Steven F. Freeman

How silly am I? Reading a book about monster tsunamis while house hunting for a place on the south coast of NSW. An area that recently suffered enormous floods – from rain, thankfully, not a tsunami.

Supertide is the story of a tsunami that hits the east coast of the USA, but it is also about two graduate students who attempt to predict future earthquakes likely to cause the next natural disaster. The use of modern technology developed by their professor, but the theories contrast with show more established methods and not all the experts agree with their predictions. Will they prove their theories before the lager tsunamis hit and be able to warn people living within 100 miles (or more) of the coastline.?

At first I thought the beginning was a bit slow especially having read many of Steve Freeman books that are full of action. However, that gradual build up parallels the tension as development of the tsunamis and the rescue attempts occur.

It is brilliantly written.



While following the work of the scientists, every now and then the story switches to people deciding on whether to stay or flee or those caught up in the disaster. It’s like watching an action movie – going from one character’s experience to the next with suspense building every page.

I don’t know how accurate the scientific side of this story is and I don’t care. As the author says in his end note his goal was to entertain rather than inform and he has taken creative liberties with tectonic theory. However, it is obvious he has still undertaken considerable research.

The characters feel real. I particularly like the main character Macy who battled on with her work while experiencing her own heartaches.

There is an obvious understanding about the nature of people and how they act during a crisis – either experiencing the dangers or taking advantage of the situation for their own ends. But, there are also examples on how people are willing to help complete strangers in an emergency. It is and an excellent study of human nature.

In the final chapters I was pleased to read a tribute to those who survive disasters and those who do rescue and relief work.

Great reading escapism. show less

This is the first book by this author that I've read. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, I was easily able to know who was who and what their roles were. I liked Alton and Mallory from the start, even though I didn't like everything they did. I liked the high tech storyline and how the author had multiple storylines that all intersected and tied together. I didn't guess many of the plot twists before they were revealed.

I am not sure if it was only the Italian setting and show more romance between Alton and Mallory that made this book likeable for me. I read a bit of the preview of the next book in the series and it didn't strike me as much so as this book did--so I do not know if I would like the series as a whole. show less

I've been incredibly lucky as my copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

"A heartless killer ambushes and guns down ex-mobster Jay Mancini. Days later, the killer disposes of Mancini’s live-in girlfriend in cold blood. Desperate to identify the culprit, Jay’s niece Chelsea convinces work colleague and amateur detective Alton Blackwell to help investigate the seemingly run-of-the-mill professional mob hits."

After reading Nefarious and absolutely loving it, I show more was really excited to pick up the next book in the series, and this certainly didn't disappoint! If anything, I actually preferred it to the first one in the series. I think my favourite thing about Freeman's writing is the structure of the books. The chapters are quite short and choppy, which I think makes it very easy to read and engaging. You find yourself saying "oh just one more chapter" and before you know it, you've finished the book because you just don't realise you're even reading it. With longer chapters, sometimes they tend to drag on and by the time you've finished a chapter, you just want to put the book down and go and do something else. This is not the case for Freeman.

He writes beautifully and gives you just enough detail to keep you reading and yet not enough for you to figure out "whodunnit" before the end. Then the big reveal happens and suddenly it all makes sense. I feel like Freeman is a master at always leaving you wanting more. From start to end, I could barely put my ereader down. Then my ereader broke and I just knew that I had to continue reading it, so I actually went through the trouble of sending it to another device and whatnot, just to finish it.

I love the fact that the crime scenes are described respectfully. There's not much gore or crudeness, and certainly nothing over the top that needn't have been there. There's no comments about gruesome body bits missing or the depth of the blood splatter or something. It's just a pure, true mystery and nothing is handled disrespectfully. I believe this proves that you can have a wonder of a crime thriller without disgusting people with unnecessary blood, guts or gore. My respect goes out to Freeman for that.

The plot is engaging, I fell in love with all of the (incredibly well developed) characters, and I loved seeing Alton and Mallory's relationship flourish as the novel went on. It's also nice to see that no character ever behaves out of their own personality or ability. No one is a wonderful, does it all, superhero. It's a true, real, gritty novel full of suspense and mystery. Freeman has done it again, and produced a wonderful crime thriller. I cannot WAIT to get started on the third in the series.

It was a joy to read, and I recommend the entire series to anyone and everyone. You've done it again, Freeman, and I give you my highest regard. show less

This is the first 5 star Indie review I’ve ever given. Nefarious is a first class mystery thriller that starts in a military setting but doesn’t limit itself to the military world. This story will rope in both civilians and veterans alike.

While great mysteries are a dime a dozen, what sets this tale apart is how well the author explores serious, real world issues. He brazenly takes on uncomfortable subjects, such as injured veterans’ challenges with overcoming shattered show more self-confidence, emotional disconnection from reality and struggling to find new goals in life. He deftly drops the reader into the shattered warrior’s shoes in such a way that you aren’t just interested, but you really care what happens next to the character. All without coming across overly depressive and still crafting this emotional angle as an integral part of the story rather than a side diversion.

Now, the author does take some extreme “artistic license” with the details of military operations. For example, officers wandering around off base in Afghanistan to some civilian bar to drink, flirt with locals and “hang out.” Many veterans would find that annoyingly fictitious. Still, I admit that’s a personal bias that doesn’t detract from the narrative, but rather makes for a more wild story.

The only issue that’s somewhat negative is the rushed ending. While the conspiracy is wrapped up tightly and logically, the method doesn’t fit with the rest of the book’s smooth tone. During the journey you’re fed tantalizing hints, grim foreshadow and believable twists. The “who done it?” feeling rises to a fever pitch by the last chapter… and then the heroes just have a eureka moment and unravel the whole sordid tale in one scene. Rather anti-climactic, in my opinion.

However, none of that changes the fact that this is one of the most addictive page turners I’ve had the pleasure to read in a while. The tale is both fun and emotionally engaging- a thriller with a soul. Definitely worth both the money and time to read. show less