Hypocrisy: A Book Review

I was sent this book to review from iRead Book Tours.  This is one of the first books that was presented to me after signing up to be a Tour Host, and I was immediately interested after reading the synopsis!  I don’t read too much adult fiction, however, that it something that I am hoping to change.  I also believe this is the first medical thriller that I have read, and now I can’t wait to check out more!  I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would definitely recommend it as a fast-paced, exciting, and suspenseful read!

Title: Hypocrisy

Author: D.M. Annechino

Genre: Adult Fiction, Medical Thriller

Publisher: Createspace

Publication Date: March 11, 2014

Pages: 278

Out in Paperback?: Yes; March 11, 2014

Goodreads

Amazon

My Rating: 4.5/5

Review:

Goodreads Summary:

Dr. Lauren Crawford is a brilliant research scientist who discovers a revolutionary treatment for cancer that not only extends life, but much improves the quality of life for terminal cancer patients. The treatment, in some instances, can even cure certain cancers. On the evening before Dr. Crawford holds a press conference to announce that the FDA has given preliminary approval of her new cancer treatment, somebody follows her to her car and puts three bullets in her head. Was it a planned murder with a motive, a mugging gone badly, or merely a random act of violence?

Two New York City homicide detectives, Amaris Dupree and T.J. Brown, are assigned to the investigation. The detectives evaluate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Crawford’s death, and follow a trail of clues that exposes a sequence of startling facts. One by one, the detectives carefully examine each suspect and piece together a puzzle with unimaginable implications. As the investigation gets more intense, and the detectives get closer to solving the murder mystery, someone threatens Dupree’s life. The detectives now realize that Dr. Crawford’s murder was much more than a homicide. And if they don’t arrest the murderer soon, Dupree might be the next victim.

Characters:

I really enjoyed all the characters in this book!  From the two main characters, Dupree and T.J., as well as the minor characters, Dupree’s co-workers and the persons of interest, I really enjoyed reading and watching the characters develop and reveal new information about themselves.  I wouldn’t say that I really connected with these characters, but I just really enjoyed the unique aspects of their personalities.  For example, Dupree, the main character and head of this particular investigation, was a strong, independent female character, which I loved to read!  T.J., Dupree’s work partner, is another strong detective character; both of these characters were interesting to read about, especially because of their background stories and development.  I also enjoyed the little bits of Dupree’s co-workers that we received, such as the captain and other officers that help during the investigation.  The persons of interest in the investigation were also developed with their own background stories and connections.

Plot:

This novel begins with the murder of Dr. Lauren Crawford, a brilliant research scientist who is close to announcing preliminary approval from the FDA for a new cancer treatment.  After her murder, detectives Dupree and T.J. head the investigation to find the killer and determine if this was a robbery gone wrong or if there was an incentive.  Throughout the novel, suspects are picked up and questioned, and soon the murder mystery begins to unravel.  However, Dupree must be careful, as she gets closer to the killer because her life may be in danger.  This storyline drops you right in the middle of the action as the novel begins right after Lauren Crawford’s death.  I was hesitant, as I began reading, as to how the story and mystery would unfold without dragging on too much.  However, I was pleasantly surprised at the quick pace of the story.  I finished this book in just a couple of days because I didn’t want to put it down!  At the end of each chapter, I was always wanting more!

Writing Style:

I really enjoyed Annechino’s writing style!  I thought the tone was perfect for these detectives.  The conversations were realistic and interesting to read, and each character had their own voice.  I did enjoy the background story of both Dupree and T.J.  I thought it succeeded in developing their characters, however, I did feel like this information was suddenly dumped onto the reader in a few paragraphs rather then slowly revealing this information.  I also felt like this happened during the investigation at times.  As for the plot twists and turns, I didn’t feel like any of them were too unpredictable; readers could fairly easily see who was involved in the murder.  Regardless of this, I still wanted to keep reading to figure out the extent of which certain people were involved.  Overall, I really did enjoy the writing as it kept the story moving at a fast pace!

Author’s Biography:

Daniel M. Annechino, a former book editor specializing in full-length fiction, wrote his first book, How to Buy the Most Car for the Least Money, in 1992 while working as a General Manager in the automobile business. But his passion had always been fiction, particularly thrillers. He spent two years researching serial killers before finally penning his gripping and memorable debut novel They Never Die Quietly. His second book Resuscitation (Thomas & Mercer 2011), a follow-up to his first novel, hit #1 in Kindle sales in both the USA and UK. He is also the author of I Do Solemnly Swear (Thomas & Mercer 2012). Hypocrisy, is Annechino’s fourth novel.

A native of New York, Annechino now lives in San Diego with his wife, Jennifer. He loves to cook, enjoys a glass of vintage wine, and spends lots of leisure time on the warm beaches of Southern California.

I love this cover!  So unique!  Are you planning on checking this book out?

FTC Disclaimer:

This book was sent to me by iRead Book Tours for review.  This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  No affiliate links were used.