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Killing Icarus
Kemprecos co-authored the bestselling NUMA Files series with adventure author Clive Cussler.Art historian Abi Vickers has hit the proverbial wall. Her husband ran off with his secretary, leaving Abi in financial ruin from his bad investments. Her galleries, her reputation, her apartment in Boston’s toney South End have been ripped from her life by an unforgiving legal system.When an old mentor offers her a temporary job and the use of his cottage overlooking Cape Cod Bay, she hopes the sun-drenched scenery that inspired artist Edward Hopper will help pull her life back together. As she leaves Boston for the windswept cliffs of Truro, she looks forward to calm days, spectacular sunsets, and the mind-cleansing practice of Zen archery.But her hope for tranquility is soon shattered when she learns that a historic aviation event is about to be reenacted practically on her doorstep. Suddenly, instead of finding sanity, Abi wonders if she’s going insane—especially when she starts seeing shadows moving across the star-speckled night sky.Only after she discovers a deadly WWII secret in a long-lost Hopper sketch does she realize the troubles that plagued her in Boston were child’s play compared to the dangers she’s about to From the deadly cat-and-mouse game she must play with hired killers on the Nantucket ferry, to the threats that seem to emanate from an old barn near a fortress-like abandoned mansion. Even with the help of a small town police officer dealing with his own personal baggage, and a German journalist who is not what he appears to be, Abi must tap into intellectual and physical resources she never knew she possessed if she wants to survive.
Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2021
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About the author
Paul Kemprecos
52 books103 followersMy fiction-writing career owes it start to the bad navigation of an 18th century pirate. For it was in 1717 that a ship, the Whydah went aground, reportedly carrying a fabulous treasure. In the 1980s, three salvage groups went head-to-head, competing to find the wreck. The controversy over the salvage got hot at times and I thought there might be a book in their story. I was working for a newspaper at the time.
I developed my own detective, an ex-cop, diver, fisherman, and PI named Aristotle “Soc” Socarides. He was more philosophical than hard-boiled. Making his first appearance in “Cool Blue Tomb,” the book won the Shamus award for Best Paperback novel. After many years in the newspaper business, I turned to writing fiction and churned out five more books in the series.
Clive Cussler blurbed: “There can be no better mystery writer in America than Paul Kemprecos.”
Despite the accolades, the Soc series lingered in mid-list hell. By the time I finished my last book, I was thinking about another career that might make me more money, like working in a 7-11.
Several months after the release of “Bluefin Blues,” Clive called and said a spin-off from the Dirk Pitt series was in the works. It would be called the NUMA Files and he wondered if I would be interested in tackling the job.
I took on the writing of “Serpent” which brought into being Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Assignments Team. Austin had some carry-over from Soc, and another team member, Paul Trout, had been born on Cape Cod. The book made The New York Times bestseller list, as did every one of seven NUMA Files that followed, including “Polar Shift,” which bumped “The DaVinci Code” for first place.
After eight NUMA Files I went back to writing solo. I wrote an adventure book entitled, The Emerald Scepter, which introduced a new hero, Matinicus “Matt” Hawkins. I have been working on the re-release of my Soc series in digital and print, and in 2013, responding to numerous requests, I brought Soc back again in a seventh Socarides book entitled, Grey Lady. My wife Christi and I live on Cape Cod where she works as a financial advisor. We live in a circa 1865 farmhouse with two cats. We have three children and seven granddaughters.
To learn more about Paul Kemprecos, check out his website at http://www.paulkemprecos.com.
I developed my own detective, an ex-cop, diver, fisherman, and PI named Aristotle “Soc” Socarides. He was more philosophical than hard-boiled. Making his first appearance in “Cool Blue Tomb,” the book won the Shamus award for Best Paperback novel. After many years in the newspaper business, I turned to writing fiction and churned out five more books in the series.
Clive Cussler blurbed: “There can be no better mystery writer in America than Paul Kemprecos.”
Despite the accolades, the Soc series lingered in mid-list hell. By the time I finished my last book, I was thinking about another career that might make me more money, like working in a 7-11.
Several months after the release of “Bluefin Blues,” Clive called and said a spin-off from the Dirk Pitt series was in the works. It would be called the NUMA Files and he wondered if I would be interested in tackling the job.
I took on the writing of “Serpent” which brought into being Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Assignments Team. Austin had some carry-over from Soc, and another team member, Paul Trout, had been born on Cape Cod. The book made The New York Times bestseller list, as did every one of seven NUMA Files that followed, including “Polar Shift,” which bumped “The DaVinci Code” for first place.
After eight NUMA Files I went back to writing solo. I wrote an adventure book entitled, The Emerald Scepter, which introduced a new hero, Matinicus “Matt” Hawkins. I have been working on the re-release of my Soc series in digital and print, and in 2013, responding to numerous requests, I brought Soc back again in a seventh Socarides book entitled, Grey Lady. My wife Christi and I live on Cape Cod where she works as a financial advisor. We live in a circa 1865 farmhouse with two cats. We have three children and seven granddaughters.
To learn more about Paul Kemprecos, check out his website at http://www.paulkemprecos.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 25, 2022
Too slow in the beginning and too predictable in the end.
July 5, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel even though it took a bit to get into; the early chapters had me wondering what was going on but as the story continued it became more and more intriguing. What did a famous artist have to do with a downed aircraft?
As more strands to the story appeared, the faster I wanted to turn the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
The body count started to add up as Abi’s, one of our main characters, life is threatened. What has she stumbled into? The various strands of the story rapidly start coming together as the mystery is revealed and solved.
Kemprecos has a very descriptive style of writing; you can perfectly picture standing on the cliffs edge, smell the salt in the air and hear the gulls as they soar on the wind currents, there is a lot of detail but that gives us characters that are fully formed that you want to care about (or not as the case may be). I didn’t think the outcome was obvious, so I was fully engaged to the end in the drama as it unfolded.
Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As more strands to the story appeared, the faster I wanted to turn the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
The body count started to add up as Abi’s, one of our main characters, life is threatened. What has she stumbled into? The various strands of the story rapidly start coming together as the mystery is revealed and solved.
Kemprecos has a very descriptive style of writing; you can perfectly picture standing on the cliffs edge, smell the salt in the air and hear the gulls as they soar on the wind currents, there is a lot of detail but that gives us characters that are fully formed that you want to care about (or not as the case may be). I didn’t think the outcome was obvious, so I was fully engaged to the end in the drama as it unfolded.
Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2021
KILLING ICARUS A REVIEW
Killing Icarus hits all the marks. Paul Kemprecos brings perspective, beauty, and danger in his story on Cape Cod. An adventure glider pilot is killed in a classic replica glider off-shore from the Cape. The pilot, an Astro-engineer, has also developed a 21st-century engine-less flight. The heroine, Abi Vickers, witnesses the crash. The Coast Guard and State Police soon determine it’s murder.
Abi has lost her marriage, her art gallery, and even her home She housesits for a friend where with a semi-retired lawyer, Ben Dyer, who works as a local night cop, Abi solves the murder but nearly becomes a victim herself. With style, red herrings, and false leads the murderer remains a mystery to the very end. As with all good mysteries, a great surprise awaits you.
Five stars. BD Reno, NV
Killing Icarus hits all the marks. Paul Kemprecos brings perspective, beauty, and danger in his story on Cape Cod. An adventure glider pilot is killed in a classic replica glider off-shore from the Cape. The pilot, an Astro-engineer, has also developed a 21st-century engine-less flight. The heroine, Abi Vickers, witnesses the crash. The Coast Guard and State Police soon determine it’s murder.
Abi has lost her marriage, her art gallery, and even her home She housesits for a friend where with a semi-retired lawyer, Ben Dyer, who works as a local night cop, Abi solves the murder but nearly becomes a victim herself. With style, red herrings, and false leads the murderer remains a mystery to the very end. As with all good mysteries, a great surprise awaits you.
Five stars. BD Reno, NV
July 11, 2021
This was a quick and entertaining mystery. I found myself sneaking off to be able to gobble it up. The main characters were likeable and relatable- although they were a little hung up with layers- one’s hatred of and one’s repetition to remind people that he is one. I’m always up for a good Nazi treasure hunt and was intrigued with hearing more about the art and Monuments Men’s work. The history of gliding was something I had never really thought about and found it really interesting.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this. I received as advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this. I received as advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2021
When I started this book, I was a little put off by the amount of detail in what seemed like insignificant things - the color of the outfit someone put on, for instance. But as I read on, that seemed to drop away.
I especially liked all the pieces of this book - there was history, art, science (aviation), mystery, a touch of futuristic science (I hesitate to call it science fiction) and a bit of romance. I got to like the main characters and hope the author is thinking of a series!
Received free copy for honest review.
I especially liked all the pieces of this book - there was history, art, science (aviation), mystery, a touch of futuristic science (I hesitate to call it science fiction) and a bit of romance. I got to like the main characters and hope the author is thinking of a series!
Received free copy for honest review.
October 19, 2021
Mister Kemprecos has a great talent for creating characters the reader cares about, or dislikes and distrusts. This novel contains so much - intrigue, Nazi stolen art, innovative aviation, light romance - that it is hard to believe it was all included in 300 pages and without reader confusion! Wonderful descriptions of the Cape Cod area. The mystery is an interesting one that keeps the reader guessing while being treated to all the other aspects of the book. Fun and interesting read.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.
September 3, 2021
This is a refreshing, easy to read mystery with plenty of action, concise, well-drawn defined characters, and an interesting delve into motor less flight. I do not reiterate storylines as I feel that ruins it for readers but anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers that bring past and present history together will love this book. I strongly recommend this this novel to any reader. I received an ARC and this is my honest review of this book.
June 8, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is a well thought out and written plot. It links historical facts with a modern day mystery. The characters are engaging and keep you intrigued and wanting more. Definitely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2021
What a great book! An old conspiracy theory, art theft and a famous artist all rolled into one! At first, it was kind of slow going, but once it picked up, I could not let it go! Ben, Abi and Marty all are great characters, the villains, some expected, but others were complete surprises. Man, even the ending had unexpected twists. A great read. Very recommended!
July 17, 2021
Thank you for at least one more.
I was hoping for another "Soc" book but was more than happy to have this story instead. Likable characters and ties to the Cape and Boston made it an enjoyable read. Hopefully you continue this saga or give us another Soc story. Once again, one of my disappointments moving from Cape Cod was not meeting you and thanking you personally.
I was hoping for another "Soc" book but was more than happy to have this story instead. Likable characters and ties to the Cape and Boston made it an enjoyable read. Hopefully you continue this saga or give us another Soc story. Once again, one of my disappointments moving from Cape Cod was not meeting you and thanking you personally.
December 30, 2021
A 2021 standalone novel by author Paul Kemprecos features art historian Abi Vickers on Cape Cod summoning the memory of artist Edward Hopper to foil descendants of German WWII Nazi plunderers. Throw in a glider reconstruction for added spice. An absorbing and enjoyable read.
March 6, 2024
Kemprecos’ books keep getting better
2nd book I’ve read and it was definitely a page turner keeping me on the edge of my seat. I had a difficult time putting it down to get some sleep. Well done, thanks for a great read!
2nd book I’ve read and it was definitely a page turner keeping me on the edge of my seat. I had a difficult time putting it down to get some sleep. Well done, thanks for a great read!
August 21, 2021
Dunes and skullduggery
Real locations paired with some fictional keeps this story of Cape Cod and bad guys interesting and educational, Learn some history.
Real locations paired with some fictional keeps this story of Cape Cod and bad guys interesting and educational, Learn some history.
October 26, 2021
Great story
Enjoyed this book, even before my Daughter had met the Author at a gathering on Cape..
Interesting, kept you reading...enjoyed it very muchm..
Enjoyed this book, even before my Daughter had met the Author at a gathering on Cape..
Interesting, kept you reading...enjoyed it very muchm..
October 27, 2021
Fun because of the local connection. As a mystery it was okay.
January 18, 2022
Loved this! Characters, story and setting all really good. I will look for other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2023
Kemprecos does a great job with developing characters, describing the setting, and with the detail he puts into the story. The best way I can describe this book is a laid back mystery.
August 11, 2021
This is the first time I have read any book by Paul Kemprecos. I didn't know exactly what to expect, and I was delightfully pleased.
After setting the stage with a creepy prologue and just enough character development, a "simple" murder occurs. The main protagonist, Abi, begins to unravel a much more complicated and sinister scenario as her own life becomes threatened with each step closer to the answers.
This was a well-paced, intelligent, crime suspense novel that had me on the edge of each page. The plot was just complicated enough to keep me second guessing. I really enjoyed the background information and felt I learned some things without it getting too bogged down in explanations.
Honestly, the only thing I didn't love was something that has a potential spoiler effect, so suffice it to say, a particular "skill" was utilized that just had a "Kill Bill" vibe to it for me and I couldn't quite go for it. I would have liked to have a more developed skill that had more effort. That may not make sense and seem vague, but it's all I can give!
Overall, this was a quick, very enjoyable read that left me feeling smarter after reading. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After setting the stage with a creepy prologue and just enough character development, a "simple" murder occurs. The main protagonist, Abi, begins to unravel a much more complicated and sinister scenario as her own life becomes threatened with each step closer to the answers.
This was a well-paced, intelligent, crime suspense novel that had me on the edge of each page. The plot was just complicated enough to keep me second guessing. I really enjoyed the background information and felt I learned some things without it getting too bogged down in explanations.
Honestly, the only thing I didn't love was something that has a potential spoiler effect, so suffice it to say, a particular "skill" was utilized that just had a "Kill Bill" vibe to it for me and I couldn't quite go for it. I would have liked to have a more developed skill that had more effort. That may not make sense and seem vague, but it's all I can give!
Overall, this was a quick, very enjoyable read that left me feeling smarter after reading. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews