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Detective Eric Shaw #1
The Mentor
What if someone you love is a serial killer?
DCI Eric Shaw, leading a forensic team at Scotland Yard, together with DI Miriam Leroux from a Murder Investigation Team, is investigating the death of a known offender. Killed by two gunshots: one to his neck, execution style, but preceded by another to his groin, implying a more personal motive.
Shaw's attention at work is often distracted by a young forensic investigator, Adele Pennington, who is a beautiful woman over two decades his junior. However, his attraction to her is unreciprocated.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the London police, an anonymous blog describes the details of a very similar crime. The author of the blog signs herself as Mina, like one of the victims in a case Shaw investigated many years ago.
Twenty years ago Eric saved her.
Who will save him now?
Meet DCI Eric Shaw . . . and his pupil.
This book is written in British English.
A different translation of this work was previously published by Amazon Publishing (2015).
DCI Eric Shaw, leading a forensic team at Scotland Yard, together with DI Miriam Leroux from a Murder Investigation Team, is investigating the death of a known offender. Killed by two gunshots: one to his neck, execution style, but preceded by another to his groin, implying a more personal motive.
Shaw's attention at work is often distracted by a young forensic investigator, Adele Pennington, who is a beautiful woman over two decades his junior. However, his attraction to her is unreciprocated.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the London police, an anonymous blog describes the details of a very similar crime. The author of the blog signs herself as Mina, like one of the victims in a case Shaw investigated many years ago.
Twenty years ago Eric saved her.
Who will save him now?
Meet DCI Eric Shaw . . . and his pupil.
This book is written in British English.
A different translation of this work was previously published by Amazon Publishing (2015).
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2014
555 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli
20 books140 followersInternational bestselling author of “The Mentor”: check out the new edition!
English website: www.anakina.eu
Scroll down for the English version.
Nata a Carbonia nel 1974, Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli vive a Cagliari dal 1993, dove lavora come scrittrice e traduttrice. Laureata in Scienze Biologiche nel 1998, in passato ha ricoperto il ruolo di ricercatrice, tutor e assistente della docente di Ecologia presso il Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia dell’Università degli Studi di Cagliari.
Amante del cinema, ha mosso i primi passi nella scrittura cimentandosi nella realizzazione di soggetti cinematografici, sceneggiature originali e fan-fiction (“La morte è soltanto il principio” ispirata al film “La Mummia”).
Dal 2009 si occupa di narrativa. Tra il 2012 e il 2013 ha pubblicato la serie di fantascienza “Deserto rosso” (ciclo dell’Aurora).
Tra il 2014 e il 2018 ha pubblicato “Il mentore” (Detective Shaw 1), “L’isola di Gaia” (Aurora 2), il thriller “Affinità d’intenti”, “Per caso”, “Sindrome” (D. Shaw 2), “Ophir. Codice vivente” (Aurora 3), “Oltre il limite” (D. Shaw 3) e “Sirius. In caduta libera” (Aurora 4).
Nel 2020 ha pubblicato il saggio “Self-publishing lab. Il mestiere dell’autoeditore” (2020), basato sul laboratorio che teneva all’Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, e “Nave stellare Aurora” (Aurora 5).
Appassionata di fantascienza, è conosciuta nel web con il nickname Anakina e collabora al podcast FantascientifiCast. È membro dell’International Thriller Writers Organization.
Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli is an Italian science fiction and thriller author.
She has lived in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) since 1993, earning a degree in biology and working as indie author, scientific and literary translator, educator and science communicator. In the past she also worked as researcher, tutor and professor’s assistant in the field of ecology at “Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia” of the University of Cagliari.
As a cinema addict, she started by writing screenplays and fan fictions inspired by movies.
She’s written fiction since 2009.
In 2012-2013 she wrote a science fiction series set on Mars including 4 books: “Deserto rosso”.
The series was also published as omnibus (2013) & hit No. 1 on the Italian Kindle Store in 2014.
“Deserto rosso” was published in English with the title “Red Desert” in 2014-2015.
It includes: “Red Desert - Point of No Return”, “Red Desert - People of Mars”, “Red Desert - Invisible Enemy”, & “Red Desert - Back Home”.
She also authored 3 crime thrillers in the Detective Eric Shaw trilogy - “Il mentore” (2014), “Sindrome” (2016), “Oltre il limite” (2017) -, an action thriller titled “Affinità d’intenti” (2015), 5 more science fiction novels - “L’isola di Gaia” (2014), “Per caso” (2015), “Ophir. Codice vivente” (2016), “Sirius. In caduta libera” (2018) & “Nave stellare Aurora” (2020) - & a non-fiction book titled “Self-publishing lab. Il mestiere dell’autoeditore” (2020).
“Il mentore” was first published in English by AmazonCrossing as “The Mentor” (2015). A new edition of “The Mentor” was published in 2022, followed by “Syndrome” and “Beyond the Limit” in 2023.
“Affinità d’intenti” was published in English as “Kindred Intentions” (2016).
She is also a podcaster at FantascientifiCast and a member of the International Thriller Writers Organization.
She’s known in the online community as Anakina.
English website: www.anakina.eu
Scroll down for the English version.
Nata a Carbonia nel 1974, Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli vive a Cagliari dal 1993, dove lavora come scrittrice e traduttrice. Laureata in Scienze Biologiche nel 1998, in passato ha ricoperto il ruolo di ricercatrice, tutor e assistente della docente di Ecologia presso il Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia dell’Università degli Studi di Cagliari.
Amante del cinema, ha mosso i primi passi nella scrittura cimentandosi nella realizzazione di soggetti cinematografici, sceneggiature originali e fan-fiction (“La morte è soltanto il principio” ispirata al film “La Mummia”).
Dal 2009 si occupa di narrativa. Tra il 2012 e il 2013 ha pubblicato la serie di fantascienza “Deserto rosso” (ciclo dell’Aurora).
Tra il 2014 e il 2018 ha pubblicato “Il mentore” (Detective Shaw 1), “L’isola di Gaia” (Aurora 2), il thriller “Affinità d’intenti”, “Per caso”, “Sindrome” (D. Shaw 2), “Ophir. Codice vivente” (Aurora 3), “Oltre il limite” (D. Shaw 3) e “Sirius. In caduta libera” (Aurora 4).
Nel 2020 ha pubblicato il saggio “Self-publishing lab. Il mestiere dell’autoeditore” (2020), basato sul laboratorio che teneva all’Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, e “Nave stellare Aurora” (Aurora 5).
Appassionata di fantascienza, è conosciuta nel web con il nickname Anakina e collabora al podcast FantascientifiCast. È membro dell’International Thriller Writers Organization.
Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli is an Italian science fiction and thriller author.
She has lived in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) since 1993, earning a degree in biology and working as indie author, scientific and literary translator, educator and science communicator. In the past she also worked as researcher, tutor and professor’s assistant in the field of ecology at “Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia” of the University of Cagliari.
As a cinema addict, she started by writing screenplays and fan fictions inspired by movies.
She’s written fiction since 2009.
In 2012-2013 she wrote a science fiction series set on Mars including 4 books: “Deserto rosso”.
The series was also published as omnibus (2013) & hit No. 1 on the Italian Kindle Store in 2014.
“Deserto rosso” was published in English with the title “Red Desert” in 2014-2015.
It includes: “Red Desert - Point of No Return”, “Red Desert - People of Mars”, “Red Desert - Invisible Enemy”, & “Red Desert - Back Home”.
She also authored 3 crime thrillers in the Detective Eric Shaw trilogy - “Il mentore” (2014), “Sindrome” (2016), “Oltre il limite” (2017) -, an action thriller titled “Affinità d’intenti” (2015), 5 more science fiction novels - “L’isola di Gaia” (2014), “Per caso” (2015), “Ophir. Codice vivente” (2016), “Sirius. In caduta libera” (2018) & “Nave stellare Aurora” (2020) - & a non-fiction book titled “Self-publishing lab. Il mestiere dell’autoeditore” (2020).
“Il mentore” was first published in English by AmazonCrossing as “The Mentor” (2015). A new edition of “The Mentor” was published in 2022, followed by “Syndrome” and “Beyond the Limit” in 2023.
“Affinità d’intenti” was published in English as “Kindred Intentions” (2016).
She is also a podcaster at FantascientifiCast and a member of the International Thriller Writers Organization.
She’s known in the online community as Anakina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
September 16, 2016
This was a disappointingly tepid suspense novel for me. Guess I'm used to sterner stuff. Mayhap the translation didn't do the writing any favors, but something didn't click for me.
Eric Shaw, Chief Detective. He has a thing for a member of his investigating crew, a young woman (she is exceptionally beautiful, of course - we are reminded of this several times, lest we forget). A divorced father, this 50 year old veteran detective turns into a timid tongue-tied schoolboy when she is around. He becomes so nervous in her presence he sets to "nibbling" his fingernails, which, in turn, made me think of a rabbit or a chipmunk. The scenes and dialogue between the two of them comes across as awkward and unbelievable to me.
There are myriad 4 and 5 star reviews posted for this novel. Maybe I am getting cranky in my dotage. This was a Kindle First selection.
Eric Shaw, Chief Detective. He has a thing for a member of his investigating crew, a young woman (she is exceptionally beautiful, of course - we are reminded of this several times, lest we forget). A divorced father, this 50 year old veteran detective turns into a timid tongue-tied schoolboy when she is around. He becomes so nervous in her presence he sets to "nibbling" his fingernails, which, in turn, made me think of a rabbit or a chipmunk. The scenes and dialogue between the two of them comes across as awkward and unbelievable to me.
There are myriad 4 and 5 star reviews posted for this novel. Maybe I am getting cranky in my dotage. This was a Kindle First selection.
October 2, 2015
This was a Kindle First.
The book has been heavily and favorably reviewed in its Italian version (apparently also by the author, although given my lack of Italian, perhaps I misunderstand why she gave herself five stars; I can't imagine it being anything than vainglorious), so perhaps I'm missing some key point. The bad actor is exactly who you'll think it is from the start. Only one character is likable, and is a secondary or tertiary figure at best. The best written scene is the one in the beginning, and that's a gruesome rape/murder.
So. If that's your sort of thing, you'll like it very well. It is quickly paced and mercifully short, hence the two stars.
The book has been heavily and favorably reviewed in its Italian version (apparently also by the author, although given my lack of Italian, perhaps I misunderstand why she gave herself five stars; I can't imagine it being anything than vainglorious), so perhaps I'm missing some key point. The bad actor is exactly who you'll think it is from the start. Only one character is likable, and is a secondary or tertiary figure at best. The best written scene is the one in the beginning, and that's a gruesome rape/murder.
So. If that's your sort of thing, you'll like it very well. It is quickly paced and mercifully short, hence the two stars.
February 13, 2023
Eric Shaw, DCI, leads a forensic team at Scotland Yard with the help of his goddaughter, DI Miriam Laroux from the Murder Investigation team. They are investigating a gruesome murder scene in which the known offender had been shot in the neck and groin, indicating the murderer may have had a personal vendetta against the deceased. Street cameras pick up an image of a woman dressed completely in black with a full veil covering her entire face—or is it a male in disguise? The lumbering gait of the person definitely appears to be of a male, not female, as do the broad shoulders and narrow waist. Meanwhile, DCI Shaw is distracted at work by the presence of young Adele Pennington, a forensic investigator at least twenty years younger than he is. Unfortunately, his affection is not returned by the beautiful Adele. When another murder takes place where the victim is shot in the back with the same silenced weapon, Shaw’s Deputy DCI Jane begins to suspect a serial killer. Street cameras pull up the image of the perpetrator all dressed in black once again, but without the clumsy gait. This time the person in black is wearing tennis shoes this time instead of heels. Based on the distinct poses of the deceased and the manner in which they were executed, Shaw is thinking revenge murders. Will they figure out who is behind these deaths before the gunman strikes again?
“The Mentor” is a fascinating, thrilling, and interesting look into the world of police work as seen through the eyes of forensic investigations, a world in which many have never glimpsed. While the murders were gruesome, the investigation procedures were quite interesting. I was completely drawn in to the story, and was pleased to find that I was dead wrong with my guess at who the murderer was. The last minute twist made my pulse quickly accelerate, though many other moments in the book were interesting and exciting as well. I would highly recommend this novel to all fans of thrillers, police procedurals, and forensics. It was page-turning and a truly tremendous read.
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery and Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
“The Mentor” is a fascinating, thrilling, and interesting look into the world of police work as seen through the eyes of forensic investigations, a world in which many have never glimpsed. While the murders were gruesome, the investigation procedures were quite interesting. I was completely drawn in to the story, and was pleased to find that I was dead wrong with my guess at who the murderer was. The last minute twist made my pulse quickly accelerate, though many other moments in the book were interesting and exciting as well. I would highly recommend this novel to all fans of thrillers, police procedurals, and forensics. It was page-turning and a truly tremendous read.
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery and Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
November 30, 2016
This was a Kindle First selection in October. I’m thinking the story loses a lot in the translation from Italian to American English. I could not get a sense of the characters or the setting (London) at all, and the story was both poorly developed and needlessly convoluted.
November 5, 2015
Good mystery
I really enjoy mysteries and this was good one. A little love in it too. I think you should read it.
I really enjoy mysteries and this was good one. A little love in it too. I think you should read it.
December 14, 2022
3.5-4 stars
I did read the English version, as that was what was given to me and my Italian isn’t that good for a book yet, though I’d like to be able to read the rest in Italian at some point. Working on it! 😉 I enjoyed it and the translation was good, though maybe could use a little reworking at times, but nothing drastic. Overall, it was an entertaining read, especially for a translation. It flowed well and it definitely left you guessing and double guessing. It’s an interesting story that keeps you reading and is a fairly fast read. I’d be interested in reading more of the series when the rest of the translations come out next year. For an Italian writing a British murder mystery with a dose of French, it was well done and kept me wanting to find out the denouement. As someone who reads a lot of British murder mysteries, mi piace molto.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. I’m not always a fan of Italian mysteries translated, so this was a pleasant surprise.
I did read the English version, as that was what was given to me and my Italian isn’t that good for a book yet, though I’d like to be able to read the rest in Italian at some point. Working on it! 😉 I enjoyed it and the translation was good, though maybe could use a little reworking at times, but nothing drastic. Overall, it was an entertaining read, especially for a translation. It flowed well and it definitely left you guessing and double guessing. It’s an interesting story that keeps you reading and is a fairly fast read. I’d be interested in reading more of the series when the rest of the translations come out next year. For an Italian writing a British murder mystery with a dose of French, it was well done and kept me wanting to find out the denouement. As someone who reads a lot of British murder mysteries, mi piace molto.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. I’m not always a fan of Italian mysteries translated, so this was a pleasant surprise.
February 28, 2016
Disappointing and a little predictable. WARNING. I'm going to probably throw out some mild spoilers. However, I don't want to hide the entire review because I want to warn people that this book is NOT my first choice to recommend. I honestly would have given it 1 star, BUT the story itself had so much potential. I wouldn't mind seeing it made into a made for TV movie where the directors can maybe correct some of the glaring mistakes.
As I say, I'm highly disappointed because 1) the book starts out truly awesome, 2) there is so much potential in the actual story that I grieve the details buried it, and 3) the characters had potential and the author obviously had the idea of obfuscating the true story in an attempt to draw the red herrings across the path and make it less predictable... she failed, even with a very, VERY deliberate misdirect.
Now... here are my problems. This author (who is Italian, and the book was actually translated so perhaps she cannot be blamed for ALL I'm about to say) has very obviously never spent any time with British cops... or any cops... or possibly any Brits. The reactions and responses and emotional ridiculousness of the main characters is so far off the mark, I don't even think there is a proper measurement. The title character is a male Scotland Yard forensic specialist... think CSI London. She has this guy mooning about like a bloody school girl on the rag. It's annoying and completely out of character for a scientist or a cop. Perhaps she actually watched the American police procedural CSI (the original, not Miami, or New York, or Cyber... or whatever else they've done), because honestly, the stupid relationship stuff seemed cribbed directly from the characters portrayed by William Petersen and Jorja Fox. And... stop reading now if you don't want to get spoiled... it was just creepy. Not only is it insulting that he was mooning about over an employee who was young enough to be his daughter... He was her savior and protector and the person who carried her away from a horrible scene. It just smacked of pedophilia. Gross.
So, on a lesser note... another female character who is supposed to be a female police officer with Scotland Yard. Oh my... the issues here. She's French. Ok, fine, maybe she came on an exchange program, but NOOOOOOO. The author says she was practically raised by our protagonist. So, did she grow up in England or France... because apparently she is still stuck in French for all her swearing. Again, someone has never heard a French person actually curse (but then, that might actually be the translation instead of the author... who knows).
Lastly, there is this completely unnecessary male lab rat character. Nothing wrong with that because, honestly, someone has to do the grunt work and analysis and stare at uninteresting data and surveillance video like watching grass grow. However, the way that the author chooses to allow the title character to interact is just so very wrong. I get that the guy is struggling with personal issues and all that, but having him be such a bully to the poor lab rat makes no sense and contributes nothing to the character. Fine, he doesn't like him. He's the BOSS in the department. Workplace bullying? Really seems beneath someone who has risen to that rank.
Ok... you know. I'm half a mind to change my rating to a 1 star, but I won't for the sake of the story which honestly had so much potential.
As I say, I'm highly disappointed because 1) the book starts out truly awesome, 2) there is so much potential in the actual story that I grieve the details buried it, and 3) the characters had potential and the author obviously had the idea of obfuscating the true story in an attempt to draw the red herrings across the path and make it less predictable... she failed, even with a very, VERY deliberate misdirect.
Now... here are my problems. This author (who is Italian, and the book was actually translated so perhaps she cannot be blamed for ALL I'm about to say) has very obviously never spent any time with British cops... or any cops... or possibly any Brits. The reactions and responses and emotional ridiculousness of the main characters is so far off the mark, I don't even think there is a proper measurement. The title character is a male Scotland Yard forensic specialist... think CSI London. She has this guy mooning about like a bloody school girl on the rag. It's annoying and completely out of character for a scientist or a cop. Perhaps she actually watched the American police procedural CSI (the original, not Miami, or New York, or Cyber... or whatever else they've done), because honestly, the stupid relationship stuff seemed cribbed directly from the characters portrayed by William Petersen and Jorja Fox. And... stop reading now if you don't want to get spoiled... it was just creepy. Not only is it insulting that he was mooning about over an employee who was young enough to be his daughter... He was her savior and protector and the person who carried her away from a horrible scene. It just smacked of pedophilia. Gross.
So, on a lesser note... another female character who is supposed to be a female police officer with Scotland Yard. Oh my... the issues here. She's French. Ok, fine, maybe she came on an exchange program, but NOOOOOOO. The author says she was practically raised by our protagonist. So, did she grow up in England or France... because apparently she is still stuck in French for all her swearing. Again, someone has never heard a French person actually curse (but then, that might actually be the translation instead of the author... who knows).
Lastly, there is this completely unnecessary male lab rat character. Nothing wrong with that because, honestly, someone has to do the grunt work and analysis and stare at uninteresting data and surveillance video like watching grass grow. However, the way that the author chooses to allow the title character to interact is just so very wrong. I get that the guy is struggling with personal issues and all that, but having him be such a bully to the poor lab rat makes no sense and contributes nothing to the character. Fine, he doesn't like him. He's the BOSS in the department. Workplace bullying? Really seems beneath someone who has risen to that rank.
Ok... you know. I'm half a mind to change my rating to a 1 star, but I won't for the sake of the story which honestly had so much potential.
February 10, 2016
I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. To finish this book so you know I liked it very much. It has everything going for it, a strong male lead, two strong female leads, and a murder occurring practically under their noses. The secret is the 20 year old murder but this doesn't connect with the Senior Investigator because he doesn't want to believe it. The story was made available as part of the Kindle Monthly First Book for prime readers so I was fortunate to have selected it. I would buy more books by this author. It is translated from the Italian and whoever did the translation did a terrific job. Eric Shaw is the lead investigator and Adele and Jane and Miriam are part of his team. Suffice it to say that the story is intriguing and you will not be disappointed.
October 18, 2015
Surprise surprise
Adele and Eric. A strange love story that had a strange beginning and an even stranger ending. The mind of a seven year old holds the vision of her family being killed. How can one live with that. Well Mina takes it one step further and finds revenge for the murderers of her family. Just when you thought you knew the story and its ending ----it changes. Great read!
Adele and Eric. A strange love story that had a strange beginning and an even stranger ending. The mind of a seven year old holds the vision of her family being killed. How can one live with that. Well Mina takes it one step further and finds revenge for the murderers of her family. Just when you thought you knew the story and its ending ----it changes. Great read!
October 22, 2015
What a good book. A gripping story which holds the reader right through to the end. This really is a fast paced thriller. We follow Chief Forensics detective Eric Shaw as he goes back twenty years to when he helped a young girl when her family was murdered.
I loved the romantic element included in this story along with all the action and suspense. Altogether a very good read and a well deserved five stars.
I loved the romantic element included in this story along with all the action and suspense. Altogether a very good read and a well deserved five stars.
October 28, 2015
Wow! I thought I had it all figured out.....
Through most of the book I thought it was insulting my intelligence. I kept saying that this better not be this obvious. I now refer back to the word wow...... nicely done.....This book was laid out really well...... I feel as though I got to know the characters and enjoyed doing so. This book was very good....I am very glad I read it..... Kudos.....
Through most of the book I thought it was insulting my intelligence. I kept saying that this better not be this obvious. I now refer back to the word wow...... nicely done.....This book was laid out really well...... I feel as though I got to know the characters and enjoyed doing so. This book was very good....I am very glad I read it..... Kudos.....
November 1, 2015
Free book of the month on Kindle.
Only reason I gave three stars was subject was interesting. This book is written by Italian author and translated to British English. Because story is about Scotland yard, but translator didn't know the difference between "lie" and "lay" or forget most of the time "torchlight" but used American English word "flash light." Did figure out who the killer was at the beginning, kept on reading to find out how Eric Shaw was going to figure out.
Only reason I gave three stars was subject was interesting. This book is written by Italian author and translated to British English. Because story is about Scotland yard, but translator didn't know the difference between "lie" and "lay" or forget most of the time "torchlight" but used American English word "flash light." Did figure out who the killer was at the beginning, kept on reading to find out how Eric Shaw was going to figure out.
October 9, 2015
Heartwarming and heartbreaking
Eric Shaw is one of my favorite characters. In this case his heart overtakes his head and a gentle love story plays out. Throughout the story the reader senses that Eric is heading for a traumatic resolution, but just how and who plays the final scene is for you to find out. What's next?
Eric Shaw is one of my favorite characters. In this case his heart overtakes his head and a gentle love story plays out. Throughout the story the reader senses that Eric is heading for a traumatic resolution, but just how and who plays the final scene is for you to find out. What's next?
October 15, 2015
Riveting!!!
Bravo!! The story is fascinating & intelligent. Every scenario has meaning to the ultimate solution but it's impossible to put the pieces together in the right order soon enough to beat the author to the climax. Excellent, excellent suspense & character development!!!
Bravo!! The story is fascinating & intelligent. Every scenario has meaning to the ultimate solution but it's impossible to put the pieces together in the right order soon enough to beat the author to the climax. Excellent, excellent suspense & character development!!!
October 14, 2015
Great read!
If you like how Agatha Christie builds suspense and then turns the resolution 180 degrees, then you'll like this book. I was 100 percent surprised by the ending, and totally satisfied. In fact, I thought that I had misunderstood something because the book wasn't ending the way I thought it should. The last chapter brought everything together perfectly.
If you like how Agatha Christie builds suspense and then turns the resolution 180 degrees, then you'll like this book. I was 100 percent surprised by the ending, and totally satisfied. In fact, I thought that I had misunderstood something because the book wasn't ending the way I thought it should. The last chapter brought everything together perfectly.
October 11, 2015
Gripping
This book is one that leads you down one path,then suddenly the path twists and it takes you in a new direction ,very well written and great characters . A bit of a who done it ....?
This book is one that leads you down one path,then suddenly the path twists and it takes you in a new direction ,very well written and great characters . A bit of a who done it ....?
October 9, 2015
Very well-written and keeps you interested in it the whole time
Story kept you on edge through out the book. It definitively keeps the interest to the story. Keeps you on the edge of your seat
Story kept you on edge through out the book. It definitively keeps the interest to the story. Keeps you on the edge of your seat
June 2, 2017
Frightening! Twisted! Suspenseful!
The suspense was gut wrenching. I may even have to read it again just to settle things in my mind.
The suspense was gut wrenching. I may even have to read it again just to settle things in my mind.
December 2, 2017
Pretty good
I did not see that last plot twist coming. I thought it was someone else. Pretty good story for a rainy day.
I did not see that last plot twist coming. I thought it was someone else. Pretty good story for a rainy day.
February 28, 2018
Page turner!
A true page turner with plenty of plot twists. I never saw the ending coming. A very enjoyable read.If you enjoy CUZ thrillers, this book is for you.
A true page turner with plenty of plot twists. I never saw the ending coming. A very enjoyable read.If you enjoy CUZ thrillers, this book is for you.
September 3, 2018
Good read.
Anyone who enjoys a good suspense. It was short fast paced and to the point. It should made into a movie.
Anyone who enjoys a good suspense. It was short fast paced and to the point. It should made into a movie.
January 10, 2020
Wow!
I enjoyed it. It was a really gift read with a few tw it even better. It’s really a sweet story of love.
I enjoyed it. It was a really gift read with a few tw it even better. It’s really a sweet story of love.
November 22, 2022
This is the first book by this author I have read. I am now following her. You will do the same. This book starts with excitement and shocking events! Fast forward, 20 years. This is when everything truly begins! A child loses her family, She is on the hunt! You will not believe how she begins her search. You also will be left with your mouth hanging open, and anxious for more. Unfortunately, like me, you will have to wait until February 2023. This is the first book of a new series. I can’t wait!
February 20, 2019
A forensic police story with a twist in the end - a series of murders relate back to a murderous robbery twenty years earlier
February 26, 2023
The Mentor is the first in the Detective Eric Shaw series and what a cracking story to kick off the series with!
I flew through the pages as the plot was so compelling and I needed to know what was happening...yep, I read the book in one sitting!
The plot flows at a moderate pace, leading it's way to that banger of an ending, which as always I had no idea what was going to play out, it certainly wasn't that!
I fast found myself becoming invested in the characters and their stories. I'm already looking forward to the next in the series to see where we go next with Det. Eric Shaw.
Exciting ✅ Entertaining ✅ Engaging ✅
Many thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I flew through the pages as the plot was so compelling and I needed to know what was happening...yep, I read the book in one sitting!
The plot flows at a moderate pace, leading it's way to that banger of an ending, which as always I had no idea what was going to play out, it certainly wasn't that!
I fast found myself becoming invested in the characters and their stories. I'm already looking forward to the next in the series to see where we go next with Det. Eric Shaw.
Exciting ✅ Entertaining ✅ Engaging ✅
Many thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 29, 2022
Wow! What a great story!
This book was laid out really well, lots of twists and turns. I thought I had it all figured out but WOW....I did not see that ending coming. The characters were well developed and very likable. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
This book was laid out really well, lots of twists and turns. I thought I had it all figured out but WOW....I did not see that ending coming. The characters were well developed and very likable. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
February 14, 2018
Action packed until the end
There was so much action that it was hard to put this book down, so I didn't!!! I lived how all of the characters came together, and left me wondering what happens next. Good read.
There was so much action that it was hard to put this book down, so I didn't!!! I lived how all of the characters came together, and left me wondering what happens next. Good read.
February 28, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Mentor' by Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli.
Read and reviewed for Zooloo's Book Tours, Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli and Anakina publishers.
Publication date 30th November 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in 'The Detective Eric Shaw' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching gorgeous cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Rita has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Detective Eric Shaw The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Mentor' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Rita discusses r@p3.
Love, love, loved this book!!!! Absolutely gripping edge of your seat page turner with an explosive twist!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
What an absolutely explosive to start to what promises to be an addictive series!! The storyline was captivating and addictive from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of lies, deceit,revenge, murder, tension, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. I was absolutely mind blown by the twist as I was sure I knew what was going on but Rita proved me completely wrong. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS RITA!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me after reading so many psychological thrillers and crime books but you didn't only manage to shock me but proved me completely wrong too!! There was a perfect amount of gruesomeness which is always a bonus for me!! It is also intriguing and thought provoking and had me questioning whether I wanted the killer caught or not and if the victims deserved what they got. Personally, I think they did but everyone will have their own opinions on what they think should have been done. Every time I kept telling myself one more chapter the one I was in ended at a point where there was no way I could stop reading so I absolutely devoured it in one sitting!! I loved the insight into the forensic investigation side of crime and police work which was absolutely fascinating!! I cannot wait to get stuck into the second book in this series which is called 'Syndrome' and I am off to read now!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. I love the fact that we got to see what was happening from the Killer's point of view and to know why they were doing what they were doing. It is very rare that you see a storyline from the "bad guys" point of view so this was a unique experience. It is also very rare that I feel sorry for them and agree with what they are doing not wanting them to be caught but Rita managed it in this explosive page turner!! I really enjoy it when you do get to see from the Killer's perspective as it helps the reader understand them more making them more realistic to the reader. I really liked Eric Shaw and thought he was a strong leader for his fantastic team. I also love that he is not a by the book DCI which makes him a memorable character. I also loved getting to know his DI Miriam who is a great character and made me laugh on several occasions with her French swearing which I had fun translating!! . I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!! I cannot wait to meet them all again in "Syndrome"!! Keep your eyes peeled for my review for that coming soon!!!
Congratulations Rita on a huge success. Welcome to my favourite authors list!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart and make your jaw drop with the explosive twist!!
Genres covered in this book include Murder Thriller, Suspense, Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense Thriller, Police Procedural, Serial Killer Thriller, Mystery, Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Mark Edwards, Cathryn Grant, Teresa Driscoll, Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, K. L. Slater, Mark Edwards and anyone looking for an explosive psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
214 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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Review for 'The Mentor' by Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli.
Read and reviewed for Zooloo's Book Tours, Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli and Anakina publishers.
Publication date 30th November 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in 'The Detective Eric Shaw' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching gorgeous cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Rita has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Detective Eric Shaw The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Mentor' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Rita discusses r@p3.
Love, love, loved this book!!!! Absolutely gripping edge of your seat page turner with an explosive twist!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
What an absolutely explosive to start to what promises to be an addictive series!! The storyline was captivating and addictive from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of lies, deceit,revenge, murder, tension, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. I was absolutely mind blown by the twist as I was sure I knew what was going on but Rita proved me completely wrong. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS RITA!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me after reading so many psychological thrillers and crime books but you didn't only manage to shock me but proved me completely wrong too!! There was a perfect amount of gruesomeness which is always a bonus for me!! It is also intriguing and thought provoking and had me questioning whether I wanted the killer caught or not and if the victims deserved what they got. Personally, I think they did but everyone will have their own opinions on what they think should have been done. Every time I kept telling myself one more chapter the one I was in ended at a point where there was no way I could stop reading so I absolutely devoured it in one sitting!! I loved the insight into the forensic investigation side of crime and police work which was absolutely fascinating!! I cannot wait to get stuck into the second book in this series which is called 'Syndrome' and I am off to read now!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. I love the fact that we got to see what was happening from the Killer's point of view and to know why they were doing what they were doing. It is very rare that you see a storyline from the "bad guys" point of view so this was a unique experience. It is also very rare that I feel sorry for them and agree with what they are doing not wanting them to be caught but Rita managed it in this explosive page turner!! I really enjoy it when you do get to see from the Killer's perspective as it helps the reader understand them more making them more realistic to the reader. I really liked Eric Shaw and thought he was a strong leader for his fantastic team. I also love that he is not a by the book DCI which makes him a memorable character. I also loved getting to know his DI Miriam who is a great character and made me laugh on several occasions with her French swearing which I had fun translating!! . I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!! I cannot wait to meet them all again in "Syndrome"!! Keep your eyes peeled for my review for that coming soon!!!
Congratulations Rita on a huge success. Welcome to my favourite authors list!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart and make your jaw drop with the explosive twist!!
Genres covered in this book include Murder Thriller, Suspense, Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense Thriller, Police Procedural, Serial Killer Thriller, Mystery, Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Mark Edwards, Cathryn Grant, Teresa Driscoll, Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, K. L. Slater, Mark Edwards and anyone looking for an explosive psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout!!
214 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheMentor #TheDetectiveEricShawTrilogy #RitaCarlaFrancescaMonticalli #LadyAnakina #Anakina #ZooLoosBookTours #ZooloosBT #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger
@TheMentor @TheDetectiveEricShawTrilogy @RitaCarlaFrancescaMonticalli @Anakina @LadyAnakina @ZooLoosBT @ZooloosBookTours @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger
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December 23, 2015
Brutal is the best way to describe the murders. Intense is the best adjective for the plot. It is absolutely non-stop from page one. Yes, I read it in one sitting. Readers will have no choice but to flip-flop their theories on what is really going on. Francesca has crafted a true thinking person's thriller. Way beyond cat and mouse police work, this is emotion & not even close to a 'light' read.
Eric is a policeman with society's best interests at heart. However, his tactics are flawed. Highly respected by his crew, in all honesty, he should have excused himself from the case. But, in fiction, what fun would that be? Consummate professionals, his team of supporting characters add depth & a more realistic edge to the plot.
Some of the scenes depicted may bother sensitive readers. I don't feel the author overdid the gore. It just is what it is, per se. While it may not be an truly original plot, the author's creativity in storytelling gives it a fresh feel. Originally published in Italian, it's been re-done in English. If you're up for a mental workout & don't mind the violence, this one will not disappoint. I give it 4 stars.
Eric is a policeman with society's best interests at heart. However, his tactics are flawed. Highly respected by his crew, in all honesty, he should have excused himself from the case. But, in fiction, what fun would that be? Consummate professionals, his team of supporting characters add depth & a more realistic edge to the plot.
Some of the scenes depicted may bother sensitive readers. I don't feel the author overdid the gore. It just is what it is, per se. While it may not be an truly original plot, the author's creativity in storytelling gives it a fresh feel. Originally published in Italian, it's been re-done in English. If you're up for a mental workout & don't mind the violence, this one will not disappoint. I give it 4 stars.
January 20, 2016
I got this book as it was a kindle first read last year and it has taken this long to get to the top of my reading list.
I am sorry to say I have had to give up by the end of chapter three. The book is poorly written although reading other reviews maybe it is just poorly translated.
Chapter 3 tells us the story of the main character going for a meal with one of his juniors. There is hardly any dialogue and it reads like a page from a diary. There is nothing to make this come alive. The main character is the fifty year old boss of Scotland Yard forensics team and he fabricates evidence to ensure the obviously guilty go to prison. Firstly I don't think he could get away with it and secondly why should someone who works all the hours god sends do such a thing. He is in love with a junior member of his staff but seems to turn into a fourteen year old school boy whenever he is near her.
I found the main character unbelievable and the other characters under developed.
I am afraid I have too many other books waiting to be read to waste time on this but if you did make it to the end and think I am missing something please let me know.
I am sorry to say I have had to give up by the end of chapter three. The book is poorly written although reading other reviews maybe it is just poorly translated.
Chapter 3 tells us the story of the main character going for a meal with one of his juniors. There is hardly any dialogue and it reads like a page from a diary. There is nothing to make this come alive. The main character is the fifty year old boss of Scotland Yard forensics team and he fabricates evidence to ensure the obviously guilty go to prison. Firstly I don't think he could get away with it and secondly why should someone who works all the hours god sends do such a thing. He is in love with a junior member of his staff but seems to turn into a fourteen year old school boy whenever he is near her.
I found the main character unbelievable and the other characters under developed.
I am afraid I have too many other books waiting to be read to waste time on this but if you did make it to the end and think I am missing something please let me know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews