Review posted by Justin Rentschler, RipeReviews www.RipeReviews.blogspot.com
The story starts out slowly and lends itself toward romance, but by the time you reach the third chapter the plot twists into a suspenseful delight for the mystery lover. It’s like a rollercoaster ride in the dark. Just when you think you have anticipated the next turn, you are skillfully thrown in the opposite direction. This is a book that mixes the genres of romantic suspense and full-blown mystery very well, and I suspect will appeal to both groups of readers.
Seemingly weak and pathetic, Angel Martin plays the role of victim well; but we quickly learn it isn’t weakness that drives her, but the mere ignorance of a past she’s never known. When she discovers her true identity, her genetic make-up explodes with strength and the test becomes not one of can she handle the truth, but can she learn to trust her instincts and harness the power the truth holds?
S.R.Claridge is a remarkable writer of character without drudging on in endless paragraphs of description. She brings lively dimension to the faces in her story, painting enough detail for the reader to picture the character, feel their motivation and relate to them as if they were standing in the room. She weaves humor and emotion with perfect timing throughout. The character of Olga, in particular, offers comedic relief when tension is at its highest. Her novel is fiction but you’d swear you were actually experiencing what Angel experiences while traversing the pages. Expect your adrenaline to increase, your pulse to pound and your eyes to widen with disbelief as you try to figure out what will happen next. And you won’t be able to do it.
Tetterbaum’s Truth is the first in a series entitled, Just Call Me Angel, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing. The second installment is entitled, Traitors Among Us, and I plan to crack it open this evening, rendering a review within the next few days.
On a scale of 1 to 5, this book earns 5 stars. It’s an easy read, a quick page-turner and the entertainment value is on a “you-don’t-want-to-miss-this” level. Congratulations to S.R.Claridge and Vanilla Heart for offering a series unique to the market. Readers will love it because it’s well-written, oddly heartwarming, and refreshingly new.
APEX Reviews called Tetterbaum’s Truth a “bona fide suspense thriller and a non-stop ride of action and adventure.” That sums it up.
Tetterbaum’s Truth is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords in ebook and in print. For more information about S.R.Claridge: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com
_______________________________________________________________________________
www.apexreviews.net
info@apexreviews.net
Tetterbaum’s Truth
S.R. Claridge
ISBN: 9781935407898
Vanilla Heart Publishing
Reviewed By Renee Washburn
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
With plans to marry her beloved Tony and live happily ever after, Angel Martin’s life is suddenly turned upside down when Tony mysteriously disappears and she soon discovers that her entire life has been one carefully crafted, well-executed lie. As she finds herself in the middle of a dangerous blackmail scandal involving the most notorious Chicago crime families, Angel scrambles to come to grips with her real identity while preserving her very life. Unfortunately for her, the closer she gets to the truth, the more people want her dead...
Tetterbaum’s Truth is a bona fide suspense thriller. Bolstered by highly intriguing, intersecting plotlines and vivid, lifelike characters that jump off the page, author S.R. Claridge’s standout offering takes readers on a nonstop ride of action and adventure. As Angel struggles to learn more about her mysterious past, the reader can’t help cheering for her as she winds her way along on a compelling, highly imperiled search for truth. With one shocking twist after another, Tetterbaum’s Truth takes its rightful place among the great crime/suspense thrillers of all time. A thoroughly engrossing read from beginning to end.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Reabookreview
June 30, 2011
rea_sinfield@hotmail.co.uk
Tetterbaum's Truth by S.R Claridge
When I started this blog I never aimed to keep the books I review all one genre, but as you can see I am a huge fan of women’s fiction (or as it is widely known chick-lit! ). I have been lucky to have a huge pile of books to read and review and also some have been sent to me to read on my new Kindle! One of the kindle books that I have been putting aside reading is Tetterbaum’s Truth. I have often been sent murder mystery type books and by the 4-5 chapter I just give up so I have never read one to the end. Having just had my kindle arrive I was eager to read something on it so it was time to put Tetterbaum’s Truth to the test!
Tetterbaum’s Truth is the first book in the Just Call Me Angel series and what a great start to the series. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this with it being a genre I never could get into. When we first meet the main character Angel she just seems like a normal girl next door kind of girl who is broken hearted and so as the reader I found I could connect to her and found that her character was believable. We hope that after the heart ache in her life there are some changes coming her way but we were not expecting the kind of changes she found!
The suspense in this book was so gripping I really couldn’t work out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys and this is what kept my attention. I was sure I knew who was going to come out as one of the real bad guys but I was very surprised how wrong I was! The story starts at a slow pace until all the series of events start to take place when the story flows along quite quickly with so much action going on there doesn’t seem to be a dull moment in this book.
I think the reason I enjoyed this book compared to the other murder mystery books I have read is because there was more than just the murder cases going on. There was many different elements to this book with a nice touch of romance, suspense, action ( and for us ladies the Italian mafia!) how could you say no to that! The mafia element in this book made the story feel more familiar as I have been made to watch these kinds of films with my partner and I know if this book was made into a film it would be one he would want to see.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what is happening in Angels life I am
sure it will be as hell raising as the first book.
I would highly recommend this book which is not what I thought I would be writing about it. This book has broadened my book genre tastes!
_________________________________________________________________________________
EURO-REVIEWS
Review: TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH by S.R. CLARIDGE
Angel Martin is devastated when her boyfriend Tony suddenly disappears. She gets an opportunity to buy Tetterbaum's pub and decides to go for it. Piece by piece she discovers though that the pub, the employers and especially her new 'boyfriend' aren't what she thought they were. They all hide secrets. With her boyfriend's tattoo begins the quest for the truth… But before she can discover the truth she has bigger problems to solve…
I began reading this book not remembering what it was actually about. Boy was I surprised at what was coming at me! After just a few pages I was already so drawn into this fictional world that at times I really lost my attention for what was happening around me in real life. The writing is very fluent and the plot just keeps you concentrated at all times because there’s never a dull moment in Angel’s life! A perfect mix of excitement, action, mystery and romance keeps you turning those pages without even thinking for a second about putting the book aside. I loved the Italian flavor (thank you Mafia) that was weaved into this contemporary story. I sure am very curious to find out what is left in store for Angel in the follow-up novel Traitors Among Us. And did I just hear there is yet another follow-up in the making? Don't lose this author out of sight!
Available in ebook and paperback format.
I began reading this book not remembering what it was actually about. Boy was I surprised at what was coming at me! After just a few pages I was already so drawn into this fictional world that at times I really lost my attention for what was happening around me in real life. The writing is very fluent and the plot just keeps you concentrated at all times because there’s never a dull moment in Angel’s life! A perfect mix of excitement, action, mystery and romance keeps you turning those pages without even thinking for a second about putting the book aside. I loved the Italian flavor (thank you Mafia) that was weaved into this contemporary story. I sure am very curious to find out what is left in store for Angel in the follow-up novel Traitors Among Us. And did I just hear there is yet another follow-up in the making? Don't lose this author out of sight!
Available in ebook and paperback format.
Totally unique Mafia story. Really enjoyed it! April 29, 2011
By Stephen
Read Tetterbaum's Truth in two nights and really enjoyed it. Lots of twists and things I didn't see coming and a perfect set up for the next book, which can't get here soon enough as far as I'm concerned. Great characters! I fell in love with Angel and felt like Olga was my own doting aunt. I've recommended this book to friends and stand by my recommendation. Everyone WILL enjoy this book
5.0 out of 5 stars Tetterbaum's Truth April 18, 2011
Tetterbaum's Truth is nothing short of enticing from the first page til the last page. The character's are as real as it gets, the plot full of suspense and mystery and the ending will leave you begging for more. Don't even think of opening this book for a casual read...it's just a "can't put down" kind of adventure.
5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME Mafia Mystery April 18, 2011
I read this book in one night! I couldn't put it down and contacted the publisher (Vanilla Heart) to ask them when the next book in this series will be available. (supposedly it's due out mid-summer) I can't wait to read it! The characters are so real that I felt like I was laughing and crying and racing around with them. There were parts where my heart was beating so fast I had to step away from the book and calm myself down. I can't stop thinking about the story and wondering what will happen in the next book. This would be an awesome movie! Tetterbaum's Truth is a truly great read!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Tetterbaum's Truth, March 28, 2011
By J. J. Woods -
This review is from: Tetterbaum's Truth (Paperback)
Tetterbaum's Truth by S. R. Claridge,first book in a mystery suspense series entitled "Just Call Me Angel", is a suspenseful tale of intrigue that rivets the reader on page one, captivating him in a realm where nothing is as it seems.
WOW... great, well-written story .... anxiously awaiting book two.
WOW... great, well-written story .... anxiously awaiting book two.
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!! March 24, 2011
By Julie
This review is from: Tetterbaum's Truth (Paperback)
Tetterbaum's Truth is a definite page turner with twists and turns throughout its entirety. Her characters came to life, especially the main character, Angel as she discovers what is real and who to trust. I can't wait for the next installment of this series.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Little Mystery, A Little Mafia, and a Mess of Sexy Italian Boys......, March 22, 2011
By Jenni (St Louis Mo
Sure makes for a yummy read!! The mystery has you quickly turning the page for more and the sexy men in the book will have you begging to see more of them.......can't wait for the next installment in the series!!! BRAVO!
- CanadaReviewers
Posted August 22, 2011
One Thrilling Moment After Another!
This book is one thrilling moment after another after another and just when you think you've got it figured out, it takes a turn. If you like a solid suspense story with characters that pull you deeper into the story, then you will love this book. Highly, Highly Recommended Read!
- ALLBOOKSJW
Posted August 17, 2011
ALLBOOKS REVIEWS
If you like a strong female lead in a mystery/suspense, then you'll fall in love with Angel, the protagonist of TETTERBAUM'S TRUTH. She's one gutsy woman dealing with multiple threats on her life and she rises to the challenge with courage and spunk. I found one page melting into the next in this fast-paced novel; it's extremely well written and easy to read. Nothing is as it seems and just when you think you've got a handle on the good and bad guys, the plot somersaults. And even though it's pitched as mystery- suspense, it also contains a healthy dollop of romance. Right off the bat we get some exciting romantic conflict, which carries throughout the book.
Here's how it goes: following a tragic accident to her father, Angel inherits Tetterbaum's Pub. Even though she has a good head for business, she isn't the best at choosing men in her life and to make matters worse, her doting aunt is continually fixing her up with losers. Then, an old lover mysteriously appears on the heels of her current lover's disappearing act. To complicate things, a handsome employee at the pub makes a play for her. Three men: each claiming that the other two want to kill her. Trust her heart, or her intuition? And once the Mafia rears it's ugly head-with as many serpents as Medusa-the plot screams into full thrust with veiled and unveiled threats, surprise alliances, Machiavellian maneuvering for power, murder, kidnappings, and a wild search for some revealing tapes. Believe me, each chapter will leave you salivating for the next one and the ending will catch you by complete surprise.
S.A. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. It is valuable experience that serves her well. She currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Happily for us, she's already published TRAITORS AMONG US, the second in her "Just call me Angel" series. I'm impatiently looking forward to reading it.
Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews
Here's how it goes: following a tragic accident to her father, Angel inherits Tetterbaum's Pub. Even though she has a good head for business, she isn't the best at choosing men in her life and to make matters worse, her doting aunt is continually fixing her up with losers. Then, an old lover mysteriously appears on the heels of her current lover's disappearing act. To complicate things, a handsome employee at the pub makes a play for her. Three men: each claiming that the other two want to kill her. Trust her heart, or her intuition? And once the Mafia rears it's ugly head-with as many serpents as Medusa-the plot screams into full thrust with veiled and unveiled threats, surprise alliances, Machiavellian maneuvering for power, murder, kidnappings, and a wild search for some revealing tapes. Believe me, each chapter will leave you salivating for the next one and the ending will catch you by complete surprise.
S.A. Claridge, the author, has a background in theater and has written scripts for several venues. It is valuable experience that serves her well. She currently lives in Colorado and loves to hunker down in front of her computer with a Vodka Martini and write away. Happily for us, she's already published TRAITORS AMONG US, the second in her "Just call me Angel" series. I'm impatiently looking forward to reading it.
Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews
- Mel95
Posted August 3, 2011
I LOVE this book!!
I fell in love with this story, which is different than anything else I've ever read about the Mafia. It's funny and touching and extremely suspenseful all rolled into one. I felt like I was actually going through everything Angel went through and was exhausted by the time I finished reading it; which was only one day because I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
- ApexReviews
Posted June 11, 2011
A Standout Bona Fide Suspense Thriller
With plans to marry her beloved Tony and live happily ever after, Angel Martin's life is suddenly turned upside down when Tony mysteriously disappears and she soon discovers that her entire life has been one carefully crafted, well-executed lie. As she finds herself in the middle of a dangerous blackmail scandal involving the most notorious Chicago crime families, Angel scrambles to come to grips with her real identity while preserving her very life. Unfortunately for her, the closer she gets to the truth, the more people want her dead...
Tetterbaum's Truth is a bona fide suspense thriller. Bolstered by highly intriguing, intersecting plotlines and vivid, lifelike characters that jump off the page, author S.R. Claridge's standout offering takes readers on a nonstop ride of action and adventure. As Angel struggles to learn more about her mysterious past, the reader can't help cheering for her as she wends her way along on a compelling, highly imperiled search for truth. With one shocking twist after another, Tetterbaum's Truth takes its rightful place among the great crime/suspense thrillers of all time. A thoroughly engrossing read from beginning to end.
Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews
Tetterbaum's Truth is a bona fide suspense thriller. Bolstered by highly intriguing, intersecting plotlines and vivid, lifelike characters that jump off the page, author S.R. Claridge's standout offering takes readers on a nonstop ride of action and adventure. As Angel struggles to learn more about her mysterious past, the reader can't help cheering for her as she wends her way along on a compelling, highly imperiled search for truth. With one shocking twist after another, Tetterbaum's Truth takes its rightful place among the great crime/suspense thrillers of all time. A thoroughly engrossing read from beginning to end.
Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews
- MaxwellCrighton at PublishingPublicityLLC
Posted August 3, 2011
Excellent Read!
This book is a unique and wonderful mix of Mafia mayhem and action-packed thriller. I enjoyed every page and found myself unable to set the book down, then when I did I kept thinking about the story. It's well-written and an easy read with real-to-life characters. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a great mystery/suspense. I can see this on the big screen.
- JustinRentschler at RipeReviews
Posted November 21, 2011
You Don't Want To Miss This!
The story starts out slowly and lends itself toward romance, but by the time you reach the third chapter the plot twists into a suspenseful delight for the mystery lover. It’s like a rollercoaster ride in the dark. Just when you think you have anticipated the next turn, you are skillfully thrown in the opposite direction. This is a book that mixes the genres of romantic suspense and full-blown mystery very well, and I suspect will appeal to both groups of readers. Seemingly weak and pathetic, Angel Martin plays the role of victim well; but we quickly learn it isn’t weakness that drives her, but the mere ignorance of a past she’s never known. When she discovers her true identity, her genetic make-up explodes with strength and the test becomes not one of can she handle the truth, but can she learns to trust her instincts and harness the power the truth holds. S.R.Claridge is a remarkable writer of character without drudging on in endless paragraphs of description. She brings lively dimension to the faces in her story, painting enough detail for the reader to picture the character, feel their motivation and relate to them as if they were standing in the room. She weaves humor and emotion with perfect timing throughout. The character of Olga, in particular, offers comedic relief when tension is at its highest. Her novel is fiction but you’d swear you were actually experiencing what Angel experiences while traversing the pages. Expect your adrenaline to increase, your pulse to pound and your eyes to widen with disbelief as you try to figure out what will happen next. And you won’t be able to do it. On a scale of 1 to 5, this book earns 5 stars. It’s an easy read, a quick page-turner and the entertainment value is on a you-don’t-want-to-miss-this level. Congratulations to S.R.Claridge and Vanilla Heart for offering a series unique to the market. Readers will love it because it’s well-written, oddly heartwarming, and refreshingly new. APEX Reviews called Tetterbaum’s Truth a bona fide suspense thriller and a non-stop ride of action and adventure. That sums it up.
- AngelaLampbert
Posted November 20, 2011
LOVED this book!
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It grabbed me right from the beginning. I love Angel and her aunt Olga and I love, love, love the hot Mafia men! It's touching and exciting and totally an awesome and easy read. Total thumbs up!
- BookWatchMagazineReview
Posted August 22, 2011
A Best-Seller Candidate Indeed
Tetterbaum's Truth is a pleasurable dichotomy of action/adventure and suspense; with a thread of romance worked in just enough to keep tension rising. We follow Angel Martin on a trek of self-discovery where her whole world is turned upside down and every moral and value she ever had is tested in the violent burning coals of Mafia life. What I especially found remarkable about this novel was the author’s ability to portray character relationships in a realistic light. She not only connected the players but her audience as well, a task not easy to achieve. I would look for this book to hit the best-seller list in the next twelve months and continue to climb. Fortunate for readers, Tetterbaum's Truth is book one in the Just Call Me Angel series, which indeed means more enjoyment is yet to come. Kudos to author S.R.Claridge and Vanilla Heart. Looking forward to the sequel.
Robert Westin - BWM
Robert Westin - BWM