Thursday, August 4, 2011

Friendship isn't a big thing, it's a million little things." Unknown


GIVEAWAY



Two of the things that appeal the most to me concerning David Levine's novels, are his intricate plots and multi-demensional charcters.

In "13 Million Dollar Pop," Frank Behr is a relatively new employee at the Caro Group, private investigators and personal security advisors. As the story opens, he's searching for a home with his girlfriend, Susan, who is nearing delivery of their first child.

Frank is doing a personal security detail for one of the company clients so a friend at Frank's company can attend one of his children's sporting events. This was supposed to be an easy assignment but while providing security for Bernard Kolodnik, someone attempts to kill Kolodnik. However, Frank's quick reflexes saves him.

Frank is treated like a hero and the next day, the governor appoints Kolodnik as a replacement when the senior senator from Indiana resigns to fight advanced prostate cancer.

Everyone seems satisfied but Frank is an investigator and wants answers. When he asks about the official investigation, he only gets evasive responses.

The story describes a real estate developer whose development including a casino which doesn't get approval and the man becomes overextended. He had made a deal with Kolodnick's campaign manager to get Kolodnick's influence and there would be a quick sale once the building was complete. There was supposed to be a secret kickback of 13 million dollars from the ownership once the property was sold. However, the economy and other factors stalled the development. Now that Kolodnick is an official, he leaves his personal business dealings behind.

The author explores Franks' goal of solving the crime. He's also compassionate and we see his tender moments with his girlfriend as she nears delivery date. He is also a man who wants to help people who are being unjustly treated.


I tried to think of another character in literature who reminded me of Frank and my first thought was Tom Joad from "The Grapes of Wrath." In a way, both men are protective of their families and other workers who are being bullied by crooked officials.

The pacing of the novel is masterful. As the story nears its culmination, action continues to speed up and suspense mounts. Each character is fully drawn and comes alive in the story.


This is one of the best mysteries of the year and shouldn't be missed.







GIVEAWAY RULES:

A: Be a follower of my blog.


B: Use above link to go to my Amazon review of this book and at the end of the Amazon review, when they ask if the review was helpful, indicate "YES"


C: In the comments section of the blog, indicate that you wish to be entered in the giveaway with your email address so winners can be contacted.


D: Giveaway ends at midnight August 20th.


E: U.S. and Canadian residents only, sorry, postage.



F: If possible, follow on twitter. Extra points for those who twit this giveaway.

G: Only one winning book within 30 days, to allow others a chance to win.

Good luck and have fun.




43 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Hello, Mike.

Where was your photo taken?

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Elizabeth

Athira said...

This book sounds fabulous! I haven't heard of it, so I will have to check it out!

anaavu said...

Awesome! Thanks for the giveaway :-)
anaavu@gmail.com
http://www.book-spark.blogspot.com/

In Julie's Opinion said...

I'd love to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy:)

I liked your review on Amazon.
I follow you on Twitter: @jwitt33
I tweeted about the contest:
http://twitter.com/#!/jwitt33/status/101731383344500736

jwitt33 at live dot com

Unknown said...

Hey Mike! Thanks for inviting me over and I see you have another great giveaway going on! I read your review and found it helpful and would like to enter your giveawy!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
viajeradelmar@aol.com

Andrea said...

Count me in. It sounds like a good book.
GFC follower - Andrea I
Follow on twitter - @lillieblue613
Liked your review on Amazon.

lillieblue613(at)gmail(dot)com

Krystal Larson said...

Looks like a great novel, thank you for the cool giveaway! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom GFC Krystal Larson

Celticlady's Reviews said...

Hi Mike
Please enter me for this giveaway!! Thanks

momkelly2003@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Please enter me in contest. Sounds like a really good book. Tore923@aol.com

Darlene said...

Please enter me in the draw!

I liked your Amazon review, and my email address is darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com.

I also retweeted your giveaway tweet!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Patricia said...

Hi, Mike -

Please enter my name in this Giveaway for "13 Million Dollar Pop".

I follow you via email subscription and Twitter. I have sent out a Tweet on your Giveaway, and posted a comment and a "yes" on your review on Amazon.

My email:

madley (AT) cogeco (DOT) ca

Please let me know if you want each "Follow item" on separate comments, or if it is ok all-in-one.

Thank you for this Giveaway, Mike.

Patricia

missreneer said...

I am a follower and I also found your review helpful. I would love to be entered in your giveaway! Thanks for contacting me :)

Renee

fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

Julie S said...

Sounds like a really good read. Thanks for the giveaway.
juliecookies(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The book sounds interesting. Really like your review. Sign me up please.
Oh like the pictures. The Thousand Islands is beautiful. I'm from up state New York. Have been there on the American side.

Anonymous said...

The book sounds interesting. Really like your review. Sign me up please.
Oh like the pictures. The Thousand Islands is beautiful. I'm from up state New York. Have been there on the American side.
dian429@yahoo.com

Denise Z said...

Well another jewel you are sharing today. Thank you for the generous sharing and giveaway opportunity. I liked the review on amazon, followed twitter and twitted this post, I also shared on facebook.
FB - Denise Zaky
Twitter - ZDz59001

dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Hey Mike,
Nothing I like better than a good "who dun it" so toss my name in the hat.

Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm a follower on GFC-Lisa Richards

Marked your Amazon review as helpful.

http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/102920734778728448

also shared on Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=271787632835070&id=1184379567

Follow you on twitter @alterlisa
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.

I am a GFC follower

Liked your review on Amazon.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Debbie Rodgers said...

Gananoque/Thousand Islands is a beautiful area. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Canada.

I'd like to be entered in the giveaway.

debbie AT exurbanis (dot) com

Unknown said...

I follow your blog and shared link on twitter. I would love to be entered in the giveaway for this book.
jennifer from Can't Put It Down

jennyerin1077(at)gmail(dot)com

Holly said...

Would love to win this!!
I liked your review on Amazon.

fullmoonbites[at]gmail[dot]com

AmyS. said...

Thanks for the giveaway. Great review. I will definitely have to read this one.

I am a follower: AmyS.
Liked your review on Amazon
I follow on Twitter: Vamper_Fan
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Vamper_Fan/status/103260599110217728

truebloodfan AT rock.com

ann said...

This sounds like a great mystery I would enjoy reading



amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

I went on Amazon and clicked yes for was this info helpful


amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

I am a email subscriber


amhengst at verizon dot net

heather said...

Hey Mike, the book sounds great. Count me in the contest, please :)

chamblinh@gmail.com

Historical Writer/Editor said...

Hi, i went to the Amazon review. It was helpful. Please enter me in the giveaway. thanks. -laura

Anonymous said...

Pls enter me in your giveaway, thanks

tributebooksmama@gmail.com

mamabunny13 said...

Please include me in your giveaway.
I liked your review on Amazon.
I follow you via gfc
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Connie said...

Hi! I really love this giveaway. Thanks again for doing this. I am on Shelfari too. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Ruth said...

following your blog (Ruth)
clicked on "yes" on your review on amazon
Yes, I would love to be entered!
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I'm following you and I liked your Amazon review. Thanks!

vanessanicole21 at yahoo dot com

The Loopy Librarian said...

Hi Mike. Please enter my name into the drawing. allisonmoyer(at)yahoo(dot)com Sounds like an intriguing read.

Sally Bibrary said...

Good morning, Mike!

Another great review, as always. Thanks for the tip about The Jefferson Key . . . I 'liked' it over at Amazon this this morning.

webmistress[at]bibrary[dot]com

skkorman said...

Hi, Mike!

Thanks for the great giveaway—I would like to have "The Jefferson Key" as my first choice of book, and I indicated "Yes" on your amazon.com review of this book.

I follow you via GFC (skkorman)
I follow you via Twitter (@skkorman)
I tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/skkorman/status/104214982895484928

Sheila said...

Got your message on Goodreads. Please enter me in the giveaway for Jefferson Key.
I voted yes on Amazon. :o)

ludeluh at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm a GFC follower. :-) I've also used the link and voted "YES" at the end of your wonderful review. Your review makes me want to read this book. Thanks, so much, for the opportunity to win it!
reducefootprints at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Good day Mr. Mike! I would love to read your book and enter this giveaway all these excitement,action,suspense,mystery everything is my type of adventure ^_^ The best of luck everybody!

I'm a follower: kimyunalesca
I clicked "yes" in the helpful review at Amazon.
I Tweeted the giveaway the 1st one was couple of days ago sorry I can't find the link so I just provided you the latest: http://twitter.com/#!/kimyunalesca/status/104742571368128512

kimyunalesca@yahoo.com

Krystal Larson said...

GFC Krystal Larson edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom Thank you for the giveaway, I liked your review on Amazon

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in this giveaway.
Jeanne
catslady5@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book.
Megs
redrose3142@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Congradulations to the giveaway winners:
Krystal
Holly and
Heather C.
Thanks again for participating and I hope everyone will return for the next giveaway "Vanished" By Joseph Finder which will begin August 25th.
Mike

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