A Touch of Deceit (A Nick Bracco Thriller Book 1)

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I thought the pace was not as quick as the last one, but the story read well with the usual three-way story amongst Nick and Matt, the President and his sidekick and the drug-running 'bad guys', all coming together smoothly during the book. There were a few 'is he going to save the world again on his own' moments, but at the end it all turns out to be plausible. In fact, the end has a nice, if what slightly predictable for those who read between the lines, finale although I would have liked an update on the 'source' of the original location who was left in a wheelchair.

All in all, a good read just not 'quite' as good as the first two, in particular, A Touch of Deceit. Mar 07, Stuart rated it it was amazing. Author, Gary Ponzo, provides a fast-paced, gripping, and intense read with his latest instalment in the popular, Nick Bracco series. The author turns on the excitement from the opening chapter and keeps the flame alight throughout. With well-developed leading characters, Nick and Matt, and a heady mix of villains I was totally absorbed by this terrific story. As readers we are introduced to a different world, a world where danger is an ever-constant fact of life.

The dialogue is superb together w Author, Gary Ponzo, provides a fast-paced, gripping, and intense read with his latest instalment in the popular, Nick Bracco series. The dialogue is superb together with a highly descriptive narrative which makes you feel part of the story. Mar 18, Aaron Dubin rated it liked it. Not as great as the first two, but still an enjoyable book. A bit upset over something, but I will not spoil it here. Overall a fun read I completed in one day. Jun 23, Carmel McCartin rated it really liked it. Yet another fast paced thriller from Gary Ponzo. True to life and most enjoyable!

Might get more sleep if I move in with the author. Oct 08, David Thomas rated it it was amazing. I nearly stopped reading it early on, and I am happy that I continued to the exciting conclusion. Keep them coming ,and I'll continue to purchase and continue to read them. Mar 03, Nancy rated it really liked it. Another suspenseful story from Gary Ponzo. Shorter than the others, but long enough to keep me feeling stressed out On to 4 in the series.

Sep 15, Alex rated it really liked it.

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Number 3 in the series. Love the main characters. Jun 28, Chaplain Stanleigh Chapin rated it really liked it. A true thriving tale of the drug trade the outcome was predictable, but the story to get there was carefully constructed, which made it delightful read 9 of Jun 30, Klsuess2 rated it really liked it. This book kept me guessing and wondering how it would all work out.

Cherye Elliott rated it really liked it Dec 18, Joseph Hansen rated it really liked it May 05, Claudia rated it it was amazing Nov 04, Blinka rated it really liked it Jan 12, Dan Lockhart rated it really liked it May 09, Kathy rated it really liked it Feb 26, Leah rated it liked it Jul 26, May 21, Javier R added it. Ally Shields rated it really liked it Feb 19, Robbie rated it it was amazing May 12, Jennifer Mcgee rated it liked it Sep 10, Gary Mason rated it did not like it May 18, Susan rated it it was amazing Feb 18, Richard Rick rated it it was amazing Sep 08, Wayne Stronach rated it really liked it May 03, Michael Baker rated it really liked it Apr 25, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.

He began his writing career over a decade ago focusing on short stories to gain publishing credit. His stories have appeared in numerous publications including Amazing Journeys Magazine and Potpourri. Two of his stories were nominated for the very prestigous Pushcart Prize. Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over , copies worldwide. He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family. Other books in the series. Nick Bracco Thriller 5 books. This book alone is worth that price and so much more. The plot line has some fresh elements and the Cosa Nostra involvement was absolutely stunning.

I got invested in the characters almost from the get go and the bad guys was such a meany I wanted to trip him and th This is the first book in a collection of 13 books called Thrilling Thirteen on sale by Amazon for only 99c. I got invested in the characters almost from the get go and the bad guys was such a meany I wanted to trip him and then kick the living daylights out of him.

The writing style flows evenly and effortlessly and I fell in love with this book and this author all at once. An amazing story in a genre that tends to get old fast. Not this book, not this author. Oct 28, Jessica Subject rated it it was amazing. I am so glad he did. A Touch of Deceit is a fast-paced thriller from page one.

It includes the perfect amount of personal lives of the characters along with the crime story and combines the two nicely. The main characters are well-developed and though the story switches point of view often, it is easy to keep track of whose mind we are in. The characters include many members of the government, the l Gary Ponzo contacted me through Goodreads and asked if I would review A Touch of Deceit on my blog.

The characters include many members of the government, the law, as well as terrorists and all are believable.

A Touch of Greed

If you like thrillers, you should read this book. Dec 04, Darcia Helle rated it really liked it Shelves: A Touch of Deceit is a fast-paced thriller that doesn't leave the reader a lot of time to breathe. If you want a story that will keep you on edge, this one is for you. While I enjoyed the writing style, at times I found the relentless pace and constant conflict too much and had to put the book down.

Series: Nick Bracco

The characters in this one did not have much of a thread of happiness to tug on here. The subject matter is dark and, for me, could have used a reprieve now and then. I would have liked a bit more deve A Touch of Deceit is a fast-paced thriller that doesn't leave the reader a lot of time to breathe. I would have liked a bit more development of Nick's character and I felt that the two female characters were a little too cliche. The writing is strong and made me want more.

Overall, this is a great read that will keep your heart thumping. View all 7 comments. May 05, Nate Solberg rated it liked it. A fun read from Gary Ponzo! I'm never sure what to expect when I read my first thriller from an unknown to me author, but this was definitely a nice surprise. It was fast-paced and well-written, and while I was fairly certain I knew where the plot was headed I found the journey well worth my time. My favorite aspect of the story may have been the way the characters were given multiple dimensions.

The protagonists Nick and Matt weren't just cookie-cutter tough guys, but rather they had humor an A fun read from Gary Ponzo! The protagonists Nick and Matt weren't just cookie-cutter tough guys, but rather they had humor and nuance along with the tension and conflict. On the whole I'd say it was a fun read, and I enjoyed it very much. Nov 16, Denis Goulet rated it really liked it. Easy to pick up and put back down. I always look for some credibility and character development in my fiction and this had both. The dialogue between characters was fast paced and natural, but if there was a flaw it would be in the antagonists.

I thought they were somewhat clumsily portrayed. All in all it was a nice read. Exciting and fast paced. I'd recommend for thriller fans. Jan 19, Steve Toms rated it it was amazing Shelves: A great story with characters you come to care about. It's not often that I call a book, one that I can't put down.

This fits that category perfectly. Mr Ponzo's story is credible and that is what makes this book so timely. I particularly enjoyed the Tony Soprano role reversal. Thank you Mr Ponzo for a terrific read. Apr 10, Denise rated it it was amazing Shelves: Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. The storyline was well written and a great read. Full of action, suspense and beyond thrilling. I loved the way this story played out. The characters were great. The way they came together is incredible. Nick and Matt were total kick-ass agents. Their partnership and friendship was remarkable. I can't wait to read more of this series.

A must add to your tbr list. Nov 04, Carolyn rated it it was amazing. I have to say that more than once I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book. You don't know if you want to love Nick Bracco or hate him for some of the decisions that he makes. We need to remember while reading this book that there are "real people" out there who put their lives on the line just as Nick does in this novel. Scary and thought evoking.

Apr 13, Javier R rated it it was amazing. May 29, Vickie rated it really liked it. I really liked this book. Fast-paced, fun - and would make a good movie! Apr 07, Stacy rated it really liked it.

This was really good. I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the series, "A Touch of Revenge. Mar 31, Lorin Cary rated it liked it. This is a thriller and Ponzo knows how to provide lots of hurdles as FBI agent Nick Bracco tries to stop a fiendish plot. Kurdish radicals plan to force the US to withdraw troops from Turkey, which has been, in their view, oppressing them. They make their way into the US, make a number of bomb attacks and warn that the White House is their next target.

Nick and his partner Mike use all their talents, plus some Family ties that Nick has, to thwart the attack. Lots of obstacles along the way. Sep 15, BonusMom rated it really liked it. Very good thriller This is a very good thriller with characters that interact perfectly and, even though you know the outcome, the story flows smoothly and quickly.

Great way to spend a couple of evenings. Jul 04, Lynn Millette rated it it was amazing. Lots of research must have been done for this one! Great characters and nice plot twist. Book 2 here I come! Dec 31, Betty Z rated it it was amazing. Awesomeness Gary Ponzo is by far the best storyteller. I couldn't put it down. Bought 2 without even reading the free chapters. Jan 08, John Wheeles rated it it was amazing.

I love everything about this book! A frightening plot to bring The United States to it's knees, and the people who refuse to allow it to happen. Some fun little plot twists, that actually make a lot sense and make you go hmmm maybe we need to go there. Intriguing story that is impossible to put down! Aug 08, Stephen England rated it really liked it. Terrorists about to strike targets within the United States. And that one man just wants to hang up his badge and go home.

A familiar pr Terrorists about to strike targets within the United States. A familiar premise this may be, but Gary Ponzo takes it in a different direction right off the bat. Because when the Kurdish terrorists behind the attacks on the United States come after Nick, they wind up killing a member of the Mafia.

Or at least the end of their life. Gary Ponzo plays the book well, juxtaposing the traditional thriller elements against a novel take of the Mafia as the good guys. Perhaps even criminals can be patriots. The brilliant off-beat partnership of Nick Bracco and Matt McColm alone is worth the price of admission. There is a wealth of untapped potential in the character of Kemel Kharrazi, and I was mildly disappointed not to see it drawn from.

Still, this is a genre not known for multi-dimensional villains, and the combination of plot and the skillfully-drawn character of Nick Bracco more than carry this book to its conclusion.

From start to surprising finish, A Touch of Deceit is a truly novel thriller, a book that repays reading. Its sequel, A Touch of Revenge, is already available, and is firmly on my to-read list. If you enjoy thrillers, it should be on yours as well. Sep 23, Zaphoddent rated it did not like it. This is a shell of a book. It's just words on a page. No emotion or depth. First there's the superficiality. Should have realized this was shallow, empty fluff when close to the beginning, the hero's brother is missing but he has an internal dialogue about how good looking his own wife is when he sees her.

It only gets worse the more you read.

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Then there's the absence of suspense. Everything works out easily for the hero with no good explanation for how things magically occur, Sigh! Everything works out easily for the hero with no good explanation for how things magically occur, just so that he can get out of every contrived, dicey situation. Conveniently, the dude understands Kurdish and when cornered doesn't even get hurt 'cause he has just enough on hand to break out of a bad situation.

Then you have heavy handed, page padding and the unnecessary reiteration of points. There was so much useless information, pages could easily be skipped without missing anything of intelligence. Hate when an author feels like they have to explain previous points.

There's no need to reiterate that a guy is close to having a nervous break down if the sentences before already suggest it! He actually explains that when a mafia guy is saying let me tell you a story; listen guys, this story is not a story it's the truth disguised as a story. Oh and when a guy installs security for his house; this is one of the many ways he shows how much he loves his wife. Then there's the stupidity. For all his love for his wife, he doesn't ask for extra security for her?

He just KNEW his boss would? And in what world do Feds send just one agent to escort someone to a safe house? And I'm sorry a terrorist that has killed several people somehow chooses to knock an agent unconscious instead of killing him. Then he proceeds to lock the agent in the trunk of the car that he will use to kidnap someone???

Who the heck is that stupid. After this whole scene half way through the book, it had to be abandoned. Sep 21, Dan rated it it was amazing. Having read well over 30 books so far this year, I got the Audible version of this book based on a few quickly read reviews and its low price. I was glad I did as I discovered a great talent. You don't need me giving you a plot summary, there's plenty of those already, I would just like to say that I loved this book and went on to read all of Ponzo's works to date on the back of this gripping book.

As I've mentioned in other reviews of the later books in the series, you should really read these i Having read well over 30 books so far this year, I got the Audible version of this book based on a few quickly read reviews and its low price. As I've mentioned in other reviews of the later books in the series, you should really read these in order as even though only the first two are strictly a 'series', there are many spoilers in the following stories. I loved the way the characters are portrayed and you really can get inside them as the plot thickens.

Whilst most books have ups and downs, this one flowed extremely well at a fast pace and I finished it in a couple of days. I was looking for something to fill the void until the next Jack Reacher book came out which I found to be very disappointing, actually! A thoroughly great read, and a new author to keep on my radar. Jun 23, Sue rated it really liked it Shelves: I highly recommend for thriller, suspense, and mystery fans A very entertaining, intense thriller with lots of action and likable characters.

Its pure fluff though, even somewhat silly. Though the writer plays it absolutely straight, with not even a hint of camp or humor, the completely unrealistic way some scenes in the book play out destroy any sort of credibility Gary Ponzo tries to achieve. Theres nothing here to take remotely serious. You have to give the book a lot of leeway or else the plot just falls flat really fast. Theres a lot of good here. I A very entertaining, intense thriller with lots of action and likable characters. Intense action scenes, somewhat complex characters, especially the villain, who is both menacing and ruthless but strangely compelling and a great sense of pace.

The ending is highly satisfying with everything tied neatly together and you take a deep breath and relax because this was a wild ride, from the first page. Its harmless, even if ultimately forgettable fun. Just don't take it seriously!

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