Requiem Reviews

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 In this amazing book, Requiem, author Charles D’Amico takes you on a very mysterious journey into a world of drugs that includes religious figures, the FBI, the CIA, and other investigative bureaus and agencies. The book is written from the standpoint of Neil Baggio who has a team of investigators that work alongside the FBI. Neil and his lifelong friend and now priest, Father Roberts, set off on a journey to a soup kitchen in Santa Fa to help Sister Irene build an extension to the soup kitchen as a way to relax and help others after a major drug case. Neil has arranged for his girlfriend Maria Garcia, an FBI agent, to meet him there, but Maria arrives with a problem. This gets Neil embroiled in a major drug ring case which is tied into the case he thought he had just finished. Follow Neil and Maria to see how Father Roberts and Sister Irene end up being involved in this twisting and turning story of Requiem. 

 Charles D’Amico's style of writing keeps your attention and focus as he takes you through this fast-paced, action-packed story. It keeps you, the reader, wanting to carry on reading to find out what happens next. The book keeps you guessing as to how the new characters that are introduced fit into the story and what involvement they have. Charles D’Amico writes in a way that gives you an insight into the close relationship that Neil has with his team and his friends, and takes you along with him through the highs and lows of the story, which gets you emotionally involved. A well-written book with well-defined characters and an excellent storyline that you must read to get the full meaning of the title Requiem, because it’s not the impression you get on first seeing the title. A very enjoyable book! 

 After reading a few Baggio mysteries now, I have to admit the character grows on you. He's interesting enough at first, but then his personality develops even more with each book, and that's a good way to handle a series. So many writers try to give the reader everything up front, leaving no room for growth or surprises, but some readers like it to unfold bits at a time. Baggio is a true investigator with his own ghosts and flaws. Although Baggio has dealt with some personal issues before, this may be his toughest yet, and although one particular event is heartbreaking, it adds depth to the story and to Neil's character As I mentioned earlier, his character has grown, as most people do, where we now have a kinder, gentler Neil, and you can see the character arc taking place over the life of the series. The dialogue churns the story along, the plot is fresh, and of course, there are unexpected curves along the way. The ending isn't a letdown either, so your payoff will be well worth the time you invest in the story. If you like character-driven suspense novels with a lead investigator you can get behind, Requiem: A Neil Baggio Suspense by Charles D'Amico shouldn't be missed. 

 Author Charles D'Amico has a tall order to top each of the highly suspenseful and enjoyable novels in this series, yet he’s done it once again with the fast-paced and cinematically action-packed Requiem. One of the things which I really admire about this work is the fact that you always feel you are in the hands of a confident author, with watertight plot facts that always connect eventually to the wider web, so essential in mystery writing. The emotional components are deeper than before as we explore this new side of Neil, and these moments resonate perfectly across narration, subtle changes in dialogue, and the general atmosphere of each well-crafted scene. Overall, I would certainly recommend Requiem and the series in general to mystery fiction fans who also seek fully rounded and realistic storytelling. 

 Requiem is a well-written thriller that bears Charles D'Amico’s unique writing signature, his exceptional storytelling skills, and his gift for character. I loved the way the author develops the relationship between Neil and Fr. Roberts, and Neil and Cappelano — tracing their links with Gaines from the first time they met in Milan. The backstory is skillfully written into the narrative in a way that doesn’t distract readers. Maria plays a powerful role in enhancing the conflict and the author handles this character in a deft manner. The descriptions are terrific and I loved the details of Neil’s experience of travel, the emotions and thoughts of the characters and their inner worlds. The tension is strong and it grows from page to page as the conflict escalates. Requiem: A Neil Baggio Suspense is an enthralling read with memorable characters, featuring strong writing and a confident narrative voice.