Someone is killing women in Manhattan -- but, who? The only clues: a signature heart carved into each victim's breast (inside are the initials "J.C." and those of the deceased); copies of the New Testament (with underlined passages referring to infidelity); and fingerprints of a juvenile arrested in the 1960s. Enter Matt Davis, a plodding but effective NYPD homicide detective (hopelessly addicted to fly fishing - and chocolate) and his one-quarter Mohawk Indian partner, Chris Freitag, to whom he owes a long-standing debt of gratitude. Complicating matters for both of them is Rita Valdez, a spicy hot female detective, looking for "true love," and not too particular about where she finds it. "As the Twig is Bent" is an explosive thriller that rips the cover off the sordid underbelly of the world of Internet chat rooms, and propels the reader on a no-holds-barred journey toward its bone-chilling conclusion. CAUTION: Contains sexually explicit language, inappropriate for some readers.
Book Review/s to share: "Before May 26, 2009 I had never heard of author Joe Perrone, Jr. or of his novel, AS THE TWIG IS BENT. On that morning, I checked the AMAZON customer review listings for my novel, and Perrone had posted a supportive review. I secured his E-mail address and sent him an E-mail thanking him. One E-mail led to another, and I decided to order AS THE TWIG IS BENT. I just finished reading it.
I've read countless murder/crime mysteries. AS THE TWIG IS BENT is a desperately intense who-done-it chocked full of fast-paced, nerve-racking suspense. I read the first half of the book the day I received it, and with regret, had to read the second half the following day. It's a book you can read in one day if you have a day you can devote to reading. That's the way I recommend reading it because it is a tough book to put down.
Since this is a debut novel, I feel it is imperative that I compliment Perrone on his seemingly effortless ability to thread continuity from the first page to the last. That isn't always accomplished in a first novel. I'm always impressed when it's done. The cast of characters are well developed, credible, engaging, imperfect, flawed---much like real people. If you've ever been friends (or relatives) with cops---you will feel that you have perhaps met some of these characters.
Another striking achievement of Perrone's, even after he reveals who the killer is, even after I knew what was probably going to happen, I was still riveted by the rapidly unfolding conclusion. The final succession of clues zings like hot fired bullets.
I'm frustrated with Perrone for one thing. Some violent passages are so graphic and sexually explicit that this novel becomes unacceptable for contemporary/mainstream readers. I feel a responsibility to forewarn potential readers.
If you can handle the graphic and explicit passages, you will probably believe this is a terrifically written debut novel. If the passages are too much for you---skip over them. This story is a great read even without the graphic passages being read in their full measure..." D.B. Pacini, author, California
"The phrase "mystery thriller" was never more appropriate than when used to describe "As the Twig is Bent," by Joe Perrone Jr. Set in New York City, this fast-paced murder mystery has a plot with more twists and turns than a giant slalom. The action revolves around a serial killer who stalks the Internet, finding victims in chat rooms with sexual themes. The dialogue and characters are first rate, and the author has an eye for detail that is unmatched by very few of today's writers. Move over James Patterson, Greg Iles, and John Sandford; there's a new writer of "mystery thrillers" on the scene. Bravo, Joe Perrone Jr.!" A.J. Forest, Spain
Backcover Description: Young girls are coming through a pastoral Upstate New York fishing village...but, they aren't all coming out. Following a close brush with death as an NYPD homicide detective, Matt Davis takes early retirement, and accepts what appears to be a cushy position as Chief of Police of a three-man department in a small, rural Upstate New York village. While out fishing on his favorite stream on the opening day of trout season, Matt stumbles across the murdered remains of a body, barely recognizable as a human being, killed approximately six months earlier. With no real physical evidence-no clothing, no identification, and no clues-it's up to Matt to not only identify the murderer, but to find the identity of the victim. Woven throughout the story, are examinations into the pasts of three possible victims, all moving inexorably toward their unknown destinies. But, in the end, it's the revelation of the unlikely killer's identity that will shock this tight-kni! t community to its very core, and leave the reader begging for more. Opening Day is the second in the Matt Davis Mystery Series, and picks up where As the Twig is Bent left off.
Book Review/s to share: COMPELLING READING - "This sequel to Joe Perrone's first Matt Davis mystery ("As the Twig is Bent") keeps you guessing right up to the end as to who is the murderer and who is the victim. The characters and their roles are well defined and I was easily involved in the story. Residing in the Roscoe, NY area (the book's setting), I found the descriptions of the local towns and their people an added attraction. This is an easy reading book that is not easily put down. I am looking forward to Matt Davis' next adventure."
Susan Freitag, NY
GREAT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - "All the characters are memorable, believable, and spark the readers curiosity as to what will become of them. The author's vivid and detailed description of the characters, setting, and events make you feel a part the small town. I found myself really eager for this awful crime to be solved!"
Brenda Bauer, SC
Email to share: joetheauthor@joeperronejr.com
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