VOICE-DRIVEN CRIME FICTION AT ITS VERY BEST . . . AN ABSOLUTE PAGE-TURNER!
This timeless novel will appeal to readers of classic crime fiction by Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Patricia Highsmith, as well as contemporary bestselling crime fiction by Stieg Larsson, Dan Brown, and Gillian Flynn.
In a beguiling tale of deception and murder, desire and theft, seduction and betrayal—where nothing is what it appears to be—a man is murdered and an iconic musical instrument is stolen during a gathering at Eliot Sexton’s Park Avenue apartment. The stolen item—an object of desire worshipped by millions—is the key to solving the crime, or so the detective brought in to investigate believes. The murder, however, is not nearly as straightforward as it seems—nor is the theft.
Though the island of Manhattan presents no shortage of suspects—many of them capable of killing to satisfy their appetites—Eliot, a young economic historian and writer, soon becomes the prime suspect. As he draws closer to the truth behind the theft and murder, he also becomes the killer’s next target.
Irreverent, provocative, and utterly unpredictable, Dangerous Illusions is a weeklong polyrhythmic journey into contemporary New York that will keep readers guessing right up to its thrilling conclusion.
˃˃˃ ADVANCE PRAISE FROM BOOK REVIEWERS, LIBRARIANS, AND READERS
“Like all of the best crime fiction, this is about so much more than a murder, it’s about the world we live in now.”
“Seductive and Compelling”
“A well-crafted Manhattan murder mystery”
“Couldn’t put it down!”
“Lyrical and rhythmic”
“This story will take you on a ride you won’t want to miss”
“Layered and original”
“Great mystery. Very intense. Very atmospheric. Very noir.”
“An amazing book”
“A must read”
˃˃˃ ADVANCE PRAISE FROM MUSIC AND PERCUSSION MEDIA
“What a great book! Dangerous Illusions brings back many great memories of that night, as a 4th grader watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and commenting to my Father gee Dad the Ludwig name keeps coming on the screen !!! What a cool feeling. Then to have our phones at the Ludwig Drum Company ringing off the hooks for the RINGO set the following day. Thank you for the tribute to Ludwig Drums and the Ludwig Family in Dangerous Illusions.” —William F. Ludwig III, Grandson of Ludwig Drum Company founder William F. Ludwig Sr, Columnist Not So Modern Drummer Magazine
“Murder, mystery, Ringo and vintage drums! Very titillating stuff for us vintage drum collectors. The whole drum world will be talking about this one! Can’t wait until I get to the end to find out who stole Ringo’s drums! Mr. Gabriele really knows his stuff.” —Not So Modern Drummer
“Dangerous Illusions is a literary whodunit with a twist—solving it depends on figuring out who stole the iconic Ludwigs Ringo played on the Ed Sullivan Show.” —Drum Magazine
“Capturing percussive instruments’ luster and mystique, Joseph J. Gabriele’s insightful description and attention to detail echo a true drummer’s and drum aficionado’s passion. Sexy and spellbinding this well-developed mystery hooks you in fast and the four-on-the-floor pace will keep you turning pages faster than a Buddy Rich drum solo.” —Heather Smith, Managing Editor, Drumhead Magazine
˃˃˃ Readers of international crime fiction, literary mysteries, espionage thrillers, and mystery & suspense novels love Dangerous Illusions
In the lead up to the hardcover release, Dangerous Illusions quickly climbed to become the most requested title in the Murder Mystery, Noir, and Crime Fiction categories in the First Reads program on Goodreads. Not since Dashiell Hammett’s Maltese Falcon has an object of desire caused so much trouble.
Visit Joseph J. Gabriele’s Amazon Author Page