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Shedrow
From rolling pastures in Lexington, KY to darkened alleyways in Newark, NJ, from Manhattan's posh '21' Club to a peculiar and mysterious landfill in Eastern Kentucky, and from Saratoga Springs, NY to the tiny island of St. Lucia, Shedrow portrays a collision of characters from many divergent worlds. High society and the racing elite, medical and veterinary specialists, mob figures, and Kentucky hill folk become entangled in this unique twist on the medical thriller.
Dr. Anthony Gianni, a prominent Manhattan surgeon, becomes involved in a racing partnership as a diversion from a thriving surgical practice and an ailing marriage. The excitement builds when the partnership acquires Chiefly Endeavor, a two-year-old colt with the breeding, the spirit, and enough early racing success to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
When a new partner with an unsavory background appears and a breeder's nightmare becomes real, Dr. Gianni and a dedicated veterinarian must confront organized crime and solve a complex mystery that threatens to destroy both of their careers, and possibly a great deal more.
Dr. Anthony Gianni, a prominent Manhattan surgeon, becomes involved in a racing partnership as a diversion from a thriving surgical practice and an ailing marriage. The excitement builds when the partnership acquires Chiefly Endeavor, a two-year-old colt with the breeding, the spirit, and enough early racing success to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
When a new partner with an unsavory background appears and a breeder's nightmare becomes real, Dr. Gianni and a dedicated veterinarian must confront organized crime and solve a complex mystery that threatens to destroy both of their careers, and possibly a great deal more.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2010
47 people want to read
About the author
Dean DeLuke
2 books7 followersDean M. DeLuke is the author of Shedrow, a thriller dubbed a cross between Dick Francis and Robin Cook. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, business consultant, and active volunteer, he is a graduate of St. Michael's College, Columbia University (DMD) and Union Graduate College (MBA). He has a long history of involvement with thoroughbred horses, from farm hand on the Assunta Louis Farm in the 1970s to partner with Dogwood Stable at present.-- Amazon.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 21, 2010
From my book review blog Rundpinne.
A suspense thriller that will capture the readers attention from beginning to end, Shedrow by Dean M. DeLuke is a masterful debut novel. DeLuke takes the reader deep inside horse racing, no worries, the reader does not need to know a thing about it, I certainly did not, yet found myself captivated by DeLuke’s increasingly complex plot and dead ends. Dr. Anthony Gianni is quite familiar with horse racing and part owner of Chiefly Endeavor, a horse that continually wins against the odds, until the horse is found dead. DeLuke offers up many suspects, the most likely being the newest part owner of Chiefly Endeavor who learned the horse was worth far more dead than alive, even more than as a stud horse as others hoped to use Chiefly Endeavor for. Shedrow is a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller and DeLuke masterfully creates some of the most inventive and frighteningly realistic characters from a variety of backgrounds giving the appearance that some characters would definitely be candidates for guilt and others impossible to believe they would go to the depths needed to achieve their end desire. DeLuke’s debut into the world of suspense thriller novels is a powerful and excellent one and with his use of vivid imagery, strong characters, and cleverly placed clues, dead ends, and plot twists, I believe DeLuke is an author to continue to watch. I would recommend Shedrow to anyone who enjoys horses as well as a well-written suspense thriller. JH/Rundpinne/2010
A suspense thriller that will capture the readers attention from beginning to end, Shedrow by Dean M. DeLuke is a masterful debut novel. DeLuke takes the reader deep inside horse racing, no worries, the reader does not need to know a thing about it, I certainly did not, yet found myself captivated by DeLuke’s increasingly complex plot and dead ends. Dr. Anthony Gianni is quite familiar with horse racing and part owner of Chiefly Endeavor, a horse that continually wins against the odds, until the horse is found dead. DeLuke offers up many suspects, the most likely being the newest part owner of Chiefly Endeavor who learned the horse was worth far more dead than alive, even more than as a stud horse as others hoped to use Chiefly Endeavor for. Shedrow is a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller and DeLuke masterfully creates some of the most inventive and frighteningly realistic characters from a variety of backgrounds giving the appearance that some characters would definitely be candidates for guilt and others impossible to believe they would go to the depths needed to achieve their end desire. DeLuke’s debut into the world of suspense thriller novels is a powerful and excellent one and with his use of vivid imagery, strong characters, and cleverly placed clues, dead ends, and plot twists, I believe DeLuke is an author to continue to watch. I would recommend Shedrow to anyone who enjoys horses as well as a well-written suspense thriller. JH/Rundpinne/2010
May 3, 2011
Shedrow
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
The opening scene sets the stage for what has to be the most terrifying experience in the life of a surgeon. What would cause the mob to want hurt and maim a well-known surgeon? What would is behind their devious and diabolical plan to destroy this man? Dr. Anthony Gianni is about to undergo some unwanted surgery at the hand of a maniacal killer. Why? That remains to be revealed.
Dr. Anthony Gianni is a plastic surgeon looking for an exciting diversion away from his medical practice and his loveless marriage. Enter an opportunity to buy into a percentage of a racehorse and let the games begin. The author introduces the reader not only to the world of plastic surgery but in depth to that of horseracing and the behind the scenes intrigue and action.
A Shedrow is a row or double row of horse barns at a racetrack, having a separate stall for each of the horses and fronting a walkway according to the dictionary. The care of the horses is in many hands and the security in these barns should be tight to protect the horses and those taking care of them. But, sometimes those we entrust we the care of the most precious things in our lives are the ones that often betray us. Friends are not what they appear to be and events are sometimes manipulated and orchestrated for appearances as I review this outstanding novel Shedrow by author Dean DeLuke.
Chiefly Endeavor is a prize winning horse that Gianni bought a piece of. Proud of his investment and quite attached to this horse he and his partners are thrilled when he keeps winning races. But, often times good things come to an end when the control is taken away from you and turned over to others without your knowledge and what happens next you won’t believe.
As Chiefly Endeavor, Gianni’s horse begins winning races other set backs occur. Owning 25 percent of the horse along with three others soon changes as one man buys out two of the partners and things begin to change. Just who is Chester Pawlek and what are his reasons for wanting a huge stake in this horse. Appearances are deceiving and added to this mix are several patients that Gianni operates own whose surgeries are due to the handiwork of the mob. Sometimes the purse you receive for a horse is larger when the horse is gone. Horrific thought but true to say the least. So, who is behind all of this? What part does Pawlek play and why are the others involved? This and much more remains to be seen. As Gianni becomes enveloped in his new found interest, and reaps the benefits of many of the wins along with his partners and the owners of the farm, several horses are killed, victims of something called sponging causing nasal and breathing problems setting the stage for what is about to happen next. Their connection might be related to the sponging of three horses and possibly the death of Chiefly Endeavor.
As Gianni learns of the death of his prize horse, Chiefly Endeavor and Chester Pawlek disappears and many lives are lost along the way. He and his close friend veterinarian Steven Highet search for why the horse was infected with the equine herpes virus and who would profit from his death. Threatened by the mob, instructed to stay out of the investigation into the horse’s death, the death of a gate attendant and much more, Gianni is caught in a web so tightly woven and spun it might never be untangled.
Racing fans enjoy the rush of watching their favorite cross the finish line. Trainers, jockeys, owners and gamblers alike wait with baited breath until the final turn, the horses round the last stretch and the winners are announced: Win- Place or Show. Partnerships can be lucrative if handled the right way. But, Dr. Anthony Gianni, Brad Hill and two others will learn that not everything is what it seems and some partnerships are often severed with the flick of a knife. Owning several horses, breeding rights or the purse from the winners’ circles would increase many bank accounts keeping everyone in the money. But, as the truth about why Chester Pawlek bought out two of the partners in Midway Farms things change and the stakes are no longer in Gianni’s favor. Just why was Chiefly Endeavor their prize horse infected with the equine herpes virus? Was he sick? No! Did someone make sure he would die? Yes?
As you hear the announcer’s voice, the starting gun beginning the race and the horses going around the track you feel the excitement as each race is vividly described allowing the reader to enter the world of racing, experience the race and exhilaration of the winners. The winner’s circle is the end prize and some will do anything to get there. But, when one horse becomes a liability to several and his winnings alive not as lucrative as the insurance would pay in his death, things take a nasty turn for not just Gianni but others too.
Chester Pawlek was into the mob for millions and needed a way out. Threatened by the mob and given instructions as to how his debt would be repaid would cost many lives not just that of the horse. As Chiefly Endeavor’s body is found and a full investigation into his death begun, Gianni and his vet friend Steven Highet do some detective work of their own with the help of Ryan Fischer a smart and savvy vet student who uncovers more than she should and puts his own life on the line. What would one hermit and some of his friends have to do with the murders of the horses and that of some of the employees of the farm? Revenge is one motive but this one you won’t believe and the reasons behind it you need to find out for yourself. But, when Chester disappears why would someone close to him want to assist the police in their investigation and how does his disappearance change the complexion of the events and bring other truths to light?
From Saratoga, to the Kentucky Hill Folk, New York’s high society, Manhattan, mob connections, prominent doctors, bets, stable hands and more this medical mystery/thriller is jam packed with sharp and deadly edges that will cut deep wounds that will never heal as the deceptions increase, the lies mount up and the players come to their final turn to see who wins, who dies, who comes out ahead and who makes it to the final finish line.
Janice Gianni loves the high life. She hates waiting around for her husband to come home. Theirs is a loveless marriage. Wanting more she forms her own alliance with someone hoping to come out ahead, forge a different kind of partnership and use someone close to her to provide the information needed and the end result she and her new partner desire. But, what she gets and the end result will make you think twice before crossing the line. Outer beauty is all that matters to her and material gain even more. Her final payoff will not be what she or the reader expects.
As the pieces start to fit together and the finish line is coming into view the final surprises will be revealed, the end result you won’t see coming and the outcome will leave room for much more to come in the lives of many. When faced with the truth and confronted with what really happened to Chiefly Endeavor, one doctor’s life will change, another will find a new path in life and some will lose much more. Working with the poor, volunteering in the poorest hospital in St. Lucia, Dr. Anthony Gianni learns many hard lessons and begins to see things in a different light. Loyalties, friendships, lies, deceits, betrayals and hate are just part of what is brought to light in this novel. Trusting those close to you will not always be wise. Corruption runs deep, threats run high and one horse that pays the ultimate price. Author Dean Deluke created a plot so intricate, intense, unparalleled to any mystery/ thrillers that I have read and reviewed in the past bringing the reader up close and right into the world of crime, horseracing, greed, revenge and much more. But, it’s not over yet and the ending will keep the reader wanting for more and hoping that the author will write the next chapter in the life of Anthony Gianni and what is next for him. Revenge: The Final One: Has Yet To Come! This is one novel that is a must read for everyone. Racing lovers will want to put this book on their shelves and Dean DeLuke’s novel is equal to that of Brad Thor, Robin Cook, Michael Palmer and Linda Fairstein.
Who crosses the finish line at the end? You need to find that out for yourself since I would never reveal the winner beforehand nor would I ever fix a race.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
This book gets Five Gold Horseshoes
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
The opening scene sets the stage for what has to be the most terrifying experience in the life of a surgeon. What would cause the mob to want hurt and maim a well-known surgeon? What would is behind their devious and diabolical plan to destroy this man? Dr. Anthony Gianni is about to undergo some unwanted surgery at the hand of a maniacal killer. Why? That remains to be revealed.
Dr. Anthony Gianni is a plastic surgeon looking for an exciting diversion away from his medical practice and his loveless marriage. Enter an opportunity to buy into a percentage of a racehorse and let the games begin. The author introduces the reader not only to the world of plastic surgery but in depth to that of horseracing and the behind the scenes intrigue and action.
A Shedrow is a row or double row of horse barns at a racetrack, having a separate stall for each of the horses and fronting a walkway according to the dictionary. The care of the horses is in many hands and the security in these barns should be tight to protect the horses and those taking care of them. But, sometimes those we entrust we the care of the most precious things in our lives are the ones that often betray us. Friends are not what they appear to be and events are sometimes manipulated and orchestrated for appearances as I review this outstanding novel Shedrow by author Dean DeLuke.
Chiefly Endeavor is a prize winning horse that Gianni bought a piece of. Proud of his investment and quite attached to this horse he and his partners are thrilled when he keeps winning races. But, often times good things come to an end when the control is taken away from you and turned over to others without your knowledge and what happens next you won’t believe.
As Chiefly Endeavor, Gianni’s horse begins winning races other set backs occur. Owning 25 percent of the horse along with three others soon changes as one man buys out two of the partners and things begin to change. Just who is Chester Pawlek and what are his reasons for wanting a huge stake in this horse. Appearances are deceiving and added to this mix are several patients that Gianni operates own whose surgeries are due to the handiwork of the mob. Sometimes the purse you receive for a horse is larger when the horse is gone. Horrific thought but true to say the least. So, who is behind all of this? What part does Pawlek play and why are the others involved? This and much more remains to be seen. As Gianni becomes enveloped in his new found interest, and reaps the benefits of many of the wins along with his partners and the owners of the farm, several horses are killed, victims of something called sponging causing nasal and breathing problems setting the stage for what is about to happen next. Their connection might be related to the sponging of three horses and possibly the death of Chiefly Endeavor.
As Gianni learns of the death of his prize horse, Chiefly Endeavor and Chester Pawlek disappears and many lives are lost along the way. He and his close friend veterinarian Steven Highet search for why the horse was infected with the equine herpes virus and who would profit from his death. Threatened by the mob, instructed to stay out of the investigation into the horse’s death, the death of a gate attendant and much more, Gianni is caught in a web so tightly woven and spun it might never be untangled.
Racing fans enjoy the rush of watching their favorite cross the finish line. Trainers, jockeys, owners and gamblers alike wait with baited breath until the final turn, the horses round the last stretch and the winners are announced: Win- Place or Show. Partnerships can be lucrative if handled the right way. But, Dr. Anthony Gianni, Brad Hill and two others will learn that not everything is what it seems and some partnerships are often severed with the flick of a knife. Owning several horses, breeding rights or the purse from the winners’ circles would increase many bank accounts keeping everyone in the money. But, as the truth about why Chester Pawlek bought out two of the partners in Midway Farms things change and the stakes are no longer in Gianni’s favor. Just why was Chiefly Endeavor their prize horse infected with the equine herpes virus? Was he sick? No! Did someone make sure he would die? Yes?
As you hear the announcer’s voice, the starting gun beginning the race and the horses going around the track you feel the excitement as each race is vividly described allowing the reader to enter the world of racing, experience the race and exhilaration of the winners. The winner’s circle is the end prize and some will do anything to get there. But, when one horse becomes a liability to several and his winnings alive not as lucrative as the insurance would pay in his death, things take a nasty turn for not just Gianni but others too.
Chester Pawlek was into the mob for millions and needed a way out. Threatened by the mob and given instructions as to how his debt would be repaid would cost many lives not just that of the horse. As Chiefly Endeavor’s body is found and a full investigation into his death begun, Gianni and his vet friend Steven Highet do some detective work of their own with the help of Ryan Fischer a smart and savvy vet student who uncovers more than she should and puts his own life on the line. What would one hermit and some of his friends have to do with the murders of the horses and that of some of the employees of the farm? Revenge is one motive but this one you won’t believe and the reasons behind it you need to find out for yourself. But, when Chester disappears why would someone close to him want to assist the police in their investigation and how does his disappearance change the complexion of the events and bring other truths to light?
From Saratoga, to the Kentucky Hill Folk, New York’s high society, Manhattan, mob connections, prominent doctors, bets, stable hands and more this medical mystery/thriller is jam packed with sharp and deadly edges that will cut deep wounds that will never heal as the deceptions increase, the lies mount up and the players come to their final turn to see who wins, who dies, who comes out ahead and who makes it to the final finish line.
Janice Gianni loves the high life. She hates waiting around for her husband to come home. Theirs is a loveless marriage. Wanting more she forms her own alliance with someone hoping to come out ahead, forge a different kind of partnership and use someone close to her to provide the information needed and the end result she and her new partner desire. But, what she gets and the end result will make you think twice before crossing the line. Outer beauty is all that matters to her and material gain even more. Her final payoff will not be what she or the reader expects.
As the pieces start to fit together and the finish line is coming into view the final surprises will be revealed, the end result you won’t see coming and the outcome will leave room for much more to come in the lives of many. When faced with the truth and confronted with what really happened to Chiefly Endeavor, one doctor’s life will change, another will find a new path in life and some will lose much more. Working with the poor, volunteering in the poorest hospital in St. Lucia, Dr. Anthony Gianni learns many hard lessons and begins to see things in a different light. Loyalties, friendships, lies, deceits, betrayals and hate are just part of what is brought to light in this novel. Trusting those close to you will not always be wise. Corruption runs deep, threats run high and one horse that pays the ultimate price. Author Dean Deluke created a plot so intricate, intense, unparalleled to any mystery/ thrillers that I have read and reviewed in the past bringing the reader up close and right into the world of crime, horseracing, greed, revenge and much more. But, it’s not over yet and the ending will keep the reader wanting for more and hoping that the author will write the next chapter in the life of Anthony Gianni and what is next for him. Revenge: The Final One: Has Yet To Come! This is one novel that is a must read for everyone. Racing lovers will want to put this book on their shelves and Dean DeLuke’s novel is equal to that of Brad Thor, Robin Cook, Michael Palmer and Linda Fairstein.
Who crosses the finish line at the end? You need to find that out for yourself since I would never reveal the winner beforehand nor would I ever fix a race.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
This book gets Five Gold Horseshoes
August 30, 2010
I didn’t know if this was going to be something I could enjoy, a mystery surrounding race horses. I know absolutely nothing about horse racing or horses in general other than the fact that they have four legs, consume food, and it comes out the other end in large steaming piles. Fortunately for me this novel was not a big steaming pile.
I was as shocked as anyone that I got a groove on this. I would say the reason was that Dean DeLuke ‘s descriptive ability and plotline drew me in. I became fascinated by a world I have not really known and enjoyed learning something new through his eyes. The other part he was throwing in was the medical jargon of his main character a surgeon, and the mindset that he had. I became attached to Dr. Gianni, not to be confused with me the real G-man, and it surprised me. This is a tale that involves a horse, a doctor, the mob, horse racing and a complicated scheme, sounds about right. The bad guys are of course extremely bad, not too bright, and very transparent. The good doctor and the horse though, I wanted to know what was going on with them.
The action is good, the places Dean DeLuke takes in Shedrow are a bit different than the usual crime /suspense novels and his ability to make us feel like we are there is good. I enjoyed this debut novel. It was a nice respite from the usual hardboiled detective novel that seems to come at us all too often. I enjoyed Dean DeLuke’s passion for the horses and for racing; it came through rather nicely and for me that was the crowning point of the novel. I feel without that personal element, the plotline and the narrative would have become flat and formulaic. Personally I was glad I gave it a shot. Right now Dean DeLuke has two appearances scheduled and here is the website to get more info:
http://www.facebook.com/l/a0e5f-YH5en...
1) Borders on Broadway, Saratoga Springs, August 27th 10 AM to noon.
2) The Open Door Bookstore, Jay St in Schenectady, NY, Sept 25th. He plans to tour later in the fall.
Also, the website has excerpts, reviews, a book trailer, contest offerings etc. at
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook & Linkedin . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Visual Book Shelf, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
I was as shocked as anyone that I got a groove on this. I would say the reason was that Dean DeLuke ‘s descriptive ability and plotline drew me in. I became fascinated by a world I have not really known and enjoyed learning something new through his eyes. The other part he was throwing in was the medical jargon of his main character a surgeon, and the mindset that he had. I became attached to Dr. Gianni, not to be confused with me the real G-man, and it surprised me. This is a tale that involves a horse, a doctor, the mob, horse racing and a complicated scheme, sounds about right. The bad guys are of course extremely bad, not too bright, and very transparent. The good doctor and the horse though, I wanted to know what was going on with them.
The action is good, the places Dean DeLuke takes in Shedrow are a bit different than the usual crime /suspense novels and his ability to make us feel like we are there is good. I enjoyed this debut novel. It was a nice respite from the usual hardboiled detective novel that seems to come at us all too often. I enjoyed Dean DeLuke’s passion for the horses and for racing; it came through rather nicely and for me that was the crowning point of the novel. I feel without that personal element, the plotline and the narrative would have become flat and formulaic. Personally I was glad I gave it a shot. Right now Dean DeLuke has two appearances scheduled and here is the website to get more info:
http://www.facebook.com/l/a0e5f-YH5en...
1) Borders on Broadway, Saratoga Springs, August 27th 10 AM to noon.
2) The Open Door Bookstore, Jay St in Schenectady, NY, Sept 25th. He plans to tour later in the fall.
Also, the website has excerpts, reviews, a book trailer, contest offerings etc. at
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook & Linkedin . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Visual Book Shelf, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
April 15, 2011
The world of horse racing is an exciting and vibrant milieu, as well as a place where crime proliferates due to the high stakes involved. The owners and breeders invest heavily in preparing their horses to compete. In the case of SHEDROW, we see a horse named Chiefly Endeavor who is a 2-year old colt who is just beginning his career. His lineage is noteworthy, and his prospects are bright. He effortlessly wins his first race. And that’s when the trouble begins.
Just as with any major sport, there are nefarious characters who will do anything they can to fix the results. For example, prior to Chiefly Endeavor’s race, another promising pony has been “sponged”. Someone inserted a sponge up her nasal passages, resulting in severe breathing difficulties. This type of activity could even result in death. After Endeavor’s great start, he has several races where he exhibits signs of physical distress. Although the cause is not evident, the situation deteriorates dramatically. It is only then that foul play is obvious.
One of Endeavor’s owners is a surgeon, Dr. Anthony Gianni, who is an avid fan of racing. He is very hands on about his ownership, frequently traveling to the site of his horse’s races. He actually owns one-fourth of the horse; a one-half share has recently been purchased by a new partner, Sal Catroni, who appears to have underworld ties. Is he the reason that Endeavor has met such a sad end? If so, was he directly involved in what happened, or has one of his enemies found a way to hit him where it hurts?
The overall plot is an interesting one; but as the book goes on, the narrative tends to spin out of control. Although Dr. Gianni and a few of the other characters are well done, most of the secondary characters verge on caricature. Gianni’s wife is depicted as a vacuous and greedy woman; it’s hard to believe that this is someone that he once loved so well. Sal Catroni is portrayed very inconsistently. It’s obvious that he has things in his life he needs to hide; what is not so apparent is how evil he can be when necessary.
SHEDROW appears to echo the author’s own life. DeLuke is a physician who is very involved in horse racing. This allows him to provide a very realistic picture of what that life is like. Although I had issues with the plotting and characters, I was quite interested in the behind-the-scenes look at the racing industry.
Just as with any major sport, there are nefarious characters who will do anything they can to fix the results. For example, prior to Chiefly Endeavor’s race, another promising pony has been “sponged”. Someone inserted a sponge up her nasal passages, resulting in severe breathing difficulties. This type of activity could even result in death. After Endeavor’s great start, he has several races where he exhibits signs of physical distress. Although the cause is not evident, the situation deteriorates dramatically. It is only then that foul play is obvious.
One of Endeavor’s owners is a surgeon, Dr. Anthony Gianni, who is an avid fan of racing. He is very hands on about his ownership, frequently traveling to the site of his horse’s races. He actually owns one-fourth of the horse; a one-half share has recently been purchased by a new partner, Sal Catroni, who appears to have underworld ties. Is he the reason that Endeavor has met such a sad end? If so, was he directly involved in what happened, or has one of his enemies found a way to hit him where it hurts?
The overall plot is an interesting one; but as the book goes on, the narrative tends to spin out of control. Although Dr. Gianni and a few of the other characters are well done, most of the secondary characters verge on caricature. Gianni’s wife is depicted as a vacuous and greedy woman; it’s hard to believe that this is someone that he once loved so well. Sal Catroni is portrayed very inconsistently. It’s obvious that he has things in his life he needs to hide; what is not so apparent is how evil he can be when necessary.
SHEDROW appears to echo the author’s own life. DeLuke is a physician who is very involved in horse racing. This allows him to provide a very realistic picture of what that life is like. Although I had issues with the plotting and characters, I was quite interested in the behind-the-scenes look at the racing industry.
October 22, 2010
Dean DeLuke took writing what you know to heart when he wrote Shedrow. Read his bio on his website and then read the book. Dr. Anthony Gianni is a lot like Dean DeLuke sounds in his bio, with differences obviously, but knowing the character well helped Dean DeLuke to write a winner of a novel with Shedrow.
First up the suspense. The suspense and plot of Shedrow is tightly written and the twist in the plot, I did not see coming. I was left guessing right up until all was revealed. I did feel a little lost at times, like a little too much was chopped out of the book, but then everything would make sense and I would understand and continue to enjoy the book. The choppiness in a few parts only took a little away from my reading pleasure of this book.
Next the characters. There are definitely an interesting array of characters in the book. First Dr. Anthony Gianni, who is a plastic surgeon, volunteers his skills in third world countries, and owns stakes in various horses which he takes very seriously. I liked Dr. Gianni - he comes off accessible, not a high and mighty rich doctor. There are also various characters in the horse racing world, my favorite being Dr. Gianni's friend and the horse vet. He's a great character as well. Then add in Dr. Gianni's wife, three strange characters at a dump, a hermit, and mobsters to round it all out. There are all types of characters in this book and sometimes it's hard to figure out who the real bad guys are - that is what makes it fun.
The horse-racing aspect. Really interesting, I found myself enthralled with this world, how they work with the horses and decide which ones to race and how to race them and the thrill of being a part of a winning horse and the pain of the injuries that occur. Dr. Gianni was deeply immersed in the horse-racing world and what was great about him was he really cared about the horses. They weren't just money-makers to him, they were more and I liked that. I would definitely read more books set in the horse-racing world books now that I have gotten a taste.
Overall I found Shedrow to be a quick thrilling read. I read it easily over two nights and could have read it all in one night if I hadn't gotten really sleepy (Lunesta, not the book). It's a great thriller and I hope Dean DeLuke has more in store for Dr. Gianni in the future.
First up the suspense. The suspense and plot of Shedrow is tightly written and the twist in the plot, I did not see coming. I was left guessing right up until all was revealed. I did feel a little lost at times, like a little too much was chopped out of the book, but then everything would make sense and I would understand and continue to enjoy the book. The choppiness in a few parts only took a little away from my reading pleasure of this book.
Next the characters. There are definitely an interesting array of characters in the book. First Dr. Anthony Gianni, who is a plastic surgeon, volunteers his skills in third world countries, and owns stakes in various horses which he takes very seriously. I liked Dr. Gianni - he comes off accessible, not a high and mighty rich doctor. There are also various characters in the horse racing world, my favorite being Dr. Gianni's friend and the horse vet. He's a great character as well. Then add in Dr. Gianni's wife, three strange characters at a dump, a hermit, and mobsters to round it all out. There are all types of characters in this book and sometimes it's hard to figure out who the real bad guys are - that is what makes it fun.
The horse-racing aspect. Really interesting, I found myself enthralled with this world, how they work with the horses and decide which ones to race and how to race them and the thrill of being a part of a winning horse and the pain of the injuries that occur. Dr. Gianni was deeply immersed in the horse-racing world and what was great about him was he really cared about the horses. They weren't just money-makers to him, they were more and I liked that. I would definitely read more books set in the horse-racing world books now that I have gotten a taste.
Overall I found Shedrow to be a quick thrilling read. I read it easily over two nights and could have read it all in one night if I hadn't gotten really sleepy (Lunesta, not the book). It's a great thriller and I hope Dean DeLuke has more in store for Dr. Gianni in the future.
October 17, 2010
“Shedrow” by Dean M. DeLuke:
This debut author takes win, place and show with his story about a thoroughbred race horse that gets murdered.
Dr. Anthony Gianni a plastic surgeon with a thriving practice, a love for racing and a marriage that’s falling apart, is part owner of Chiefly Endeavor a very special horse who wins even when he appears to be a long shot over the other competitors. He’s also wanted by others purely as a stud. But this horse has something extra special attached to his hide…he’s worth more dead than alive and Gianni’s newest partner Chester Pawlek—a man who is in desperate need of cash—knows it.
When Chiefly Endeavor is discovered lying dead in his stall early one morning, Gianni knows something isn’t right. The worst his horse had was a suspensory ligament issue with his leg—nothing deadly. He calls his old friend and vet who’s worked on his horse, Dr. Steven Highet—who’s more involved than you can imagine, but for a long time, unbeknownst even to him.
Pawlek has a son, John who isn’t at all happy with who his father associates with, and I’m not talking horse owners here. He wants to help the police find out if his father is involved in killing the horse since he heard him speak about it the day before the horse died.
This story shocked me in places I never expected to find surprises. There’s so much to be said about this story, but the best thing I can say is read it! This debut author is someone you need to watch out for because he is coming up on the outside turn ready to take the lead! A fantastic read!
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” for Suspense Magazine
This debut author takes win, place and show with his story about a thoroughbred race horse that gets murdered.
Dr. Anthony Gianni a plastic surgeon with a thriving practice, a love for racing and a marriage that’s falling apart, is part owner of Chiefly Endeavor a very special horse who wins even when he appears to be a long shot over the other competitors. He’s also wanted by others purely as a stud. But this horse has something extra special attached to his hide…he’s worth more dead than alive and Gianni’s newest partner Chester Pawlek—a man who is in desperate need of cash—knows it.
When Chiefly Endeavor is discovered lying dead in his stall early one morning, Gianni knows something isn’t right. The worst his horse had was a suspensory ligament issue with his leg—nothing deadly. He calls his old friend and vet who’s worked on his horse, Dr. Steven Highet—who’s more involved than you can imagine, but for a long time, unbeknownst even to him.
Pawlek has a son, John who isn’t at all happy with who his father associates with, and I’m not talking horse owners here. He wants to help the police find out if his father is involved in killing the horse since he heard him speak about it the day before the horse died.
This story shocked me in places I never expected to find surprises. There’s so much to be said about this story, but the best thing I can say is read it! This debut author is someone you need to watch out for because he is coming up on the outside turn ready to take the lead! A fantastic read!
Reviewed by Terri Ann Armstrong, author of “Morning Menace” for Suspense Magazine
February 18, 2011
The author is a Schenectady dentist whose family has been involved with the thoroughbred industry; I won it in a silent auction. We are both looking forward to it as a "beach read" when we get back to Florida - Friends have really enjoyed reading Dean's book!
So, here we go - I am so surprised about the grammarical errors - about the frequent absence of quotation marks ---- very disconserting ... made me "go back" to confirm lack of ending and even beginning quotation marks. Do not like being off tracked on a really good read for technicalities. That said, I liked the plot - interesting, well organized "medical mystery," found the details of the medical procedures a bit tedious, found the stereotypical characters a bit too stereotypical - Dr. DeLuke dipped deeply into the stereotype resource pool! Rednecks, gabby anestheologists with shop-a-holic wives, bored doctors wives who turned to wine, people with New York accents, people in the thoroughbred horse industry. Come on, doc, too easy!
So, here we go - I am so surprised about the grammarical errors - about the frequent absence of quotation marks ---- very disconserting ... made me "go back" to confirm lack of ending and even beginning quotation marks. Do not like being off tracked on a really good read for technicalities. That said, I liked the plot - interesting, well organized "medical mystery," found the details of the medical procedures a bit tedious, found the stereotypical characters a bit too stereotypical - Dr. DeLuke dipped deeply into the stereotype resource pool! Rednecks, gabby anestheologists with shop-a-holic wives, bored doctors wives who turned to wine, people with New York accents, people in the thoroughbred horse industry. Come on, doc, too easy!
Read
January 5, 2011great first by local author/great guy
June 23, 2011
Got fabulous reviews, Liked it didn't love it. I guess I expect all horse racing mysteries to be as suspenseful as a Dick Francis and this didn't quite make the grade but it was an agreeable read.
Read
June 28, 2011This book won the Indie Excellence Award in the Medical Thriller category.
August 3, 2011
Had a lot of hype, which it didn't live up to. Barely focused on the horses and the characters were not well developed. Ending was surprising but didn't make up for the poor plot.
March 28, 2013
Enjoyed the ride. All the plot twists keep the reader guessing to the last.
April 19, 2015
Good
The story was good and so was the plot but I would have liked it to orient more around the racehorses
The story was good and so was the plot but I would have liked it to orient more around the racehorses
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