A razor-sharp thriller, rich with crackling dialogue and pulse-pounding suspense, that ingeniously interweaves fiction and history Robert J. Mrazek is a natural-born storyteller, whose previous novels have been described as “gripping,” “magically rendered,” and “compelling” by the national press—words of praise that would equally apply to The Deadly Embrace . From bombravaged London to elegant English country estates, Lieutenant Elizabeth “Liza” Marantz and her partner, Major Sam Taggart, a troubled former New York City homicide detective, investigate the suspicious deaths of two female colleagues who were involved in sexual relationships with powerful Allied commanders. Occurring on the eve of D-Day, Liza’s investigations uncover more than one conspiracy, and the very success of the war may rest in her hands.
Robert Mrazek's The Deadly Embrace is an excellent fast-paced thriller in which WWII-ravaged London just prior to the period of the invasion of Normandy is the backdrop for a search for a ruthless killer. Beyond Mrazek's ability to tell an exciting tale of suspense and intrigue, his special strengths are the ability to provide richly developed,very credible characters and to describe this period in history as if you, yourself, were right there with these interesting characters experiencing all the goings on. The Deadly Embrace deserves a much wider reading audience than it has attained to date. Hopefully, after reading this review you'll read this very enjoyable book and help Mrazek develop the reader base he deserves. I'm looking forward to Mrazek's next book.
In the same league as DeMille
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Like another great author with strong Long Island roots, Bob Mrazek captures the reader's attention from the opening scene to the suspense-filled surprise ending. The Deadly Embrace is a quick-paced whodunit, which leaves the reader craving for more at every turn of the page. Set in wartime London as D-Day rapidly approaches, Mrazek makes you feel as if you're walking the bomb-ravaged streets and hobnobbing with American Generals and the British aristocracy. The only thing missing was an Edward R. Murrow cameo! Mrazek does a brilliant job of mixing historical fact with a first-rate murder mystery that oh by the way, threatens the very success of the upcoming Allied invasion. His unique style of bringing his characters to life and making them believable kept me wondering who should play Liza and Sam, the story's protagonists, in a movie version. All in all, a great read. I'm looking forward to his next novel, this time the backdrop will be the Battle of Midway.
Couldn't put it down
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I felt like I was in London during World War II. Great character development and pacing. I read the book in one sitting, I recommend "The Deadly Embrace" without reservation or hesitation.
A Resourceful Heroine For a Change
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Boy was I wrong. When my fiance gave me "Deadly Embrace" for Valentine's Day, I thought he blew it since I am certainly not a fan of most war-based novels. But this book proved to be so much more; a wonderfully crafted murder-mystery imbedded in a brilliantly researched historical novel. "Deadly Embrace" provides a fascinating account of D-Day plans and the very real threat that the Allies faced when vital war secrets are at risk of betrayal. The best part is the story's heroine, Liza Marantz, a young Jewish woman of unsurpassed intelligence and resourcefulness. It was great to see how this independent woman found ways to succeed, both personally and professionally, in the male-dominated environment of London in the buildup to the invasion. I don't know how Mrazek managed to write a female character with such nuance, intrigue, and romance but he did it beautifully and I'll be looking for more from this talented author.
Mrazek: the next Dan Brown?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I usually get book recommendations from radio personality Don Imus; but, right out of left field, this one was effusively endorsed by his fellow broadcaster talk-jock Christopher Russo. And Russo was right for a change: best book I've read in years. Spies, code-breaking, murder investigations, beautiful and brilliant women, mysterious men. Mrazek sculpts character studies with fascinating detail, and provides vivid scenic descriptions that assist the reader in feeling transported back in time to war torn London during World War II. Clearly a well-researched work by someone with a keen sense for historical relevance. The author kept my attention with the intrigue, the continuous waves of imagery, and well-paced surprises. I literally had a tough time putting the book down and turning off the light. When I had finished "The Deadly Embrace," I craved more about the era, more about the enchanting heroine Liz Marantz, more of Mrazek's linguistic portraiture. Mrazek might be the next Dan Brown with history as his greatest ally, without all the mythological misdirection. Can't wait for his next book.
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