Saturday, June 18, 2011

TRADER OF SECRETS: GUEST REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

TRADER OF SECRETS
BY STEVE MARTINI

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Defense attorney Paul Madriani is embroiled in a case as perilous as any he has ever faced: one that involves an angry killer who will stop at nothing short of vengeance, and two missing NASA scientists who are holding secrets that a hostile government desperately wants to purchase—in blood if they must.

Madriani's daughter, Sarah, has evaded the man known as Liquida, who has stalked her all the way across the country. For her own safety, she is being kept under armed guard on a farm in Ohio.

But one morning, itching for a predawn run to shake off the tension that has grown in the hours she's spent waiting for word from her father, Sarah slips from her ring of protection. What she doesn't know is that at the same moment her assailant is outside, waiting patiently in the dark.
Meanwhile in California, two men in a parked car argue over millions in cash that could be slipping through their fingers and a scheme involving government technology for sale that could rock the world.

Paul Madriani, his companion Joselyn Cole, and his longtime law partner, Harry Hinds, track Liquida, not knowing that their quest will carry them deep into the vortex of international terror.It is a journey that will lead them toward a bizarre and cruel twist of nature—and the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. From the nation's capital to California, from Bangkok to Paris and the jungles of Mexico, Madriani and his party race against time to find Liquida and the scientist who is the "trader of secrets" before he can unleash the weapon that could set the world ablaze.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Martini was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. An honors graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz, he holds a law degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law.

Martini’s first career was in journalism. He worked as a newspaper reporter in Los Angeles and as a correspondent at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, specializing in legal issues. In 1974 he entered private law practice in California, where he appeared in both state and federal courts. During his legal career, he worked as a legislative representative for the State Bar of California, served as special counsel to the California Victims of Violent Crimes Program, and was an administrative law judge and supervising hearing officer.

In 1984 Martini turned his talents to fiction, quickly earning positions on bestseller lists. All but his first book spent time on the New York Times Bestsellers list. To date, he has authored twelve novels, including eight featuring his popular lawyer alter ego, Paul Madriani.

In 1996 Undue Influence aired as a four-hour miniseries on CBS, followed by The Judge on NBC in 2001.

Martini lives on the West Coast. (Photo by Brian Smale)

GUEST REVIEW:
The first chapter, first paragraph, and the first sentence. I was plunged into a bloody attempted murder scene and what followed this bone chilling scene is an international thriller of suspense and intrigue. The protagonist Paul Madriani and his team takes the reader across the globe in search a man by the name of Liquida the “Mexacutionar” – a stiletto wielding assassin. Liquida weaves his stiletto in and out of people’s lives – some live, and some go to meet their maker.

Liquida has one ultimate goal – money! His plan is to obtain the software that controls a weapon that the world has never witnessed before and sell it to a third world country. Madriani and his team, Harry and Jocelyn, will do anything and everything to follow the trail of this assassin.

My thoughts:

The novel started with two parallel plots that didn’t come together until seventy pages into the novel. Both plots were well developed and unfolded into scene after scene of action packed international crime and suspense. The characters were well developed and multidimensional. The storyline was interesting enough to keep the pages turning; however, the one area that I found disturbing was the overall believability of the plot. I like thrillers that can honestly be intriguing and at the same time completely believable – this novel had a sci-fi component that made the plot seem more futuristic and not real. Even with its short comings on believability I still enjoyed the novel and recommend it as a good thriller novel. I have given the novel a 3 out of 5 rating.

Who should read this novel?

If you like old fashion spy novels then you will find this book an enjoyable read. This novel will also cater to readers who love dogs and finally if you’re a reader who loves espionage with a sci-fi component then this may be the novel that will be a must read in 2011.
---Review by Steve Capell  

ABOUT MY GUEST REVIEWER:
Steve Capell has been doing several reviews for me lately and he is a lifesaver. He even got this one in early to me and it allowed me to spend my anniversary/Father's Day weekend with my family and not with the computer! Steve is a loyal follower and commenter to many blogs including mine, as well as running his own blog. He is married for 36 years and their children are grown. They do, however, adore caring for their two Chihuahuas. Steve's most recent review for me was TO BE SUNG UNDERWATER in case you missed it. Thanks once again, Steve!

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO CHELSEY AND THE
GOOD FOLKS AT HARPER COLLINS,
I HAVE ON COPY OF TRADER OF SECRETS
TO GIVE AWAY TO A LUCKY READER!  
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE 
TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:
 
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT TRADER OF SECRETS AND WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO WIN THIS ONE

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING AT AUTHOR STEVE MARTINI'S WEBSITE HERE

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON HOW YOU PLAN ON CELEBRATING, OR NOT, ON FATHER'S DAY 
 
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 
6 PM, EST, JULY 1
GOOD LUCK!

58 comments:

traveler said...

The review of this mystery was great and the novel sounds compelling with the two storylines that converge. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

The Trader of Secrets feature on the website is well done and appealing. I like the map with the various cities and the planes shown. This is unique and original. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

We will be celebrating Father's Day at our house with a lovely luncheon and the entire family will be together which is rare and something that I look forward to greatly. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

debbie said...

I would like the science fiction part that was added to this thriller. I would like to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

My father passed away of cancer several years ago, but we always have a cookout on father's day.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I learned he wrote 15 books, I have read most of them.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

holdenj said...

Great review Steve! I like a traditional type espionage novel and this seems to fit the bill, while moving all over the world.
Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I didn't realize he's had two book made into tv miniseries over the years.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

We'll be grilling out if the MN weather cooperates!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

Please don't enter me for this one. I just want to say that I really appreciated the review. I am a big Steve Martini fan but I was disappointed that the story didn't come together and that there was a sci fi element in it. Don't know why but I can't read sci fi. Will pass this on up.

Carol Wong

lag123 said...

I like the fact that you are plunged into the story immediately. I would love to read this.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lag32583/status/82097904566804481

lag110@mchsi.com

lag123 said...

Steve's first career was in journalism.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Due to work obligations our girls are coming over tonight to cook dinner for their father and spend the evening with him. Tomorrow, he and I are going to spend the entire day on Pensacola Beach.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

petite said...

A thriller with a different twist. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I have read a few of his books. He was a journalist. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

We will be having a family dinner on Father's Day which I will be hosting. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love murder mysteries. This book sounds really great. I would love to read it. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Pat L. said...

patoct at yahoo dot com

Sounds like a very exciting plot.

Pat L. said...

We are having my daughter and her family and her inlaws here for a barbeque.

Pat L. said...

I found it interesting that the author practiced law - a lot of authors are attys tho'.

patoct at yahoo dot com

Pat L. said...

forgot email - patoct at yahoo dot com

daughter and her inlaws coming here tomorrow.

Linda Kish said...

Steve Martini's books are always very intense. This one sounds like another hit.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

He says "In the field of fiction the book I most admire is THE GREAT GATSBY by Fitzgerald."

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I am not doing anything for Father's day. My sister and I went out to lunch on Friday and toasted our dads who have passed away long ago. I am not married, my son has no kids yet and he is working anyway. As a single mom, technically, I am a dad. But I will be alone with the dogs.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Margie said...

Nice review! This sounds like a fast-moving thriller. I like the two plotlines too.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Today, Father's Day, we're going out to dinner tonight. Just had blueberry pancakes for breakfast.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

+5 Swag
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Margie said...

Martini was a newspaper reporter and a lawyer before he started his writing career in 1984.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

mamabunny13 said...

I think this book will keep me on the edge of my seat.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/82488993916260352
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I found the map on his web site interesting.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

We plan on grilling steaks this afternoon and having a beer ot two :D
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

g.g. said...

Great review and made me want to read the book even if I wasn't a Steve Martini fan

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

On Martini's website I listened to his video where he talked about writing style and how he would often read his work aloud to see if it sounded right and then if it didn't, would go back and correct it.

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

We had the family over and all the Fathers were treated to a nice BBQ and presents...a good time


anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

bison61 said...

angry killer and two missing NASA scientists, this book sounds great

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Janelle said...

I like the converging story lines!
Best wishes and thanks for a chance to win this fantabulous giveaway!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com

Janelle said...

I really like the map on website featuring various cities and planes.
Best wishes and thanks for a chance to win this fantabulous giveaway!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com

Janelle said...

My dad passed away, but we always have a cookout to remember him!
Best wishes and thanks for a chance to win this fantabulous giveaway!
Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com

Anita Yancey said...

What I like best about this book, and why I want to read it simply is because it's a thriller. Thrillers are my favorite books. I haven't read any books by this author, but his name will go on my to read list of authors. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

I find it interesting how long the author has been a lawyer or involved in legal matters. Also he published his first book in 1984.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

On father's day we spent it having a cookout for family and friends.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

CherylS22 said...

I like that this book is an old fashioned spy novel & Steve's great review made me want to win the book.
Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I found it interesting that Mr. Martini is both a journalist & a lawyer.
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

On Father's Day, our entire family was on vacation at the beach. It was bittersweet because it was the first Father's Day since my Dad passed away & the first vacation we've had without him.
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

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Meredith said...

I love a good mystery, and I love seeing what NASA is up to. This could be interesting!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

We celebrated Father's Day with a quiet day at home!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

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