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Red Blitz
The world's most beautiful city is about to be destroyed. Dozens of bombs have been hidden throughout Venice by a terrorist who is found dead. As the bombs start to explode, and thousands flee to the mainland, the police launch a desperate bid to save the city – and solve the mystery of what lies behind the attack.
188 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2013
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91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2014
A fairly short thriller which worked reasonably well for me. Not the most challenging story I've read but quite enjoyable. I did like the character of the Italian head cop - he seemed like someone who could last for another tale and be developed. Probably comes under the heading of a good holiday read for me.
June 28, 2017
A quick read packed with action. I would have like to see more character development.
January 29, 2019
This is very good and I enjoyed it but it's horribly rushed. It's all crammed into just 190 pages and I would've preferred 400 and a lot more detail myself. It certainly kept my interest but it just seemed pretty much over and done with before it properly got going. Stark Warning remains my favourite by him.
I couldn't give it 5* as I did that book because there are too many dumb errors in this story. A couple of times speechmarks were missed off, then the same with fullstops....this sentence is self-explanatory, ".....up onto the bed and across the faces of the faces of the two people lying side by side." We had words added needlessly to sentences-"Get me a copies of these notes" and "It seems likely he was attacked shortly around two this morning" then geminate was written and not germinate, we and not he, to and not of then sold and not solid !! So all a bit scrappy.
I'll still read another by him, though. He can surely weave a good yarn.
I couldn't give it 5* as I did that book because there are too many dumb errors in this story. A couple of times speechmarks were missed off, then the same with fullstops....this sentence is self-explanatory, ".....up onto the bed and across the faces of the faces of the two people lying side by side." We had words added needlessly to sentences-"Get me a copies of these notes" and "It seems likely he was attacked shortly around two this morning" then geminate was written and not germinate, we and not he, to and not of then sold and not solid !! So all a bit scrappy.
I'll still read another by him, though. He can surely weave a good yarn.
August 8, 2017
Exciting read
Having been there many times I appreciated the facts and geography. I also held my breath with worry as to the date of Venice. But all in all it was a fast and notable book.
Having been there many times I appreciated the facts and geography. I also held my breath with worry as to the date of Venice. But all in all it was a fast and notable book.
September 25, 2017
It was OK. I like some of his other books better.
September 29, 2014
I found this book on an Amazon Kindle special, and I was pleasantly surprised! "Red Blitz" is the first work by James Raven I have read, and I know I shall try another. The terrorism theme in the book is sadly becoming more and more plausible in today's world; I think if I had read this 20 years or so ago, its "realism" would not have been as great as it is today. In the first few chapters, we discover that dozens of bombs have been hidden throughout Venice by a terrorist who is found dead. But, as time goes on, things are not quite what they appear to be.
The story line was good; it was not the most challenging story I've read, but it was enjoyable and kept your interest. It is more of a novella than a fully developed novel - about 150 pages, but once you get reading, the pages turn faster and faster and suddenly you are done. Still, the plot was original, and the pace certainly drove the action along. The setting of Venice is beautiful and inspired. The characterization was good, and there were some well-rounded, nicely thought out characters. The shortness of the story limited some character development which would have strengthened the book. I especially liked the central character of Armond Cali who is the current leader of Venice paramilitary police force, known as the Carabinieri. His character did actually seem like one who could evolve in another story. I did struggle over three or four stars due mainly to the "shortness" of the story; I felt that more development in story line and character would have helped. However, due to the gripping, innovative nature of the plot which did create a "page turner," I gave it four stars. "Red Blitz" is a tense "thriller" which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
The story line was good; it was not the most challenging story I've read, but it was enjoyable and kept your interest. It is more of a novella than a fully developed novel - about 150 pages, but once you get reading, the pages turn faster and faster and suddenly you are done. Still, the plot was original, and the pace certainly drove the action along. The setting of Venice is beautiful and inspired. The characterization was good, and there were some well-rounded, nicely thought out characters. The shortness of the story limited some character development which would have strengthened the book. I especially liked the central character of Armond Cali who is the current leader of Venice paramilitary police force, known as the Carabinieri. His character did actually seem like one who could evolve in another story. I did struggle over three or four stars due mainly to the "shortness" of the story; I felt that more development in story line and character would have helped. However, due to the gripping, innovative nature of the plot which did create a "page turner," I gave it four stars. "Red Blitz" is a tense "thriller" which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
April 1, 2014
"An Exciting Thriller I Couldn't Put Down"
Author James Raven has turned me on again with this thriller about terrorism in Venice, Italy. Venice is known worldwide as a romantic get-away, sweet music, mild temperatures, and riding the gondolas. But the city is ancient, and for generations it has been plagued with terrorist groups. Mario Scalise is one of the most wanted terrorists in Italy. He has been behind many anti-capitalist attacks launched by the New Red Brigades in the recent years. He is currently active planning a major attack on Venice which is revealed in a letter found in an apartment of Enrico Barone, who is found dead. Armond Cali is the current leader of Venice paramilitary police force, known as the Carabinieri. He is called at home to come to Barone's apartment as there is something very serious he needs to see. The letter is a threat, or could it be a hoax? It says there have been a total of 60 bombs planted around Venice which will start with the first bomb due to explode at 0900 the next morning. This is a stunning, fast moving thriller that will capture you. James Raven delivers high action and suspense, and a many twists. Highly recommend.
Author James Raven has turned me on again with this thriller about terrorism in Venice, Italy. Venice is known worldwide as a romantic get-away, sweet music, mild temperatures, and riding the gondolas. But the city is ancient, and for generations it has been plagued with terrorist groups. Mario Scalise is one of the most wanted terrorists in Italy. He has been behind many anti-capitalist attacks launched by the New Red Brigades in the recent years. He is currently active planning a major attack on Venice which is revealed in a letter found in an apartment of Enrico Barone, who is found dead. Armond Cali is the current leader of Venice paramilitary police force, known as the Carabinieri. He is called at home to come to Barone's apartment as there is something very serious he needs to see. The letter is a threat, or could it be a hoax? It says there have been a total of 60 bombs planted around Venice which will start with the first bomb due to explode at 0900 the next morning. This is a stunning, fast moving thriller that will capture you. James Raven delivers high action and suspense, and a many twists. Highly recommend.
December 13, 2012
I always love a story that starts with a conflict. James does not disappoint with the pace of things.
He takes the reader through series of explosions and opens all eyes to the deepest psychotic side of greed.
Although two thirds of the book through he takes pity and gives us the story behind what's veiled as a terrorist attack.
Exquisitely written, wonderfully edited, definitely my favorite - however two questions:
Wouldn't there be a whole lot more outside help to Venetians if there truly was terrorists blowing things up right and left?
Wouldn't the off-duty cops be MUCH more cautious - when there's things being blown up along with people all around them?
All in all this is a great action packed story, worth every minute. Thumbs up!
He takes the reader through series of explosions and opens all eyes to the deepest psychotic side of greed.
Although two thirds of the book through he takes pity and gives us the story behind what's veiled as a terrorist attack.
Exquisitely written, wonderfully edited, definitely my favorite - however two questions:
Wouldn't there be a whole lot more outside help to Venetians if there truly was terrorists blowing things up right and left?
Wouldn't the off-duty cops be MUCH more cautious - when there's things being blown up along with people all around them?
All in all this is a great action packed story, worth every minute. Thumbs up!
July 10, 2014
This is the third novel by James Raven I have read and I looked forward to reading it as his previous books had impressed me very much. Sadly the spelling errors and the text changing from right justify to centre spoiled this one for me.
A well thought out story, the plot was original and the pace drove the action along, but it was the errors that ruined it, one of the important characters started out being called Cristina Perri and later was named Cristina Rebaldo, something that shocked me from a writer of Mr Raven's calibre.
A well thought out story, the plot was original and the pace drove the action along, but it was the errors that ruined it, one of the important characters started out being called Cristina Perri and later was named Cristina Rebaldo, something that shocked me from a writer of Mr Raven's calibre.
December 20, 2012
I started reading this book over the weekend and was amazed at how fast I was drawn into the story. The book is set in Venice and the character are well defined. The descriptions throughout the story help to draw the reader in and introduce you to his world. There was a lot of action throughout the book, and it was so well written that it made it feel like you were there. This was great book that I would highly recommend to anyone.
February 15, 2014
Really Good
Exciting, fast, realistic, a very good book. I couldn't stop reading until the end. Very well written and edited. Definitely will buy this author's books again.
Exciting, fast, realistic, a very good book. I couldn't stop reading until the end. Very well written and edited. Definitely will buy this author's books again.
April 27, 2014
A pretty good thiller
This is a good thriller set in Venice. A group of terrorists has planted bombs, but why?
Good characters, interesting plot and suspense.
I liked it!
This is a good thriller set in Venice. A group of terrorists has planted bombs, but why?
Good characters, interesting plot and suspense.
I liked it!
July 5, 2020
Fast-paced mystery. Exciting and entertaining.
August 9, 2015
Another good book by James Raven. Loved the style and the story line, which was gripping and thrilling! Another must read!
February 9, 2014
Not worth more than two stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews