IRMA: Hurricane Irma

by Kerry Costello

This crime thriller will blow you away!When Detective Sam Randazzo discovers the unreported theft of priceless jewels in the aftermath of violent Hurricane Irma in 2017, he has serious concerns. His suspicions are aroused.Assisted by British security expert Frankie Armstrong, their investigations unearth an astounding possibility. Could these be the same jewels, stolen in a notorious and audacious raid in 1907? If so, how on earth have they found their way to Naples Florida in 2017? And what, if anything, do these stolen jewels have to do with a horde of invaluable works of art plundered by the Nazis in WW2? Lieutenant Detective Sam Randazzo wonders if this is the ultimate cold case.

The risks are many as Randazzo and Armstrong seek to uncover long buried crimes. Just how far will those involved go to prevent them succeeding?A twisting, suspenseful and unforgettable thriller that will keep you glued to every page.“Costello can spin a tale with the best of them!” Joseph Mainous – Literary Times.

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2021

About the author

Kerry Costello was born in England but is of Irish heritage. In his late twenties he started his own successful travel business, eventually selling out to focus on enjoying life - traveling, fishing, cooking, and writing novels. Costello says he feels more Irish than English and is very much at home in America where he and his wife Lyn have had a home for many years.

“The Irish are great story tellers and poets,” says Costello. “James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, W B Yeats, Edna O’Brien, Brendan Behan, the list goes on. I don’t claim to be in the same class as these writers, but I just enjoy writing and entertaining people with my stories.

Reviews

[Charles Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hurricane Irma hit Naples, Florida in 2017, causing immense damage, especially to beachside condos. But the true damage didn’t surface until two years later when a woman whose husband had recently died confessed to the police that he had stolen some jewels from one of the damaged condos. Detective Sam Randazzo calls on his friend Frankie Armstrong to do a little unofficial investigating to look into the woman’s story. Frankie very quickly finds himself up to his chin in more criminal activity and dangerous characters than he can handle.

Irma by Kerry Costello is an interesting mystery that follows Frankie as he dives into the labyrinthine pathways of theft, fraud, and murder. A bit choppy in places with a confusing cast of characters, but still a nice story.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book. I give it three stars.

[D Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

IRMA

The following review was not anyway influence by the manner that I received the copy. I am not a proofreader or editor. I judge the book on whether I like it or didn’t like it.

I only needed two chapters to realize that I was going to have problems enjoying this book anywhere there was a distraction, like a TV; thus, off to the Wine Cellar. The new Wine Cellar has a window overlooking the courtyard. There is a pond in the courtyard, Longmeadow Pond, with its own ‘Jet d'Eau,’ but smaller.

Frankie Armstrong is the hero, and he has a solid cast of supporting characters including Detective Sam Randazzo in Mr. Costello’s well written mystery. Mr. Costello uses a hurricane named Irma to set the background for this book. Then he adds historical characters, like the famous explorer Ernest Shackelford and a Nazi officer to provide the color to give this mystery depth. The mystery consisting of Brandon Mellor and the death of his wife, Otto and Hildegard Kellerman and the source of their wealth, and the mysterious Jewels.

I realized that I was at the end of an extremely well written mystery. Therefore, it was easy to give this book a Five Star Review and would recommend this book to anyone that wants to enjoy a good mystery.

[johanna kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historic background

This book was written in an interesting way. Easy to follow and interesting characters.
Sam and Frankie have a close relationship and work well together. Frankie spends a lot of time working the case in his mind. The bad guys don't stand a chance.

[Kyle Otterbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy great reads

Kerry Costello has a talent for writing most enjoyable misteries. I have read them all and am looking forward to his Next effort. Give him a try. You will be glad you did !q

[Mr Peter L Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down!

This is the first Costello novel I have read. I thought it was a great engaging read very much a thriller with who done it rolled in great plot (s) now downloading the others to read
Well done Mr K you have a new follower!

[Philip A. Guercio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertain read

This was an entertaining read and good for that plane ride or short hotel stay. The premise was interesting and the pace quick. Sadly the crime solving was too easy and obvious. Could have been a one hour episode of the standard TV detective shiw.

[Jim Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The story is complicated but easy to follow. Crimes are committed but the bad guys receive reasonable and justifies punishment and results.