezak, Defense: Sidney Diamond Thomas “Tom” Slater
How will the trial turn out?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written psychological thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 19, 2024
A quick enough and enjoyable enough short story. Reasonably well written and a good pace and continuity throughout. The characters were pretty well developed especially for such a short story. Not bad but not great either.
I had two main gripes with this story. Firstly, the character Sidney Diamond. Or, more specifically, the lewd, crass, physical description of her "special features". I always groan and roll my eyes when I read of "exquisite legs" or "the valley between two noticeable breasts". Which brings me on to gripe number 2 (Warning: spoiler ahead). The main character Tom is drooling and almost lusting after this female lawyer the whole time. She even advises him to put up his house and 401k as bail collateral, which he gladly does. Then he takes matters into his own hands, bribes and threatens to kill the only other witness and then gives his lawyer grief when she advises him that it's a dangerous road to go down and he could "be in jail for the rest of your life". And then he proceeds to say "not if I get me a good lawyer.... know where I can find one?" Bit of a dickish move if you ask me. Also, quite an abrupt change of feelings towards his "slim snug-fitting designer jeans" wearing lawyer.
I was rating this a 3-star but after more consideration, I think it's a 2.5-star.
I had two main gripes with this story. Firstly, the character Sidney Diamond. Or, more specifically, the lewd, crass, physical description of her "special features". I always groan and roll my eyes when I read of "exquisite legs" or "the valley between two noticeable breasts". Which brings me on to gripe number 2 (Warning: spoiler ahead). The main character Tom is drooling and almost lusting after this female lawyer the whole time. She even advises him to put up his house and 401k as bail collateral, which he gladly does. Then he takes matters into his own hands, bribes and threatens to kill the only other witness and then gives his lawyer grief when she advises him that it's a dangerous road to go down and he could "be in jail for the rest of your life". And then he proceeds to say "not if I get me a good lawyer.... know where I can find one?" Bit of a dickish move if you ask me. Also, quite an abrupt change of feelings towards his "slim snug-fitting designer jeans" wearing lawyer.
I was rating this a 3-star but after more consideration, I think it's a 2.5-star.
March 7, 2021
This is a story about the results of an event that happens at a parking garage after a New Jersey Devils hockey game. Tom and his son Nolan are accosted by two men that want to rob them. After Tom has given them their money and one of his rings, the men still want more. After one of the men pull out a knife, Tom sprays them with pepper spraay. As he tries to fight them off and return to his car, an accident happens.
Tom is arrested and charged with manslaughter as a result of that incident. While waiting in jail he is also attacked and has to fight that person off. He eventually gets a lawyer for his case , Sidney, and she advises Tom that his case is not looking good and his only hope will be if Nolan testifies. Tom is against that.
When the case finally goes to trial, the Prosecutor is concerned. To discover why the prosecutor is worried and what the results of the trial reflect, then you need to read this book.
Tom is arrested and charged with manslaughter as a result of that incident. While waiting in jail he is also attacked and has to fight that person off. He eventually gets a lawyer for his case , Sidney, and she advises Tom that his case is not looking good and his only hope will be if Nolan testifies. Tom is against that.
When the case finally goes to trial, the Prosecutor is concerned. To discover why the prosecutor is worried and what the results of the trial reflect, then you need to read this book.
March 25, 2024
The Incident: a novella
Michael Bronte
This novella demonstrates how easily being in the wrong part of town at the wrong hour can go terribly bad. A robbery victim can find him/herself the accused since the bad guys know how to work the system better than the average law-abiding citizen. Throw in a white guy and black assailants plus a black cop and you have a potent mix. It’s like having a robber sue you because your dog bit him in your home but on an entirely other level.
Michael Bronte
This novella demonstrates how easily being in the wrong part of town at the wrong hour can go terribly bad. A robbery victim can find him/herself the accused since the bad guys know how to work the system better than the average law-abiding citizen. Throw in a white guy and black assailants plus a black cop and you have a potent mix. It’s like having a robber sue you because your dog bit him in your home but on an entirely other level.
February 22, 2023
What would you do
Reading this I kept asking myself what would I have done both before (when the incident was in progress) and after (once charged). Would I put my 8 year old in such a situation? Then I think how scary it is that this situation could (and probably does) happen in real life. Good story.
Reading this I kept asking myself what would I have done both before (when the incident was in progress) and after (once charged). Would I put my 8 year old in such a situation? Then I think how scary it is that this situation could (and probably does) happen in real life. Good story.
October 3, 2023
This could really happen in real life.
I enjoyed the read. It's amazing that this could happen to someone in real life. What would you do to protect your family? I'm not sure how I would react. Stunned, dumbfounded, because the judicial system is so backwards now. Protect the bad guy first, law abiding citizens come in second
I enjoyed the read. It's amazing that this could happen to someone in real life. What would you do to protect your family? I'm not sure how I would react. Stunned, dumbfounded, because the judicial system is so backwards now. Protect the bad guy first, law abiding citizens come in second
January 16, 2021
It all begins with a father and son going to a hockey game. Tom Slater is protecting his son, but things go awry. The author does a great job with this story in a what-if situation anyone could find themselves in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 7, 2021
Interesting novella, wouldn't have paid for it just because of how short the story was. I liked the characters, however Robin's strength was lacking. Loved how Tom handled the situation in the end. Well done Michael
October 7, 2021
Needs Improvement
Glad it’s not a full novel; don’t think I could have endured it. And the ending … where’d it go?
The one good thing I can say about this novella; worth every penny! ::: Got it free:::
Glad it’s not a full novel; don’t think I could have endured it. And the ending … where’d it go?
The one good thing I can say about this novella; worth every penny! ::: Got it free:::
December 19, 2021
Pretty good
This was a pretty good story. The writing style wasn’t as smooth as it might have been, and I found the descriptions of the attorney over the top. Those were more vivid than the actual incident. Altogether it was interesting, and just the right length.
This was a pretty good story. The writing style wasn’t as smooth as it might have been, and I found the descriptions of the attorney over the top. Those were more vivid than the actual incident. Altogether it was interesting, and just the right length.
December 26, 2021
Excellent short story with believable characters and a well paced plot.
When a father and his young son are mugged whilst leaving a hockey game it sets off a chain of events that will lead to a long prison sentence unless Tom can somehow convince everyone that he is innocent.
When a father and his young son are mugged whilst leaving a hockey game it sets off a chain of events that will lead to a long prison sentence unless Tom can somehow convince everyone that he is innocent.
March 21, 2023
meh
I’m glad this book was so short because I couldn’t have kept going much longer. There are hints of racism throughout. The main character becomes extremely unlikeable towards the end. Also what was that ending?
I’m glad this book was so short because I couldn’t have kept going much longer. There are hints of racism throughout. The main character becomes extremely unlikeable towards the end. Also what was that ending?
November 21, 2023
disturbingly accurate
Having been in this situation with my husband. Pleading self defense in an uncaring judicial system, this touches on the truth and the fear. Definitely plays it down because if you haven’t been through it you won’t believe how bad it gets.
Having been in this situation with my husband. Pleading self defense in an uncaring judicial system, this touches on the truth and the fear. Definitely plays it down because if you haven’t been through it you won’t believe how bad it gets.
February 16, 2021
A hopeless situation, a justice system that protects criminals, and a novel solution.
March 28, 2021
A short thriller. I do find it a little hard to believe that 2 detectives would take a probable criminal's word over a man and his son about the incident, however.
May 14, 2021
Excellent, I love to read a story that turns 180 degrees because someone wouldn’t give up. A father, a caring husband and ex-services. Justice must be served.
May 15, 2022
Backed into a corner, could be a round room!
Great story! Borderline daily newspaper headline. I will look for more of his stories.. Try it you will like it,
Great story! Borderline daily newspaper headline. I will look for more of his stories.. Try it you will like it,
September 16, 2023
Faced paced read that kept me flipping pages
September 23, 2023
SVU
The idea of this story was an episode of "Law and Order: SVU". I remember it well and it aired years ago.
The idea of this story was an episode of "Law and Order: SVU". I remember it well and it aired years ago.
March 15, 2021
A thought provoking, incredible story, absolutely brilliant, I found it very well written with characters that are easy to imagine. I was gripped from the start and couldn't put it down until I found out what happened.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received this book for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received this book for free from the author and wanted to give an honest review.
July 10, 2024
Clever plot twists . Great short read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews