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Faults

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BEWARE OF THOSE CLOSE TO YOU

As a struggling twenty-four-year-old tennis professional, Sydney Livingstone has never had a game to die for. But all that is set to change during a tournament that serves as a precursor for the prestigious US Open. Someone from her past with a secret vendetta is trying to kill her before she can make a name for herself in the world of tennis. A bold threat scrawled on her car, followed by a mysterious delivery from a stranger, set the stage for a wild ride of revenge and murder that will leave you wondering if you can truly trust those around you.

354 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2021

1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Orion Gregory

2 books85 followers
Greg Milano writes under the pen name of Orion Gregory. He is an award-winning writer in the newspaper and advertising industries, and is a nationally published magazine contributor. He is a graduate of Wright state University with a degree in Communication Arts, and resides in Southwest Ohio.

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5 stars
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5 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Nik's Nook.
1,144 reviews63 followers
August 6, 2021
This was a fun little crime mystery! I'm not much a tennis fan, so I did find myself getting a bit lost as there was a good amount of description of the matches. That being said, I was invested in the murder mystery aspect. The alternating chapters that were told from the killer's POV were fun and creepy and a bit gory. I didn't guess the ending, and I was like those memes shoveling popcorn in as I read the last chapter. If you like crime mysteries, are a sports fan, or, better yet, both, check this one out!
Profile Image for usef :).
124 reviews14 followers
November 6, 2021
2.5 stars

massive cast of charachters that are introduced poorly, super confusing nearing to the end
Profile Image for Dorothy Minor.
832 reviews18 followers
February 4, 2022
When I was in college, everyone had to have four one-hour PE credits. Thus, PE classes always filled quickly. Registration was by alphabetical listing with the alphabet scrambled to an extent so that the people whose last names began early in the alphabet weren’t always first. I took bowling because it was available and because it didn’t require dressing out. Then I took badminton and, wait for it, ADVANCED badminton. In that class, all the other members were PE majors, and me, an English major. The piece de resistance, however, was tennis at 7:00 AM five days a week one summer term. Now, I went to college in Ruston, LA, where the summers are swelteringly hot and humid. That made taking tennis at 7:00 somewhat a good idea. However, that class has left me with a love-hate relationship with tennis which brings me to Faults by Orion Gregory.

One might wonder why I chose to read and review Faults, given my own experience with tennis (which I certainly never learned to play well). One reviewer wrote the following blurb for the front of the novel: “A crime novel full of intrigue and mayhem… vibrant and lively… fast-paced.” That was enough to intrigue me and pull me into the story.

Gregory has done a terrific job of creating characters that engage the readers. In the first chapter, we encounter sadness with the suicide of Milena Lombardi and wonder how her death will play out with the remaining characters.

Sydney Livingstone, Milena’s one-time friend, still plays high-level tennis. We first meet her as she prepares for a tournament in Ohio. Tired from her drive of over ten hours, Sydney falls into bed once she checks into the hotel. Before she can fall asleep, she hears a knock at the door. When she opens it, she sees “a plain-looking young woman” wearing a t-shirt bearing the slogan, “Summertime in Columbus.” The package the young woman hands over contains more surprises for Sydney.

The package holds a bottle of Crystal 10 bourbon, the same alcohol Milena used to wash down the poison that took her life four years earlier. The note with the bourbon is also disturbing. What do the bourbon and note mean and who sent it? And why?

As the story continues, more surprises occur. Sydney wins a tournament when her opponent goes missing and her car is found abandoned. More strange occurrences continue. Sydney must contend with questions from the police as well as questions she herself would like to answer. Sydney starts keeping track of people by using an app on her phone. She wants to know if anyone is near her tennis bag or other property that they could dose with poison or even drugs.

The end of the story provides readers with a glimpse of what may become the second novel in this series. Trent, the police detective, who investigated all the trouble with the tennis players and threats to Sydney tells Sydney, “I love your spirit and your spunk. I understand you studied criminology. If you need a job after tennis, I’d love to interview you.”

Faults would make a good story for book club members to sort out. They could discuss the clues that Gregory drops along the way to see how they add up.

Orion Gregory is the pen name for Greg Milano who began his writing career at age eight when his stories were read aloud in class. As an adult, he became a writer for newspapers and worked in the advertising industry.
Profile Image for Jill .
400 reviews12 followers
July 26, 2021
Faults is a fast-paced thriller set in the world of professional tennis.

Sydney Livingstone is a 24-year-old struggling to make a living on the pro tennis circuit. She just needs to overcome a nagging injury … and a stalker.

Other characters (and suspects) include a host of friends who are also competitors, coaches with mysterious motives, a tournament organizer who holds a grudge against Sydney for reporting him for an ethics violation, jealous significant others, and estranged family members.

What I Liked:

There were plenty of suspects and motives to keep the story moving. I didn’t guess who the stalker/murderer (yes, it escalates to murder) was until it was revealed, and I was satisfied with their motive.

The tennis matches were really well written and exciting. Both of my kids played tennis, so I was able to follow along. It helps to be familiar with the game of tennis and how it’s scored.

The setting was vivid and easy to visualize.

What Could Have Been Better:

The author is an Ohio native, and (as a fellow Ohioan) it’s pretty obvious that Cincinnati was the inspiration for the setting. Cincinnati is the only location in Ohio that is equipped to host a pro tennis tournament, and in fact it hosts a Masters tournament (Western and Southern Open) every summer. But, for some reason, the actual setting of the book is Columbus, Ohio. I live in Columbus and some of the regional references didn’t quite jibe. But, this is a minor quibble.

There were also some minor issues with the timeline and character names being mixed up. Again, a minor complaint, but something a good editor would have caught.

Overall:

If you are a tennis fan, you will probably enjoy this tale of murder and intrigue set during a tennis tournament on the pro circuit!
Profile Image for Paula | pastbookish.
308 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2021
Thank you to Lauren Becker, Dart Frog and the author, Orion Gregory, for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was good overall. The story revolves around the tennis arena and I don’t know a bit about tennis. I’m not entirely a huge fan of books that have sport/s as the base plot but I would say that this was written well enough. There are some good twists and turns in the story that would make you want to keep reading it. I would still recommend it to those who love mystery and thrillers because this did satisfy me in that aspect.
Profile Image for Helen Mooney.
6 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down. Great characters, fast paced dialogue. My book club will love this book.
Profile Image for Megan | Megans Book Corner.
524 reviews109 followers
June 16, 2021
Calling all my tennis reading fans!! If that's you then I have the book for you!! I have a personal connection to this one as my dad is friends with the author - wild right!

Here are my thoughts on the book, starting with what I liked:
-lots of action! there is always something going on and a lot of finger pointing so you really don't know who's good and who's bad
-mentions of places I am familiar with, being from Ohio, always love a person connection in a book!
-the tennis talk brought me back to my youth. fun fact: I used to play tennis when I was wayyyyy younger and my dad was a tennis coach!

What I could have done without:
-the tennis talk was a little overdone in some places

One thing I do want to mention is that the book starts off pretty heavy with talks of suicide, so just something to be aware of going in. I really enjoyed it though!!
Profile Image for Melinda Elizabeth.
1,150 reviews11 followers
April 2, 2021
**Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book in return for an honest review**

An interesting murder mystery novel taking place in the sports arena of tennis. Sydney Livingstone is a middle of the range tennis player, who is caught in the middle of some bad crimes happening on the tennis circuit. With friends and acquaintances falling over left right and centre with surprise maladies, Sydney needs to be on the lookout for someone who might be trying to sabotage her game.

I'm not a sports fan, and I don't know a thing about tennis, but I still enjoyed the tennis match vignettes in the book. Very gripping.

The crime element has some good twists and turns, so keeps you guessing right until the end.

Overall, not bad!
1 review2 followers
April 11, 2021
Murder mystery is my favorite genre. I love to try to figure out the who the murderer is. I was wrong in guessing and did not find out until the very end.
One of my favorite parts of the book was being in the killer's mind. I love the way Orion told the point of view from the killer's perspective.
Orion also did a great job of developing characters that you actually cared about and could relate to.
Profile Image for Jim Alkon.
21 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2021
If you drew up a schematic diagram showing the relationships between the characters in Orion Gregory’s Faults, your head would spin. But then step back, admire this literary spider’s web, and picture it as the storyboard for a fun, fast-paced mystery of whodunnit and who is still trying to do it.

I don’t often say this, but I flew through Faults’ 350 pages at breakneck speed. It was an easy and most enjoyable read about a 24-year-old up-and-coming tennis player struggling to pay her rent but on the verge of cracking the upper echelon of her sport at a major tournament.

Oh yeah, and did I say someone is trying to kill her?

GAME, SET, MURDER

The full title of the book is Faults – Not All Are Forgiven. Someone believes he or she has a score to settle with Sydney Livingstone for past behavior and makes it an obsession to exact revenge.

When Syd shows up for the Mainspring Mutual Open in Silverhill, OH, she hopes to advance past the qualifying round and draw a modest paycheck to help make ends meet. She comes to the MMO with decent creds and a respectable game but has never quite distinguished herself on the tour.

As she goes about her routine, there are several odd occurrences: a strange delivery to her hotel room, a cryptic message scratched on the side of her rental car, and the unexplainable disappearance of her first-round opponent.

The author introduces us anonymously to the potential killer, who becomes a temporary narrator every few chapters and shares his or her thoughts: “Part of me wants Sydney to win this match, while the other part wants her to lose disgracefully … Planning to kill someone is easy. But what good is revenge if I spend my remaining days confined in a claustrophobic cell dreaming about nothing?”

SO MANY SUSPECTS, NO ONE TO TRUST

So who is the killer? Gregory is not sparing in offering up many suspects and intriguing characters: Anja, a former doubles partner; Anja’s lover Belov; Enzo, Syd’s friend and lover; Enzo’s pal Victor; her estranged father, who suddenly returns to Syd’s life; her unofficial coach Russo; Cassandra, one of the leading female players; and her friend Nicole, who owns one of the world’s most exotic spider collections.

Along the way, there is reason to suspect each and every one of these cast members. Syd constantly has to ask herself who she can trust.

Then there is Trent, the detective investigating the matter and, along with his team, providing protection for Syd throughout the tournament. Trent’s activities and interviews with persons of interest keep the mystery moving.

THIS LIVELY MYSTERY KEEPS YOU GUESSING

In Faults, Gregory has created everything from a clever title to a breezy, lively read that snatches readers from the outset and holds them to the ultimate reveal. The characters are well defined; you buy into them and try to interpret and constantly reassess their intentions. The more you hear from the killer, the more insight you gain into his or her character and the more you start putting two and two together.

For a fun read sure to please, and a mystery thriller that keeps you guessing, pick up Faults. Never were tennis great Rafael Nadal’s words more appropriate: “I play each point like my life depends on it.”
Profile Image for Rahel Charikar.
461 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2023
"Faults" by Orion Gregory presents a suspenseful tale centered around Sydney Livingstone, a pro tennis player grappling with a stalker and a chronic injury. The novel introduces a promising premise, but a few shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The strength of "Faults" lies in its main character, Sydney Livingstone. Gregory does a commendable job of portraying her as a multi-dimensional character with a combination of beauty, optimism, and quick wit. The challenges she faces on and off the tennis court add depth to her character, making her relatable to readers. The exploration of Sydney's struggle with a chronic injury adds an authentic layer to the narrative, shedding light on the less glamorous side of professional sports.

The tension created by the presence of a stalker and a deranged killer in Sydney's life adds a layer of suspense to the story. The author successfully builds intrigue, and the focus on a tennis tournament in Southwest Ohio serves as an effective backdrop for the unfolding events. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with the plot moving forward at a reasonable speed to maintain reader interest.

However, "Faults" falls short in some areas. The execution of the thriller elements is at times predictable, and the plot relies on certain clichés commonly found in the suspense genre. The identity of the stalker and the killer may be deduced by astute readers early on, diminishing the impact of the final revelations.

Additionally, the supporting characters lack the same level of depth as Sydney. Some relationships and interactions feel underdeveloped, making it challenging to fully invest in the emotional stakes of the story. The inner circle of characters is introduced, but their motives and connections to the main plot are not explored in sufficient detail.

While the setting of a tennis tournament adds a unique backdrop, the author occasionally delves into excessive detail about the sport, potentially alienating readers who may not be tennis enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Faults" by Orion Gregory is a three-star read that offers a compelling protagonist and a suspenseful premise. Despite some predictable elements and underdeveloped supporting characters, the novel manages to maintain a level of engagement. Fans of the suspense genre, particularly those with an interest in the world of professional tennis, may find enjoyment in this book, but it may not fully satisfy readers seeking a more intricately woven thriller.
87 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2021
Book name - Faults
Author - Orion Gregory

Rating: 4/5

My Review:
Well, I have to say that this author deserves 👏 the award 👏🎾

The author Orion Gregory is already a award winning author and a nationally published magazine contributor🏆📰🗞️

You can visit him at www.oriongregory.com😎

I seriously want to say that author did a great job here 🏆and described each and everything clearly very keenly🎾🏆

This novel is totally based on sports🎾Tennis 🎾although I was not interested in sports but i found this novel great 😍🏆

It's all about the story of character Sydney Livingstone who did a great job 😍🎾even my spouse loved it as well.

This is a very motivating story about the girl Sydney who caught injury and all were trying to hurt her including fellow tennis 🎾players😏

There’s everything perfectly written and characterisation has been also done so effectively.

This novel is a big hit for the tennis fans🎾and surely they will enjoy this amazing mystery of sports🎾

I recommend this novel to all the sports person or who love sports so much🎾😍or want to make a career in sports. As the way the author has presented it is just so intriguing.

So what are you waiting for grab your copy fast.
Happy reading:)
Profile Image for Linda Leone.
668 reviews
September 8, 2021
Sydney is a middle range tennis player trying to stay in competitions. Many of the other characters in the book are also tennis players or associated with the game.
I am a tennis fan and read Faults during the US Open. That definitely helped to set the mood.
Not the most well written book I have read but enjoyable nonetheless. I would have liked to hear more of the characters thoughts rather than the author just recounting the story line.
I will say there were a few twists and turns that I did not see coming, which is always a bonus in my book.
A non tennis fan would probably find the tennis talk too in depth but I liked it.

Many thanks to netgalley and Canoe Tree Press for the arc.
Profile Image for Michelle Charles.
402 reviews
January 26, 2022
#BookTrib - Lasalle Street Church book club - complimentary copy

Being a tennis player I enjoyed the author’s attention to detail regarding the pre-qualifying tournament and the sport in general. It was a really good crime plot that I could picture on Netflix. Although the writing doesn’t compare this is in fact, a better story than Liane Moriarty’s “Apples Never Fall.”

I would have appreciated separate chapters when the storytelling changed characters (especially the murders’ narrative) and I felt Syd was a little too laissez faire given the circumstances surrounding her attempted murder. Overall a fun, quick read.
Profile Image for Caroline Hedges.
506 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2021
I love tennis and a good who dunnit and this book had plenty of both!

I would have preferred more doing and less telling by the author. Especially the parts concerning the baddie. I would have liked to be in his head while he committed the acts and it would have made the book so much better. As it was it all felt rather factual. It meant that I flicked through parts of it to find the basic story and learn who the killer was, rather than immerse myself in the tournament and tension.
Profile Image for BookTrib.com .
1,994 reviews162 followers
Read
August 11, 2021
In FAULTS, Gregory has created everything from a clever title to a breezy, lively read that snatches readers from the outset and holds them to the ultimate reveal ... a fun read sure to please, and a mystery thriller that keeps you guessing.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/08/11/myste...
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2022
I did not see that one!! I figured it out just as we got to the big reveal. I had my suspicions but nothing concrete.

Very interesting story centered around tennis. I’m not much into the sports stories but I’m glad I gave this one a fair shake. It had me from start to finish.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a twist.
2 reviews
February 3, 2022
Orion Gregory has stunned me with his masterful storytelling abilities in his most recent book "Faults". The way Orion describes each of his characters had me wishing they were real, the suspenseful atmosphere had me at the edge of my seat, and I always found myself wanting to read just one more page! I am so excited to see what Orion Gregory will offer the world next!
1 review
March 27, 2021
Gripping tale of the happenings at the Wukeson Family Tennis Center.
If you like murder mysteries, than this is a must read !
2 reviews
May 27, 2021
Great book that will have you on the edge of your seat! Thriller that keeps you hooked and has just the right amount of humor. I was shocked at the end when everything was revealed! Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you like mysteries, you will too! 5 stars!
Profile Image for usef.
31 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2022
2.5 stars

massive cast of charachters that are introduced poorly, super confusing nearing to the end
1 review
August 8, 2022
Great book. Never boring. Kept you guessing who did it until the very end. Very well written. Learned a lot about tennis. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Brynn | readyourworriesaway.
1,053 reviews184 followers
July 10, 2021
Faults is the perfect thriller for anyone who loves sports (specifically tennis) and enjoys a fast-paced, twisty story. Sydney Livingstone is trying to make it as a professional tennis player. During a tournament in Ohio, a killer is amongst the crowd.

There is a lot of blaming others for their involvement in the crime, so I had a hard time trusting anyone. Everyone was a suspect to me at some point, and my predictions were constantly changing. I loved the multiple POVs, one of them even being written from the killer’s perspective. There were a couple small twists that I was able to piece together, but I definitely didn’t see the big twist at the end coming. Faults is an action-packed murder mystery that is sure to catch you off guard.
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