I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former US Army combat veteran takes on the injustices of his own hometown after witnessing too much injustice in the world in author Bob Brill’s “The Tattoo Murder”.
The Synopsis
“The Tattoo Murder” is the story of a U-S Army combat veteran who became a police officer back in his home town after he’d seen enough injustice in the world.
A different kind of cop, Det. John Potenza travels to the tune of his own drum, the waves which he loves to surf, the women who occupy his life and the music which drives him. All this is secondary to getting it right when it comes to justice. An Italian-American who knows his way around the kitchen, the fit and trim with comic book hero good looks catches the eye of almost every woman he meets. If he were British he’d probably be in “her Majesty’s Secret Service” with a Double-O in his name.
Many of the characters in the book are derived from Bob Brill’s own past and acquaintances and friends and while the book is a work of fiction, the people are real – well sort of.
The Review
This was a very cinematic, captivating crime thriller. The author does a great job of finding that perfect balance in character development with the buildup of the narrative overall. The gritty nature of the criminal underworld serves as a perfect juxtaposition to the almost dreamy vibes of the setting, and the tension that builds as the investigation goes deeper and deeper into elements of corruption and brutality will keep the adrenaline pumping as the narrative takes off.
The core of this narrative has to be in the dynamic character growth in the story, especially with the protagonist. In many ways, John hits like a classic police procedural hero, in the same vein as characters from Lethal Weapon or Dragnet, with his proclivity for being a lady’s man and being much like a rock star on the force. Yet his dedication to the truth and fighting for justice speaks to his moral code and gives readers a new literary crime hero to root for in his quest to bring light into the shadows that criminals create for themselves.
The Verdict
Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Bob Brill’s “The Tattoo Murder” is a must-read crime thriller. The nuanced way the author highlights the character’s journey and the almost noir elements of the narrative helped add depth to the twists and turns that will have readers eager for more of this modern-day gumshoe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.
Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.
A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.
Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.
He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.
Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.
http://www.bobbrillbooks.com/index.html
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