A TWIST OF HATE by V.R. Barkowski

The past comes flying back to the present bringing secrets, sadness, memories and betrayal in V.R. Barkowski’s captivating debut novel, A TWIST OF HATE.

Former homicide inspector turned security consultant Del Miller is surprised that his parents loaned the local museum their painting of the Cézanne. When it turns up missing his mother, who works at the museum, asks for his help in finding the painting. Del refuses insisting the FBI be called in as the painting, smuggled out of Nazi occupied France with Del’s then-infant father, holds great sentimental value, but is also priceless.

Before the investigation into the missing painting begins, the museum director is found dead under unusual circumstances. While the director confesses to the theft in a note, the painting remains missing and Del’s father becomes a suspect in the suspicious death.

Things continue to get complicated when an allegation is made that Del’s grandfather stole the painting from a Paris gallery during the war. The tension builds when the grandson of the long-deceased gallery owner comes forward to claim the missing painting and is later found dead.

Faced with a missing family heirloom, a father suspected of murder and new revelations about his family, Del is determined to find the painting and set things right. Meanwhile, Del is also dealing with personal issues as he tries to take his relationship with his best friend’s ex-wife to the next level.

The author blends the past with the present fluently giving readers glimpses of what the people in France endured during the war. Her eye for detail and rich descriptions places the reader alongside those fleeing for their lives during the war, as well as those living in present day San Francisco.

The story is gripping and moves at a steady pace. The suspense holds you spellbound as the events and secrets unfold. The emotions of hardship, betrayal, love and friendship come through in waves.

The secondary story of Del, his best friend and his best friend’s ex-wife ties in nicely. Though bits of a tragedy involving the three is a tad vague, it doesn’t take away from the story. In fact, the trio’s bond adds depth to the story.

A TWIST OF HATE will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The author grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The story doesn’t leave you when you close the book the final time as the characters become ones you want to know more about.

Author V.R. Barkowski’s website is HERE.

A Twist of Hate by V.R. Barkowski, Cengage/Five Star, @2015, ISBN: 978-1432830182, Hardcover, 339 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

I appreciate you stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out A TWIST OF HATE by fellow blogger and author V.R. Barkowski. This is a fascinating book about the past and the present. Do you enjoy stories that are based in the past? How do you feel about books that have some history tied in with the modern-day plot?

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