What do you think?
Rate this book
Barefoot in the Parking Lot
When a dead body is discovered lying barefoot in a restaurant parking lot, detectives Angela White and Paul Conley are called in to investigate the strange and disturbing crime. The victim turns out to be Jay Sharma, the hotshot CEO of a famed AI company and tech powerhouse. Jay’s distraught wife can’t imagine who could want to kill him. But the deeper White and Conley wade into the evidence, the longer the suspect list grows.
The detectives soon come face-to-face with the dark and sordid world that lies just under Silicon Valley’s polished and pristine exterior. From jealous ex-lovers to rival tech giants, Jay has created powerful enemies, all of whom would be happy to see him dead--and all of whom have solid alibis.
White and Conley hit dead end after dead end. And when blackmail schemes and copycat murders come into play, finding Jay’s killer becomes increasingly more urgent. Can they catch a break, or will a murderer go free in Silicon Valley?
The detectives soon come face-to-face with the dark and sordid world that lies just under Silicon Valley’s polished and pristine exterior. From jealous ex-lovers to rival tech giants, Jay has created powerful enemies, all of whom would be happy to see him dead--and all of whom have solid alibis.
White and Conley hit dead end after dead end. And when blackmail schemes and copycat murders come into play, finding Jay’s killer becomes increasingly more urgent. Can they catch a break, or will a murderer go free in Silicon Valley?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2021
16 people are currently reading
2713 people want to read
About the author
Vineet Verma
19 books29 followersVineet is a tech professional by day and has been a lifelong fan of mysteries, be it in books or on screen. He enjoys writing and creating a world of suspense that leaves his readers guessing until the end. With his debut novel, Barefoot in the Parking Lot, and the follow up short story, The Stick, he has fulfilled his dream of becoming a published author. He lives in San Jose, California with his wife and twin boys and hopes to keep writing for years to come.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 28, 2021
When Jay is found dead in a parking lot, the police investigate but are thwarted at nearly every turn. Nearly every suspect or witness is omitting facts and derailing the investigation into his death. Then others start dying. Is this the work of a serial killer? A copycat? Will they be able to figure out who killed this man? There are several storylines to follow throughout this novel.
I thought the author did a good job of hiding the killer because I certainly didn't expect the outcome. Of course, when you don't have all of the facts because all of the characters are lying, well it would be hard for anyone to do their job. But I think that is what made the story interesting because we don't have all the facts and those facts are slowly revealed throughout the book.
I was surprised that once the killer was revealed that did not end the story. There was MORE! The last 10% definitely had some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. Let's just say that everyone got what was coming to them in the end.
I could see this turning into a series featuring the detectives White and Conley. Although, a revelation at the end would make that not possible unless something changes. Or perhaps it would just mean a new path for the detectives. I enjoyed their banter and friendship and I think that interaction made them a stronger team.
If you like mysteries with twists, definitely give this book a whirl. We give it 5 paws up.
I thought the author did a good job of hiding the killer because I certainly didn't expect the outcome. Of course, when you don't have all of the facts because all of the characters are lying, well it would be hard for anyone to do their job. But I think that is what made the story interesting because we don't have all the facts and those facts are slowly revealed throughout the book.
I was surprised that once the killer was revealed that did not end the story. There was MORE! The last 10% definitely had some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. Let's just say that everyone got what was coming to them in the end.
I could see this turning into a series featuring the detectives White and Conley. Although, a revelation at the end would make that not possible unless something changes. Or perhaps it would just mean a new path for the detectives. I enjoyed their banter and friendship and I think that interaction made them a stronger team.
If you like mysteries with twists, definitely give this book a whirl. We give it 5 paws up.
September 2, 2023
An intriguing mystery with a twist you might not see coming!
April 26, 2021
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
*I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
A very satisfying read.
When Jay Sharma, the CEO of a famous company is found dead in the parking lot, detectives Angela and Paul are called to investigate the murder. The list of suspects keeps increasing as dirty secrets and possible motives are brought to light. Add a serial killer to the mix and the case gets even more complicated. Now the detectives have their hands full and very little time to bring the killer to justice.
I was hooked from the first page itself. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down to the point where I considered staying up all night to finish it, but my eyes wouldn't let me.
I loved the plot, it was well planned and executed. The author had considered every detail and element and managed to put it into words beautifully. I felt like I was watching a movie playing in front of me the whole time.
The characters were well written with relatable backgrounds. They were morally grey and I couldn't exactly like or hate anyone for their actions, except Jay and one other person.
The book put me in a dilemma. One on hand I felt like Jay got what he deserved, on the other, I thought that taking the law in your hands like that is not the answer. It really makes you think.
The best part about the book was the varying timelines. The author played well with the dates, going back and forth with various events and what each character was up to, and how it all lead to the finale.
Though I had my ideas about the killer, I still enjoyed the way it was revealed.
The serial killer part felt a little unnecessary, but it did not diminish the quality of the book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I recommend this book to all crime, thriller lovers.
*I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
A very satisfying read.
When Jay Sharma, the CEO of a famous company is found dead in the parking lot, detectives Angela and Paul are called to investigate the murder. The list of suspects keeps increasing as dirty secrets and possible motives are brought to light. Add a serial killer to the mix and the case gets even more complicated. Now the detectives have their hands full and very little time to bring the killer to justice.
I was hooked from the first page itself. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down to the point where I considered staying up all night to finish it, but my eyes wouldn't let me.
I loved the plot, it was well planned and executed. The author had considered every detail and element and managed to put it into words beautifully. I felt like I was watching a movie playing in front of me the whole time.
The characters were well written with relatable backgrounds. They were morally grey and I couldn't exactly like or hate anyone for their actions, except Jay and one other person.
The book put me in a dilemma. One on hand I felt like Jay got what he deserved, on the other, I thought that taking the law in your hands like that is not the answer. It really makes you think.
The best part about the book was the varying timelines. The author played well with the dates, going back and forth with various events and what each character was up to, and how it all lead to the finale.
Though I had my ideas about the killer, I still enjoyed the way it was revealed.
The serial killer part felt a little unnecessary, but it did not diminish the quality of the book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I recommend this book to all crime, thriller lovers.
December 14, 2021
This is one tangled, twisted web of deceit and murder! Verma has written a terrific on the edge of your seat read that you will not be able to put down. The book is set in the high-tech world with self-driving cars in Silicon Valley, AI companies that trade workers, secrets, and lovers. When Jay, the latest CEO star of one of these companies, is found dead in the parking lot of his favorite restaurant, the search to find his killers begins with a long list of suspects.
Was it the wife who knew about all the affairs? Was it the ex-partner who had lost a lawsuit against Jay? Was it one of the many women that Jay had slept with and left? The list goes on and on leaving detectives Anglea and Paul interviewing many people, following various suspects, weeding through loads of emails, and with more murders as the killer begins to get desperate.
Verma writes with precision, making the story flow even with all the many characters. The reader can only guess who the killer is and is kept in suspense with all the different possibilities. The characters are very well done with bits and pieces being revealed about them throughout the book so that you know them but can still be surprised by their actions, just like in real life. It is interesting that none of the characters seem to be focused on money, the usual issue in a murder, but rather on fame and love. This is a worthwhile read!
Was it the wife who knew about all the affairs? Was it the ex-partner who had lost a lawsuit against Jay? Was it one of the many women that Jay had slept with and left? The list goes on and on leaving detectives Anglea and Paul interviewing many people, following various suspects, weeding through loads of emails, and with more murders as the killer begins to get desperate.
Verma writes with precision, making the story flow even with all the many characters. The reader can only guess who the killer is and is kept in suspense with all the different possibilities. The characters are very well done with bits and pieces being revealed about them throughout the book so that you know them but can still be surprised by their actions, just like in real life. It is interesting that none of the characters seem to be focused on money, the usual issue in a murder, but rather on fame and love. This is a worthwhile read!
March 7, 2023
Jamie ›
Murder, blackmail, lies and more! So good!
Detectives have a long list of suspects in the murder of Jay. Everyone has their own reasons to kill him and all of them lie about it. The cops keep hitting dead ends until they get a lucky break. Or did they? Additional murders muddy the waters. Will they ever find the truth?
I really liked this book. It was an enjoyable read. There were a lot of characters but all were very well done and portrayed in such a way that I never got them confused. The plot was very good and kept me engaged throughout the whole story. There were enough twists and turns that even if you figure out who murdered Jay there will still be some surprises.
I was a bit distracted by something that one of the police did that seemed out of character and unnecessary to the story. It seemed too unbelievable that a police officer would do that. Too risky.
Other than that I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone who likes a police procedural murder mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only within your review. This is my honest review of the book.
April 2, 2022
Two Californian homicide detectives are faced with a murder of a CEO found in a parking lot fully clothed except with no socks or shoes. He had been tasered and drugged. The more they investigated the more seemingly unconnected clues emerged.
This is a clever involved crime story with plenty of lies. It started slowly then came the red herrings - automated cars, relationships, twists and turns that continued to confuse the detectives. The middle of the book seemed to stall and then the end suddenly erupted with explanations galore.
I enjoyed the twists and turns, but found it dragged a little. Would recommend as it was a decent read, but not a page turner for me.
This review is given voluntary in exchange of a free copy from Voracious Readers and the author Vineet Virma.
This is a clever involved crime story with plenty of lies. It started slowly then came the red herrings - automated cars, relationships, twists and turns that continued to confuse the detectives. The middle of the book seemed to stall and then the end suddenly erupted with explanations galore.
I enjoyed the twists and turns, but found it dragged a little. Would recommend as it was a decent read, but not a page turner for me.
This review is given voluntary in exchange of a free copy from Voracious Readers and the author Vineet Virma.
August 30, 2022
This novel is a fascinating murder mystery set in Silicon Valley with so many twists and turns. It was cleverly written- the anticipation of finding the real culprit keeps on building up as you read the pages. The action scenes did not have the fireworks of a seasoned thriller but it could still put you on the edge. The writer had subtle ways and means and understated methods of getting you glued to the story development. My interest was maintained with the shocking details and sordid revelations with some of the characters notably those of Maya and Meghna and Madeline Lane. The book had all the right ingredients of an ideal whodunit. I received a copy of this book through VRO in exchange for a review.
August 29, 2021
Author Verma, wows readers in “Hitchcock” style of prose and dark humor
Barefoot…begins as most thrillers do. Body down.
Main characters are Jay Sharma- the victim. Paul and Angela, both detectives in Sunnyvale, Cal. And Maya Sharma, wife of victim. And can’t forget about Meghna, who appeared at first to only be victim’s “special friend”.
Everyone is connected by “6 degrees of separation,” in true Hitchcock fashion.
This is where reviewer leaves readers to grab themselves a copy of start to a “killer” series.
Barefoot…begins as most thrillers do. Body down.
Main characters are Jay Sharma- the victim. Paul and Angela, both detectives in Sunnyvale, Cal. And Maya Sharma, wife of victim. And can’t forget about Meghna, who appeared at first to only be victim’s “special friend”.
Everyone is connected by “6 degrees of separation,” in true Hitchcock fashion.
This is where reviewer leaves readers to grab themselves a copy of start to a “killer” series.
October 12, 2023
The story predominantly follows Angela and Paul investigating a murder that takes them from one dead end to another. Despite the evidence they find, they cannot catch a break. This is a police procedural story, from the murder on January 18th to nearing the end of the investigation by May 23rd. The dates provided per chapter help guide the investigative process. This is not a casual read as chapters switch between character perspectives to give readers a wider overview of the case.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
June 24, 2022
This story starts off quickly with a body dumped in an alley. Plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, but the random timelines through me off for a while. The dialog was also a bit odd in spots, but not enough to distract from the story itself.
Once you know who did it and why, the story continues until the detectives catch up. While interesting, the end isn't quite as satisfying as it could have been. Still an enjoyable read.
Once you know who did it and why, the story continues until the detectives catch up. While interesting, the end isn't quite as satisfying as it could have been. Still an enjoyable read.
May 3, 2021
Barefoot in the Parking Lot was a blast!
If you like mysteries and puzzling out murders for yourself, I would highly recommend this book. It starts out slower but once you're in, the mystery pulls you into the investigation with multiple view points that never tell all...until the very end. I had alot of fun trying to figure this one out!
If you like mysteries and puzzling out murders for yourself, I would highly recommend this book. It starts out slower but once you're in, the mystery pulls you into the investigation with multiple view points that never tell all...until the very end. I had alot of fun trying to figure this one out!
September 11, 2022
The storyline for Barefoot in the Parking Lot was interesting and had a few twists, but I didn’t care for the author’s writing style. The sentences were choppy and I have never heard people dialogue with each other as written in this book. I received a free copy of this book to review by Voracious Readers Only.
May 19, 2023
I enjoyed the storyline of the book as well as all the twists and turns. I have visited the areas the story was set in, so that was also interesting.
Unfortunately, I wasn't really a fan of the writing style. The dialogue seemed quite stilted and awkward and didn't flow well for me.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. This is my honest review.
Unfortunately, I wasn't really a fan of the writing style. The dialogue seemed quite stilted and awkward and didn't flow well for me.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. This is my honest review.
August 22, 2021
Murder most interesting!
I love a good murder! This one had me stumped! Vineet Verma introduced all the players, gave us all the clues, and then shook everything up to the point you weren't sure who did what and if you could prove it! Highly recommend this for the mystery lovers!!
I love a good murder! This one had me stumped! Vineet Verma introduced all the players, gave us all the clues, and then shook everything up to the point you weren't sure who did what and if you could prove it! Highly recommend this for the mystery lovers!!
July 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book a lot! The second half was really interesting and kept my attention. There are a lot of characters to keep track of at first, but in the end they are all necessary. There was a twist towards the end that I did not see happening, which was really cool.
August 24, 2022
This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Just when you think you've worked out whodunnit, believe me you haven't. This is definitely a book that's hard to put down and well worth the read.
November 3, 2022
I received this book in return for an honest review. Took a while to really get into this book, but well worth persevering. This book kept me guessing right to the end. Even when you find out who murders jay it keeps you guessing. Thanks.
January 7, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Many suspects, many scenarios, lots of clues! I found the conversations a bit choppy and unnatural but the story was strong enough to keep me reading. A good murder mystery.
Many suspects, many scenarios, lots of clues! I found the conversations a bit choppy and unnatural but the story was strong enough to keep me reading. A good murder mystery.
October 7, 2024
Three stars
I love Vineets work and this book is full of twists and turns. Lot's of different characters that all work really well together. The narrative makes the story, an easy read. Recommend.
I love Vineets work and this book is full of twists and turns. Lot's of different characters that all work really well together. The narrative makes the story, an easy read. Recommend.
September 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
A fun read. Classic mystery/thriller with cool twists and turns.
A fun read. Classic mystery/thriller with cool twists and turns.
September 15, 2022
Barefoot in the parking lot
Jay was found dead in a parking lot and from here comes the whole story of the police investigation to find the murderer, this leads them to discover that all those who had any relationship with him could be responsible for the murder. A very well-conducted investigation, with good arguments in each character that invites you to question the deservingness or nope of the victim's ending... A book worthy of being brought to the screen. From the first moment its reading catches you, I highly recommend it to those who like the police plot that involves a lot of mystery.
Jay was found dead in a parking lot and from here comes the whole story of the police investigation to find the murderer, this leads them to discover that all those who had any relationship with him could be responsible for the murder. A very well-conducted investigation, with good arguments in each character that invites you to question the deservingness or nope of the victim's ending... A book worthy of being brought to the screen. From the first moment its reading catches you, I highly recommend it to those who like the police plot that involves a lot of mystery.
January 15, 2023
When a tech giant is murdered in a parking lot, the trail to discovering his murderer takes many twists and turns.
February 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the story line. A winner for me, couldnt out it down.
May 5, 2023
Edge of my seat
The ending was too vague. There should have been more drama and expanded capture of the victims. There were very good plot twists.
The ending was too vague. There should have been more drama and expanded capture of the victims. There were very good plot twists.
May 16, 2022
I receiced a complimentarycopy of this book from VRO.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well developed. There were many twists and turns. Kept me guessing till the end.
Highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well developed. There were many twists and turns. Kept me guessing till the end.
Highly recommend.
Read
April 10, 2022Loved the characters. The story line(s) were my favorite part. I will read more from the author. I don't think I will recommend it to my wife or her friends because I really don't want to give them any ideas. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
April 9, 2022
It was too long and too many slightly outlandish elements. It was entertaining enough to keep reading as there were numerous suspectsand it was fun trying to figure out who did it. However, if felt like some parts could have been cut out to make it more exciting.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews