Author: Steven Rigolosi Book

ISBN: 978-0-9773787-4-6

Author Steven Rigolosi is the man behind the Tales from the Back Page series as well as having many other achievements for example being the Director of market research and development for W.H. Freeman & Co and Worth Publishers. This making him best known as the publisher of scientific books.

Steven’s work has been described fondly as a “completely fresh voice in the mystery genre” and he has also been mentioned in various other publications. Currently living in northern New Jersey, Steven is busy writing future instalments for the Tales from the Back Page series.

Circle of Assassins explores the question, if you could have anyone you wished murdered without a single person linking you to their death, would you do it? Five complete strangers put this theory to the test when they answer an advertisement that grants them the privilege of murdering a stranger.  A fellow assassin is to do the deed.   

A ‘criminal mastermind’ anonymously named ‘A’ has five responses to his ad and when these strangers mould themselves into a group called Circle of Assassins, the plot is skilfully drawn together. A plot that results in murder and an unexpected outcome.

Joseph Castro, a divorcée with two ex wives and who is an abuser of women, also has a temper but cleverly manages to mask this in front of people to show them his better side. Neighbours are often fooled by his friendly front but now an assassin is out there plotting his death.

Jesse Garanowicz is the next on the hit-list. Jesse, born in Buckingham has a nasty and abusing nature especially towards little girls who he sexually assaults . Spending fifteen years in prison hasn’t been enough to change Jesse into a better person and within years more sex scandals have been committed. Jesse however, manages to change his appearance and location and has this time escaped the arm of the law.  There is only one way to rid the county of this horrible man - death.

These are a couple of crooks who come to life within the pages of this book.

Which one of the assassins will manage to concoct their plans and carry them out escaping the course of justice? Will there be blood left on the murderer’s hands and fingerprints linking them to the deaths? Will ‘A’ reveal themselves as the revengeful tale draws to an end? And who out of the assassins will themselves, cheat death?

A very good read with believable characters. You are able to weave in-between the minds of the assassins and their victims as the novel reaches its climax. The locations are also realistic and convincing, instantly capturing the reader’s attention. Through-out the book, you are taken on a journey of vengeance leading to assassinations  and finally  discovery. A brilliant tale for fans of the mystery genre although it can be a bit confusing in parts.

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts. Jessica has been a reviewer for a newspaper and a national women’s magazine. She is working on a novel and has written some poetry and other writings in the past.