Vengeance Can Be Deadly

Warren Steelgrave

Fiction - Suspense
258 Pages
Reviewed on 12/01/2020
Buy on Amazon

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.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Vengeance Can Be Deadly (Warren Steelgrave series) by Gary E Smith, when writer Warren Steelgrave left Marie Sategna's Florence apartment one morning, little did he know that she would be murdered in cold blood shortly afterward. Since Warren was the last person to see her alive, he soon becomes suspect number one by the local police. Warren must find her killer to clear his name. He calls on his old friend Jim Dempsey from the FBI to help with his investigations and find the person responsible for Marie's assassination. As more murders occur, Warren uncovers a deadly espionage ring involving organized crime that is slowly eliminating every witness. With his life at stake, time is quickly running out for Warren to find those responsible before he becomes the next victim. As more information is revealed, Warren doesn't know who is a friend and who is involved in the murders. Warren decides to take drastic action and do something he never thought he was capable of.

I have read previous novels in Gary E Smith's Warren Steelgrave series and Vengeance Can Be Deadly did not disappoint at all. The action started immediately with an incredibly explosive scene. I loved how the plot took many twists and turns; you truly did not know which character was working against Warren. I thought each character was so realistic, even the minor personalities in the novel were memorable, especially the villains - they were the true essence of evil. Warren is a superb hero because he makes no apologies for his flaws but at the same time, he is kind, intelligent, and fiercely protective of those close to him. There is so much thrilling tension throughout especially as Warren takes some pretty dangerous decisions to outwit the criminals. I enjoyed how the plot was layered and the revelations were slowly revealed, especially around who was involved in the murders and who was innocent. There is also a powerful message within the story about how a man's desire for wealth can lead them to commit the most heinous of crimes. Another incredible story and although you could read this book on its own, I really recommend you read the others in the series to get a real taste of the brilliant characters and their relationships with each other.

Jennifer Ibiam

Vengeance Can Be Deadly by Gary Smith is a crime thriller with a sprinkling of romance. Marie was shot at close range, between the eyes, soon after Warren left her house. Warren, a writer, was her lover and the prime suspect in the assassination case. He had to investigate the murder by himself for two reasons; he didn’t intend to go to jail for another’s crime and to avenge Marie’s death. Pulling up all his connections and calling in favors, Warren shuttled between America and Italy, where he realized that “still waters run deep." He discovered a dark web spun by the high and mighty of the creative world, which he will either untangle or it will consume him.

Vengeance Can Be Deadly is the fifth volume in The Warren Steelgrave series, and I must confess that Gary Smith has created a brilliant novel. It will appeal to lovers of books based on crime, espionage, and cartels. Warren is the human representation of cats having nine lives. Gary spun such a web that created complex characters, heightened the suspense, and evoked a cocktail of emotions. Warren presented as a writer, but I saw a sound detective, always two steps ahead. I enjoyed the plot, as it gave me realistic answers. Also, there was so much going on in the book, which is normal for its genre, but Gary neatly tied up all the loose ends. The book taught me a tangible lesson that favors are debts which we all must repay at some point. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging book and would love to read more from Gary Smith.

Foluso Falaye

The Warren Steelgrave series by Gary E Smith gets a mouth-watering fifth installment: Vengeance Can Be Deadly. When a woman is murdered in her house in Florence, Italy, Warren Steelgrave becomes the prime suspect as he is the last person to see her alive. Warren is distraught at losing a close friend, so he makes plans to find her killer, bring them to justice, and clear his name before returning to the United States. With the help of an FBI acquaintance, a close mutual friend, and some other people linked to the deceased in one way or another, Warren discovers some secrets that involve an art gallery and possible espionage, which could get him killed if he digs too deep. Will Warren come out of this manhunt in one piece as he also battles with his health?

Gary E Smith employs a natural style of writing that slowly grows on you and keeps you glued until the explosive end. I was surprised to find out that I had almost finished the book as I was enjoying it so much that the time seemed to have flown by. As the plot unravels, the suspense, action, and danger increases until it reaches a climactic point towards the end. The plot extends beyond vengeance and covers several other themes, including aging and dealing with mortality, family, lovers, spies, crime, friendship, regrets, and more. With the seamless inclusion of things that we deal with on a regular basis, the story feels completely real. In conclusion, Vengeance Can Be Deadly is a fantastic, first-rate option for mystery and suspense enthusiasts.