Kerry's best
Review For 'IRMA' from Joe - USA
"Kerry has arrived to where he tells the story so that you start reading and just keep going.to the end. You do not notice chapters; it is just a story that takes you along. 0nce I started reading I did not want to stop, although I did from time to time.
His working in a true tale of a historical jewellery piece was very interesting.
Not being a professional at reviewing books I don't do it in the proper manner. Is it his best book? I think so. I have read them all."
What a great bunch of mysteries
Review For 'IRMA' from Sandy Penny - USA
" This was a complicated set of mysteries all in the same book and all centring around the hurricane's destruction and revelation of many secrets, lies, and hidden objects.
It was fast-paced, entertaining, and well-told. Loved the characters, the storylines, and the surprises that just keep coming. This book has a little bit of everything and a lot of reading pleasure. I highly recommend it to those who are bored with the same ole, same ole.
This is not a cozy. It's almost a police procedural but not really. Plenty of humour, action, and puzzles to solve. Murder and mayhem too. Loved it."
Complex Mystery
Review For 'IRMA' from Brian B - USA
"I have now read two books in this series. The nice thing about a series is that it is like running into an old friend on the street. The bad thing about many series is that they trap you or attempt to suck you in, which is not the case with this series.
Each book can be enjoyed independently without having read the others. Frank and his detective friend, Sam, become embroiled in a mystery surrounding some historical jewels that may or may not have been part of a series of looting thefts after the devastation left by Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida.
The diverse set of characters coming out of the woodwork, combined with a series of other thrilling events and side stories, kept my interest throughout.
Although the main story takes place in Naples, Florida, much of the backstory is revealed to have happened on the British Isles and in Germany, linking to several significant historical events. This made for a very rich reading experience."
Historic Background
Review For 'IRMA' from - USA
"This book was written in an interesting way. Easy to follow and interesting characters. Sam and Frankie have a close relationship and work well together. Frankie spends a lot of time working the case in his mind. The bad guys don't stand a chance. "
Amazing Read
Review For 'IRMA' from Scarolet Ellis - USA
"IRMA: Hurricane Irma (Frankie Armstrong Book 3) by Kerry Costello is an amazing read. This is book number three in this amazing series and I have loved reading it very much. I highly recommend this story to everyone."
Crimes within crimes
Review For 'IRMA' from M Weidner - USA
"Complex, interesting, numerous and historical crimes were all unravelled beginning with an overheard conversation. It was a winding journey that I enjoyed. On the downside, I had the same problem, to a lesser degree, that I did in a previous novel. I find the characters stiff."
Another superb thriller from Kerry Costello
Review For 'IRMA' from - UK
"I'm finding that I'm getting quite hooked on Kerry Costello's thrillers and so when I was alerted to this one, I dived straight in. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed, and neither will you be if you like this genre. Look up Costello's other books as well. Absolutely excellent."
For a while, I was lost in Naples, Florida...
Review For 'CONDO' from Gabi Rosetti - USA
"The story captured my attention and held me hostage from the first chapter... From that point on, I could not put it down...
Kerry Costello tells an entertaining and brilliant tale in this book. He masterfully weaves the main plot with several intertwining subplots, telling his story from several characters' viewpoints... I closely followed the investigation and chose who I thought was the real murderer early on, and eagerly read on to see if I was right (I was not)... There were more twists and turns in this story than a roller coaster... Just when I thought I had all the answers, another clue would make me second-guess myself... The murderer was revealed (I was surprised), but was that the end of the story? Read CONDO today to find out!"
Exciting thriller – murder mystery
Review For 'CONDO' from Brian B - USA
"The story kept my interest from front to back. Well written with an interesting set of characters. The cover and initial blurb may lead you to believe that this is a story about a rogue alligator but be clear – this is a murder mystery – a great murder mystery. The murder takes place right at the beginning and although there are glimpses of the murderer through his eyes, it is late in the book before you get a sense of who the killer might be. But there is more – the hero may be a suspect, or is he the killer? Is there more than one killer? Just when I thought everything was brought to an exciting climax, more surprises occur before I was presented with another exciting climax followed by a satisfying ending. Impressive and complex story."
Exciting thriller – murder mystery
Review For 'CONDO' from Manie Kilian - USA
"This author has a rather unique way of writing style leaning predominantly towards a narrative with shortish sentences. Yet it leans towards a no nonsense approach that is easy to follow and tends to build suspense rather easily.
I especially liked the main character, Frankie and have a wary feeling towards the lead detective, Randazzo.
The plot is eminently feasible and flows rather well from one scene to the next and with some very interesting plot twists added."
What lies on the surface is not reality
Review For 'CONDO' from Robert Krueger VINE VOICE - USA
"A quiet early evening on a Florida bay is interrupted by a woman's scream. For Frankie, the quiet is gone in this sometimes chilling action-adventure. Alligators will become the least of Frankie's concerns. Death is close.
This is a novel of mystery, murder, suspense. romance of a sort, and (a little) pathos. And a murderer trying to hide his crime.
The author's prose style draws in the reader. Often, the story is dramatically presented with side bursts into the gossipy character of a condo society. Solid characters who are for the most part gripping and who are realistic inhabit the novel. This is a clever, fast-pace novel with a twist that almost gets Frankie killed. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil."
Suspense All the Way to the End
Review For 'CONDO' from Kayak Jay - USA
"I jumped on this book because I am very familiar with the area where the action takes place, and the idea of being eaten by an alligator is truly scary. The characters in this story are realistic, but somewhat limited in depth. This was a good tale, and the action moved at a decent pace. The details of the plot are very imaginative and not like anything you may have read before. The writing was clear and easy to read. The author is a Brit with a condo in Naples Florida, and you will understand why if you have spent any time in England. I won't rehash the plot, but I will say it s convoluted right up to the end. It ends on a warm note."
Another Costello cracker
Review For 'CONDO' from BB - UK
"I have to make a confession here. I'm a true Kerry Costello fan and have read all his books so far. This one certainly hasn't disappointed either and is right up there with some of Costello's best.It's a real gripping tale set in Florida but with a British twist to it.If you've not read any of Costello's work so far, this could be a superb intro for you."
Superb read
Review For 'CONDO' from Edgy - UK
"A superb read. My wife loved it too!"
Other Reviews
A thrilling, exciting and action-packed novel
Review For 'You Owe Me' from Aimee Ann
"
You Owe Me is a thrilling, exciting and action-packed novel that will have its readers turning the pages with haste into the early hours of the morning. As I began to read You Owe Me, I immediately knew that this was going to be a fast-paced action adventure with crime intrigue, and now that I have finished the novel I can happily write that the book is just this! It is an intriguing murder & crime/thriller that captivated me with its heart-pounding moments and phenomenal literature courtesy of the author Kerry Costello. If you are a reader who loves being taken on a journey that is full of shocking moments that are memorable as well as astounding, then you will love You Owe Me so do not miss out! If you need more convincing, then please continue to read to learn more about this stellar novel.
You Owe Me is a sensational story that will introduce the reader to the protagonist of the novel, Frankie Armstrong. Frankie is a former British soldier, and he is having a tough time thanks to his wife leaving him. However, an old friend of Frankie’s named Joe, calls Frankie to repay a favor and he agrees, and this is where the novel begins book lovers.
The reader from this point onwards will be taken on a fast-paced journey full of crime, murder, corruption as well as missing treasure. What is Frankie’s mission tasked by Joe? Frankie’s task is to investigate the disappearance of two missing divers who were looking for treasure. Along the way, many shocking truths will be revealed and this book lovers is the premise of the captivating, You Owe Me.
The story of You Owe Me is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with a mobster/crime theme, so I knew from the beginning that You Owe Me would deliver thanks to these themes and wow did it! From the start the reader is immediately thrust into the thick of the story, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast the reader is pushed into the thick of the plot. I love this approach with a novel, especially if it is a thriller/mystery based one; what is the point in waiting for the action to start? None in my opinion so that is why I love how the excellent author Kerry Costello decided to throw his readers into the story; it made for an exhilarating read, one that I would recommend to all of you lovely readers!
You Owe Me captured my attention immediately thanks to the fast-paced story, enigmatic characters, and thrilling plot. As I read You Owe Me I was honestly in awe; it was like a present was being unwrapped before my eyes and the more the pages turned, the more excited I got for the finale.
Kerry Costello is a newly discovered author of mine, and I have to confess book lovers that I am kicking myself for not having found Costello’s work sooner! I am frustrated that I have not before because never before have I been so entertained with a mystery and crime novel! To write a good book the reader needs to be fully immersed in the story and feel as if they are experiencing the same events as the protagonist(s) and Costello manages to accomplish this with his writing in You Owe Me and so Costello is most certainly worthy of an abundance of praise.
Not only is Kerry Costello an outstanding writer for his ability to thrust his readers into the thick of the story, but he also is because he was able to describe all of the events that unravel perfectly. Every event and moment and even place is flawlessly described with a wealth of detail which in turn keeps the reader turning the pages.
Overall You Owe Me is a gripping novel that is guaranteed to keep readers entertained for hours on end so I, of course, have to award the story five stars! Be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers, you won’t regret it!"
A compelling, rip-roaring read
Review For 'The Long Game' from Sam Lorek – Salford on Line
This book (The Long Game), by Salfordian in America, Kerry J Costello, is an interesting whodunit primarily based in and around the Swinton/Salford area. This is a beguiling story of modern time police work, wartime hardships, friendships, loyalties, deceit and revenge.
That there are these diverse elements all intertwined in this average-sized paperback make the book eminently readable and captivating. The story begins with the death of a retired local ‘pitman’ - seemingly of natural causes - and Detective Sergeant Gibson whose suspicion is aroused that all is not what it seems.
His dogged determination, in spite of his senior officer’s scepticism, begins to open issues that maybe should be best left alone. The detective meets with obstruction and suspicion from within his police force as well as from members of the public which show the difficulties a police investigation can have.
DS Gibson walks a fine line of not alienating himself or upsetting anyone he contacts while still trying to get the information together to justify his investigation. The characters have their own agendas and reasons why they are less than openly forthcoming to the officer. This says something of the police/public relationship, especially if the public in question are not totally innocent.
I have reviewed this book with more than a little personal interest, as I am a retired police officer who worked in DS Gibson’s area at the time this story is depicted (1990) and also live in the area as he does.
In the book there are a few operational and legal elements that can be put down to poetic licence but these don’t detract from the narrative.
Overall this book has many twists and turns, relationships and intrigue that will keep the reader interested and entertained as books of this genre should.
You can see a picture developing, but what is that picture? You want the detective to succeed, but will he? Can he? Does he? I didn’t see the final twist coming! Read it and see.
This book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. So many twists and turns, it keeps you glued till the end.
Review For 'Florida Shakedown' from John Sansom - Editor in chief Press-link Group London
“Kerry Costello’s latest novel takes his hero John Gibson into a fascinating part of the USA, one that Costello clearly knows well. Superstorm Sandy is woven into the story giving a fascinating insight into the impact of such natural disasters on communities and individuals. The level of detail, particularly the small points, that Costello incorporates into the story give the reader the pleasantly reassuring feeling that the author is passing on the benefit of his experience, not just to tell a story, but also to inform.
The story itself keeps you glued to the page. The plot twists keep on coming right up until the end, but Costello avoids the pitfall of over-complication. Characters are well drawn and believable but never boring or ordinary. The pace of the plot rarely falters.
As someone who’s spent time in Florida over the years I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I personally hope that ‘Gibson’ decides to stay on, or re-visit the scene of the crime in the not too distant future.
Although I was asked to review this book in my professional capacity as a journalist, the fact that I actually loaded ‘Florida Shakedown’ onto my phone in order to be able to continue to read it on my daily commute to our offices in Covent Garden, is evidence of just how much I wanted to keep ‘turning the page’ – the plot was that engaging.”
If you enjoy intrigue and suspense, this book is for you – you won’t be disappointed.
Review For 'Florida Clowns' from Kyle Montgomery, Crime Club Books Tampa.
“Kerry Costello’s third Gibson novel, takes his protagonist Gibson, back to the USA, where Capital Punishment and Death Row are woven into the story, giving a thought-provoking insight into the horrors of such brutal events on society and individuals.
It’s a very unusual crime story set in my neck of the woods. It's amazingly descriptive, made me feel like I was in the midst of happenings. There are really two unrelated stories, which Costello manages to weave together to make a truly entertaining novel – quite funny in parts and made me laugh out loud at times.
I thought I had it all figured out. But in the end, the absolutely unexpected happened, giving an extra kick to the already fantastic story. I enjoyed reading it greatly. I hope there will be more to come.
If you enjoy intrigue and suspense, this book is for you – you won’t be disappointed.
Review For 'No Way Back' from Roger Bescoby MABI MWAD UK
“I’ve been a private detective for most of my working life. My friends and colleagues know how much I enjoy a good whodunit, so I was recommended to read one of Kerry Costello’s novels by a colleague, and it certainly lived up to expectations. No Way Back was a great read for me, probably due in part to the actions being set in countries and places I’m familiar with. Being a detective, I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out whodunit. I didn’t succeed in doing so in this instance – a terrific finish. Most enjoyable.”
Kerry Costello Books - 34 Watling Street Road, Fulwood, Preston,