Jackpot by Susan Fleet is a prequel for the Frank Renzi series. It tells how and why Frank made the move from Boston to New Orleans, a story no thriller lover will want to miss.
Each novel can stand alone.
To see my reviews for the other Renzi novels, scroll to the end of the post.
Myself, I play Powerball. How about you?
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Four lottery winners.
Four murders.
Is there a serial killer on the loose?
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I love the cover of Jackpot, as I do for all of Susan Fleet’s novels. Simple and direct.
Susan Fleet loves to write about serial killers and Jackpot is another murder mystery that reads like True Crime. I do not find the plot so far fetched. I have watched The Lottery Changed My Life, a tv show about lottery winners. In one episode, a man was killed at a strip club. He had been known to carry large amounts of cash, making him a prime target.
Check out The Tragic Stories of The Unluckiest Winners.
Who knows what sets off a killer?
Jackpot is full of suspense, containing plots within plots. The story keeps unraveling and what starts out as a good thing, quickly turns bad. But then again, Susan loves to write about serial killers and does a fine job of it.
The characters come alive on the pages as Susan Fleet leads us from one murder to the next.
“He’d won $12 million and he was still a loser.”
Poor Nigel. He finally got a break. He won $12 million dollars in the lottery. His need to gamble, which had ruined his life, vanished. But, some people seem to be jinxed. Bad things seem to follow them around, like bees to honey or flies to shit.
Frank is a very flawed hero, but I love him. He never hurts anyone on purpose and goes out of his way for a child. It seems Susan Fleet always has a child in her books, that crosses Frank’s path. He goes above and beyond to help.
I like my heroes tarnished. They become more real to me and Frank fits the bill. He is married and having an affair with a married woman, Gina. They have been together for years and he is faithful to her. They met because of their jobs. Frank is a cop and Gina a reporter. I would think they are an unlikely duo, until I think of how much time anyone spends at work.
Susan fleet has a book idea for Gina and the title would be The Lottery Winner. ^_^
I am very familiar with Boston and the Cape, locations in Jackpot. As Susan’s words unfold on the page, my mind develops photographs of the passing scenery.
(c) Sherry Fundin Sagamore Bridge, Cape Cod, MA
I have crossed this bridge many times and have sat in the traffic Susan Fleet talks about. We always worked at timing it to miss the worst – traffic that goes on for miles, cars as far as you can see.
She also includes music in her novels, whether if be the Jazz of New Orleans or the Boston Pops. It makes me think of the fantastic Fourth of July fireworks show.
Ryan is Gina’s husband. His dad is an alcoholic named Tom Collins. Susan always manages to include a little humor with the horror.
“…after dark the scary boogey men come out.” I laughed. You have to be there.
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review. I always look forward to reading another murder mystery/thriller from Susan Fleet. What do you have in store for us next, Susan?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Music & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that’s how I discovered my dark side.
After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers.
I survived Katrina, but moved back to Boston in 2010. On my website I post profiles of women musicians and just began a blog, DARK DEEDS, about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!
You can stalk Susan at the links below:
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To see my 5 STAR Review of Natalie’s Revenge, go HERE.
To see my 5 STAR Review of Absolution, go HERE.
To see my 5 STAR Review of Diva, go HERE.
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GIVEAWAY
Susan Fleet is offering for the Giveaway, 2 (two) Kindle copies to 2 (two) lucky commenters. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Giveaway ends January 7, 2014.
GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THE WINNERS ARE: Dwayne Keller and Sandy S. Congratulations and happy reading!
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