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Baby Grand

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In Albany, New York, the governor’s infant daughter disappears without a trace from her crib at the Executive Mansion. Hours later, newly divorced and down-and-out writer Jamie Carter is abducted from the streets of Manhattan. Jamie is whisked upstate, where she is forced by her captor, Don Bailino, an ex-war hero/successful businessman, to care for the kidnapped child in a plot to delay the execution of mobster Gino Cataldi – the sixth man to be put to death in six years by hardliner Governor Phillip Grand. What prevails is a modern-day thriller about family ties, loyalty, murder, betrayal, and love that’s told in deftly interweaving narratives that follow the police investigation of the missing Baby Grand, the bad guys who took her, and the woman who found the strength to protect her.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2012

329 people are currently reading
889 people want to read

About the author

Dina Santorelli

16 books109 followers
Dina Santorelli is an award-winning author of heart-pounding thrillers and dark, twist-filled suspense. Twice voted one of Long Island’s best authors, she’s known for crafting gripping stories that keep readers turning pages late into the night.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Middle Village, New York—a place bordered by cemeteries—Dina grew up surrounded by whispers of mystery, fueling a lifelong fascination with the darker side of storytelling. Now based on Long Island, she writes full-time, weaving tales of secrets, betrayal, and survival.

When she manages to step away from her desk, Dina enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also wrestles daily with her fiercest rival: the New York Times Strands word game. For more information about Dina, visit her website at http://dinasantorelli.com.

Follow Dina on social media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dinasantorell...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dinasantorelli
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dinasantorelli

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5 stars
367 (46%)
4 stars
262 (32%)
3 stars
125 (15%)
2 stars
33 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
551 reviews22 followers
June 21, 2012
Let me count the reasons why I loved Baby Grand: 1. It’s a fast-paced thriller you don’t want to put down. 2. The perpetrator was a surprise to me. 3. The main character was well developed, a little flawed and someone I would definitely like to know more about. 4. The bad guy had a little good in him. 5. The ending surprised me, but set up well for a sequel, which I can’t wait to read. 6. It has a plot, unlike many books out there especially those with “Grey” in the title.
Profile Image for David Pospisil.
613 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2022
A great thriller with an amazing, frantic ending.
The main character had self-confidence issues but showed incredible bravery in the midst of evil.
Some slow parts in the middle made this a 4 rather than a 5.
The supporting cast was excellent, especially Detective Nurberg and Mrs. Grand.
Profile Image for Katey.
Author 3 books33 followers
July 6, 2018
First, I would like to thank Dina Santorelli for a free review copy of her book. There, now I've made the FTC happy....on to the review!

There is something about the east coast that seems to create excellent writers. This is now the second indie book I have read from the east coast that I have completely LOVED and found myself looking forward to really ANY work done by the author in the future!

Dina Santorelli is no amateur to writing, she has been a freelance writer for the past 15 years. With that type of experience, I had the expectations of a very well written novel and my expectations were absolutely met!

"A compelling, fast-moving contemporary thriller: In Albany, New York, the governor's infant daughter disappears without a trace from her crib at the Executive Mansion. Hours later, newly divorced and down-and-out writer Jamie Carter is abducted from the streets of Manhattan. Jamie is whisked upstate, where she is forced by her captor, Don Bailino, an ex-war hero/successful businessman, to care for the kidnapped child in a plot to delay the execution of mobster Gino Cataldi - the sixth man to be put to death in six years by hardliner Governor Phillip Grand. What prevails is a modern-day thriller about family ties, loyalty, murder, betrayal, and love that's told in deftly interweaving narratives that follow the police investigation of the missing Baby Grand, the bad guys who took her, and the woman who must find the strength to protect her." -Amazon.com

The story begins similar to a roller coaster, a little slow; but, you can see what is coming up ahead. You start to tense, bracing yourself for what's going to happen next. As soon as Don Bailino abducts Jamie Carter it is a mind-bending ride of twists and turns in almost every chapter.

About half way through the book, I found myself emotionally invested into certain characters to the point where I was analyzing some of the psychological hints that perhaps the author wasn't even meaning to give. I became upset, scared and relieved all the way through until the end. In one specific scene, where Jamie's brother and a Detective are talking, my skin started to crawl. I yelled, "TELL HIM ABOUT THE WHOLE FACEBOOK POST, STUPID!!"

Dina writes in third person which is, as many of you who follow me know, my favorite type of writing to read. I've always felt it gives such a bigger picture to the story and more than just one character's "side". Dina's descriptions are clear and realistic, but not over-detailed to where the reader doesn't get to have any imagination left to the story. Dina's characters were clearly created with great thought and detail. The dialogue between characters flows naturally as if you were really there hearing the conversation. I also personally enjoyed the Spanish-speaking characters. I do not see that very often in fiction and enjoyed seeing a variety of people from all walks of life. That's how I've always imagined New York to be like.

Some trigger warnings for readers: This book has intense violence and sexual situations.

I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series!


Happy reading, amigos!
Profile Image for Tom Harris.
Author 9 books19 followers
July 27, 2012
In a dramatic opening to this suspense thriller, ten month old Baby Charlotte is snatched from her crib, leaving housekeeper Rosalia Garcia in turmoil. The baby that has been taken whilst in her care is none other than the daughter of Governor Phillip Grand and his wife Katherine.

Detective Sergeant Mark Nurberg from Albany PD, is put on the case. This is his most high profile assignment to date, but with a habit of making promises he can't keep, can Nurberg afford to break a promise to the Governor, if he fails to track down the baby Grand.

At the Stanton Correctional Facility, Gino Cataldi is about to become the sixth man put to death in six years because of death penalty advocate, Governor Grand, but he is strangely untroubled as his day of reckoning approaches.

Elsewhere, 32 year old, recent divorcee and journalist, Jaime Carter, is snatched from the city streets, kidnapped in a limousine and taken to a cabin in the woods. The reasons for her abduction become clear when her kidnapper, the sadistic Don Bailino demands that she care for a baby girl; another innocent victim of their criminal enterprise.

After a break neck opening, the story turns into an agonising game of survival, with Jaime suffering at the sadistic hands of Don Bailino as a disturbing relationship between the pair develops. The lines of normality blur as Jaime finds inner strength and determination to stay alive and do what she can to save the Baby Grand.
This Manhattan, New York based crime thriller, is told from multiple viewpoints, as a series of seemingly unconnected relationships finally converge as the story of the missing Baby Grand plays out to its exciting conclusion.

This character driven suspense thriller from Dina Santorelli is an uncompromising study of survival and the darker side of love. These very human characters, really drew me into this intelligent piece of writing, boasting some fantastic dialogue and clever plotting - a really great read.
Profile Image for Keri.
2,103 reviews121 followers
January 26, 2018
Really well done and I didn't see it ending like that. Don is crazy as a loon and a straight up killer and I don't know how anyone could think that he is anti-hero, he is a rapist and an abuser. Never mind kidnapping a baby for money. Yes he did protect, but he had no problem dishing out the abuse either to the people under his protection. I don't care how much he prettied it up in his head with making "love". When a woman is crying, screaming and kicking to get away from you, it's rape. Having said all that, this was a well crafted book with a lot of twist and turns that I didn't see coming. It did end cliff-hanger and I am eager to get the next book. I also want to see what happens to Joey, I felt really sorry for him at times. Just a note, that rant wasn't aimed in any way at the author, I thought the scenes were all handled very well. I just had seen some other reviews after I started this book and was just surprised by some comments. I just had to comment on my own about that.

***Trigger warning there is scenes of rape violence. ***
Profile Image for Doreen McGettigan.
Author 5 books105 followers
August 16, 2012
I fell in love with the cover for Baby Grand and anxiously awaited the novels release. It was well worth the wait.
Every guess I had as to what would happen next in this novel was wrong, shockingly wrong.
The characters hooked me from the first to the last page. I fell somewhere between love, hate and sorry for all of them. They are still running lines in my head. Dina’s writing style made the reading effortless. It is honestly hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel. I highly recommend this book and I will be anxiously awaiting Dina’s next novel.
Profile Image for Julie.
26 reviews
December 7, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I was excited to get started because I hadn't read a good thriller in a long time. I wasn't disappointed. In the beginning there were several parallel stories that eventually merged. At this point it became fast moving. I liked the characters and thought they were well developed. The book ended with a twist that surprised me and the very end made me think that there will be a sequel. If so, I'll be reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced page turner.
Profile Image for Catherine.
37 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2019
I love a character with brains and flaws. Jamie has made her share of mistakes, taken the easy/comfortable path more than once, but a split second decision hurls her into danger’s path and she’s forced to make unimaginable choices to survive.

Baby Grand is filled with twists, bends and one eighties that leave you breathless and multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page.

Expertly plotted, masterfully crafted and beautifully narrated. My favorite book of the year!
Profile Image for Deidra Rattay.
Author 2 books4 followers
September 23, 2013
This was an sit on the edge of your chair, non-put downable thriller. Every fiber of me was wrapped up in this book from chapter one. I didn't want to eat, sleep, or anything else because I NEEDED to see what happened next. The only part of this book I did not like was the last sentence. I would have given it 5 stars except for the fact that the last sentence made me feel like I had been in a speeding car that suddenly hit a brick wall....maybe there will be a sequel???
Profile Image for Kat.
1,176 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2015
This is a really good book I could tell it was as I just kept thinking I just will read another chapter,fast paced,good plot,twists all the things that make a great read. Not a difficult read and as others have said possible sequel coming up ..I certainly hope so as I will certainly be reading it ,4 stars and recommended
Profile Image for Carol Oldmixon.
64 reviews
January 6, 2013
I read this as a book club choice for this month. The author Dina Santorelli is a Massapequa resident and attending our book club this month.

This was a great book- keep me going- a real page turner! I cant wait for our book discussion!
461 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series. Dina kept me interested in the story and kept it moving along at a great pace, but not too fast. I loved her character development and how well she made all of the characters come alive. I also really enjoyed how she tied two seemingly different storylines with different characters together and how effortless it was.
Profile Image for Lacey.
390 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2021
Suspenseful. A well crafted thriller. The characters are straight up heroes and villains. It is a knock-down, pulse pounding fight. Leaving you wondering who is gonna survive. In the front cover of her book someone stated and a I'm paraphrasing; "If you value your sleep, do not read before bed!" I would have to agree.
Profile Image for Lisa Diaz Meyer.
Author 7 books127 followers
July 6, 2017
An excellent read! Can't wait to read Baby Bailino!
Profile Image for Sonja Randall.
314 reviews9 followers
November 14, 2017
Although a bit confusing at the beginning all came together in an excellent thriller. Fast paced, with believable, strong characters. The main character’s survival instinct and a good heart saved the day. Even showed a good side to the bad person. Written with sequel in mind – I can’t wait.
Profile Image for D.J. Maughan.
Author 14 books210 followers
August 16, 2025
This was a good book. The storyline was well developed, and Jamie was a likable character I could root for. The plot was intriguing, and just when I thought I knew where it was going, it twisted. Well done to the author!
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,693 reviews317 followers
February 26, 2024

Finished reading: February 26th 2024


“Probably for the first time in his married life, Phillip Grand realized he was one step ahead of his wife. And he didn't like it. Not at all. Little did he know that, at that moment, his wife was thinking the very same thing.”


Profile Image for Lori R..
1,409 reviews71 followers
January 6, 2014
I read this book back in October, 2013. I wrote a review on our blog page, but forgot to put it on here. OOPS - Sorry Dina! Here is the review I wrote back in November, 2103:

We are members of one of THEE coolest book clubs. Ever. Just thought you should know that. ;) Last month, one of our lovely bookies picked Baby Grand by Dina Santorelli. I hadn't heard of this book, nor this author. And all I can say is, I’m SO glad it was picked! I had no idea what to expect – and was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Santorelli has some new fans!

Baby Grand is an intense, suspenseful, nail-biter of a mystery that had me sucked in from the very beginning. The author’s writing style makes her book easy to follow and makes you want to know what will happen next. I found it very difficult to put down – serious page-turner! Full of parallel stories that come together perfectly at the end. And one of the many things I loved about this book is that it was not predictable.

I felt the characters were well-developed, and the more I read, the more I wanted and needed to know about them. I loved a few, despised a few, wanted to punch a few, and would love to slap one or two. And there was one character in particular that I loved to hate...and hated to love.

After I read the book, I sent Dina a message on Twitter saying that I enjoyed her book. I also told her that it was our pick for book club and that we were meeting in a couple of days. Much to my surprise and delight, she said she would be more than happy to Skype into our meeting if we wanted. Um…yes please! How cool is that?! She answered all of our questions and explained to us why she wrote certain scenes the way she did. That was our best meeting to date. Thanks, Dina – you rock!

I will definitely be reading more from this author. Looking forward to the sequel!

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a well-written, fast-paced mystery. Baby Grand gets 5 suspenseful & thrilling stars from me!
453 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2017
This was an excellent fast paced thriller about the baby of Governor Grand being kidnapped. In addition a young woman from Long island is kidnapped to look after baby Charlotte. Loved this book
Profile Image for Alisa Bowman.
Author 22 books43 followers
June 22, 2012
Santorelli's first novel, a thriller, is gripping. I read it in two days. I could have read it in just one. I still find myself thinking about the main complication, especially one of the characters. There was something lasting about him that just stuck with me, which is not typical of a thriller. Many of the characters are atypical. By that I mean that they do not respond as most people would. At first I found that a bit disconcerting, especially the parents of the lost child. They didn't seem to worry or grieve in ways that I think would be typical for parents. I know if someone snatched my daughter, my first response would probably be to throw up. At any rate, what was initially disconcerting became fascinating as I wondered if there were people out there in the world like this. Over all, it's an easy read. A great book for the beach.
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 7 books15 followers
July 17, 2012
When a senior politician’s baby daughter is kidnapped the result is a chain of events that takes in a mobster on death row, an innocent young woman, high-powered lawyers and struggling garage mechanics.

There’s the occasional info dump of back story that harms the pace in places and one or two passages that would have benefited from a little editorial smoothing. There are also a few references that will send non-Americans scuttling for Google – I still have no idea what a “large sectional” might be.

Overall though none of this detracts too much from a well constructed thriller with a compelling plot and strong characters that keeps springing surprises right to the last.
Profile Image for Stanfry.
5 reviews
October 24, 2012
Wow! This is a brilliantly well written book, gripping right from the starting blocks! I was very impressed with how each character became to life and each were really believable. This novel is based in New York, tells tales of kidnap,corruption and oddly a bit of a love story is thrown in there too...so there you go, a bit of something for everyone.

The book centres around the kidnapping of a local governors baby!its full of drama and is really quick paced, quite difficult to put down. The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because I was a little confused at times due to the use of American slang words but that shouldn't put anyone off, as we all know how to use search engines!
7 reviews
August 25, 2017
Cute baby and harrowing terror. Rapid pace action.

some authors have the knack to hook you with the first. Words in the story. Dina is pretty close to being one of those authors. She took her time to develop her characters so that you could "see them" and care about. You care about Jamie. You love baby Charlotte. You wish you had a brother like Edward. You have mixed feelings about the antagonist/monster Don.I almost want him to win Jamie's heart even though he becomes crazy with power and cruelty. How does an Arthur do that? Well developed characters. Several intertwined story lines. I was caught in the first few words of the book.
Profile Image for Beth Ann.
523 reviews46 followers
October 21, 2015
I wish I could remember who told me to read this book so that I could thank them! All I could think of when I saw the title was a baby grand piano and that is definitely not what this book is about. The author has an engaging writing style and it was definitely a book that I wanted to finish---staying up way past my bedtime a couple of nights in hopes that I would finish before I zonked out.
Any mystery lover will enjoy this book and the ending makes me think that perhaps there is another book coming down the pipeline which I hope is true. Totally enjoyable read from start to finish!
Profile Image for K.L. Murphy.
Author 13 books284 followers
January 31, 2013
From the moment the governor's baby disappears, I wanted to know what happened in this fast-paced thriller. What kept me turning the pages were the well-drawn characters and the fascinating storyline. In addition, the relationships between the main characters provided great subplots right up until the unexpected twists at the end. This is a fun and fast read and I look forward to the author's next novel.
Profile Image for Rina.
1,766 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It starts in Manhattan, runs to upstate Albany and back down again (sort of), always with Long Island in the background. Maybe it's a "coming-of-age" novel as Jamie, the main chick, does a lot of growing by the end, just because of the circumstances of what happens to her. Maybe it's a mystery as the title is the governor's daughter, who gets kidnapped (LOL, actually the main plot). But no maybes about it, it's a good and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Gloria ~ mzglorybe.
1,215 reviews134 followers
September 14, 2018
I liked that it grabs your interest right away. What I didn't like is the far-fetched scenario of a woman even thinking of saying " I love you" to her rapist. We are led to believe that this weird, cruel rapist can have loving qualities????
The ending throws you for a loop too. Say what??? Won't spoil it for any potential readers, but it let me down.
Profile Image for Michelle.
83 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2013
Full disclosure, I have worked with the author. Saying that, I will admit that I don't read a lot of thrillers, but my mom does and she really enjoyed this book, so I borrowed it. Wow!! It was great! The plot had twists and turns, and it all came together in a wonderfully told, exciting story. Well done, Dina!
Profile Image for Lori.
25 reviews
October 8, 2012
I enjoyed the book, really good story - just took a little bit to get through the character introductions. There were a lot of characters! but all needed - and once you get going it really takes off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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