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Richard "Dick" Moonlight #2
Moonlight Rises
"If you want a novel that runs wild like a caged beast let loose, Zandri is the man."
--(Albany)
"Sensational...masterful...brilliant."
--New York Post
"Probably the most arresting first crime novel to break into print this season."
--Boston Herald
"A thriller that has depth and substance, wickedness and compassion."
--The Times-Union (Albany)
THE INNOCENT (formerly As Catch Can)
"Vincent Zandri explodes onto the scene with the debut thriller of the year. THE INNOCENT is gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting. Don't miss it."
--Harlan Coben, author of Caught
"A Satisfying Yarn."
--Chicago Tribune
"Exciting...An Engrossing Thriller...the descriptions of life behind bars will stand your hair on end."
--Rocky Mountain News
"Readers will be held captive by prose that pounds as steadily as an elevated pulse... Vincent Zandri nails readers' attention."
--Boston Herald
"A tough-minded, involving novel...Zandri writes strong prose that rarely strains for effect, and some of his scenes...achieve a powerful hallucinatory horror."
--Publishers Weekly
"A classic detective tale."
--The Record (Troy, NY)
"[Zandri] demonstrates an uncanny knack for exposition, introducing new characters and narrative possibilities with the confidence of an old pro....Zandri does a superb job creating interlocking puzzle pieces."
--San Diego Union-Tribune
"Satisfying."
--Kirkus Reviews
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
--(Albany)
"Sensational...masterful...brilliant."
--New York Post
"Probably the most arresting first crime novel to break into print this season."
--Boston Herald
"A thriller that has depth and substance, wickedness and compassion."
--The Times-Union (Albany)
THE INNOCENT (formerly As Catch Can)
"Vincent Zandri explodes onto the scene with the debut thriller of the year. THE INNOCENT is gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting. Don't miss it."
--Harlan Coben, author of Caught
"A Satisfying Yarn."
--Chicago Tribune
"Exciting...An Engrossing Thriller...the descriptions of life behind bars will stand your hair on end."
--Rocky Mountain News
"Readers will be held captive by prose that pounds as steadily as an elevated pulse... Vincent Zandri nails readers' attention."
--Boston Herald
"A tough-minded, involving novel...Zandri writes strong prose that rarely strains for effect, and some of his scenes...achieve a powerful hallucinatory horror."
--Publishers Weekly
"A classic detective tale."
--The Record (Troy, NY)
"[Zandri] demonstrates an uncanny knack for exposition, introducing new characters and narrative possibilities with the confidence of an old pro....Zandri does a superb job creating interlocking puzzle pieces."
--San Diego Union-Tribune
"Satisfying."
--Kirkus Reviews
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2011
31 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Zandri
241 books576 followers"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly
“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter
"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider
"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times
“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post
"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal
Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 22, 2011
Product Description
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
Review
Dick Moonlight is one of my favorite characters. Perhaps it's because he reminds me of so many ex boyfriends who were damaged beyond all hope, were sexy as all get out, and a bit of an alpha male. Or maybe it's because as much as I want there to be the happily ever after for him it will not happen. That's just not Moonlights destiny. But he still tries to give it to others...and that dear reader is the endearing trait that makes me love Dick Moonlight so much.
You can tell from the amazing blurb the essentials of what happens. And everyone knows that the Belle does not give spoilers. It's all about my opinion. I bet by now you are wondering when I'm going to start bashing Moonlight Rises because of that title. Well welcome to disappointment because that's not going to happen.
Moonlight Rises is tearing up the Amazon ranking system as we speak. Which is not surprising it's a Zandri. What do you expect. His writing is versatile, signature, and classic noir with a modern edge. If you like dark plots, real characters with flaws and honor, then you'll love Moonlight Rises.
As for Vincent Zandri drowning...and this isn't about that rumor circulating involving a hot tub in Cairo. He hasn't even been there in a while. It's about drowning in success. Vincent has landed a contract with a traditional publisher while he is still creating with is local indie pub Stone House Ink. Congrats are due all around to Vincent.
Moonlight Rises is a book to read especially on a dark storming night all alone.
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
Review
Dick Moonlight is one of my favorite characters. Perhaps it's because he reminds me of so many ex boyfriends who were damaged beyond all hope, were sexy as all get out, and a bit of an alpha male. Or maybe it's because as much as I want there to be the happily ever after for him it will not happen. That's just not Moonlights destiny. But he still tries to give it to others...and that dear reader is the endearing trait that makes me love Dick Moonlight so much.
You can tell from the amazing blurb the essentials of what happens. And everyone knows that the Belle does not give spoilers. It's all about my opinion. I bet by now you are wondering when I'm going to start bashing Moonlight Rises because of that title. Well welcome to disappointment because that's not going to happen.
Moonlight Rises is tearing up the Amazon ranking system as we speak. Which is not surprising it's a Zandri. What do you expect. His writing is versatile, signature, and classic noir with a modern edge. If you like dark plots, real characters with flaws and honor, then you'll love Moonlight Rises.
As for Vincent Zandri drowning...and this isn't about that rumor circulating involving a hot tub in Cairo. He hasn't even been there in a while. It's about drowning in success. Vincent has landed a contract with a traditional publisher while he is still creating with is local indie pub Stone House Ink. Congrats are due all around to Vincent.
Moonlight Rises is a book to read especially on a dark storming night all alone.
July 19, 2014
Another addition to my favorite detective list :)
I received this book for free through GoodReads First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
----
A promising start for a series... Full of sharp dialogue and wonderful characterizations that leap off the page.
Okay haha, that sounded corny but I really loved all the characters in the book (even the bad guys, though I wanted to kick them in the gonads).
I love the characters who aren't perfect/have flaws but are still good people... Dick Moonlight and Georgie are good examples.
All that Dick has been though and trying to stay afloat, I felt for him. Can't imagine going through what he did. (In regards to his head and his wife).
Georgie has a checkered past and has been through the ringer but still has that personality you would gravitate to... loved the close relationship he and Moonlight had, brothers-not-by-blood :).
Uncle Leo was only in for a little bit but I loved him, specially at the end ;) Hope we see more of him.
Lola I kind of/sort of liked... she wasn't in there much for me to form a big attachment to but I could feel how she and Moonlight cared for each other. I was on the fence whether she was cheating on him or not but my BS radar was on alert...
Dick Moonlight and Georgie make a good team :) I would definitely want them on my side.
Peter Czech was a clever man, some surprising twists with him and there were a couple moments that had me scratching my head as the narrative progressed but I grew to respect him a tiny bit, at the end.
I like to go along for the ride with a mystery and not guess who/what/why throughout the book, though sometimes your brain can't help it. That was the case here, I suspected a few things but the mystery/the case was still surprising to me in a few places, written very well.
Surprise at the end about a certain side character in the book, makes me wonder if he'll be re-visited in a future novel, perhaps not? *shrugs* we shall see.
A little thing with Georgie at the end had me smiling and laughing.. but somehow not surprised :).
The ending left a good opening into the next installment, not really final but not open-ended either exactly... if that makes sense.
All in all, would recommend *waves* Happy reading! I will definitely be reading more, hopefully this year :).
I received this book for free through GoodReads First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
----
A promising start for a series... Full of sharp dialogue and wonderful characterizations that leap off the page.
Okay haha, that sounded corny but I really loved all the characters in the book (even the bad guys, though I wanted to kick them in the gonads).
I love the characters who aren't perfect/have flaws but are still good people... Dick Moonlight and Georgie are good examples.
All that Dick has been though and trying to stay afloat, I felt for him. Can't imagine going through what he did. (In regards to his head and his wife).
Georgie has a checkered past and has been through the ringer but still has that personality you would gravitate to... loved the close relationship he and Moonlight had, brothers-not-by-blood :).
Uncle Leo was only in for a little bit but I loved him, specially at the end ;) Hope we see more of him.
Lola I kind of/sort of liked... she wasn't in there much for me to form a big attachment to but I could feel how she and Moonlight cared for each other. I was on the fence whether she was cheating on him or not but my BS radar was on alert...
Dick Moonlight and Georgie make a good team :) I would definitely want them on my side.
Peter Czech was a clever man, some surprising twists with him and there were a couple moments that had me scratching my head as the narrative progressed but I grew to respect him a tiny bit, at the end.
I like to go along for the ride with a mystery and not guess who/what/why throughout the book, though sometimes your brain can't help it. That was the case here, I suspected a few things but the mystery/the case was still surprising to me in a few places, written very well.
Surprise at the end about a certain side character in the book, makes me wonder if he'll be re-visited in a future novel, perhaps not? *shrugs* we shall see.
A little thing with Georgie at the end had me smiling and laughing.. but somehow not surprised :).
The ending left a good opening into the next installment, not really final but not open-ended either exactly... if that makes sense.
All in all, would recommend *waves* Happy reading! I will definitely be reading more, hopefully this year :).
February 27, 2014
Book Info: Genre: Suspense Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of thrillers
My Thoughts: This is a fast-paced story, enjoyable enough in a potato chip way, but nothing ultimately terribly impressive. The main character, Dick Moonlight, is a former cop, occasional private eye, and owns a bar that was given to him in lieu of payment for a job. He also has a fragment of a bullet in his brain that causes him to have occasional short-term memory loss and difficulties with things like blacking out and losing his balance, as well as being in danger of a stroke. Ultimately we don’t learn much about him, though, or his much-more-interesting friend Georgie. I think if Zandri had taken the time to develop the characters a bit more, this would have been a much better book. As it was, it was average. While I read it pretty much straight through, for me it was like an action movie, a dime-a-dozen story with nothing much to differentiate itself from any other genre book.
So, if you like suspense thriller-type books, if you like action movies, you will probably enjoy this book, but if you’re looking for intricate plots and character development, you can keep moving along. Story is continued in Blue Moonlight, which I will be reading next.
Disclosure: I received this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis from the back of the book: Dick Moonlight was dead. or so he thought. Thanks to a trio of Obama-masked thugs in a dark downtown Albany alley, he feels his free and floating spirit moving toward the Pearly Gates before getting pulled back into his pummeled body. Then the real trouble starts. Moonlight’s brain may have worked better before it had a bullet in it, but he knows he’s still in danger. The clues point to his latest client, Peter Czech, a handicapped nuclear engineer who the thugs believe gave Moonlight a secret box – and they’re willing to get it any deadly way they can. Only Moonlight can’t remember any box – but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it. He just better figure out where it is before he winds up dead for good this time.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of thrillers
My Thoughts: This is a fast-paced story, enjoyable enough in a potato chip way, but nothing ultimately terribly impressive. The main character, Dick Moonlight, is a former cop, occasional private eye, and owns a bar that was given to him in lieu of payment for a job. He also has a fragment of a bullet in his brain that causes him to have occasional short-term memory loss and difficulties with things like blacking out and losing his balance, as well as being in danger of a stroke. Ultimately we don’t learn much about him, though, or his much-more-interesting friend Georgie. I think if Zandri had taken the time to develop the characters a bit more, this would have been a much better book. As it was, it was average. While I read it pretty much straight through, for me it was like an action movie, a dime-a-dozen story with nothing much to differentiate itself from any other genre book.
So, if you like suspense thriller-type books, if you like action movies, you will probably enjoy this book, but if you’re looking for intricate plots and character development, you can keep moving along. Story is continued in Blue Moonlight, which I will be reading next.
Disclosure: I received this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis from the back of the book: Dick Moonlight was dead. or so he thought. Thanks to a trio of Obama-masked thugs in a dark downtown Albany alley, he feels his free and floating spirit moving toward the Pearly Gates before getting pulled back into his pummeled body. Then the real trouble starts. Moonlight’s brain may have worked better before it had a bullet in it, but he knows he’s still in danger. The clues point to his latest client, Peter Czech, a handicapped nuclear engineer who the thugs believe gave Moonlight a secret box – and they’re willing to get it any deadly way they can. Only Moonlight can’t remember any box – but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it. He just better figure out where it is before he winds up dead for good this time.
October 30, 2011
When I requested Moonlight Rises, I wasn’t aware that it was part of a series (although Jess probably told me and I ignored her, as usual). Anyway, I put off starting this book for a while because I’ve never had a good experience with reading novels out of sequence, but Moonlight Rises was awesome. The author includes just enough background to get the reader up to speed, while still focusing on the story at hand. Moonlight Rises reminded me of an old school mystery novel. The plot was pretty serious, but the characters helped to lighten the mood. Dick Moonlight and Georgie are hilarious – very sarcastic, which is right up my alley. There were moments that I literally laughed out loud. I really enjoyed the overall concept of the story as well. Usually I find that mysteries with funny characters are generally less suspenseful, but that was not the case with Moonlight Rises. Admittedly, this is a light read, but it is definitely a page-turner as well. I highly recommend Moonlight Rises to anyone who’s looking for a mystery novel with a comical twist.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
December 16, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Death happens to all of us."
Beaten unconscious by three thugs in Obama masks, Moonlight realises that this time he is dead as he looks down on his body lying in an hospital room. His girlfriend Lola is there, waiting beside him and he realizes how much he loves her - just as another unknown man appears and takes hold of her baby to comfort her. Turning to the darkness to walk into a growing spot of light, the figure of his father stops him, and he crashes back into his battered body.
So, not dead yet, despite the beating and the little fragment of bullet lodged in his brain which could dispatch him without warning at any time.. And from what the thugs had said to him, he was being warned off of the recent case he had tamed from a young man named Peter, looking, he had said, for his father. Something felt very wrong here so Moonlight, together with his friend dope smoking friend Georgie, investigate.
Vincent Zandri's noir series based around the ex cop turned occasional P.I., Richard Moonlight, is written in the first person and, as such reveals his inner turmoil as well as the outer adventure. The plot of Moonlight Rises 2nd in the series, is a stand alone. The plotting is a little convoluted but easy to follow, and always intriguing, keeping those audio pages turning. The role of Moonlight, himself, is played perfectly by narrator, R.C.Bray, who reads with clarity and good intonation, always aware of the nuances of the text and adding individual, appropriate convinced for every one of the other protagonists. A fine performance.
I had read later books in the Moonlight series and it was good to go back to an earlier stage in his development. Great characters, well written, fine oral delivery and a passable story line. An enjoyable detective story with a twist. Recommended.
"Death happens to all of us."
Beaten unconscious by three thugs in Obama masks, Moonlight realises that this time he is dead as he looks down on his body lying in an hospital room. His girlfriend Lola is there, waiting beside him and he realizes how much he loves her - just as another unknown man appears and takes hold of her baby to comfort her. Turning to the darkness to walk into a growing spot of light, the figure of his father stops him, and he crashes back into his battered body.
So, not dead yet, despite the beating and the little fragment of bullet lodged in his brain which could dispatch him without warning at any time.. And from what the thugs had said to him, he was being warned off of the recent case he had tamed from a young man named Peter, looking, he had said, for his father. Something felt very wrong here so Moonlight, together with his friend dope smoking friend Georgie, investigate.
Vincent Zandri's noir series based around the ex cop turned occasional P.I., Richard Moonlight, is written in the first person and, as such reveals his inner turmoil as well as the outer adventure. The plot of Moonlight Rises 2nd in the series, is a stand alone. The plotting is a little convoluted but easy to follow, and always intriguing, keeping those audio pages turning. The role of Moonlight, himself, is played perfectly by narrator, R.C.Bray, who reads with clarity and good intonation, always aware of the nuances of the text and adding individual, appropriate convinced for every one of the other protagonists. A fine performance.
I had read later books in the Moonlight series and it was good to go back to an earlier stage in his development. Great characters, well written, fine oral delivery and a passable story line. An enjoyable detective story with a twist. Recommended.
April 20, 2024
Very entertaining PI tale!
Over time I’ve been collecting the Dick Moonlight books and audiobooks, however after listening to Full Moonlight recently, I decided I really need to start at the beginning of the series and find out who Dick Moonlight is and how he got into his “condition.” So, I guess it made sense to listen to Moonlight rises the second book – I don’t have an audiobook of the first book – while I was doing some less than enjoyable tasks. I got every bit of the entertainment I wanted/needed while listening to RC Bray’s excellent narration of this highly amusing and entertaining story. If you don’t mind a bit of “adult” language or situations and need/want to be entertained, might I humbly suggest giving Dick Moonlight a go, especially the audiobook with RC Bray at the microphone.
Over time I’ve been collecting the Dick Moonlight books and audiobooks, however after listening to Full Moonlight recently, I decided I really need to start at the beginning of the series and find out who Dick Moonlight is and how he got into his “condition.” So, I guess it made sense to listen to Moonlight rises the second book – I don’t have an audiobook of the first book – while I was doing some less than enjoyable tasks. I got every bit of the entertainment I wanted/needed while listening to RC Bray’s excellent narration of this highly amusing and entertaining story. If you don’t mind a bit of “adult” language or situations and need/want to be entertained, might I humbly suggest giving Dick Moonlight a go, especially the audiobook with RC Bray at the microphone.
November 18, 2018
Vincent Zandri grabbed my attention in ‘Moonlight Falls’ with his writing style that created and developed Dick Moonlight, PI. His 2nd book, ‘Moonlight Rises’ is even better with his imaginative complex storyline of secrets involving his girlfriend, Lola and the sordid past Dick has to figure out. It involves her father, a half sister, a client that has hired Moonlight, and Russian thugs. Dick and good friend Georgie have battle scars but manage to outsmart and escape near death bullets and blazes. I don’t want to give anything away because this descriptive, full of action, well written book is a most intriguing goodread. Best read without reviews that retell the story.
April 20, 2019
He is back, 5 minutes ago dead, and if the cops had known who he was they might have walked right on by in that alley. Detective asking questions, the one thing the thugs said was to stay away from Peter Czeck. A young guy who came to him a few days ago. He hadn’t done anything or even decided to do the case, if the thugs had asked first. They come to the hospital they want the box. Did he have it, he didn’t know.
The opening is different, a meeting with his dad, and you are caught up and wanting details of how he landed into trouble this time. With a body that is bruised and memory is now faulty. He wonders who can he trust to help him. A must read for this authors books
The opening is different, a meeting with his dad, and you are caught up and wanting details of how he landed into trouble this time. With a body that is bruised and memory is now faulty. He wonders who can he trust to help him. A must read for this authors books
September 20, 2019
The Russians Are Coming
Moonlight is attacked and left for dead by Russians wearing Obama masks. They want something that he doesn't have, and, he doesn't know what it is. You, the reader, don't discover what it is until the end and then the end changes. Who are the real bad guys? This will keep you hooked right to the very end.
Moonlight is attacked and left for dead by Russians wearing Obama masks. They want something that he doesn't have, and, he doesn't know what it is. You, the reader, don't discover what it is until the end and then the end changes. Who are the real bad guys? This will keep you hooked right to the very end.
August 6, 2018
Interesting.
Sometimes an author surprises you with a better story than the first in a series. A pleasant surprise as well. Looking forward to the next session of the Moonlight adventures, with George along for the ride Or is George no longer the driver ? We will soon know.
Sometimes an author surprises you with a better story than the first in a series. A pleasant surprise as well. Looking forward to the next session of the Moonlight adventures, with George along for the ride Or is George no longer the driver ? We will soon know.
September 30, 2018
Moves fast...
Zandri has a gift of writing that keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. Characters that carry you on the journey till the last word. A story that makes you hope it doesn't end so you can read more.
Zandri has a gift of writing that keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. Characters that carry you on the journey till the last word. A story that makes you hope it doesn't end so you can read more.
December 23, 2020
Twists
The writing is good, the action non-stop and has more plot twists than a bag of pretzels. Really enjoyed both books.
The writing is good, the action non-stop and has more plot twists than a bag of pretzels. Really enjoyed both books.
October 16, 2011
MOONLIGHT RISES by Vincent Zandri
Published by StoneGate Ink
ASIN: B005HB16Y6
At the request of the author, a PDF edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
My Thoughts and Opinion: If you follow my blog you already know what I think of this author. And you probably also know the two words that always come to mind when I finish one of his books are brilliant and genius!!! And you already know what the rating I will be giving this book....you got it....a 5!!!! Another winner!!!
But for those who are new followers, if you like mystery and suspense, this is the author that you HAVE to read!!! This is the sequel to Moonlight Falls, the one that grabbed me, hook, line and sinker. However, it can also stand on it's own. Zandri. with his masterful writing, brings you up to speed with Moonlight Rises. The quirky P.I., Dick Moonlight is back with his unconventional investigations and sometimes outlandish one liners. Zandri, once again, takes you on a fast paced, action packed ride filled with twists and turns that the reader never sees coming.
I have read every book that this highly talented author has written. Do I recommend him? ABSOLUTELY!!!!
My Rating: 5
Published by StoneGate Ink
ASIN: B005HB16Y6
At the request of the author, a PDF edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
My Thoughts and Opinion: If you follow my blog you already know what I think of this author. And you probably also know the two words that always come to mind when I finish one of his books are brilliant and genius!!! And you already know what the rating I will be giving this book....you got it....a 5!!!! Another winner!!!
But for those who are new followers, if you like mystery and suspense, this is the author that you HAVE to read!!! This is the sequel to Moonlight Falls, the one that grabbed me, hook, line and sinker. However, it can also stand on it's own. Zandri. with his masterful writing, brings you up to speed with Moonlight Rises. The quirky P.I., Dick Moonlight is back with his unconventional investigations and sometimes outlandish one liners. Zandri, once again, takes you on a fast paced, action packed ride filled with twists and turns that the reader never sees coming.
I have read every book that this highly talented author has written. Do I recommend him? ABSOLUTELY!!!!
My Rating: 5
October 26, 2011
Synopsis:
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
My thoughts: If you haven’t read anything by Mr. Zandri, you should definitely check him out. “Moonlight Rises” is the second book in the series and I regrettably have not read the first one. That will change soon. “Moonlight Rises” is definitely a page turner, and I LOVE the main character, Dick Moonlight. Flawed and likeable, you can’t help but want to root for him.
Zandri’s writing is also excellent; fast paced with just the right amount of violence and humor. And even though I haven’t read the first one, the story was whole unto itself and I didn’t feel as if I’d missed out on any details about the characters. If you’re a fan adult crime fiction, definitely put this one on your to read list.
Check out other book reviews here: http://vrleavitt.com/?p=873
“Life sucks. Then you die. Or, if you’re Dick Moonlight, first you die and then you live.”
Dick Moonlight is dead.
Really dead this time, now that three President Obama-masked thugs dressed all in black and communicating only with hand-held voice synthesizers pressed up against their voice boxes have beat the life right out of him inside a dark, downtown Albany alley. What are the thugs after? A box. Size, weight, description unknown. They also want him to stay away from his newest and only client: a handicapped nuclear engineer of dubious Russian heritage by the same of Peter Czech.
But then, now that they’ve killed him, Moonlight’s problems seem to be over. In fact, as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
Like a little kid dropping down a playground slide, Moonlight slides right back inside his bruised and broken body. Opening his eyes the white light blinds him. He feels the pain of his wounds and the pain of his breaking heart.
Life sucks, then you die.
But Moonlight rises.
My thoughts: If you haven’t read anything by Mr. Zandri, you should definitely check him out. “Moonlight Rises” is the second book in the series and I regrettably have not read the first one. That will change soon. “Moonlight Rises” is definitely a page turner, and I LOVE the main character, Dick Moonlight. Flawed and likeable, you can’t help but want to root for him.
Zandri’s writing is also excellent; fast paced with just the right amount of violence and humor. And even though I haven’t read the first one, the story was whole unto itself and I didn’t feel as if I’d missed out on any details about the characters. If you’re a fan adult crime fiction, definitely put this one on your to read list.
Check out other book reviews here: http://vrleavitt.com/?p=873
May 24, 2012
This is an Amazon Vine book.
I was intrigued by the premise of the private eye killed by thugs who comes back from an out-of-body, talk-to-his-dad-in-the-afterlife experience so he can wrap up the investigation.
At any rate, I didn't find Moonlight to be a sympathetic character, I didn't care about his problems (especially as he spent all his time obsessing about the lovely Lola's betrayal), and I didn't find the writing to be above average or compelling in any way.
If you don't have a character you care about, then you spend most of your time being critical of every stupid thing they do in order to make the plot work out. You know what, Moonlight? Just man up and ask Lola what the what she was doing with that guy at your deathbed. But then we'd have been missing much angst and some plot material.
You may like Moonlight better than I did, in which case you may actually care about the outcome of this story. As for me it was a bore. Tolerable to be sure, but still a bore.
I was intrigued by the premise of the private eye killed by thugs who comes back from an out-of-body, talk-to-his-dad-in-the-afterlife experience so he can wrap up the investigation.
as he undergoes an out of body experience, his soul floating above his train-wreck of a corpse inside the Albany Medical Center I.C.U., he feels pretty damned good. Great in fact. To make death all the more sweeter, his one true love, his one true love, Lola, is standing by his bedside. With her long dark hair draping her chiseled face and big round Jackie O sunglasses hiding tear-filled eyes, she appears every bit the grieving sig other. Nothing could make the dead-and-gone Moonlight prouder."All the more sweeter." I should've read the description more carefully. Oy.
But then something happens. Something bad. A man enters into the I.C.U. Some young guy. He takes hold of Lola’s hand, and pulls her into him. Together, the two share a loving embrace over Moonlight’s dead body. Now, what seemed like a peaceful death is anything but. Moonlight wants back inside his body so he can face-off Some Young Guy and find out if his true love has in fact been cheating on him. At the same time, he wants to find out the true identity of those thugs who killed him so he can exact his revenge. No doubt about it, Moonlight needs to live if he’s going to uncover some pretty painful answers and take care of business.
At any rate, I didn't find Moonlight to be a sympathetic character, I didn't care about his problems (especially as he spent all his time obsessing about the lovely Lola's betrayal), and I didn't find the writing to be above average or compelling in any way.
If you don't have a character you care about, then you spend most of your time being critical of every stupid thing they do in order to make the plot work out. You know what, Moonlight? Just man up and ask Lola what the what she was doing with that guy at your deathbed. But then we'd have been missing much angst and some plot material.
You may like Moonlight better than I did, in which case you may actually care about the outcome of this story. As for me it was a bore. Tolerable to be sure, but still a bore.
December 31, 2012
I love pulp fiction with its down-and-out heroes and their wry view of life, so when I heard about the Moonlight series, I thought I'd give it a whirl. The first book certainly starts in a unique way, as ex-cop Richard Moonlight realizes he's looking down on his own dead body lying in a hospital bed after having been beat to death by a bunch of men wearing Obama masks and using voice synthesizers. This isn't Moonlight's first brush with death. He's already wandering around with a bullet fragment lodged in his brain from a botched suicide attempt after his wife left. Things go from bad to worse when Moonlight's girlfriend Lola comes into his hospital room, followed by another man who appears to be her lover. Naturally, Moonlight wakes up, and not only has to track down the Obama thugs trying to kill him, but he needs to find out what's going on with Lola.
Unfortunately, the premise here is much better than the execution. The plot had unique twists and turns, and Moonlight is a likeable enough character, but it didn't take long for the whole "I've-got-a-bullet-fragment-from-a-botched-suicide-attempt-lodged-next-to-my-cerebral-cortex" thing to get eye-rollingly old. I also wearied of him passing out (due to the above-mentioned bullet fragment) at times convenient to the plot, but very inconvenient to him. I grew bored with him constantly waking up in the custody of Russian thugs bent on causing him harm. I also found Moonlight's attitude toward his attempted suicide a bit flip, since suicide is a by-product of severe depression. Moonlight exhibits no signs of such mental illness, save that annoying little bullet fragment in his head that gets mentioned on every other page.
Somehow, he manages to solve his case, with the help of a good friend and sidekick, but the journey to get there could have been a lot more enjoyable for me. Several of the ingredients here are good ones, but the final product fell flat, and I had a hard time making myself care about what would happen in the end. I've certainly read worse books, but I'll continue my hunt for something better.
Unfortunately, the premise here is much better than the execution. The plot had unique twists and turns, and Moonlight is a likeable enough character, but it didn't take long for the whole "I've-got-a-bullet-fragment-from-a-botched-suicide-attempt-lodged-next-to-my-cerebral-cortex" thing to get eye-rollingly old. I also wearied of him passing out (due to the above-mentioned bullet fragment) at times convenient to the plot, but very inconvenient to him. I grew bored with him constantly waking up in the custody of Russian thugs bent on causing him harm. I also found Moonlight's attitude toward his attempted suicide a bit flip, since suicide is a by-product of severe depression. Moonlight exhibits no signs of such mental illness, save that annoying little bullet fragment in his head that gets mentioned on every other page.
Somehow, he manages to solve his case, with the help of a good friend and sidekick, but the journey to get there could have been a lot more enjoyable for me. Several of the ingredients here are good ones, but the final product fell flat, and I had a hard time making myself care about what would happen in the end. I've certainly read worse books, but I'll continue my hunt for something better.
May 3, 2012
Dick Moonlight is dead. He was beaten to death in a dark alley by thugs wearing President Obama masks that spoke only using voice synthesizers. What were they looking for? A box that nobody knows anything about and they want him to stay away from his newest client: a handicapped nuclear engineer by the name of Peter Czech.
You’d think Moonlight’s problems would be over but during his out of body experience in the hospital, he sees his true love, Lola hugging up on some young guy. Now he wants answers and he wants them bad enough to come back from the dead to get them.
If you haven’t read the first book, Moonlight Falls or the short story, Moonlight Mafia, you will not get the whole scope of what Dick Moonlight has been through. Vincent Zandri kinda recaps it in this book but I feel you should read them all. You’ll get the inside jokes and exactly how much Hell he’s been through.
Just when you think Dick’s life couldn’t get any worse, it does and it almost costs him his life. The ultimate heroic underdog comes back with a vengeance and once again Vincent Zandri takes us on a ride with more twists than a curly straw. I read this book in one day actually, a few hours. I had to finish 50 pages of Moonlight Falls, all of Moonlight Mafia and then I thought I would START this one. Instead, I devoured it and absolutely did not want to put it down. The only time I’ve ever read 300 pages like that was with Jeffery Deaver’s novels. I definitely found myself lost in Dick’s unfortunate adventure which he once again drags his friend George into. At times you feel really bad for him and at times you want to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Just makes you wonder what kind of trouble Vincent is going to have him get into next. I want to be one of the first in line for the next book and until then I’m going to read more of Zandri’s work!
Thank you to Partner’s In Crime Blog Tours and Vincent Zandri for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
You’d think Moonlight’s problems would be over but during his out of body experience in the hospital, he sees his true love, Lola hugging up on some young guy. Now he wants answers and he wants them bad enough to come back from the dead to get them.
If you haven’t read the first book, Moonlight Falls or the short story, Moonlight Mafia, you will not get the whole scope of what Dick Moonlight has been through. Vincent Zandri kinda recaps it in this book but I feel you should read them all. You’ll get the inside jokes and exactly how much Hell he’s been through.
Just when you think Dick’s life couldn’t get any worse, it does and it almost costs him his life. The ultimate heroic underdog comes back with a vengeance and once again Vincent Zandri takes us on a ride with more twists than a curly straw. I read this book in one day actually, a few hours. I had to finish 50 pages of Moonlight Falls, all of Moonlight Mafia and then I thought I would START this one. Instead, I devoured it and absolutely did not want to put it down. The only time I’ve ever read 300 pages like that was with Jeffery Deaver’s novels. I definitely found myself lost in Dick’s unfortunate adventure which he once again drags his friend George into. At times you feel really bad for him and at times you want to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Just makes you wonder what kind of trouble Vincent is going to have him get into next. I want to be one of the first in line for the next book and until then I’m going to read more of Zandri’s work!
Thank you to Partner’s In Crime Blog Tours and Vincent Zandri for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
September 2, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author Vincent Zandri. I'll have to admit that if I'd known it was a series, I would have never entered the giveaway. I despise reading books out of order, but I digress. Overall, I liked this book.
I would recommend it if I had read the others first, but there was never a moment in the novel where Zandri leaves you questioning what's happening. He included enough background information from previous novels that new readers still had a sense of who the characters were and what makes them tick. I appreciate this technique because I was a new reader to this series. I never felt a personal connection with any of the character though. I read about them and basically lived with Dick Moonlight as he died and came back to life again, but there was never anything emotional to him that established a connection.
Frequently throughout the novel, a punch line of sorts was thrown in; for instance the overly used phrase "built in shit detector" which I found amusing at first, but after a while was a little banal. There were a few other instances where he used phrases that I rolled my eyes at because I felt like they could have been worded better.
There were times where I was taken by surprise. ****SPOILER ALERT**** Especially when Zandri revealed that Peter was Lola's son. I was floored. I'm not usually caught off guard like that, but bravo Mr. Zandri.
Overall, it's a mediocre book with static characters and lots of blood and boners. Okay read, but I probably wouldn't reread it.
I would recommend it if I had read the others first, but there was never a moment in the novel where Zandri leaves you questioning what's happening. He included enough background information from previous novels that new readers still had a sense of who the characters were and what makes them tick. I appreciate this technique because I was a new reader to this series. I never felt a personal connection with any of the character though. I read about them and basically lived with Dick Moonlight as he died and came back to life again, but there was never anything emotional to him that established a connection.
Frequently throughout the novel, a punch line of sorts was thrown in; for instance the overly used phrase "built in shit detector" which I found amusing at first, but after a while was a little banal. There were a few other instances where he used phrases that I rolled my eyes at because I felt like they could have been worded better.
There were times where I was taken by surprise. ****SPOILER ALERT**** Especially when Zandri revealed that Peter was Lola's son. I was floored. I'm not usually caught off guard like that, but bravo Mr. Zandri.
Overall, it's a mediocre book with static characters and lots of blood and boners. Okay read, but I probably wouldn't reread it.
October 14, 2011
Peter Czech has hired Dick Moonlight to find his father, unfortunately three Obama masked thugs have other ideas and now Moonlight is dead.
This is another awesome read from Vincent Zandri. The pace is relentless, from the first page to the last, the story reveals it’s tale of death, life, espionage, and families lost.
The story is both hard nosed and at times very funny, with some hilarious moments as Dick Moonlight investigates his latest case.
The characters, in particular Dick Moonlight are both believable and well developed, as you read you become more and more engaged with them and want to know what is going to happen to them next, and the stories pace doesn’t keep you waiting long.
The story is both believable and also at times will leave you with your jaw open in astonishment, as another turn in the story has you wondering what will be happening next.
This non-stop rollercoaster could very easily be read in one sitting, and this maybe the best way to approach this book, especially if you have other things you want to do, because the desire to find out what happens next will keep you reading and away from what you are probably supposed to be doing. The good news though is that Dick Moonlight is a series character, so once you’ve finished this one there are plenty more where it came from!
If you’re a fan of crime fiction then I commend Moonlight Rises and it's author Vincent Zandri to you, he may not be a name your familiar with but he should be!
This is another awesome read from Vincent Zandri. The pace is relentless, from the first page to the last, the story reveals it’s tale of death, life, espionage, and families lost.
The story is both hard nosed and at times very funny, with some hilarious moments as Dick Moonlight investigates his latest case.
The characters, in particular Dick Moonlight are both believable and well developed, as you read you become more and more engaged with them and want to know what is going to happen to them next, and the stories pace doesn’t keep you waiting long.
The story is both believable and also at times will leave you with your jaw open in astonishment, as another turn in the story has you wondering what will be happening next.
This non-stop rollercoaster could very easily be read in one sitting, and this maybe the best way to approach this book, especially if you have other things you want to do, because the desire to find out what happens next will keep you reading and away from what you are probably supposed to be doing. The good news though is that Dick Moonlight is a series character, so once you’ve finished this one there are plenty more where it came from!
If you’re a fan of crime fiction then I commend Moonlight Rises and it's author Vincent Zandri to you, he may not be a name your familiar with but he should be!
July 28, 2014
Note: I received a free paperback copy of the book to read and review. That did not affect my review.
A noir private eye novel, occassionlly funny, but always fast moving, with an hero who has, to say the least, a different pedigree. Son of a mortician, former cop who developed a booze problem when he determined that his wife was having an affair, and a man who attempted suicide, leaving him with brain damage. Oh, he is functional, just subject to memory loss blackouts- just what a private eye needs. Maybe that is why he is not doing so well.
But he gets a case. A man in a wheel chair hires him to find his biological father, who may be dead or simply gone walkabout. The case, innocent as it seems, gets very dangerous, involving Russian mobsters.Why?that is the story, isn't it.
Very tough- guy noir set in Albany, NY, of all places. Lots of action without very much literary posing or long descriptive passages; it is head- long action to a finish that sets up further adventures of Dick Moonlight, private eye, target, losing lover and walking " I still have a piece of bullet in my head "case.
Zandri is a good writer. I enjoyed this book, maybe not as much as The Remains and some others of his, but it was a good one for mystery action thriller lovers.
October 31, 2011
Reviewed By: Steph O
Review Copy Provided By: Partners in Crime Book Tour
What a wild and crazy ride this book was! Always changing, having a hard time figuring out the who, what, when and where . . and then, it all starts to snap into place. As all the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together, one may find themselves afraid to ask . . what next? (Because, that may be opening another can of worms no one wants.)
Hired by a young man (Paul) to locate his father, Dick is thrown into the middle of some deep stuff. Not knowing how deep until it costs him his life (for five minutes). Now it’s a race to find all the pieces of the puzzle, before the electric voice, Obama mask wearing men find him again.
With the help of his good friend Georgie (who reminds me of Leo from That 70’s Show), it takes a lot of mental strength and working together to keep each other alive and see this thing to the end.
A great read. I hope to be able to visit with Dick and Georgie again in the future. What a great team!
Favorite Quote: “As I drift off, I think, Baby, are you gonna have some serious explaining to do when I wake up, or what?”
Review Copy Provided By: Partners in Crime Book Tour
What a wild and crazy ride this book was! Always changing, having a hard time figuring out the who, what, when and where . . and then, it all starts to snap into place. As all the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together, one may find themselves afraid to ask . . what next? (Because, that may be opening another can of worms no one wants.)
Hired by a young man (Paul) to locate his father, Dick is thrown into the middle of some deep stuff. Not knowing how deep until it costs him his life (for five minutes). Now it’s a race to find all the pieces of the puzzle, before the electric voice, Obama mask wearing men find him again.
With the help of his good friend Georgie (who reminds me of Leo from That 70’s Show), it takes a lot of mental strength and working together to keep each other alive and see this thing to the end.
A great read. I hope to be able to visit with Dick and Georgie again in the future. What a great team!
Favorite Quote: “As I drift off, I think, Baby, are you gonna have some serious explaining to do when I wake up, or what?”
February 7, 2017
A bit different
For those of us that have read Mr. Zandri's other books, I think the one is more about the complete story, than waiting for the ending. It's like watching a movie that you don't dare blink, or you will miss something important. Well done Mr Zandri! What a way to keep us guessing. Liked it very much, and would recommend. His books have yet to disappoint.
For those of us that have read Mr. Zandri's other books, I think the one is more about the complete story, than waiting for the ending. It's like watching a movie that you don't dare blink, or you will miss something important. Well done Mr Zandri! What a way to keep us guessing. Liked it very much, and would recommend. His books have yet to disappoint.
June 8, 2012
Dick Moonlight should be dead. But he comes back from the brink, not with any vision of a long tunnel and a light at the end of it, but knowing his girlfriend is cheating on him, three goons in Obama masks want him dead, and everybody wants a box from him that he doesn't have. Or at least, he doesn't remember having it. Getting beat up by the goons has messed up his memory along with his body.
This is a quick, snappy thriller about espionage and other crimes trailing from the Cold War into present day Albany. The voice is classic hard-boiled PI, and if the plot occasionally relies a bit much on coincidence, it makes up for it with gutsy action and fun.
This is a quick, snappy thriller about espionage and other crimes trailing from the Cold War into present day Albany. The voice is classic hard-boiled PI, and if the plot occasionally relies a bit much on coincidence, it makes up for it with gutsy action and fun.
August 12, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through a Good reads giveaway.
Moonlight Rises is everything a good crime/thriller should be. Engaging characters, a brisk pace, and all with a touch of humor. As I understand it Moonlight Rises is part of a series although what number I haven't yet been able to find. In any case it stands up on it's own without making you feel like you've missed something. (If anyone out there can tell me, I'd be very interested in knowing the titles of the books in the series and in what order they belong.)
Moonlight Rises is everything a good crime/thriller should be. Engaging characters, a brisk pace, and all with a touch of humor. As I understand it Moonlight Rises is part of a series although what number I haven't yet been able to find. In any case it stands up on it's own without making you feel like you've missed something. (If anyone out there can tell me, I'd be very interested in knowing the titles of the books in the series and in what order they belong.)
August 28, 2016
Is Moonlight alive, or is he dead? It is bad enough that he has to go through life with a bullet particle in his brain, but shortly after he takes a case to find his client's father, 3 thugs in Obama masks beat him unconscious. The resulting concussion leaves him dead. Temporarily at least. Things start hopping and questions need answering. Not the least of which is, How is his long time love Lola involved in this puzzle. Another excellent offering from Vincent Zandri.
July 12, 2019
NOIR, INDEED
Loooove this book! Characters ( my favorite is Georgie) feel alive and like you wish you could lift a glass with them.
Writing style is witty, sarcastic, and self-deprecating ( all positives, in my opinion) as well as keeps you interested in turning pages. It's 2am right now, but I couldn't stop :-):-)
Great series, highly recommended, this is the second one I've read, but not the first by this author....I'm a long time fan.
Loooove this book! Characters ( my favorite is Georgie) feel alive and like you wish you could lift a glass with them.
Writing style is witty, sarcastic, and self-deprecating ( all positives, in my opinion) as well as keeps you interested in turning pages. It's 2am right now, but I couldn't stop :-):-)
Great series, highly recommended, this is the second one I've read, but not the first by this author....I'm a long time fan.
Want to read
October 23, 2011Won in For the Love of Reading's e-book giveaway, will tell you guys what I thought about it as soon as I read it xD
July 26, 2014
Its cool I loved the trill and I have to say my favorite part was the Obama-masked thugs .
December 20, 2015
Intrigue with violence
Moonlight the magician He has eleven lives. Much too much unrealistic escapes and violence. However, it was interesting and the intrigue was well done.
Moonlight the magician He has eleven lives. Much too much unrealistic escapes and violence. However, it was interesting and the intrigue was well done.
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