Reviews of RENE NATANS novels

The Blackpox Threathttp://www.amazon.ca/The-Blackpox-Threat-ebook/dp/B00514GWSYhttp://www.amazon.com/Blackpox-Threat/dp/B00EETH9L6

Review by Bettie Corbin Tucker

An Old Line Publishing BookISBN-13: 978-0-9845704-5-4ISBN-10: 0-9845704-5-4Website: www.oldlinepublishingllc.com

It is my belief that not many readers of this review have dreamed of becoming a spy for their country. In reading The Blackpox Threat by Rene Natan, you will meet Tamara Smith of London, Ontario who was challenged to do this very thing. It wasnt an easy decision as the nightmares of her early youth had finally begun to fade, and she was living a comfortable life. Her parents, political refugees from the USSR, had been murdered because of her fathers covert activities. Endangering her own life was the last thing on her mind when she accepted a job with the Modano CompanyShip Me Safelyas a public relations person. Her boss, Charles Modano, hired her to assist at his antique shop two days a week and also asked that she occasionally accompany him to social functions where many potential buyers of antiques were contacted. The Modano Company had an excellent reputation for shipping valuable items without incurring any damage. At thirty-two years of age, Tamara felt the need for financial security and to have a relaxed, stable life. She loved her job and life was good. However, her new job brought challenges that she could never have anticipated!

Vassilli Petrovic and Brad Wilson asked her to become involved in a dangerous covert operation in which she would actually spy on the company where she was now enjoying employment. Vassilli had been a lifetime friend who helped her before and after her parents death and she owed him much. But she didnt owe anything to Brad Wilson, who was ever so determined that she go along with their request. She had been singled out because of her position with the Modano Company whom they suspected of handling the shipment of some very dangerous cargo. But what was this cargo? Tamara learns that it is a deadly virus called The Blackpox and that it is on its way to Canada. And so this beautiful woman who hadnt wanted to leave her comfort zone agrees to participate in this dangerous mission; the operation is called Bullfrog.

Tamara is giving some special training as well as recording devices and other equipment to help her carry out this undertaking with as much safety as possible. It is, however, her fathers guna Smith and Wessonregistered in her name that gives her the most confidence.

The characters in this novel are all believable, and their personalities developed skillfully by the author who employs natural sounding dialog to move the exciting plot forward at a fast pace. Along with the excitement and danger, there is a romantic interest that slowly develops between Tamara and a young man named Justin Devry. Although she is obviously attracted to him, she is not eager to get involved because of her connection with Operation Bullfrog. Personally, I wasnt sure I trusted him or even those involved with her in the covert operation. As it turns out, there was a mole in their teamsomeone they all trusted with their lives.

Boris Youkenoff, a man knowledgeable in microbiology and organic chemistry, had worked in a natural, underground cave in Western Ukraine where there were the remains of an old lab that had been established by the Soviet Union for the development of biological weapons. When he meets Frank Milton, who has expertise in Biology, they become a deadly duo focused on coming up with a virus that would make them rich. Then there was Nekton who would go to any lengths to get hold of the virus. Just how many people were involved in this threat? Was there a vaccine? Could they be stopped by Operation Bullfrog?

Tamara faced many hurdles in her short spying career that included murder, her own kidnapping, betrayal, and other breathtaking twists and turns. This is a mesmerizing novel, and individuals who purchase it will agree with me that it is a must read. I give The Blackpox Threat my highest recommendation.

Bettie Corbin TuckerFor Independent Professional Book Reviewerswww.bookreviewers.org

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Review by Simon Barrett

Posted on September 26th, 2011bySimon BarrettinAll News,Book Reviews,ReviewsThis subject of bio-terrorism is a disturbing one. You only have to look back at the post 9/11 Anthrax attack to understand the desalinizing effect that bio-terorrism can have. Some call it the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, a threat that you cannot see, it is a silent executioner. It could be in the water, it could be in the air or even in your food.It is with this dire canvas that author Rene Natan (AKA Irene Gargantini) paintsThe Blackpox Threat.The scenario is not as outlandish as it seems. What if an ex Iron Curtain biological warfare expert did continue his research following the fall of the USSR? What if, he had both the knowledge and the equipment? What if, someone offered him a huge sum of money for the fruits of his labors?Author Rene Natan has selected Canada as the initial target for the attack, but it could easily be aimed also at the US. Regardless of the target country the same problem exists, how to smuggle the deadly payload into the country for distribution? It is delicate, and it is time sensitive.CSIS, the Canadian equivalent of the CIA get wind that something maybe going on via information they receive from the Ukrainian embassy. It is sketchy, and they have little to go on except maybe the name of the company that will be handling the transportation. A huge unknown is if this company is part of the plot, or an unwitting facilitator.Tamara Smith is the head of PR for Ship Me Safely and due to her past circumstances CSIS feel comfortable bringing her into at least part of their investigation.Everyone is a suspect, Tamara is tasked with finding out more about those within the company and the influential clients that use the services of the Modano company Ship Me Safely. The Modano company specialize in the shipment and auctioning of fine art and items of antiquity. Well acquainted with the need for secure climate controlled shipping environments, and maybe just as importantly the vagaries of the import/export world they are uniquely positioned to handle the transportation of the deadly virus.One thing rapidly becomes crystal clear to Tamara, it is difficult to determine friend from foe. In fact it is a very fine line she must tread. This fine line extends not only through her work contacts and personal life, but also into those that have asked her to assist in the investigation. But where does the need for security, or the eccentricities of the rich end, and conspiracy begin?I would be doing the author a huge disservice, and indeed the reader, by sharing more of the plot.The Blackpox Threat is not Rene Natans first trip to the literary rodeo, she has a number of novels to her credit and her writing experience shows. Both the character and plot development are well done. The subject matter is a tricky one to tackle, it would be all to easy to haven fallen into the Tom Clancy abyss of being over technical, or the Robert Ludlum peat bog where the reader is slowly sucked into the mire while drowning in minutiae. Instead, Rene Natan offers a fast paced thriller with lots of twists and turns that should appeal to any reader that enjoys an action/adventure thriller story.Although Rene Natan has penned a number of other booksThe Blackpox Threatis the first one in the true thriller genre. It will be interesting to see where her writing leads next, will she stay with the action/thriller or return to more familiar ground?I giveThe Blackpox Threatvery high marks indeed. It is a most enjoyable and entertaining piece of writing. Rene Natan has made a big investment in developing her Tamara Smith character, I for one would not be surprised to see Tamara in a future book. I will be interviewing the author in the near future, and you can rest assured that I will be asking that very question.You can buyThe Blackpox Threatat better book stores everywhere, or by using the Amazon link above.Simon Barrettzzsimonb@uwalumni.com

*******

Review from Dad of Divas

A deadly virus is on its way to Canada. This alarming news reaches the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) via the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa. The only information they have are the virus's source - a dismantled lab in the Carpathian Mountains and the suspected shipping company, Ship Me Safely. CSIS asks Tamara Smith, the daughter of murdered political refugees, to become a mole inside Ship Me Safely, where she is a PR director. At thirty-two, beautiful and kind-hearted Tamara is just settling in London, Ontario when CSIS pressures her to report the company's activities. As a reluctant CSIS recruit learning to spy, Tamara hits many roadblocks: her controller's disappearance, the hostility of some CSIS members, her abduction at gunpoint, and the presence of Nekton, a man who would stop at nothing to get hold of Blackpox. This new virus combines the contagiousness of Smallpox with Ebola's ease of propagation making for a deadly combination. As a new CSIS agent Tamara moves from her comfort zone to a world filled with deception, treachery and life-threatening danger. About the AuthorRene Natan (aka Irene Gargantini) has authored several short stories, six novels of the romantic suspense genre (Mountains of Dawn, Cross of Sapphires, The Collage, Operation Woman in Black, The Red Manor), and one thriller, The Jungfrau Watch. Together with Sharon Crawford (under the nom de plume R. S. Natanevin) she has recently penned the novella Fire Underneath the Ice, a tale of misplaced resentment, passion and adventure. A former professor with The University of Western Ontario, Rene Natan makes her home in Strathroy, Ontario.

My Take on the BookWhenever I watched the James Bond 007 movies, I also imagined what it would take to be a secret agent for my country, and all of the adventures that I would have in the role of saving my country day in and out. I must not be the only person who enjoys thinking like this as I have come to see many movie and book plots that have continued with this same idea.

In this book, the reader is introduced to Tamars who ends up having to work to save her own country - though she was unaware that the job that she was hired to do would do just that.

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, and if you are at all like me you will not be able to put the book down (can you say, mom... one more chapter...please!). What ended up making me come back for more was not only the action and suspense, but also the characters themselves. The author has done a great job at building strong characters that you can relate to and you feel for. You will continue to ask yourself, how will this operation, and this novel end! I highly recommend!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

*******

Review by Hei LorriThe Blackpox Threat by Rene Natan is another medical thriller we have recently read.

412 Pages Fiction August 2010 Publisher's Synopsis:A deadly virus is on its way to Canada. This alarming news reaches the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) via the Ukranian Embassy in Ottawa. The only information they have are the virus's source- a dismantled lab in the Carpathian Mountains and the suspected shipping company, Ship Me Safely. CSIS asks Tamara Smith, the daughter of murdered political refugees, to become a mole inside Ship Me Safely, where she is a PR director.

At thirty-two, beautiful and kind-hearted Tamara is just settling in London, Ontario when CSIS pressures her to report the company's activities. As a reluctant CSIS recruit learning to spy, Tamara hits many roadblocks: her controller's disappearance, the hostility of some CSIS members, her abduction at gunpoint, and the presence of Nekton, a man who would stop at nothing to get hold of Blackpox.

This new virus combines the contagiousness of Smallpox with Ebola's ease of propagation making for a deadly combination. As a new CSIS agent, Tamara moves from her comfort zone to a world filled with deception, treachery and life-threatening danger.

Rene Natan (aka Irene Gargantini) has authored several short stories, six novels of romantic suspense, and one thriller. She is a retired computer scientist and former professor with the University of Western Ontario and lives in Strathroy, Ontario. You can visit her website to find out more about her books.

MH said this book was good, but I didn't like it as much as he did. Most medical thrillers really catch my attention, but this one did not. Tamara is more or less told she has to help the CSIS investigate her employers. They give her some training and necessary equipment, but Tamara doesn't easily trust people. She finds out that the company she works for is shipping a virus to Canada, something so lethal that many people would love to get their hands on it. Along the way, she is kidnapped and betrayed. And maybe the worse thing of all, one of the people she is trying to help is also a mole. I Rated This Book: 3/5 Stars.

Disclaimer: This post was written for the sponsor who provided the complimentary book for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Bricklayerhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Bricklayer-ebook/dp/B007PKCHBIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyI3-Yg9Td0Clarion Review Fred Dalton is a man who has it all. Owner of a highly successful construction company, he has a beautiful, vivacious wife, a lovely home, and a seemingly bright future. A tragic accident that leaves his wife in a wheelchair is the catalyst that sets in motion a series of events that threaten to send Freds hard-won life spiraling out of control.The Bricklayer begins with the funeral of Freds wife, whose mysterious death causes authorities to begin looking at Fred as a suspect. While the stress of suspicion is disturbing enough, Fred also becomes increasingly concerned that two of his trusted employees may be embezzling from the company. To complicate matters even further, an old friend with a checkered past suddenly comes back to town and another former acquaintance, Tessa, begins a relentless pursuit of Fred despite the recent loss of his wife, who happened to be her best friend. When another suspicious death occurs with ties to Fred, the pressure mounts.Rene Natans story unfolds at a leisurely pace, maintaining a slow burn of building excitement from start to finish. The Bricklayer is a compelling and enjoyable thriller, filled with enough twists and turns and interesting characters to keep readers engaged. Dialogue reads naturally and the prose flows smoothly, deftly increasing the tension and intrigue all the way through to a satisfying conclusion.The authors talent for comprehensive and credible characterization shines, and readers will appreciate getting to know each character thoroughly, from the incidental players to the protagonist. Main character Fred is drawn with a subtlety that matches his strong, reserved, and cautiously hopeful nature, and Natan writes all of her other characters with the same depth and sense of realism. The villains of the storyfor there are more than oneare quietly malevolent in varying degrees. Natan draws their individual motives clearly while also maintaining a sense of humanity for some that adds clarity to their actions.As crimes and mysteries continue to pop up all around him, Fred doggedly pursues a new life, rebuilding everything from his home to his heart, and readers will cheer on a budding romance even as they nervously wonder if that aspect of his life, too, will ultimately be endangered. Natans protagonist is reserved and sympathetic without being stagnant or dull, and readers will surely root for his exoneration and future.A former professor of computer science, Rene Natan is the author of several short stories and novels including The Blackpox Threat, a finalist in the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards, and First Place winner of the 2012 Five Stars Royal Dragonfly Contest in the fiction category. The Bricklayer is skillfully structured and well edited, and the negligible number of typographical errors is easily overlooked due to the strength of the storytelling. Natans talented writing is certain to sweep readers up into the whirlwind of mysterious scenarios surrounding Fred Dalton, and will ultimately make them glad they chose to pull The Bricklayer off the shelf.Jeannine Chartier HanscomMay 10, 2012 *******Review from Kirkus Media LLCTHE BRICKLAYERNatan, ReneCreateSpace (341 pp.)$12.35 paperback, $2.99 e-bookISBN: 978-1466404014; March 1, 2012BOOK REVIEWIn Natans (The Blackpox Threat, 2010, etc.) exhilarating mystery novel, a contracting company besieged by questions is a revolving door of deceit, blackmail and accidents.

Constables in London, Ontario, see nothing devious in paraplegic Deborah Daltons suicide, but her husband, Fred, piques their interest after two anonymous phone calls make him look suspicious. Why is he tearing out and hauling away a pool so soon after Deborahs death, and what about the secret apartment in his sisters name? Thats only the start of a series of people winding up dead amid a shadow of dubious behavior: Freds employees skimming from jobs; Tessa enlisting Nick, Freds old friend, into helping her become Mrs. Fred; a blackmailer claiming to have incriminating evidence against Moira, who works for Fred; and a hefty amount of cash that may be counterfeit but most definitely doesnt belong to the person stashing it. Natans book is an exemplary whodunit boasting a litany of suspects. The author capably pulls readers into the mystery within the first few pagesquestioning not only the recent suicide, but also the accident that rendered Deborah paralyzed four years prior to the storys start. The gleefully relentless mysteries are piled on one after another; Natan sustains curiosity by resolving several of the uncertainties as the story progresses and leaving just enough unknown to keep readers invested until the end.

Numerous characters are skillfully maneuvered throughout the plot, and identities remain clear and rarely confusing, making the preceding List of Characters (with corresponding roles) superfluous. Fred is a protagonist so charming that he woos Peggy, his company and the officer investigating the suspicious deaths. But Moira, who cares for her troubled brother, is the most prominent character, as well as the only female professional among a sea of men. Her scenes of surveillancetracking the probable extortionistare pleasantly droll, especially after she inadvertently incites a skunks wrath.

The type of mystery that other mysteries wish they could be.

Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744indie@kirkusreviews.com

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The Red Manorhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Red-Manor-Rene-Natan/dp/1606723251/http://www.amazon.com/Red-Manor-Rene-Natan-ebook/dp/B0051ULA8K

Review by Bettie Corbin Tucker The Red ManorRene NatanPublishAmericaISBN: 1-60672-325-1344 pages

In reading The Red Manor by Rene Natan, I found myself totally captivated by the storyline, the characters, and the creativity of the author. With a book of this caliber, we reviewers tend to say, I just couldnt put the book down once I started to read it. Although a clich, I can honestly say that this is how I felt as I eagerly progressed from chapter to chapter of The Red Manor, anticipating what would follow.

Christopher Sandcroft, one of the main characters, is introduced in the first chapter as he agonizes over his decision to move his father Lucio from the Red Manor, a castle in Italy that had been in the family for 600 years. Chris was taking him to Harrisville, Canada to live with him in a magnificent house where he hoped this elderly man in a wheelchair would adjust and find some contentment. The son was very well off, having taken over a company his grandfather had started that built seismographs as well as some other equipment. Living with Christopher on his estate was Kathy, the housekeeper and her husband Gideon who was in charge of maintenance. Before long Chris hired Lillian Carrigan as a caregiver for his father who very slowly seemed to be adjusting to his new surroundings. Lucio liked the staff and the fact that a few paintings from the family collection had also made the trip to his new living quarters; however, in the back of his mind he often thought about the ancient curse that had been cast on his family, one that predicted the extinction of the Red Manor and its occupants. By going with Chris to live in Canada, he hoped to break the curse. When his other son Rick had lost his life at sea as a young child, his wife had left Lucio and taken Chris to Canada to live. Rick and Chris had been identical twins.

As the storyline unfolds, readers are introduced to other characterssome friendly and trustworthy while others are sleazy and dishonest. The Howards, friends from England who had stayed at the Red Manor in the past, visit Lucio and his son in Canada. The visit opens a door that leads to danger and romance. The romance is between Vivian, the visiting couples daughter and Chris. A spark of an old romance is rekindled and quickly grows into a serious relationship. The danger involves a search for two missing cups of historical value that were once part of a collection of four that had been manufactured for a coronation. Lucio had given the two missing cups to his wife when she moved to Canada. When found, the publicity leads to much more than they had bargained for.

Among the twists and turns, readers learn that Lillian Carrigan is raped by a man who looks very much like Chris but, of course, it wasnt him. If you are thinking that his supposedly-deceased twin brother is the one who attacked Lillian, you would be wrong. DNA cleared Chris, and identical twins have the same DNA. But why did this man look so much like Chris and why did he rape Lillian? Also who later broke into the Sandcroft estate to steal what they believed to be the valuable cups?

Chris returns to Italy to take care of a life-threatening situation. As all the pieces of this intriguing puzzle fall together, readers will feel satisfied when they read the final chapter. Although there is a funeral; there is going to be a wedding.

This is an exceptionally well-written book by a very creative author who has researched her material and knows how to keep the eyes of readers riveted to the pages. The storyline reflects realism, the description is outstanding, and the dialog flows naturally. I give it my highest recommendation as a must read.

Bettie Corbin TuckerFor Independent Professional Book Reviewers

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Cross of Sapphireshttp://www.vermeil.biz

Cross of Sapphires

Reviewed by Alex G. LandelsStephen William Carlton has not had good luck with womennot because of his looks or personality but rather because misfortune seems to befall his lovers.

There was April, a not-so-innocent but beautiful young prostitute. Steve met her while she was still a working girl. He saw her as she really was, generous and sweet; so he helped her by providing emotional support and professional counseling. April responded to the counseling but ended up in the arms of another man, a rich man. After a relatively short time her husband died, leaving her in a legal battle with her in-laws. Again Steve is there for her and provides the emotional support she needs. This time she does end up in his arms, and their future looks bright. Fate, however, has another agenda; and April is murdered by a sick and distorted personso sick that years later Steve still doesnt hate the murderer; instead, he blames himself for not being there to protect April.

Distraught, Steve tries to keep his life together and builds a wall of emotional unavailability; he cannot risk losing his heart again. That is, until Gillian Moreland enters his life. Gillian is sweet, innocent, and attractive, and she turns out to be the love of his life and eventually the mother of his three sons. After eight years of bliss, destiny once again enters Steves life and steals his happiness: His beloved Gillian dies suddenly from a brain aneurysm.

Years pass before the next woman comes into Steves lifeblonde, pretty, athletic, and twenty years his junior. Sparks are set flying and some provocative tte--ttes occur. Sample this great passage:

Id do anything you ask. Her voice was just a whisper. She was so close to him that her hair, lifted by the wind, grazed his face.

Anything I ask?That is a pretty strong statementWhat would you do if I asked for something He stopped and looked straight into her eyes, for something of an intimate nature?

Carlton kept watching her as he stored the wrench in the toolbox. Slowly he moved again behind the propeller, waiting for her reaction. There was none. No offense or anxiety shown and no withdrawal, thought Carlton. Vern was right: Shes a high-stakes player.

Indeed, this woman, Mary White, aka Livia, aka Maryli, does play with high stakesher very life. She is being chased by the law for the hideous torture and murder of Peter Bishop in her fathers house.

The murder of Peter Bishop is quite gruesomealmost revolting. He is found with his hands tied, gun and nail wounds, and a broken neck. In front of him is a signed confession detailing how he raped and brutalized many women.

In a series of twists Rene Natan weaves a complicated but compelling mystery. The backbone of the mystery is the developing romance between Steve and Livia. Ms. Natan loves exotic locations and skillfully places her characters all over the world including the remote jungles of Venezuela and the elegance of Switzerland. Ms. Natan does not fall into the trap that so many romance novelists do fall intoinadequate character development. Indeed, Rene Natan takes the time to flesh out her characters and their lives.

Take the victim, Peter Bishop:

Raised in a rich family, his mother is inattentive and reckless. She is killed a car crash that leaves him physically and mentally scarred. Placed into a foster home despite the fact that he has rich relatives, Peter develops into a very nasty piece of work. Peter is kinky and enjoys brutalizing women. His intelligence enables him to become a successful lawyer, but his destructive and violent personality runs underneath his refined exterioraccusations of rape at 17 years of age, but with no charges filed; misappropriation of client funds; and a series of violent rapes. He is a good victima psychopath and a lawyer.

Rene Natans other characters are also fleshed out so the reader develops rapport with themalways the key to a good book.

Cross of Sapphires is a genuine mystery and superb romance story and a great page-turner. Like any good mystery writer Rene Natan leads her readers in different directions and delivers an ending that does come as a surprise.

As a mystery and as a romance this novel deserves a read.

*******

Review by Phyllis Taylor PiankaTitle: Cross of SapphiresCategory: genre FictionName Irene Gargantini writing as Rene NatanAddress: 3137 Napperton Dr.City Strathroy State ON Zip: N7G 3H6 CanadaWhat impressed me most about this book?

My first impression of the novel, Cross of Sapphires, was that of a tidy book with a colorful, eye-catching cover. I liked the clean look and page layout that was inviting and easy to read.

Author Natan is an accomplished writer who has the ability to draw the reader quickly into the arena of action through her varied and colorful descriptions. I was right there during the plane crash, the hunting scene, the discovery of Bishops body the house in Switzerland Natan made sparkle with life. She has a talent for visual description as well as the ability to create strong, believable characters.

Writing presents no problem for her. For me, the story structure was disappointing. It took me a while to sort out the names: Carlton/ who finally turns out to be Steve Carlton, and is only called Carlton in the first few pages after Carl is brought into the story. A minor speed bump that unfortunately occurred as the reader tries to settle in.

My biggest problem was with the focus. I thought (hoped) that the main story line would be about Livia, the love of his life, but she lost out to April in a flashback that took over most of the book. The rule for flashbacks is that they should be used when the action in the past is stronger than the action in the present. To me, the Livia story was stronger because we already knew that April was out of the picture. When Livia reappears it feels like an afterthought, I think in part, because the transition from present to past and past to present was not strong enough.

I dont mean to imply that most of the scenes were not well defined. They were. The scenes were well done and each of the separate story lines were interesting but I felt that the plot was fragmented.

There were some excellent romantic scenes such as in Chapter Nine. On page twenty-two I loved the linehe felt wanted by Livia but not possessed by her And later, the line that read: a caldron of suppositions. I was also impressed by Natans ability to portray family relationships. The boys were interesting plus they added another dimension to Steves character.

To the authors credit, the plot had many twist and turns and in the end, everything is explained satisfactorily. Cheers, Phyllis Taylor Pianka.

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The Jungfrau Watchhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Jungfrau-Watch-Rene-Natan/dp/1424139600

Review of The Jungfrau Watch by Gianpaolo Rossi

If you like to be immersed in a world of mystery, treachery and disguise, all spiced up with a bit of romance, The Jungfrau Watch is the novel for you.The protagonist, Alesh Stefanich, finds asylum in Canada after years of subversive activities as a member of the Red Brigade. Well received in the new country, his goal is to spend a peaceful life with his wife and his two boys. Unfortunately his former controller, Johannes Volpieren, also lands in Canada under a false identitywell determined to pursue his criminal actions and move into the lucrative field of industrial espionage. About a decade later the two former comrades meet again, one now the fierce enemy of the other. The triggering factor of the Stefanich-Volpieren duel is the theft of The Jungfrau Watch, a unique object that combines technology with elegance. As the search for the perpetrators begins, other parties get involved, among which are the company in charge of the production of the watch; the agency handling the security system and the proprietor of a resort center where Volpierens men often meet. And each of these parties has his/her personal agenda. Actions are numerous, including a kidnap, the explosion of a rudimental bomb, and the perilous transfer, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, of stolen goods from an aircraft to a tanker.The author captivates the readers attention on page one and keeps the suspense alive page after page up to the emotionally intense (and original) ending.One final remark may be in order. The Jungfrau Watch is a work of fiction yet the political climate described in the book is pretty accurate.Gianpaolo Rossi, Milan, Italy

*******

Review of by Marjorie Daniels

THE JUNGFRAU WATCH

Alesh Stefanich arrives in Canada with high hopes of carving out a new life after a youth spent in misguided subversive activities with the notorious Red Brigade in Europe. His electronic expertise and fluency in five languages bring success. Fifteen years later, happily settled with a loving wife and adored twin sons, he is jolted by a sudden terrible discovery. Remnants of the Red Brigade, have resurfaced in Canada as a group called The Rampant Lion. They have insinuated themselves into a benevolent organization, whose members have no idea what dangerous elements they are sheltering.

Aleshs former controller, Johannes Volpieren, is still in charge of the Rampant Lions criminal activity, ranging from kidnapping, theft and blackmail to stealing lucrative industrial secrets. Volpierens disguise is amazing. Not until the last few pages can the reader recognize him, although hes been prominently onstage from the beginning.

After the prototype of a highly-prized and unique Jungfrau Watch is stolen, the owner of a security firm hires Alesh to set up fake electronic devices aimed at luring thieves to strike again and be caught.

But Volpieren recognizes Alesh, blackmails him into building a deadly explosive, and makes sure he complies by kidnapping Aleshs five-year old boys. When Alesh tries to rescue his sons, Volpieren captures him, too. The cruel controller appears to hold all the cards. Alesh has only his own wits to save his little sons, which hes determined to do, even at the expense of his own life.

In a cleverly-woven plot, ranging between Canada and the Bahamas, other characters with their own agendas are drawn into the action, but Alesh has the most at stake as he desperately works to outwit his more physically powerful tormentor.

Reviewed by Marjorie DanielsAuthor of Through Serenas Eyesmarjedan@shaw.cahttp://www.bookswelove.net/DANIELS.html

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Mountain of Dawnhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/205088

Mountain of DawnsRene Natanjuppiter99: Dec. 1999(ISBN / eBook ID: 0-9686352-0-2)291 pages/$4.00

Romancing the Tone:Review of Rene Natans Mountain of DawnsBy Frank Mundo

Mountain of Dawns opens with a bang, literally: an explosion which kills one young woman named Kathy Alcin and injures another named Tanya Caldwell.22 year-old Tanya Caldwell is an artist, a dreamer and a student at the Mackenzie Academy for the Visual Arts in Vermeil, Ontario, 80 miles outside of Toronto. Quiet. Well-mannered. Neat, Tanyas a bit strangelike all creative people. Orphaned as a child, Tanya dreams of dusty roads and the fosters homes she has bounced in and out of throughout her childhood. With no family, no money, and with no apparent connections to the world other than her art, Tanya seems harmless and rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things. So, why in the world would anyone want to kill her? The explosion we learn, however, is not an accident, but a car bomb. A mob-style hit which seems to have been intended for Tanya, who had only loaned her car to her roommate for the day. Oddly enough, we learn that this isnt the first (and wont be the last) attempt on Tanyas life as we follow her through the twists and turns of Rene Natans novel billed as a Romance/Thriller.Okay, I know what youre thinking: Oh no, Romance novel, right? Those cheesy books at the grocery store with a glossy, embossed picture of a pastel, ruffle-bloused Fabio and his big tan man-boobs on the cover. Thats what I was thinking too when I was asked to review it. Thankfully, this is not one of those books (which, depressingly, by the way, are among the most sellable and most sought after manuscripts in all of genre fiction these days). Mountain of Dawns is far more thrilling than romantic in that sense. As Tanya flees to the Riviera (a safe haven for her art as well) she does have a romantic affair with a publisher named Kevin Matwin, and does meet up with an Italian Count with suspicious international connections and serious clout. But the romantic element, if anything, is linked more to a type of storytelling made famous by sentimental writers of the past, writers such as Harriet Beecher Stowe or the Bronte sisters, and not the modern, escapist bologna that titillated housewives hide under their mattresses. In fact, Tanya Caldwell resembles, as a character, the character Jane Eyre in many ways, from her orphaned childhood to her mysterious ancestry and surprising windfalls. The plot of Mountain of Dawns owes quite a bit to the plot of Charlotte Brontes famous feminist romance Jane Eyre as well. Those familiar with Brontes story know that I cant say much more about the plot of Natans novel without spoiling the twists and surprising turn of events which link the innocent Tanya Caldwell to the financial motive of her corrupted and desperate would-be killers. Those unfamiliar with Jane Eyre (which I was forced to read in five different lit classes over the years) will just have to take my word for it. Natans style, however, does differ from Brontes in that it lacks the strong biased tone and the heavy-handed ultra-sentimentalism of the old-fashion Romance novels. At times her prose even seems a bit journalistic and somewhat detached, (void of that tone or bias so apparent in those early romantic works) despite her storys extremely personal nature and clever plot twists -- a story which closes, as it opens, with another surprising bang. Personally, I think her book mightve benefited from a first person point-of-view, with a biased Tanya Caldwell at the wheel. After all, theres nothing wrong with a bias in fiction. Honestly, I prefer it. Ive even come, in many instances, to expect it. It is what creates the tone of most fiction.But, then again, Ive always had a bias toward the first person narrative.

Mountain of Dawns is Rene Natans first novel published in 1999 by Juppiter99 (available both in eBook and paperback versions) at very reasonable prices. Her other novels include Cross of Sapphires and The Collage (reviewed by Adrienne Jones and available in The Swamps Review Archives). Natan is also the author of shorter works Killing on Mount Yula, A Pair of Wings for Christmas, and Operation: Woman in Black. She is currently at work on a new novel.

Information on Rene Natans work and life can be found at http://www.vermeil.biz/

Added: Monday, May 31, 2004Reviewer: frank mundoScore: Related Link: Rene Natan---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Collagehttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/215621

A beautifully executed pulse-pounder that doesnt take the easy way out. Thoroughly original.John Pellicano, author, Conquer or Die

A super page-turneringeniously plotted. Rene Natan has taken a fascinating premise, put it together with a great storyline and wild characters to craft A TRULY AMAZING NOVEL.Michael OSullivan, Detective, NYPD (ret.) author, Boiling Water

A rare work of fiction: haunting, poetic and intriguing. A SEXY and ROMANTIC THRILLER. I could not put this book down.Betsy Hallett-Holden, author, Nantuckets Night Magic*******Review by Adrienne Jones

The Collage, by Rene NatanThough my reading of the romantic suspense genre has been limited, I suspect, as with all other genres, that it differs vastly with each author. After reading THE COLLAGE, I have no doubt that author Rene Natan decided to take her own road on this one. While clearly following the standard of romantic fiction, Natan managed to sneak in an amusing undertone of subtle, tongue-in-cheek humor and outrageous plot twists that gave an extra kick to an otherwise predictable formula.

Always a good idea, she starts with a murder in the prologue, prompting the reader to continue with the promise of deciphering the truth. But as we move on to the first few chapters, the novel seems to take a more placid tone, as heroine Allison moves back to live on her grandfathers wealthy farming property, to learn the ropes and ultimately take over for the aging patriarch. With her is her wheelchair-bound husband, Ian, a perfectly nasty antagonist whose oppression of her is palpable.

As Allison pets horses, aids the sick at the local medical center, and tends to her grandfather and the other residents of Les Capucines, we begin to forget that she was involved in a murder in the prologue. The saintly perfection of Allisons sweetness is such that we expect bunnies and daffodils to come jumping off the page. When Marvin, one of her grandfathers trusted farming employees begins wooing attempts, she resists with the flutter of a damsel with too many secrets to risk her heart, or the heart of another. At this point, we think we know the tone of this novel, and the direction in which it is going. But author Natan is merely throwing down the first, and most necessary coat of paint in what is about to become a multi-layered, abstract.

On top of this layer of wistful serenity, just as weve started to relax, a montage of outrageous plot details come raining down. Ian, her evil, oppressive husband is actually gay, and having an affair with one of her close family members behind her back. The local police, reopening an old murder investigation, discover a video tape that could send Allison to jail for the rest of her life. People are poisoned, fires are set, mafia assassins cut break lines, and no one is who they seem to be, right down to the secret identity of her husband, Ian.

Once the madness starts, we cant stop reading, as each chapter reveals yet another unexpected turn, leaving us shaking our heads that Natan managed to pull one over on us again. But as complex as this plot becomes, it is weaved together with precision, leaving not a thread left hanging in the end.

The humor that I found to be so sharp in this novel has a duality, as it is both outrageous and subtle at the same time. How does Natan do this? Through all of the insane turns, unmasking of characters, and outright shocking discoveries, the serene, romantic, daffodil and bunny undertone remains, a consistent layer beneath it all that serves as a calm pond for these crazed speed boats of plot twist to race across. If this duality was an accident on the authors part, then she got lucky, because it works. If it was intentional, then its truly brilliant, and though Im not an expert on the genre, Id bet on unique.

Only a couple of negatives distracted me while reading this book. One was the formality of the dialogue, which read unrealistically in many parts, though it did seem to loosen up a bit past the middle of the book. The other distraction had to do with there being four main male characters with similar M names; Matthew, Malcolm, Mike and Marvin. Natans character development did not suffer because of this, however, and her skills are as such that once we finally get a grasp of who is who, the confusion is forgotten.

This novel is worth the effort to read beyond the detailed back story at the start. The multi-layered plot is kept tight and entertaining throughout, and the suspense and mystery of the tale will not disappoint.

Added: Wednesday, June 30, 2004Reviewer: Adrienne JonesScore: hits:45Language:eng

*******

Review by Tammy, Fallen Angel ReviewsNatan has carefully woven a tale of intrigue, murder, and deception in this delicious tale. The heroine is rather helpless and clueless, and the many men around her with the exception of her rotten husband and a crafty newspaperman seem determine to rescue her from herself. However, love blossoms, some sacrifices are made, and Allison seems destined to finally find herself after being chained by hardship. The reader wonders how Natan will pull all of the loose ends together, but she manages to do so with a flourish.THE COLLAGE is a well wrought mystery that leaves room for further adventures with THE INVICTA, an organization formed to help citizens. Allison and Marvin's relationship also cries for additional plot lines, so this reviewer is hoping that Ms. Natan will continue with this series.COPYRIGHT 2005 Reviewed by: Tammy Fallen Angel Reviews*******Title: The CollageAuthor: Rene Natan

I liked the way that the suspense in this novel builds slowly but constantly. Even from the first few pages, I could tell that bad things were going to happen to Allison, though at the moment I didnt know what or who would be responsible. That feeling stayed with me throughout the book as you did a great job of slowly filling in the blanks and letting the reader see who was responsible for the bad things and what they would be. Thats the mark of a good suspense writer. I liked the unique aspect to the book as well. I thought the interplay between Mike and Ian was extremely well-done and something I dont see much. I thought it added to the characters and since it was something not seen as much, it made it less obvious to the other characters as well.

From a reviewer of Writers Digest, 2002

*******

Review from Midwest Book Review

Natan has carefully woven a tale of intrigue, murder, and deception in this delicious tale. The heroine is rather helpless and clueless, and the many men around her with the exception of her rotten husband and a crafty newspaperman seem determine to rescue her from herself. However, love blossoms, some sacrifices are made, and Allison seems destined to finally find herself after being chained by hardship. The reader wonders how Natan will pull all of the loose ends together, but she manages to do so with a flourish.THE COLLAGE is a well wrought mystery that leaves room for further adventures with THE INVICTA, an organization formed to help citizens. Allison and Marvin's relationship also cries for additional plot lines, so this reviewer is hoping that Ms. Natan will continue with this series.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Midwest Book Review

Operation Woman in Black

Reviewed by: Tammy Fallen Angel Reviews

Chief of police, Conrad Tormez, has just come across his best weapon for breaking up the crime ring that has inundated his hometown of Varlee, Ontario for the last five years. He thought up the plan after a car crash revealed the dead body of Clara Moffatt, a member of the crime ring who always dressed in all black. Conrads plan is for his best graduate and honorary niece Savina Thompson, to take the woman in blacks place within the crime ring in hopes that she can lead them to the mastermind of the crimes.

As Conrad is heading up the investigation into the crime ring, he is also dealing with his own personal problems that keep him stretched thin. His teenage daughter Isabel has been found after being missing for a year, with a baby and wolf pup in tow. Isabel has a mental impairment that gives her frequent memory lapses and Conrad is determined to be with her as much as possible while trying to find the father of her baby.

Operation Woman in Black is a romantic thriller that will leave you wondering what will happen next. I loved how this author didnt shy away from the heavy aspects of mental disabilities while also keeping the story light with touches of humor. I would have liked to have seen the relationship between Savina and Denis explored a little more, as I felt that some of their interactions were a little forced. I liked the characters in this book and thought that the plot line was intriguing.

If youre looking for a story full of suspense and drama then you will want to pick up Operation Woman in Black.

Reviewed by: Tammy Fallen Angel Reviewshttp://fallenangelreviews.com

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Fleeting Visionshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNG53LU

A review by Earl Reylan Sarsuelo

Earl Reylan Sarsuelo-See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from:Fleeting Visions (Kindle Edition)All puzzles are getting solved in a very sophisticated manner. Detective Stevenson, a remarkable law enforcer tied up his career to a case he's been handling for several months only to end up doing it all over again after a missed operation. I do not want to be spoiling the readers, but I might say some details that you will find interesting in the book.

I got seriously pinned down in to reading the early chapters of the book. Every character has its unique issues and personalities, yet all of them are delivered well to the public. Each plot/scene of one's character is simultaneously telling us his personality and life and his role in the entire story. I consider that as an asset in making books like this very intriguing. Jocelyn, is an example of a highly intimidating character but boosting with charm and is seriously attractive. Det. Stevenson even got his first regrets being single(spoiler alert!) after a scene with Jocelyn.

One thing I really love most about these kinds of stories is that the continuity and the interconnection of scenes and events are puzzling enough to be interesting but not reaching to a point where readers dont get any idea over it - they dont get BLANK. Rene Natan wrote this book with ease and the concept is somewhat very clear in her mind. I was envisioning everything as I read. That's why I skipped a meal in reading this(not a good example but a good thing).

I am commending the author Rene Natan for a well written, highly thought of, careful selection of characters, and intensifying book. A very good read. I recommend this to lovers of Thriller stories.