The world's most beautiful city is about to be destroyed. Dozens of bombs have been planted throughout Venice by a terrorist who is suddenly found dead. As the bombs start to explode, and thousands flee to the mainland, the police launch a desperate bid to save the city.
Venice is doomed. This is the awesome discovery made by police after a terrorist is found dead in an apartment. The man has left behind a note which reveals that he has hidden a large number of bombs throughout the city. And he warns that if his demands are not met they'll go off - killing hundreds of people and destroying dozens of historic buildings. Only the terrorist knows where the bombs have been planted and he's taken the secret to his grave. As the bombs start to explode, and people begin to evacuate the city, police chief Armond Cali uncovers a sinister plot behind the attack.
Excerpt
Devastation greeted them when they reached the Piazza. Cali had never seen anything like it. People were running in all directions, utterly confused. Screams of anguish filled the air. He counted at least five bodies sprawled out on the ground in front of the basilica.
One was that of a small boy and leaning over him was an hysterical woman wearing a large saucer-shaped hat and a camera around her neck. The boy, it seemed, had been standing close to the part of the church that was being restored. Enormous strips of scaffolding had crumbled to the ground only a few feet away from him, one thick piece of rusted metal crushing his right arm into a bloody pulp. Beyond the boy was a mountain of mangled metal and masonry and Cali guessed straight away where the bomb had been hidden.
“In fiction anyway, the best terrorism is successful terrorism, or partially successful terrorism. Part of Venice is destroyed before things really get going, and that makes for a better story. The main detective, Cali, receives letters warning of a series of explosions but is too late to prevent the first, and when the other go off on time he is in frenzy to find the culprits. A very thoroughly detailed and easy narrative makes this book every bit as enjoyable as top list thrillers.”
Amazon Reader.
“I liked this book as you don’t have often have a book like this set in Venice. The setting alone made this book stand out for me - terrorists in Venice! The pace of the book was excellent as we learn more and more about the mystery behind the bombs. Mr Raven as an author continues to be one of my favourite new authors that I found in 2012. Red Blitz is another great read from a talented author.”
Amazon Reader.
“I started reading this book over the weekend and was amazed at how fast I was drawn into the story. The book is set in Venice and the characters are well defined. The descriptions throughout the story help to draw the reader in and introduce you to his world. There was a lot of action throughout the book, and it was so well written that it made it feel like you were there. This was great book that I would highly recommend to anyone.”
Amazon Reader.
“This is a thrilling book about a plot to blow up the beautiful city of Venice. The author keeps us guessing as to why it's happening and as the tension mounts so does the body count. The main character is a police officer named Armond Cali who I warmed to from the start. He reminded me of Donna Leon's protagonist Commissario Brunetti. I enjoyed the fast-paced story-line which is full of fascinating facts about Venice. Highly recommended.”
Amazon Reader.
“Red Blitz is a compelling and gripping read told by one of the most prolific storytellers of today..."James Raven." It will leave you mesmerized by the authors natural ability to write something this magnificent like it was effortless. His detailed descriptions are so crisp and clear it's like I can actually reach out and shake his characters hand. Most of the time I have to delve into a couple chapters to get the feel of a book before I decide if I really like it. But Raven took me before the first few line of the first chapter, I'd say not even 30 seconds. It's kind of like an Iron Mike Tyson fight only 30 second in the first round you have no choice but to hit the canvas. In Ravens case you have no choice but to be knocked clear across the page by every awe-inspiring word, oh yeah it's just that good...!”
Amazon Reader.
“I always love a story that starts with a conflict. James does not disappoint with the pace of things. He takes the reader through series of explosions and opens all eyes to the deepest psychotic side of greed. Although two thirds of the book through he takes pity and gives us the story behind what's veiled as a terrorist attack. Exquisitely written, wonderfully edited, definitely my favorite - however two questions: Wouldn't there be a whole lot more outside help to Venetians if there truly was terrorists blowing things up right and left? Wouldn't the off-duty cops be MUCH more cautious - when there's things being blown up along with people all around them? All in all this is a great action packed story, worth every minute. Thumbs up!”
Amazon Reader.
“I really enjoyed reading this book. The details that the author included drew me into the story from the first page. The brilliant descriptions of the places, people and events were excellent and really drew me into the story and helped me form images in my mind as I followed the story. The author's writing style made me want to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. The pace of the story was excellent and exciting. There was intrigue, danger and drama throughout the story. The author is an awesome story teller who has a talent for building suspense. The brilliant wording allowed me to get into the heads of the characters and made me want to keep reading more. This is an excellent piece of fiction and I'm planning to look at his other books.”
Amazon Reader.
“Red Blitz is a compelling and gripping read told by one of the most prolific storytellers of today. His detailed descriptions are so crisp and clear it's like you can actually reach out and shake his characters by the hand. Most of the time I have to delve into a couple chapters to get the feel of a book before I decide if I really like it. But Raven took me before the first few lines of the first chapter, I'd say not even 30 seconds. It's kind of like an Iron Mike Tyson fight only 30 second in the first round you have no choice but to hit the canvas. In Raven's case you have no choice but to be knocked clear across the page by every awe-inspiring word, oh yeah it's just that good...!”
Amazon Reader.
