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A Small Town #1
In a Small Town
Detective Matthew Longo is a police detective for the small town of Hutchville, NY. As the first page unfolds, Matthew has been shot on duty. His assailant is on the run. While recuperating, Matthew experiences haunting dreams of death he observed earlier in his career as a cop. These dreams are vivid, appear to be real, and are not like anything you have read before.
Meanwhile, Matthew's partner, Detective Donny Mello is in Italy attending a funeral for his grandfather. It is a death not met by natural causes but by an assassin's bullet. Donny's grandfather was the head of a mafia family. His past caught up to him in the most lethal way.
Back in Hutchville, things get worse for Matthew with the arrival of a beautiful FBI agent. She is seeking Donny Mello for questioning. Matthew is unaware of the agent's intentions but believes it has something to do with a secret he is holding deep within himself.
Can Matthew keep from answering the agent's questions? Will Donny return to help find the person responsible for shooting his partner? You will have to read, In A Small Town to find out.
Meanwhile, Matthew's partner, Detective Donny Mello is in Italy attending a funeral for his grandfather. It is a death not met by natural causes but by an assassin's bullet. Donny's grandfather was the head of a mafia family. His past caught up to him in the most lethal way.
Back in Hutchville, things get worse for Matthew with the arrival of a beautiful FBI agent. She is seeking Donny Mello for questioning. Matthew is unaware of the agent's intentions but believes it has something to do with a secret he is holding deep within himself.
Can Matthew keep from answering the agent's questions? Will Donny return to help find the person responsible for shooting his partner? You will have to read, In A Small Town to find out.
175 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2012
621 people are currently reading
1728 people want to read
About the author
Marc A. DiGiacomo
3 books44 followersMarc A. DiGiacomo is the multi-award Winning author of "In A Small Town." Mr. DiGiacomo is a retired and highly decorated police detective who worked for a small town in the State of New York. During his police career, Mr. DiGiacomo has worked with numerous police agencies including the F.B.I., D.E.A., U.S. Secret Service, New York State Police, NYPD, Westchester County District Attorney's Office and many other law enforcement agencies. He currently resides in New York with his wife and three children.
On September 12, 2013, "In A Small Town," won the Best Thriller award at the 2013 Orangeberry Book Expo Hall of Fame.
On July 15, 2014, "In A Small Town," was named a Thriller Finalist in the 2014 International Readers' Favorite Awards Contest.
On September 1, 2014, "In A Small Town," won Honorable Mention for Thriller at the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Awards Contest.
"Back In Town," the sequel to "In A Small Town" has been released as well as a short story called "Crown Cliff." You can find these books on Marc's website at http://www.smalltownthrillers.com.
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On September 12, 2013, "In A Small Town," won the Best Thriller award at the 2013 Orangeberry Book Expo Hall of Fame.
On July 15, 2014, "In A Small Town," was named a Thriller Finalist in the 2014 International Readers' Favorite Awards Contest.
On September 1, 2014, "In A Small Town," won Honorable Mention for Thriller at the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Awards Contest.
"Back In Town," the sequel to "In A Small Town" has been released as well as a short story called "Crown Cliff." You can find these books on Marc's website at http://www.smalltownthrillers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 1, 2016
I can’t believe how many people gave this book five star reviews! Does the author have lots of family and friends who do this as a courtesy and not on merit? Have standards for believable dialogue dropped so much that no one cares? What about resolving the main whodunit in the plotline before you use the cliffhanger to force readers into the next book in the series? I’m really not asking for that much to rise to adequate, but this book just doesn’t get there for me.
I understood the author was a retired cop himself, so I looked forward to insights from that experience, but I got a lot of shallow stereotypical characters -- both when it comes to the police and to an ethnically Italian community with strong ties to Sicily. There were redundancies that editing should have resolved, a non sequitur totally gratuitous sex scene thrown in for no good reason than to have a sudden “dirty” part (I’m all for erotica but it too should serve some purpose in the work’s construct and flow), and stilted intrusions into the minds of other characters when almost all of it is from the narrator’s perspective. Too bad--I wanted to like Detective Matt Longo, and learn more about his work routine and community.
Two important premises this book raised worthy of reflection for all of us: 1) do cops really feel like everyone out there might attack them at any minute and to survive they need to learn to be suspicious of everyone they see, an “us vs. them” mentality? If so, how does this affect community relations? 2) is it fairly easy for cops to fall into a practice of taking the law into their own hands, killing bad guys on the sly and then rationalizing it away for years? Such a notion troubles me.
In summation, to me, this reads more like an early draft in a writing workshop than a finished novel.
I understood the author was a retired cop himself, so I looked forward to insights from that experience, but I got a lot of shallow stereotypical characters -- both when it comes to the police and to an ethnically Italian community with strong ties to Sicily. There were redundancies that editing should have resolved, a non sequitur totally gratuitous sex scene thrown in for no good reason than to have a sudden “dirty” part (I’m all for erotica but it too should serve some purpose in the work’s construct and flow), and stilted intrusions into the minds of other characters when almost all of it is from the narrator’s perspective. Too bad--I wanted to like Detective Matt Longo, and learn more about his work routine and community.
Two important premises this book raised worthy of reflection for all of us: 1) do cops really feel like everyone out there might attack them at any minute and to survive they need to learn to be suspicious of everyone they see, an “us vs. them” mentality? If so, how does this affect community relations? 2) is it fairly easy for cops to fall into a practice of taking the law into their own hands, killing bad guys on the sly and then rationalizing it away for years? Such a notion troubles me.
In summation, to me, this reads more like an early draft in a writing workshop than a finished novel.
April 16, 2013
I was quite taken with the sound of this book when the offer for a tour came along and had to say yes, that post came about a week ago. I wanted to like it so very much. The blurb said ohhh good stuff. The book ugh I hate giving bad reviews but this author has much to improve on. I for one did not care for it.
This book is an attempt at a mystery it is not much of a mystery if you can spot what's coming from a mile away. That in of itself doesn't make for bad reading many mysteries you can see through and still enjoy here is what I didn't care for the most. It's what I would liken to 50 shades of mystery. That's right mommy porn reference.
The writing is so simple it catches you yes drags you in and doesn't let go but then so does severe gastro. I read and kept reading it was for a tour after all but at the same time I wanted to finish it to be able to say I got to the end and what should happen when I do but a cliffhanger with no damn ending. As if reading a book I didn't enjoy and just made me eye roll wasn't bad enough no no on top of that let's leave you without a nice finish. Will I read the second one in the series no! Why is that? Not just the bad writing as teen high school as it was still sucked me in. Hell bad writing will get you on the best sellers list. It was the horrible characters. I would overlook so much just have some people I can relate to, care about and I will keep coming back. But no. I didn't like the characters the sex scenes omg so damn lame like a college frat boy all excited he can watch porn without mother dearest walking in on him anymore let's throw it in all gratuitous. I'm not a prude hell I like a good sex scene okay love them but write them well. Yeah hard to do I know, I sure can't and I don't write because of it okay I can't write period. Marc my dear I'm sure you're fantastic but it's not your fortey.
One character get's shot and all he does for 60% of the book is mope at home, then he goes to a shrink and wow 5 minute chat and he's back in the game. Seriously wtf.
This book is a summer read, a go to the doctors office and have a pap smear/teeth pulled read. A I have a hangover and can't go in to work but I want to do something other than vomit all day read.
I will not say don't read it because as much as I didn't like it I still got sucked in. It however isn't literary goodness its the read to read when there is nothing else around which is never and this leads to the main point - there are many many great books out there. Go enjoy them.
This book is an attempt at a mystery it is not much of a mystery if you can spot what's coming from a mile away. That in of itself doesn't make for bad reading many mysteries you can see through and still enjoy here is what I didn't care for the most. It's what I would liken to 50 shades of mystery. That's right mommy porn reference.
The writing is so simple it catches you yes drags you in and doesn't let go but then so does severe gastro. I read and kept reading it was for a tour after all but at the same time I wanted to finish it to be able to say I got to the end and what should happen when I do but a cliffhanger with no damn ending. As if reading a book I didn't enjoy and just made me eye roll wasn't bad enough no no on top of that let's leave you without a nice finish. Will I read the second one in the series no! Why is that? Not just the bad writing as teen high school as it was still sucked me in. Hell bad writing will get you on the best sellers list. It was the horrible characters. I would overlook so much just have some people I can relate to, care about and I will keep coming back. But no. I didn't like the characters the sex scenes omg so damn lame like a college frat boy all excited he can watch porn without mother dearest walking in on him anymore let's throw it in all gratuitous. I'm not a prude hell I like a good sex scene okay love them but write them well. Yeah hard to do I know, I sure can't and I don't write because of it okay I can't write period. Marc my dear I'm sure you're fantastic but it's not your fortey.
One character get's shot and all he does for 60% of the book is mope at home, then he goes to a shrink and wow 5 minute chat and he's back in the game. Seriously wtf.
This book is a summer read, a go to the doctors office and have a pap smear/teeth pulled read. A I have a hangover and can't go in to work but I want to do something other than vomit all day read.
I will not say don't read it because as much as I didn't like it I still got sucked in. It however isn't literary goodness its the read to read when there is nothing else around which is never and this leads to the main point - there are many many great books out there. Go enjoy them.
April 6, 2016
This book is a mess. I read it because of the many glowing reviews on Amazon, which makes me question how warped the literary tastes of the modern world really are (kind of like how Trump is leading the republicans, maybe). The characters are poorly developed, if at all, and often do things that are contradictory to the sketchy natures they have been painted with.
The dialogue is the most stilted I've ever seen. A sample:
"...(he) has a prior for public lewdness," Franny says, excitedly, trying to hold in his satisfaction.
"Well, Franny, taking a leak in public doesn't constitute someone as a rapist," I say, not wanting to shatter my brother's mood.
"Well," Franny fires back, "This public lewdness wasn't for ..."
The story has no closure (the curse of the serial novelist) and no future. Why two stars? I really can't say. It's not riddled with typos. It's short. That's about it.
The dialogue is the most stilted I've ever seen. A sample:
"...(he) has a prior for public lewdness," Franny says, excitedly, trying to hold in his satisfaction.
"Well, Franny, taking a leak in public doesn't constitute someone as a rapist," I say, not wanting to shatter my brother's mood.
"Well," Franny fires back, "This public lewdness wasn't for ..."
The story has no closure (the curse of the serial novelist) and no future. Why two stars? I really can't say. It's not riddled with typos. It's short. That's about it.
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
January 22, 2013
In A Small Town tells the not-so-small story of police detective Matthew Longo. Whenwe first meet him, he’s been shot. He wasn’t even on the job at the time, and the experience left him more than a little spooked. The small town of Hutchville is filled with criminals in all shapes and sizes from pedophiles to murderers to wifebeaters to drug dealers. But Matthew has no idea who is after him this time around, and that’s what worries him. His opponent has no face, instead he’s a shadow. And as long as he doesn’t figure out who is behind the attack, it could be anyone.
Matthew hides in his bedroom day in day out, trying to come to terms with what happened. No matter how much his parents and brother push him to go out and back to the job, he’s scared of doing so. His partner, the person he can rely on more than anything, Donny Mello, is attending a funeral in Italy, and as long as he’s not around, Matthew feels like there’s no one who has his back. But then a FBI agent pops up who has some interesting intel on the attack that nearly killed him and the person behind it.
Matthew realizes that sometimes the true villains aren’t the ones that you catch while on the job. The life of a cop is anything but simple.
I loved how the author managed to put so much reality into this book. When I read the author bio on the back, I discovered that the author is a retired police detective and well, it shows. He obviously knows what he’s talking about, both about regular police life, and about the hardships that come when something bad happens. After Matthew is shot, he goes through real pain, real fear as he tries to recuperate, and those emotions are so honest and raw that they left me more than a little impressed. While I did enjoy the side characters, and the fact that they’re all well-developed for side characters, Matthew stayed my favorite character throughout the book. Which is odd. Because Matthew isn’t your standard hero. He’s a cop, which in my book counts for at least some heroism, but he didn’t always work by the book. He tells the readers something about what happened to him and his partner Donny about halfway through the book, about how Donny reacted to a criminal by beating him to pulp, and well, it left me conflicted. I think it would leave anyone conflicted. If a person is bad enough, do you get to kill them? If you’re afraid no justice will be served, does that grant you the right to serve it yourself?
That’s one of the questions Matthew struggles with, but hardly the only one. I liked his inner turmoil. I liked the short, interesting dialogue and the vivid descriptions. The author has a gripping, suspenseful writing style that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The only downside of this book, in my opinion, was the romance. It didn’t work for me. Sure, there was passion, but that was about it. I can’t believe people would form a meaningful relationship in such a short period of time. It didn’t convince me, and I was actually convinced the book could do well without. The plot is more than strong enough on its own, without an added romantic subplot. But I bet some people will love the addition of romance, and it’s not so bad, nor does it slow down the plot, so I could live with it.
As far as police thrillers go, I was happily surprised by this one. It was gritty and suspensful, nothing over the top, no spectacular but near impossible heroic stunts. This is a detective thriller the way I want it to be, and I very much enjoyed reading it. If you’re a fan of the genre, you should definitely read In A Small Town. It’s a strong, powerful book by a talented author of whom I hope to read more books in the future.
Matthew hides in his bedroom day in day out, trying to come to terms with what happened. No matter how much his parents and brother push him to go out and back to the job, he’s scared of doing so. His partner, the person he can rely on more than anything, Donny Mello, is attending a funeral in Italy, and as long as he’s not around, Matthew feels like there’s no one who has his back. But then a FBI agent pops up who has some interesting intel on the attack that nearly killed him and the person behind it.
Matthew realizes that sometimes the true villains aren’t the ones that you catch while on the job. The life of a cop is anything but simple.
I loved how the author managed to put so much reality into this book. When I read the author bio on the back, I discovered that the author is a retired police detective and well, it shows. He obviously knows what he’s talking about, both about regular police life, and about the hardships that come when something bad happens. After Matthew is shot, he goes through real pain, real fear as he tries to recuperate, and those emotions are so honest and raw that they left me more than a little impressed. While I did enjoy the side characters, and the fact that they’re all well-developed for side characters, Matthew stayed my favorite character throughout the book. Which is odd. Because Matthew isn’t your standard hero. He’s a cop, which in my book counts for at least some heroism, but he didn’t always work by the book. He tells the readers something about what happened to him and his partner Donny about halfway through the book, about how Donny reacted to a criminal by beating him to pulp, and well, it left me conflicted. I think it would leave anyone conflicted. If a person is bad enough, do you get to kill them? If you’re afraid no justice will be served, does that grant you the right to serve it yourself?
That’s one of the questions Matthew struggles with, but hardly the only one. I liked his inner turmoil. I liked the short, interesting dialogue and the vivid descriptions. The author has a gripping, suspenseful writing style that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The only downside of this book, in my opinion, was the romance. It didn’t work for me. Sure, there was passion, but that was about it. I can’t believe people would form a meaningful relationship in such a short period of time. It didn’t convince me, and I was actually convinced the book could do well without. The plot is more than strong enough on its own, without an added romantic subplot. But I bet some people will love the addition of romance, and it’s not so bad, nor does it slow down the plot, so I could live with it.
As far as police thrillers go, I was happily surprised by this one. It was gritty and suspensful, nothing over the top, no spectacular but near impossible heroic stunts. This is a detective thriller the way I want it to be, and I very much enjoyed reading it. If you’re a fan of the genre, you should definitely read In A Small Town. It’s a strong, powerful book by a talented author of whom I hope to read more books in the future.
July 21, 2013
Matt Longo is a policeman working in a small town outside New York City, who survives a shooting. Who shot him, why and will they try again? The reader joins Longo in the days and weeks following this shooting, as he slowly recovers from this trauma and finally returns to work. The story is told, for the most part, in the first person from Longo's perspective, and the reader is given insight into his character and the emotions and turmoil through which he is passing. The author succeeds quite well in lifting his central character above the clichés that generally plague this type of literature. Other characters are less well developed, but this is always a potential issue in a first person narrative.
Alongside the story of the present day, we are filled in on Longo's back story in the form of recollections and dreams. These are by far the strongest and most interesting parts of the book. These anecdotes are suitably gritty, gruesome and, sometimes, funny. I was, however, a little unconvinced by the presentation of some parts of this back story as dreams: they were far too vivid, detailed and accurate for that. The present day story is quite interesting, with some twists and turns. The most interesting part of that story, for me, was the occurrence and investigation of a crime unrelated to the attempted murder of Longo. There were some interesting twists and turns as the truth about the latter is slowly revealed; but there was nothing very surprising. I felt that the author was less than comfortable with writing the romantic elements introduced via an attractive FBI agent. Without revealing anything about the ending, I will say that I thought it needed a much stronger and more dramatic ending than the one with which we are presented, given the genre and the tone of the story up to that point.
There are quite a few technical issues with this book. Aside from a number of grammatical issues, the writer struggles with the tense in which the story is written. While the back story is, naturally, written in the past tense, the present day story inexplicably chops and changes between past and present tense, sometimes within the same paragraph, and even within a single sentence. There is also the issue of point of view. While I would estimate that about 90% of the story is written in the first person, there remains some 10% written in the third person. I can see why the writer needed to do this. He wants to relate events of which the central character is unaware. This, again, is one of the drawbacks of relying on a first person narrative. In one chapter, the point of view shifts from third person to first person midstream, giving the impression that Longo is also the narrator of these third person sections. Of course, he cannot be, as he is not privy to these events. The result is that there appear to be two narrators: Longo himself, and this omnipotent third person. If he needed to relate events unknown to the main protagonist, I would have advised the author to stick to a third person narrative throughout. It is possible to bring the reader into just as intimate a relationship with the central character using this voice.
These technical issues aside, the final rating for this book came down to the ending. Had the ending been stronger—more dramatic, more edge-of-the-seat—I would have given it four stars. But with the ending as it is, I can only give it three.
Alongside the story of the present day, we are filled in on Longo's back story in the form of recollections and dreams. These are by far the strongest and most interesting parts of the book. These anecdotes are suitably gritty, gruesome and, sometimes, funny. I was, however, a little unconvinced by the presentation of some parts of this back story as dreams: they were far too vivid, detailed and accurate for that. The present day story is quite interesting, with some twists and turns. The most interesting part of that story, for me, was the occurrence and investigation of a crime unrelated to the attempted murder of Longo. There were some interesting twists and turns as the truth about the latter is slowly revealed; but there was nothing very surprising. I felt that the author was less than comfortable with writing the romantic elements introduced via an attractive FBI agent. Without revealing anything about the ending, I will say that I thought it needed a much stronger and more dramatic ending than the one with which we are presented, given the genre and the tone of the story up to that point.
There are quite a few technical issues with this book. Aside from a number of grammatical issues, the writer struggles with the tense in which the story is written. While the back story is, naturally, written in the past tense, the present day story inexplicably chops and changes between past and present tense, sometimes within the same paragraph, and even within a single sentence. There is also the issue of point of view. While I would estimate that about 90% of the story is written in the first person, there remains some 10% written in the third person. I can see why the writer needed to do this. He wants to relate events of which the central character is unaware. This, again, is one of the drawbacks of relying on a first person narrative. In one chapter, the point of view shifts from third person to first person midstream, giving the impression that Longo is also the narrator of these third person sections. Of course, he cannot be, as he is not privy to these events. The result is that there appear to be two narrators: Longo himself, and this omnipotent third person. If he needed to relate events unknown to the main protagonist, I would have advised the author to stick to a third person narrative throughout. It is possible to bring the reader into just as intimate a relationship with the central character using this voice.
These technical issues aside, the final rating for this book came down to the ending. Had the ending been stronger—more dramatic, more edge-of-the-seat—I would have given it four stars. But with the ending as it is, I can only give it three.
April 17, 2013
Even quiet small towns have bad guys ...
While off duty, Hutchville, N.Y. police Detective Matthew Longo was shot in the chest, but his life was saved by his bullet proof vest. Matthew is physically fine, but he struggles emotionally not knowing who tried to kill him, so he withdraws from the world unable to come to terms with what happened, even though he knows that he has to go back to work. The one person that he always depended on to help him through his struggles is his best friend and partner Donny Mello. But Donny is in Italy for a family funeral, and while he is away, FBI Agent Cynthia Shyler is questioning Matthew about Donny's connections to the Mafia. Who wants Matthew dead, and is Donny involved in the failed attempted hit on Matthew's life?
In A Small Town is a riveting police thriller that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats. In his debut novel, author Marc A. DiGiacomo weaves an intriguing tale set in the quaint small town of Hutchville, NY, told in the first person narrative by police Detective Matthew Longo, who provides the reader with his perspective of the various encounters and danger that comes with being a small town police officer. Pulling from his own past experience in law enforcement as a retired police detective, the author's knowledge and perspective lends a sense of realistic credibility to the story.
The story is fast paced and flows smoothly, it easily draws the reader in while the drama, suspense, and many twists and turns keeps them guessing as they turn the pages. I loved how the reader is able to get into Matthew's head with the first person narrative that alternates between the present time and flashbacks to his past. There is a raw realistic and believable feel that comes through with Matthew's emotions and thoughts as he deals with his inner turmoil. You can't help but get immersed in Matthew's story as it unfolds, his story leaps off the pages with a palpable intensity that keeps the reader engaged, even though they are left with a cliff hanger ending.
With an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a riveting storyline that only a former law enforcement official could weave; In A Small Town is a gritty, powerful and compelling police thriller that will leave you wanting more!
In A Small Town is the first book in a series by author Marc A. DiGiacomo.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
While off duty, Hutchville, N.Y. police Detective Matthew Longo was shot in the chest, but his life was saved by his bullet proof vest. Matthew is physically fine, but he struggles emotionally not knowing who tried to kill him, so he withdraws from the world unable to come to terms with what happened, even though he knows that he has to go back to work. The one person that he always depended on to help him through his struggles is his best friend and partner Donny Mello. But Donny is in Italy for a family funeral, and while he is away, FBI Agent Cynthia Shyler is questioning Matthew about Donny's connections to the Mafia. Who wants Matthew dead, and is Donny involved in the failed attempted hit on Matthew's life?
In A Small Town is a riveting police thriller that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seats. In his debut novel, author Marc A. DiGiacomo weaves an intriguing tale set in the quaint small town of Hutchville, NY, told in the first person narrative by police Detective Matthew Longo, who provides the reader with his perspective of the various encounters and danger that comes with being a small town police officer. Pulling from his own past experience in law enforcement as a retired police detective, the author's knowledge and perspective lends a sense of realistic credibility to the story.
The story is fast paced and flows smoothly, it easily draws the reader in while the drama, suspense, and many twists and turns keeps them guessing as they turn the pages. I loved how the reader is able to get into Matthew's head with the first person narrative that alternates between the present time and flashbacks to his past. There is a raw realistic and believable feel that comes through with Matthew's emotions and thoughts as he deals with his inner turmoil. You can't help but get immersed in Matthew's story as it unfolds, his story leaps off the pages with a palpable intensity that keeps the reader engaged, even though they are left with a cliff hanger ending.
With an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a riveting storyline that only a former law enforcement official could weave; In A Small Town is a gritty, powerful and compelling police thriller that will leave you wanting more!
In A Small Town is the first book in a series by author Marc A. DiGiacomo.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 7, 2014
“In A Small Town…” A fictional tale about a small town located in the state of New York. The city of Hutchville is a close-knit community, a tiny city where the residents feel safe due to the lack of crime. Is this belief of theirs a reality? Or does crime happen right under their noses with none of them the wiser for it?
Detective Matthew Longo was certainly surprised when he got shot while walking to pick up his pizza order. Who would really expect that to happen in such a quiet little town? The local police swarmed to his aid; saving him, just like he knew they would. During the hours immediately following the shooting Longo tenuously holds onto life. However, each time he starts the trek down that long corridor toward that bright light, someone always pulls him back. The town of Hutchville is not ready to lose Longo especially over something as senseless as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or was he?
During the next few weeks of recovery Longo drifts in and out of consciousness. They say that before you die, your life flashes in front of your eyes, but over the weeks that followed the shooting, different scenes from Longo’s life flashed by on an hourly basis. What does it all mean? And where is Longo’s partner and close friend Donny Mello? Why hasn't he come to see him? Furthermore, who is this FBI agent Cynthia Shyler and why is she so interested in speaking with him about Donny?
I won’t give away any more of the story; if it sounds interesting then you should pick it up. I will say that at only one hundred and sixty-eight pages it was an amazingly fast read. While the book itself was fairly well-written, I did find the plot to be rather easy to predict and…I was disappointed by the ending. I expected a little more drama and a lot more closure. But who knows, maybe the author is attempting to leave it open for a possible sequel in the future.
All in all a decent read although with the graphic-ness of certain sections/scenes this book is probably best for the eighteen or over crowd…
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
Detective Matthew Longo was certainly surprised when he got shot while walking to pick up his pizza order. Who would really expect that to happen in such a quiet little town? The local police swarmed to his aid; saving him, just like he knew they would. During the hours immediately following the shooting Longo tenuously holds onto life. However, each time he starts the trek down that long corridor toward that bright light, someone always pulls him back. The town of Hutchville is not ready to lose Longo especially over something as senseless as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or was he?
During the next few weeks of recovery Longo drifts in and out of consciousness. They say that before you die, your life flashes in front of your eyes, but over the weeks that followed the shooting, different scenes from Longo’s life flashed by on an hourly basis. What does it all mean? And where is Longo’s partner and close friend Donny Mello? Why hasn't he come to see him? Furthermore, who is this FBI agent Cynthia Shyler and why is she so interested in speaking with him about Donny?
I won’t give away any more of the story; if it sounds interesting then you should pick it up. I will say that at only one hundred and sixty-eight pages it was an amazingly fast read. While the book itself was fairly well-written, I did find the plot to be rather easy to predict and…I was disappointed by the ending. I expected a little more drama and a lot more closure. But who knows, maybe the author is attempting to leave it open for a possible sequel in the future.
All in all a decent read although with the graphic-ness of certain sections/scenes this book is probably best for the eighteen or over crowd…
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
April 19, 2013
Matt is a cop and has just gotten shot while getting some pizza. Physically he is healing but emotionally he is a mess ... he is depressed and having nightmares. In a series of flashbacks, we get to know Matt and some of the cases he has worked on. While he is healing, his partner and good friend, Donny, is in Italy attending the funeral of his grandfather who was a Don in the mafia. FBI agent Shyler approaches Matt ... she's hoping to catch Donny at something because of his mafia connections. Knowing he needs to keep his mind occupied, Matt goes back to work and the first case he comes back to is a rape. When Matt discovers who shot him, it's a race to ensure he doesn't get shot again and bring the shooter to justice.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it. It is written in the first person (Matt's point of view) so we are always in his head, both in the present and in the past in his flashbacks. He seems like a nice guy who is tormented by who would have shot him and his pain comes through. He's a good guy who we learn has a secret that could ruin him.
While I was okay with the ending, I found that everything came together and was resolved a bit too quickly and neatly. I think it leaves the door open for a sequel, though.
As a head's up, some of the language and activities are for a mature audience.
I'd recommend this book if you like mysteries and crime stories.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it. It is written in the first person (Matt's point of view) so we are always in his head, both in the present and in the past in his flashbacks. He seems like a nice guy who is tormented by who would have shot him and his pain comes through. He's a good guy who we learn has a secret that could ruin him.
While I was okay with the ending, I found that everything came together and was resolved a bit too quickly and neatly. I think it leaves the door open for a sequel, though.
As a head's up, some of the language and activities are for a mature audience.
I'd recommend this book if you like mysteries and crime stories.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/04...
April 10, 2013
The story begins with Detective Matthew Longo getting shot. He should be dead. However, he had a bullet proof vest on and survived. Emotionally coming back is a struggle. He doesn't know who tried to kill him but he knows they will be back. Matthew hides from the world and refuses calls from family and friends.
This story is very realistic and written very well with proper perspective. I have worked in a couple police departments and I have many police officer acquaintances - the fears and emotions are real.
Throughout Matthew's traumatic event, his best friend and partner Donny is away in Italy for a funeral. While Donny is away though and FBI agent shows up with questions about Donny and the Mafia. Then Matthew figures out who attempted to kill him.
What I found most interesting with this story is the perspective of the writing. We were often "listening" to Matthew's thoughts - such as "what don't they get, I have just been shot". We hear his inner turmoil and become a part of it. That perspective brings the story to life in such a unique way. There were no events in the story that truly left my jaw dropped - but I loved the book! It is rare that an author can truly involve the reader into the story so thoroughly. I give this book 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This story is very realistic and written very well with proper perspective. I have worked in a couple police departments and I have many police officer acquaintances - the fears and emotions are real.
Throughout Matthew's traumatic event, his best friend and partner Donny is away in Italy for a funeral. While Donny is away though and FBI agent shows up with questions about Donny and the Mafia. Then Matthew figures out who attempted to kill him.
What I found most interesting with this story is the perspective of the writing. We were often "listening" to Matthew's thoughts - such as "what don't they get, I have just been shot". We hear his inner turmoil and become a part of it. That perspective brings the story to life in such a unique way. There were no events in the story that truly left my jaw dropped - but I loved the book! It is rare that an author can truly involve the reader into the story so thoroughly. I give this book 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 9, 2013
I find it ironic that were I to quote the language used repeatedly in the first chapter of this book Amazon would refuse to publish my review. The use of this language adds nothing to the storyline and makes the author and his character appear vulgar and crude.
Sargent Friday Matt isn’t. When your superior officer acts outside the law and your captain appears to condone this kind of behaviour it places you in a rather compromising situation. Matters are complicated in a small town where two people constitute the entire detective department. Scratch an Italian in Hutchville and you probably aren’t too far from a mafia connection. Discovering that the FBI is sniffing around only thickens the plot.
Someone seems to have cleaned up the grammer and spelling since some of the other reviews were written but the language and situations described are not for delicate constitutions. The book still has a weak ending.
Sargent Friday Matt isn’t. When your superior officer acts outside the law and your captain appears to condone this kind of behaviour it places you in a rather compromising situation. Matters are complicated in a small town where two people constitute the entire detective department. Scratch an Italian in Hutchville and you probably aren’t too far from a mafia connection. Discovering that the FBI is sniffing around only thickens the plot.
Someone seems to have cleaned up the grammer and spelling since some of the other reviews were written but the language and situations described are not for delicate constitutions. The book still has a weak ending.
November 28, 2013
An especially well written police drama!
The plot is complex but not overly so while the main protagonists are well developed and engages the reader.
While trying to figure out why he got shot, our detective goes over his past, his colleagues and his partner.
The reader gets introduced to a myriad of characters as the detective relives his past.
The twist in the story was indeed a nice one and I really liked it.
A fast read, one who is sure to entertain lovers of the genre!
WaAr
Ps. Really love the cover.
The plot is complex but not overly so while the main protagonists are well developed and engages the reader.
While trying to figure out why he got shot, our detective goes over his past, his colleagues and his partner.
The reader gets introduced to a myriad of characters as the detective relives his past.
The twist in the story was indeed a nice one and I really liked it.
A fast read, one who is sure to entertain lovers of the genre!
WaAr
Ps. Really love the cover.
November 2, 2012
This book is a turn pager that kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. I love the small town full of mostly Italian characters! It reminds me of where I grew up. I'm really hoping there's a sequel to the book. You like the characters so much, when you're done the book, you just can't help continuing thinking of them and what's next!
October 17, 2013
I totally enjoyed this read. Great humor. This author's writing style draws a clear picture of the characters, setting, and feelings within the circle of those that put their lives on the line day after day to uphold the law and protect their communities. I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good story.
April 6, 2013
A fast paced thriller with an amazing main characters. I found this book to be quick and fun read and it leaves you hanging for the next book. I liked many of the characters and their interactions were both original and interesting....3.5 stars!
September 3, 2013
In a Small Town is a gritty, authentic and highly entertaining crime thriller. A well-conceived and executed plot is fleshed out with the flashbacks to incidents that detail the career of a dedicated patrol officer and detective. Highly recommended for lovers of hard-boiled police thrillers.
August 1, 2014
Stupid book
Stupid book
why does this writer think that sex was needed to have a book. I saw no place for the trash inserted that played no part of th story. I could have enjoyed this bookish more without it.
Stupid book
why does this writer think that sex was needed to have a book. I saw no place for the trash inserted that played no part of th story. I could have enjoyed this bookish more without it.
September 23, 2016
This is a bull so book.
I hate authors that make you buy their next book so you can find out the conclusion to the one you just read. What a cheap trick. Will never buy one of your books again.
I hate authors that make you buy their next book so you can find out the conclusion to the one you just read. What a cheap trick. Will never buy one of your books again.
November 19, 2013
very good
March 5, 2015
Easy, fast reading. The plot is formulaic and obvious, but the last third was worth the rest.
January 15, 2018
A couple of good twists and it is told in the first person, which can be limiting or an opportunity to really see into a character/ situation. This method really depends on the quality of the writing.
In the first part of the story, the main protagonist is practically immobile, so the "action" is created by his vivid dreams of past incidents. This was an intriguing method of story telling and initially built up a good impression of Matt and his motivations. Then as he recovers, the story moves more into present action.
Everyone says 'Nothing ever happens in a small town', except when it does. This town is changing and not for the better. The concept is good and I expected a really great story. After all, our heroes are the last line in defense against this unfortunate change in circumstances.
So, why only three stars?
As the story unfolds, three main characters are developed. We have a rookie, a seasoned captain and a (psycho) maverick. The rest of the regular cast, seem mostly incidental with disappointingly minimal description of their character, motivations or connection to the main characters, the town or the main story. For instance, Scotty was a "best friend" Matt had known since school and they worked in the same line of business.. yet he's barely mentioned. The FBI agent Matt is so attracted to, by the end of the story I knew next to nothing about her! If you are selling this as a story about a small town, not a big city where everyone is anonymous, but a small town where everyone knows everyone, this lack of detail was a big flaw.
Some scenes are far more graphic than necessary (imo) with lots of violence, brutality, sexual brutality and a preference for swearing rather than actual conversation. Although I understand that some of that goes with the territory, the dialogue overall was repetitive; I felt that profanity was used rather than dialogue or action that moves the story along.
At one point I almost deleted this book from my kindle before I finished it. I felt so much more could have been done to develop the peripheral characters, they all would have benefited from more interaction and back story. In the end, the book was a series of vignettes connected through Matt.
This book did not live up to its potential or my expectations.
Two and a half stars.
In the first part of the story, the main protagonist is practically immobile, so the "action" is created by his vivid dreams of past incidents. This was an intriguing method of story telling and initially built up a good impression of Matt and his motivations. Then as he recovers, the story moves more into present action.
Everyone says 'Nothing ever happens in a small town', except when it does. This town is changing and not for the better. The concept is good and I expected a really great story. After all, our heroes are the last line in defense against this unfortunate change in circumstances.
So, why only three stars?
As the story unfolds, three main characters are developed. We have a rookie, a seasoned captain and a (psycho) maverick. The rest of the regular cast, seem mostly incidental with disappointingly minimal description of their character, motivations or connection to the main characters, the town or the main story. For instance, Scotty was a "best friend" Matt had known since school and they worked in the same line of business.. yet he's barely mentioned. The FBI agent Matt is so attracted to, by the end of the story I knew next to nothing about her! If you are selling this as a story about a small town, not a big city where everyone is anonymous, but a small town where everyone knows everyone, this lack of detail was a big flaw.
Some scenes are far more graphic than necessary (imo) with lots of violence, brutality, sexual brutality and a preference for swearing rather than actual conversation. Although I understand that some of that goes with the territory, the dialogue overall was repetitive; I felt that profanity was used rather than dialogue or action that moves the story along.
At one point I almost deleted this book from my kindle before I finished it. I felt so much more could have been done to develop the peripheral characters, they all would have benefited from more interaction and back story. In the end, the book was a series of vignettes connected through Matt.
This book did not live up to its potential or my expectations.
Two and a half stars.
December 15, 2017
In a Small Town
While this book is categorized as a mystery, it left me at a pretty big cliffhanger which I still could not figure out who was the 'person' that the main character was trying to figure out. The main character stayed home 70% of the time throughout the whole book and towards the end, starts to do stuff instead of staying at home. Even though the book got me interested, I did not like the book as much since the author gave a pretty bad story for the police officer and leaving readers with a cliffhanger.
This book takes place in Hutchville Police Officer Matt Longo, who lives in Hutchville full of criminals, is on a case of someone shooting him which nearly kills him. Matt tries to figure out who was trying to kill him, their intentions, and if they are bound to do it again.
An issue the book brings up is the problem Matt deals with, which is the bullet that injured him and who did it.
A specific point that I thought was pretty interesting as a mystery novel, is the part where Matt discusses the chronological events that happened before and after he got shot. Matt specifically states, "While investigating the accident which a car crashed into a tree, I was shot behind above the waist towards the chest which sent me down to the ground in pain..." This text made me feel more like what it is like being a police officer and the risk of it.
I would not recommend this book because it does not give enough information to leave us off with who is trying to kill Matt nor does the story plot go well with it. Even though it brought to my interest as a mystery and made me kept reading the whole book, I would not recommend since you have to read the rest of the series in order to solve the mystery.
This book fits into our world in a way that police officers may experience problems such as some people hating police officers and use violence against them. Readers should pick it up if ONLY they are committed to reading the entire series and if they like mystery, otherwise, this book is not for you. The overall value of this book is pretty low.
While this book is categorized as a mystery, it left me at a pretty big cliffhanger which I still could not figure out who was the 'person' that the main character was trying to figure out. The main character stayed home 70% of the time throughout the whole book and towards the end, starts to do stuff instead of staying at home. Even though the book got me interested, I did not like the book as much since the author gave a pretty bad story for the police officer and leaving readers with a cliffhanger.
This book takes place in Hutchville Police Officer Matt Longo, who lives in Hutchville full of criminals, is on a case of someone shooting him which nearly kills him. Matt tries to figure out who was trying to kill him, their intentions, and if they are bound to do it again.
An issue the book brings up is the problem Matt deals with, which is the bullet that injured him and who did it.
A specific point that I thought was pretty interesting as a mystery novel, is the part where Matt discusses the chronological events that happened before and after he got shot. Matt specifically states, "While investigating the accident which a car crashed into a tree, I was shot behind above the waist towards the chest which sent me down to the ground in pain..." This text made me feel more like what it is like being a police officer and the risk of it.
I would not recommend this book because it does not give enough information to leave us off with who is trying to kill Matt nor does the story plot go well with it. Even though it brought to my interest as a mystery and made me kept reading the whole book, I would not recommend since you have to read the rest of the series in order to solve the mystery.
This book fits into our world in a way that police officers may experience problems such as some people hating police officers and use violence against them. Readers should pick it up if ONLY they are committed to reading the entire series and if they like mystery, otherwise, this book is not for you. The overall value of this book is pretty low.
March 2, 2018
Do not read this book (novella?). I will not read any other book by this author. 1st this story stops with a horrible cliff-hanger. It does not come close to resolving the major issue when the book starts - the main character is shot by an unknown assailant and almost dies.
2nd, the writing is sophomoric, perhaps even Jr. High level. Characters are cardboard cutouts, with wildly swinging emotional swings. The reader is warned in the introduction of graphic sex and violence. At least the violence fits the story! The sex scenes seem to have been copied from letters to Hustler or Playboy - plus there is no relevance to the story, but seem to inserted just for prurient purposes. The characters see a woman and are immediately in lust, only able to think about sex even in the middle of rape or murder investigations. Most of the characters are not believable.
Don’t waste your time reading this book, sacrifice the paper or ink, or electrons if you read on a tablet.
Let’s just say I took one for the team. You’re welcome.
2nd, the writing is sophomoric, perhaps even Jr. High level. Characters are cardboard cutouts, with wildly swinging emotional swings. The reader is warned in the introduction of graphic sex and violence. At least the violence fits the story! The sex scenes seem to have been copied from letters to Hustler or Playboy - plus there is no relevance to the story, but seem to inserted just for prurient purposes. The characters see a woman and are immediately in lust, only able to think about sex even in the middle of rape or murder investigations. Most of the characters are not believable.
Don’t waste your time reading this book, sacrifice the paper or ink, or electrons if you read on a tablet.
Let’s just say I took one for the team. You’re welcome.
February 2, 2018
This author is writing in the first person with numerous flash backs. As they say in writing class, only use flash backs and back story sparingly or you confuse the reader and slow down the story. This did all of that.
I was confused several times. We have an attempted murder of the main character, then we have a Mafia hit man coming to America, supposedly to finish the job, then we have the main character off applying for his police job and having sex with every girl he can. So not wonderful.
Also, the references to toilets and feces, really, seriously, did he need that? Most of his sex scenes were overdone and gross. I have no idea what he was going for, but he got the X rating. This is not an author I would follow.
I was confused several times. We have an attempted murder of the main character, then we have a Mafia hit man coming to America, supposedly to finish the job, then we have the main character off applying for his police job and having sex with every girl he can. So not wonderful.
Also, the references to toilets and feces, really, seriously, did he need that? Most of his sex scenes were overdone and gross. I have no idea what he was going for, but he got the X rating. This is not an author I would follow.
June 27, 2018
In a Small Town book 1
Story wasn't bad but I personally don't like the vulgar language used in ways it wasn't intended for. For me it degraded the book to a point that I had to force myself to finish. I don't like having to do that. Please understand that this is a "Me Thing". A lot of people will disagree with me and I'm OK with that. But I wouldn't purchase more of this authors books. This one could have been 5 stars with just minimal changes. Oh well. I have others to read.
Story wasn't bad but I personally don't like the vulgar language used in ways it wasn't intended for. For me it degraded the book to a point that I had to force myself to finish. I don't like having to do that. Please understand that this is a "Me Thing". A lot of people will disagree with me and I'm OK with that. But I wouldn't purchase more of this authors books. This one could have been 5 stars with just minimal changes. Oh well. I have others to read.
April 17, 2019
This is a book that ends right in the middle of the plot, so if the reader wants to know how the story ends, He/she must buy the next book. In my opinion this is a cheap trick and I will not buy another book by this author. By way of clarification, this is not a series where the same characters continue in a second novel with some references to the previous book by way of explanation and linking the books. This one stops right in the middle of the story.
Do not buy this book unless you are willing to buy a second one.
Do not buy this book unless you are willing to buy a second one.
November 26, 2024
Matt Longo, a policeman in a small town outside of New York was shot while off duty. In the time he was off from work he had a lot of dreams about previous calls he had been on. He doesn't know who tried to shoot him and is concerned about going back to work. Good book, gets more interesting as it goes along.
July 23, 2017
Smmall Town big time action.
I don't know how long this type of activity will last in such a small ton but I am along for the ride. After reading the first chapter of book two it should be exciting.
I don't know how long this type of activity will last in such a small ton but I am along for the ride. After reading the first chapter of book two it should be exciting.
August 23, 2017
Very enjoyable and entertaining mystery story
The author has done a very good job of writing a story of crime and corruption in a small city. This book is sure to keep you guessing as to what is coming next.
The author has done a very good job of writing a story of crime and corruption in a small city. This book is sure to keep you guessing as to what is coming next.
December 9, 2017
This was an entertaining murder/mafia-linked story. Although it wasn't vulgar, or gory, it did contain some gratuitous foul language. All in all I liked it and plan to read the next book in the series.
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