Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo

Title: Murder Takes Time
Author: Giacomo Giammatteo

Publisher: Inferno Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-0-9850302-0-9
Pages: 421
Series: Friendship and Honor #1
Type: Adult Crime
Source: Received for Review
Goodreads


Twenty five years ago Tony 'the brain' Sannullo, Frankie 'Bugs' Donovan, Paulie 'the Suit' Perlano and Nicky 'the Rat' Fusco made an oath for Friendship and Honor. Now grown up the four boys have taken different paths and are living very different lives. Frankie is now a hardened Brooklyn cop facing a series of brutal murders that all have a bizarre combination of DNA planted at the scene. Struggling with the case he has no choice but to contact his old friends, even if the old oath could compromise the oath he swore as a cop.

I wasn't sure what I would think of this as it is outside my normal comfort zone so I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is really readable and kept me glued to the page. You can really tell that the author is writing about the time and area in which he grew up and his passion really shines through the narrative. There are even photos of some of the locations in the back of the book. I'd been warned in advance about the rough language but it fits with the characters and their background and never comes across as excessive.

I found myself connecting with some characters more than others. Frankie is really struggling both with the case and with the conflict between his past and career. I sympathized with Nicky who has definitely had the most difficult life, and quickly became resentful of the circumstances that led him down an entirely different path to the one he wanted. I loved Mama Rosa and she really brought the boys childhoods to life. You could almost taste the sauce she was constantly nursing in the kitchen.

The plot is cleverly written and the motivations and identity of the killer are gradually revealed alongside the past of the boys and how they ended up becoming the men they are today. I was disappointed by the ending though as it feels like justice was abandoned in favour of leaving the storyline open for the sequel promised at the end of the book.

There were several things I didn't like: the violence is very graphic at times and could have been lessened without negatively impacting the storyline. Also while I knew there would be sexual content in advance I was unaware that a fair amount of those scenes are nonconsensual and pretty disturbing. I also struggled at times with the large cast, especially in the past scenes where lists of names are reeled off, and found it difficult to tell when certain scenes were taking place as while they are marked as '19 years ago' some cover years at a time.

All in all, this was a good read and I'd consider picking up Murder has Consequences when it is released.

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Cover: 7/10

Overall: 37/50

 

The author is even giving you the opportunity to try the ebook edition risk free during the book's tour (November 4 - 10). The details are below:

 

For anyone who buys a digital book during this tour and mentions the tour, I will offer a money-back guarantee, with these conditions:

1. Understand that this book contains several chapters with graphic violence.

2. Understand that it contains rough, street language

3. Understand that there are two chapters with sexual scenes

4. Understand that the story is told in multiple Point of Views.

If for any reason, other than those stated above, you do not like the book or aren't happy with it, just write me an email and tell me why. Email me a proof of purchase receipt, and I'll refund your money. This applies only to the digital books. I can't do it with print editions.