This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
If you’ve read many author biographies, you are aware that most authors knew at a young age that they wanted to be writers. That’s not the case for Frank Martorana; he never wanted, nor expected, to be a writer. From the time he stopped wanting to be a cowboy, all he ever wanted to be was a veterinarian. He loved, and did well, in science classes, especially biology. Humanities, like literature and writing? Not so much.
Martorana grew up in New York's Capital District —mostly in Colonie and Burnt Hills.
When he graduated from the Veterinary College at Cornell University, his plan was to hire on in a practice for a year or two, make his “rookie mistakes” under their reputation, and then start a practice of his own. To that end, he joined the Cazenovia Animal Hospital, a thriving central NY mixed cattle, horse, and pet practice. The only problem is— he never left. Over the years he morphed from the rookie in constant need of mentoring, to the old man who has mentored a handful of bright young veterinarians that followed after him.
Taking on Lucinda is Martorana's debut mystery/thriller. Books two and three in the Kent Stephenson Thriller series are titled Simpatico’s Gift and The Color of Wounds. They will follow soon. For updates visit frankmartorana.com.
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Taking On Lucinda by Frank Martorana, in the fall of 1982, Chief Merrill Stephenson discovers Aaron Whitmore has been shot. As he investigates the death of his mentor, a group of animal activists called FOAM descend on Jefferson to protest against the use of animals at a cosmetic research centre. When Merrill’s brother, town vet Kent’s animal patients begin to disappear, the focus turns to FOAM and their leader Aubrey. Then events take a sinister turn, including arson and an underworld of horrific animal cruelty. Kent and Aubrey’s relationship turns from enemies to partners as they track down the criminals behind the atrocities. Time is running out and Aubrey risks her life for the cause she believes in.
The author has created a superb suspense novel. Each character had an important role to play in the plot and were all believable and excellently created. The dialogue was authentic to the characters and it brought them to life. I especially loved the relationship between Kent and Aubrey, and how it developed through the story. May-May was a fantastic villain. There were many twists and turns throughout the plot, and the build up towards the ending was gripping and exciting. The plot moved forward constantly and the conflicts were perfectly spread out. There were scenes of violence towards animals, but they were totally needed for the plot. I would love to read more from this author; the way he can set a scene and build tension is superb. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a suspense thriller or whodunit novel.
