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Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller
He’s a hard-drinking ex-cop with nothing to prove. She’s a gorgeous mystery woman with everything to lose.
She needs his help. He just needs HER.
The mobsters won’t know what hit them.
Private investigator Johnny Delarosa’s seen it all. Cheating spouses, greedy embezzlers, insurance scammers—it’s all part of the game to him. But when a drop-dead gorgeous redheaded mystery woman walks into his bar and drops a $20,000 retainer in his lap, he knows he’s met his match.
Claire Dixon wants the hard-drinking Johnny to find $2 million that was stolen from her mob-wife mother thirty years ago, but the money is only half the mystery. When every lowlife in Port City suddenly comes out of the woodwork to claim their share of the take, suddenly Claire’s nowhere to be found—and the body count starts to climb.
With the help of a bright young amateur sleuth, can Johnny crack the case before the streets of his beloved Port City run scarlet?
With a wink and a nod to the hard-boiled detective fiction of yesteryear, David Stever offers up a heaping helping of old-school noir sure to satisfy every thriller lover, even genre purists. Scarlet Fever is the first book in the Johnny Delarosa Mysteries.
Fans of Sunburn by Laura Lippman, Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn, and The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler are sure to love this book.
This book is for anyone who likes reading about:
Crime fiction
Hard-boiled detectives
Femme fatales
Gangsters and mob bosses
Mysteries and thrillers
She needs his help. He just needs HER.
The mobsters won’t know what hit them.
Private investigator Johnny Delarosa’s seen it all. Cheating spouses, greedy embezzlers, insurance scammers—it’s all part of the game to him. But when a drop-dead gorgeous redheaded mystery woman walks into his bar and drops a $20,000 retainer in his lap, he knows he’s met his match.
Claire Dixon wants the hard-drinking Johnny to find $2 million that was stolen from her mob-wife mother thirty years ago, but the money is only half the mystery. When every lowlife in Port City suddenly comes out of the woodwork to claim their share of the take, suddenly Claire’s nowhere to be found—and the body count starts to climb.
With the help of a bright young amateur sleuth, can Johnny crack the case before the streets of his beloved Port City run scarlet?
With a wink and a nod to the hard-boiled detective fiction of yesteryear, David Stever offers up a heaping helping of old-school noir sure to satisfy every thriller lover, even genre purists. Scarlet Fever is the first book in the Johnny Delarosa Mysteries.
Fans of Sunburn by Laura Lippman, Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn, and The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler are sure to love this book.
This book is for anyone who likes reading about:
Crime fiction
Hard-boiled detectives
Femme fatales
Gangsters and mob bosses
Mysteries and thrillers
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2016
About the author
David Stever
5 books12 followersDavid Stever is a novelist, screenwriter, and film producer. He is a member of the Private Eye Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers and the Maryland Writer’s Association. He lives in Columbia, Maryland with his wife and family. www.davidstever.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 14, 2019
This book does remind me of a modern day version of 1930’s classic detective fiction. There was the red-headed Veronica Lake-esque sexy lady who comes into the one-time detective turned PI’s office and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Help her find her missing two million. Of course the mob is involved and he can’t really trust her to do what he says or to try and keep herself safe. I mean, that is totally the way the story goes.
But Johnny, even though he lives in the 21st century, is not a master of the technological aspects of it. Then in walks his savior…. a blond bombshell in the image of what I image is Jean Harlow. She is sweet, naive master PI in the making. And what she lacks with her innocent facade, she makes up for in computer expertise.
This story was a really fun ride and I invite everyone to take a gander at it. It is Detective Fiction of Yesteryear made new.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
But Johnny, even though he lives in the 21st century, is not a master of the technological aspects of it. Then in walks his savior…. a blond bombshell in the image of what I image is Jean Harlow. She is sweet, naive master PI in the making. And what she lacks with her innocent facade, she makes up for in computer expertise.
This story was a really fun ride and I invite everyone to take a gander at it. It is Detective Fiction of Yesteryear made new.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
February 27, 2017
"I drove in a police cruiser thousands of times over my twenty- year career but last night was the first time I was in the back seat. I have been in the city's main lock up thousands of times but today was the first time I'd seen the view from the inside of a cell looking out. Not fun.".....
Hard edged, former cop turned private detective, Johnny Delarosa, is about to be taken on the ride of his life. An auburn haired woman by the name of Claire, is about to send him on a search for two million dollars.
Tough guy from the first page. A hard boiled detective story, with a storyline to hold onto, and characters to draw you in.
Is Claire on the up and up? Will Johnny be mesmerized by her, or risk it all to do the job she's hired him for? When the search for this money brings the mob into it things get rather dangerous for all involved.
When a girl he rescued becomes his new intern, things get a little dicey for Johnny and Mike. Taking her on might help or hinder them.
Lots of action, interesting situations, a little deceit to go around. Not everyone is going to make it to end. Is the two million for real? Who will get it if Johnny actually finds it?
Great read! Engaging until the last page. Promising series. Look forward to more "Delarosa" cases.
Thank you David Stever.
Hard edged, former cop turned private detective, Johnny Delarosa, is about to be taken on the ride of his life. An auburn haired woman by the name of Claire, is about to send him on a search for two million dollars.
Tough guy from the first page. A hard boiled detective story, with a storyline to hold onto, and characters to draw you in.
Is Claire on the up and up? Will Johnny be mesmerized by her, or risk it all to do the job she's hired him for? When the search for this money brings the mob into it things get rather dangerous for all involved.
When a girl he rescued becomes his new intern, things get a little dicey for Johnny and Mike. Taking her on might help or hinder them.
Lots of action, interesting situations, a little deceit to go around. Not everyone is going to make it to end. Is the two million for real? Who will get it if Johnny actually finds it?
Great read! Engaging until the last page. Promising series. Look forward to more "Delarosa" cases.
Thank you David Stever.
July 15, 2019
Scarlet Fever by David Stever a four-star read that will set you a on fire. This is my first read by this author, but it wont be my last, I always enjoy a good crime thriller and this was good, it has a darkness that you don’t often see now, it harks back to when I used to read the noir thrillers that got me hooked on reading. Jonny Delarosa is such a good character; he is the epitome of the private investigator. Throw in the mega hot redhead and you have the fixings for a great story and David Stever puts all of those fixings together and create a great story.
March 7, 2019
An extremely well written "private dick" novel in a traditional style, but with modern gadgets. Very interesting characters and plot.
December 20, 2017
AUDIOBOOK VERSION:
What did you love best about Auburn Ride?
There was a lot that I loved about Auburn Ride. While this genre of mystery, I found it an interesting listen with John Delarosa being a very identifiable and complex character. Additionally, the characters were well-developed and relatable in combination with the thrilling story itself. The story also added much humor that melded very well with the story.
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
The plot definitely kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Without giving anything away, for a good part of the story, I was not sure what would happen. I routed for John Delarosa and hoped he would figure out the case. Though he'd be nothing without Katy. Loved her so much! That girl was fire!
What three words best describe Bill Lord’s performance?
This was my first listen for Bill Lord. In three words, I'd say Engaging, Fitting, and Witty. The only complaint I have is the lack of distinction between character voices at times.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
If this book were to be made into a film, I think the tagline would be something like...She walked in. Hell broke loose...
Any additional comments?
If you like your detective novels with a hardboiled and noir-like feel, give this a listen. You may love it!
What did you love best about Auburn Ride?
There was a lot that I loved about Auburn Ride. While this genre of mystery, I found it an interesting listen with John Delarosa being a very identifiable and complex character. Additionally, the characters were well-developed and relatable in combination with the thrilling story itself. The story also added much humor that melded very well with the story.
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
The plot definitely kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Without giving anything away, for a good part of the story, I was not sure what would happen. I routed for John Delarosa and hoped he would figure out the case. Though he'd be nothing without Katy. Loved her so much! That girl was fire!
What three words best describe Bill Lord’s performance?
This was my first listen for Bill Lord. In three words, I'd say Engaging, Fitting, and Witty. The only complaint I have is the lack of distinction between character voices at times.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
If this book were to be made into a film, I think the tagline would be something like...She walked in. Hell broke loose...
Any additional comments?
If you like your detective novels with a hardboiled and noir-like feel, give this a listen. You may love it!
March 22, 2019
This is an excellent fast paced read. Think it took a little over three hours. I wanted a break from the World War Two stories I’ve been devouring and wanted a break. This was it.
The lead character, Johnny Delarosa is a PI in Port City. He’s a current assignment to find and free, if possible, Katie Pitts. Through a bit of intrigue and luck, he frees the girl and turns over the abductors to the local authorities. Katie is a looker with a nasty little temper that Johnny can appreciate. See, he let’s her dish a little Western Justice to her captors before they leave. With the job done, he doubts he’ll ever see again, even though he has some lurid thoughts of his own. She is a looker.
Next up, Claire Dixon. If you think Katie is hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. While the book cover catches her essence, it doesn’t do her justice, not the way Stever describes her. Think a young Anne Margaret and you won’t be far off.
She plops $20K on the table and asks Johnny to find a missing, are you ready for this, $2 million dollars from thirty years ago. The only clues she will provide him are two names, Scarazzini and Carlo Bocci. He knows the first name but not the second. Not much to go on is it? The last clue she gives him in an off the hand remark, is-be careful. That alone should have triggered his radar, but if he can find the lost money, he will be rewarded with another one hundred and eighty thousand. Not a bad pay day if it happens.
Johnny should have heeded her warning and his instincts. What he uncovers will lead to, his car being vandalized, he and his partner’s bar being fire bombed and the untimely death of five people. Oh, and remember Katie Pitts? Well, she winds up going to work for Johnny and helping him track down the cash.
I enjoyed the way the book was put together which is what makes it a fast read. Short hard chapters that will keep you turning the pages or flicking your screen.
I did feel the last couple of chapters went on a bit too long and came across as filler.
Overall, this is great, action packed story!
Solid four stars!
The lead character, Johnny Delarosa is a PI in Port City. He’s a current assignment to find and free, if possible, Katie Pitts. Through a bit of intrigue and luck, he frees the girl and turns over the abductors to the local authorities. Katie is a looker with a nasty little temper that Johnny can appreciate. See, he let’s her dish a little Western Justice to her captors before they leave. With the job done, he doubts he’ll ever see again, even though he has some lurid thoughts of his own. She is a looker.
Next up, Claire Dixon. If you think Katie is hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. While the book cover catches her essence, it doesn’t do her justice, not the way Stever describes her. Think a young Anne Margaret and you won’t be far off.
She plops $20K on the table and asks Johnny to find a missing, are you ready for this, $2 million dollars from thirty years ago. The only clues she will provide him are two names, Scarazzini and Carlo Bocci. He knows the first name but not the second. Not much to go on is it? The last clue she gives him in an off the hand remark, is-be careful. That alone should have triggered his radar, but if he can find the lost money, he will be rewarded with another one hundred and eighty thousand. Not a bad pay day if it happens.
Johnny should have heeded her warning and his instincts. What he uncovers will lead to, his car being vandalized, he and his partner’s bar being fire bombed and the untimely death of five people. Oh, and remember Katie Pitts? Well, she winds up going to work for Johnny and helping him track down the cash.
I enjoyed the way the book was put together which is what makes it a fast read. Short hard chapters that will keep you turning the pages or flicking your screen.
I did feel the last couple of chapters went on a bit too long and came across as filler.
Overall, this is great, action packed story!
Solid four stars!
January 30, 2020
Auburn Ride is a quaint, easy read. I found it easy to dive into and easy to follow. It was the perfect thing to listen to while I puttered about the house. Delarosa is something of a dinosaur in a few of his ways but they work for him. The story felt a little like a hard boiled crime novel from the 70s that was yanked into the 21st century. There’s modern tech like cell phones but Delarosa himself was molded a few decades back.
Setting all the cliches aside, the pacing is great. There’s a good mix of action, mystery, character development, and reflection. Even though Katie takes her clothes off often, I still liked her character. She’s definitely goal oriented and not intimidated by the work. Mike, Delarosa’s partner in their private eye business and their bar, provides a base of operations, cold beer, and well-timed advice.
I knew right from the beginning that Claire, the red head, was trouble. The title kind of gives that away. Still, it was fun to guess at her true motivations. Over all, the mystery was a little predictable but still interesting to see how all the details locked into place.
While there are several ladies present in this story, they are almost always of romantic interests. The few who aren’t are still assessed by their looks and bed-ability. Delarosa doesn’t think overweight women are much fun in bed, which says something about Delarosa. It also meant there was this undertone of sexism throughout the story having all the women rated by their sexiness. If you can accept that as just a feature of the main character, then the rest of the story works well. All told, it was fun. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Bill Lord works well as the main character Delarosa. At first, Lord has an unusual cadence, drawing out the last syllable of each sentence as if he’s building drama. It takes a little while, but eventually Lord finds a more natural cadence. Lord’s female character voices were feminine and he did have different voices for all the characters. Sometimes when 2 or more male characters were talking in a conversation, Lord’s voices blended together losing their distinction. There were no tech issues with this recording. 3.5/5 stars.
Setting all the cliches aside, the pacing is great. There’s a good mix of action, mystery, character development, and reflection. Even though Katie takes her clothes off often, I still liked her character. She’s definitely goal oriented and not intimidated by the work. Mike, Delarosa’s partner in their private eye business and their bar, provides a base of operations, cold beer, and well-timed advice.
I knew right from the beginning that Claire, the red head, was trouble. The title kind of gives that away. Still, it was fun to guess at her true motivations. Over all, the mystery was a little predictable but still interesting to see how all the details locked into place.
While there are several ladies present in this story, they are almost always of romantic interests. The few who aren’t are still assessed by their looks and bed-ability. Delarosa doesn’t think overweight women are much fun in bed, which says something about Delarosa. It also meant there was this undertone of sexism throughout the story having all the women rated by their sexiness. If you can accept that as just a feature of the main character, then the rest of the story works well. All told, it was fun. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Bill Lord works well as the main character Delarosa. At first, Lord has an unusual cadence, drawing out the last syllable of each sentence as if he’s building drama. It takes a little while, but eventually Lord finds a more natural cadence. Lord’s female character voices were feminine and he did have different voices for all the characters. Sometimes when 2 or more male characters were talking in a conversation, Lord’s voices blended together losing their distinction. There were no tech issues with this recording. 3.5/5 stars.
June 18, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1)
By: David Stever
5 out of 5 stars
The story Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever is a thrilling mystery book that is amazing to read. It pulls you in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until I had finished the final page. I loved reading about the character of Johnny Delarosa. He is a private investigator who is a retired officer, intelligent, resourceful, and has a reputation of putting his clients first. He is determined to investigate and solve a case that is presented to him by Claire Dixon. Even though he seems to feel that there is something off, with the help of a bright young amateur sleuth, he is determined to push forward. This starts events that keep the PI guessing as to the truth and trying to stay one step ahead. How much danger are Johnny and his young amateur sleuth in? Will he find out the whole truth behind the case he is investigating? Read this book to find out. This story has times when I was turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. It is a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is an impressive cast of additional characters that come alive on the page just as Johnny does. I felt like I was right there with him and found myself lost in the book. The story does a wonderful job in making you feel like your reading an older detective series genre. It is a book that will keep you on your toes and guessing. Highly recommended.
By: David Stever
5 out of 5 stars
The story Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever is a thrilling mystery book that is amazing to read. It pulls you in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until I had finished the final page. I loved reading about the character of Johnny Delarosa. He is a private investigator who is a retired officer, intelligent, resourceful, and has a reputation of putting his clients first. He is determined to investigate and solve a case that is presented to him by Claire Dixon. Even though he seems to feel that there is something off, with the help of a bright young amateur sleuth, he is determined to push forward. This starts events that keep the PI guessing as to the truth and trying to stay one step ahead. How much danger are Johnny and his young amateur sleuth in? Will he find out the whole truth behind the case he is investigating? Read this book to find out. This story has times when I was turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. It is a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is an impressive cast of additional characters that come alive on the page just as Johnny does. I felt like I was right there with him and found myself lost in the book. The story does a wonderful job in making you feel like your reading an older detective series genre. It is a book that will keep you on your toes and guessing. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2019
A great read about crime. Johnny is an ex cop who still helps people out in bad situations. When an attractive young woman walks in with a strsnge demand and a large prize money, he can't resist the job. But he soon realises that it is full of enemies and danger. Can he solve the mystery without getting hurt?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns 33. Well developed characters like Johnny helping people and staying kind or Claire as mysterious but vulnerable underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the feisty Katie or the supportive Mike.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the view over the city with its tall buildings beautiful under the sky Or the parking lot scene full of life and colour and people wonderfully written. Or the ocean palms and its room with a beach feel with greens and blues with comfortable furniture so vivid its as if you're actually there.
The use of suspense was done well, with a mystery and details revolved slowly to keep you reading to find out what happened.
The main issue I would raise is that there were many long sentences at the start. These made it hard to get into the novel and which could have been resolved by a variety of sentence lengths to keep the reader engaged. High stakes and fast paced action made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns 33. Well developed characters like Johnny helping people and staying kind or Claire as mysterious but vulnerable underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the feisty Katie or the supportive Mike.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the view over the city with its tall buildings beautiful under the sky Or the parking lot scene full of life and colour and people wonderfully written. Or the ocean palms and its room with a beach feel with greens and blues with comfortable furniture so vivid its as if you're actually there.
The use of suspense was done well, with a mystery and details revolved slowly to keep you reading to find out what happened.
The main issue I would raise is that there were many long sentences at the start. These made it hard to get into the novel and which could have been resolved by a variety of sentence lengths to keep the reader engaged. High stakes and fast paced action made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
July 11, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever
5 ++++++++++ STARS
I sincerely don’t have time to write this review because I have to go one click the next in this series like 10 minutes ago. I don’t even have words to describe how much I loved this book ...I can honestly say though that it is my favorite book in this genre to date!!!!!
I loved every single thing about this story, the characters who I got so invested in that I feel like I know them, the surroundings..I have those all pictured in my mind right down to the feel of the material on the booth seats, I can even see the position of the garage in the alley where the Z4 and the Buick are parked. It was like I closed my eyes while reading and was watching this play out as a movie.
When I've said in the past I couldn't put a book down I truly always mean it...but this one I not only couldn't put it down I could not even move outside of this book. This author has an amazing talent in putting all of his words together and totally hijacking his readers, or at least thats what happened to me.
I absolutely can not wait to see what comes next for Johnny, Mike, and Katie.
Amazingly Awesome Story...Read it, You will not be sorry I promise!
5 ++++++++++ STARS
I sincerely don’t have time to write this review because I have to go one click the next in this series like 10 minutes ago. I don’t even have words to describe how much I loved this book ...I can honestly say though that it is my favorite book in this genre to date!!!!!
I loved every single thing about this story, the characters who I got so invested in that I feel like I know them, the surroundings..I have those all pictured in my mind right down to the feel of the material on the booth seats, I can even see the position of the garage in the alley where the Z4 and the Buick are parked. It was like I closed my eyes while reading and was watching this play out as a movie.
When I've said in the past I couldn't put a book down I truly always mean it...but this one I not only couldn't put it down I could not even move outside of this book. This author has an amazing talent in putting all of his words together and totally hijacking his readers, or at least thats what happened to me.
I absolutely can not wait to see what comes next for Johnny, Mike, and Katie.
Amazingly Awesome Story...Read it, You will not be sorry I promise!
July 15, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever was a thrilling mystery that had my hooked, and on the edge of my seat.
My first read from this author I was stopped in my tracks by the cover, which drew me to the synopsis, and you can say the rest is history. It didn't take me long to get sucked into this drama, and I have to say, I was quite impressed with the writing, detail and the dark grittiness, that almost takes you back to those old PI books from your parents closet. I will say there was some predictability to it, but in all it was a well crafted read, that keep me hooked and engaged.
Overall this book is worth your time and energy. The characters are smooth, cool and alluring. The setting is dangerous but a little sexy, and the tone matches the plot and setting perfectly. The side and supporting characters rounded out the story, and made it realistic and entertaining. The mystery was fun and full of danger, it kept me guessing and wondering if our MC will bight it. A little nail biting action, and the fear that maybe this author might actually do it, will keep you flipping the pages.
To end this book gets my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
My first read from this author I was stopped in my tracks by the cover, which drew me to the synopsis, and you can say the rest is history. It didn't take me long to get sucked into this drama, and I have to say, I was quite impressed with the writing, detail and the dark grittiness, that almost takes you back to those old PI books from your parents closet. I will say there was some predictability to it, but in all it was a well crafted read, that keep me hooked and engaged.
Overall this book is worth your time and energy. The characters are smooth, cool and alluring. The setting is dangerous but a little sexy, and the tone matches the plot and setting perfectly. The side and supporting characters rounded out the story, and made it realistic and entertaining. The mystery was fun and full of danger, it kept me guessing and wondering if our MC will bight it. A little nail biting action, and the fear that maybe this author might actually do it, will keep you flipping the pages.
To end this book gets my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
July 19, 2019
I give Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever, 5 stars.
Private eye Johnny is floored when his drop-dead gorgeous client walks in. She then gives him a hefty retainer and asks him to find money that was owed to her mother. Of course, it's not that simple. Turns out this is missing mob money from 30 years ago. Now he has to track down long retired mob guys and runs into trouble along the way. He's not the only one looking and the others will do anything to get the dough. Will he be able to find it? At what cost?
Ok, first off let me say that I'm a huge fan of the old noir detectives. In fact, I'm listening to a Philip Marlowe radio show as I write this. This book more than met my expectations. It reminds you of the old detectives, but in the modern setting. Having Johnny and his buddies a little older is great too. They are seasoned, have learned from their experiences. And of course there's the bombshell client. Throw in the mob and you have a complete package. The story is so good and gripping. I could not book the book down. Not to mention the many twists and turns a good detective story should have. The secondary characters are the cherry on top of this sundae. I cannot wait to see them all in the next book. I have a new favorite author thanks to this book!
If you like hard-boiled detective stories with an exceptional story and great characters, this book is for you.
Private eye Johnny is floored when his drop-dead gorgeous client walks in. She then gives him a hefty retainer and asks him to find money that was owed to her mother. Of course, it's not that simple. Turns out this is missing mob money from 30 years ago. Now he has to track down long retired mob guys and runs into trouble along the way. He's not the only one looking and the others will do anything to get the dough. Will he be able to find it? At what cost?
Ok, first off let me say that I'm a huge fan of the old noir detectives. In fact, I'm listening to a Philip Marlowe radio show as I write this. This book more than met my expectations. It reminds you of the old detectives, but in the modern setting. Having Johnny and his buddies a little older is great too. They are seasoned, have learned from their experiences. And of course there's the bombshell client. Throw in the mob and you have a complete package. The story is so good and gripping. I could not book the book down. Not to mention the many twists and turns a good detective story should have. The secondary characters are the cherry on top of this sundae. I cannot wait to see them all in the next book. I have a new favorite author thanks to this book!
If you like hard-boiled detective stories with an exceptional story and great characters, this book is for you.
January 29, 2020
First thing that catches your interest about this story is the character, Johnny Delarosa. He’s a neat ex-cop, Private Investigator, that has his office in the back of a bar and a condo on the floor above. This is just the kind of P.I. I like. Tough and growly now and then, with a heart way too soft for his own good.
This is almost a noir mystery. Reminds me of Humphrey Bogart films. Delarosa accidently saves a young woman. Sort of being in the right place at the right time and plenty brave enough to help. Katie soon shows up determined to work for him. He argues and argues but Katie just doesn’t seem to budge. Owning a bar with his retired partner and holding his interviews at a back booth really sets the scene. Just perfect. Excellent characters, good mystery with twists and turns.
I think the author’s descriptive writing and good dialog handling put these scenes in my mind, but I felt the narrator helped with this too. Being able to see, to picture in my mind, makes a big difference in my enjoyment of reading. I think David Stever is definitely a writer who can create these scenes in our head but I also think this narrator made those pictures even more vivid.
This is Book 1 of a series titled “The Delarosa series”.
This is almost a noir mystery. Reminds me of Humphrey Bogart films. Delarosa accidently saves a young woman. Sort of being in the right place at the right time and plenty brave enough to help. Katie soon shows up determined to work for him. He argues and argues but Katie just doesn’t seem to budge. Owning a bar with his retired partner and holding his interviews at a back booth really sets the scene. Just perfect. Excellent characters, good mystery with twists and turns.
I think the author’s descriptive writing and good dialog handling put these scenes in my mind, but I felt the narrator helped with this too. Being able to see, to picture in my mind, makes a big difference in my enjoyment of reading. I think David Stever is definitely a writer who can create these scenes in our head but I also think this narrator made those pictures even more vivid.
This is Book 1 of a series titled “The Delarosa series”.
July 19, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever is a thriller mystery that had me hook, line and sinker and had me on the edge of my seat, sometimes with my heart jumping. This is reminiscent of old detectives/PI’s but in modern times which adds to the feel of the story. The PI and friends are smooth and well-seasoned and can spot trouble a mile away except that is where this case is taking them. David’s writing sucks you into the drama and the danger and takes you on a journey that is so vivid you feel like you are on the case with them. This gripping tale will have you thinking all the way through and just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, you were thrust somewhere else.
Johnny takes on a case with nothing more than a couple of names and a huge retainer. But little does he know that this case would take him to the seedier side of life and perhaps come out with
his life, or not!
This is my first read by David and I enjoyed it so much that I look forward to more from Johnny and his buddies.
If you like good old fashioned detective stories with a modern twist then this is one book you should grab on to and enjoy the ride.
Johnny takes on a case with nothing more than a couple of names and a huge retainer. But little does he know that this case would take him to the seedier side of life and perhaps come out with
his life, or not!
This is my first read by David and I enjoyed it so much that I look forward to more from Johnny and his buddies.
If you like good old fashioned detective stories with a modern twist then this is one book you should grab on to and enjoy the ride.
July 19, 2019
Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller is the first book in the Johnny Delarosa Thriller series by David Stever. It is a private detective thriller story that will keep you gripped the whole way through. This is the first time I had read any work by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more.
Johnny is a PI who works out of the pub he co-owns with his former partner in the police force, Mike. He also has the added help of new amateur sleuth Katie, who he rescues from kidnappers at the very beginning of the book.
In this book they are searching for £2 million pounds which went missing 30 years previously. This missing money is related to mob activity so therefore attracts the attention of many undesirables. As the body count rises, several attempts on Johnny’s life happen, and then the disappearance of his client, Johnny knows this is not an easy case. In fact, if his team all come out alive it’ll be a bonus.
Scarlet Fever is fast paced and full of so much intrigue and suspense, you’ll be sucked right into the story and it won’t let you go.
I really look forward to reading more books in this series as, if this first one is anything to go by, we are in for a fantastic series.
Johnny is a PI who works out of the pub he co-owns with his former partner in the police force, Mike. He also has the added help of new amateur sleuth Katie, who he rescues from kidnappers at the very beginning of the book.
In this book they are searching for £2 million pounds which went missing 30 years previously. This missing money is related to mob activity so therefore attracts the attention of many undesirables. As the body count rises, several attempts on Johnny’s life happen, and then the disappearance of his client, Johnny knows this is not an easy case. In fact, if his team all come out alive it’ll be a bonus.
Scarlet Fever is fast paced and full of so much intrigue and suspense, you’ll be sucked right into the story and it won’t let you go.
I really look forward to reading more books in this series as, if this first one is anything to go by, we are in for a fantastic series.
July 17, 2019
Who doesn’t love a sexy and fierce lead? Mix it with the good parts of old detective work and classic mystery movies you get the recipe for a great read. I have not had the pleasure of reading anything from David Stever prior to Scarlet Fever, but I am glad this was my first taste as I will be back for more with baited breath.
I loved how this book read like an old movie, yet it is set in present time. All the good stuff I loved watching in older crime movies was strong assets to this story. It was gripping and I had to follow along quickly to figure out how things were going to end. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t predict the ending quite right. Another positive with a thriller novel.
I don’t wanna spoil the details for you, think they are well worth discovering yourself. But I will say I adored Johnny and Jean Harlow. The other characters we just as fun to read! Even the ones you want to hate you have to hate to love by the end. I can’t wait to see what the next Johnny Delarosa thriller will hold.
I loved how this book read like an old movie, yet it is set in present time. All the good stuff I loved watching in older crime movies was strong assets to this story. It was gripping and I had to follow along quickly to figure out how things were going to end. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t predict the ending quite right. Another positive with a thriller novel.
I don’t wanna spoil the details for you, think they are well worth discovering yourself. But I will say I adored Johnny and Jean Harlow. The other characters we just as fun to read! Even the ones you want to hate you have to hate to love by the end. I can’t wait to see what the next Johnny Delarosa thriller will hold.
July 15, 2019
Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever is an exciting and fast paced book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I read a lot of crime books and really enjoy the genre but this is the first book in a long time that felt like a good old fashioned crime story for you to sink your teeth into. A lot of the time now it feels like authors are trying too hard to make the story complex but with this book the author does a great job of keeping you, as the reader, engaged without making everything too complicated.
The story had a great gangster feel to it. The good guys were good and the bad guys were bad. You had that sense of what is right and what is wrong throughout the whole book. This is the type of book that you really get behind the characters and what to help solve the mystery.
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to exploring more of his work.
I read a lot of crime books and really enjoy the genre but this is the first book in a long time that felt like a good old fashioned crime story for you to sink your teeth into. A lot of the time now it feels like authors are trying too hard to make the story complex but with this book the author does a great job of keeping you, as the reader, engaged without making everything too complicated.
The story had a great gangster feel to it. The good guys were good and the bad guys were bad. You had that sense of what is right and what is wrong throughout the whole book. This is the type of book that you really get behind the characters and what to help solve the mystery.
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to exploring more of his work.
July 20, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever is a five star novel. This book is one that you will pickup and not be able to put down. I loved the action and the thrill right from the beginning. As I picture the main character in my mind’s eye, he is one sexy private investigator. Even though he is older, he seems like he would be one that would catch my eye. The author does a great job of painting the picture of what he writes about and it almost felt like I could close my eyes and see the movie playing out in my head and that is when you really know that it is a great book. When Johnny meets his clients, they meet in a back booth in a bar. The clients all come to him through word of mouth and they are all high paying ventures. He is very secretive and feels the need to be since he is a private investigator. As you read this book, you will see into the life of what it would be like to be Johnny Delarosa.
July 17, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever was a great 5 star read.
Johnny is a PI and he meets Claire when she walks into his office and wants him to do a job for her. She is looking for 2 million that disappeared 30 years ago. He’s a little suspicious of Claire but agrees to take the job. When Johnny starts to get a little too close things start happening.
Will he get the money for Claire?
Overall this was a thrilling, action packed, edge of your seat read. I was done before I knew it.
This is my first read by David and I really enjoyed it. His writing style pulls you right in and all of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. I enjoy books that keep you guessing and this one nailed it for me. I look forward to reading more from this series. 1-click and get started today.
July 18, 2019
Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever. I loved this book. Its similar to the old PI novels with an old grouchy PI and a beautiful lady. This is the story of Ex Cop Johnny Delarosa who is now a Private Detective and has pretty much seen and heard it all. One day a beautiful read headed mystery woman, Claire Dixon walks into his bar and gives him $20,000 as a retainer to find 2 million dollars that was due her Mom. Only thing is the money is missing Mob Money because her mother was married to a Mob guy. When Johnny starts looking for the money lots of shady characters come out and dealing with the Mob was not in his plans. He's got to find this money because he's so attracted to Claire and wants to prove himself to her. Will he find the money before he loses his life and will Claire share his attraction? Read Scarlet Fever to find out!
July 21, 2019
This is a fast paced old style mystery. It is full with top notch sleuthing. The characters are full of curiosity and smarts. There are a few main characters and many secondary characters. They made me smile and wonder what could possibly happen next. This story starts off with a bang and keeps moving until the very end. Not sure if I could be a PI...Watching DeLarosa go through the paces to try to figure out who is really behind these incidents. Some times seem very exciting but other times the sitting and waiting would be too much. I did love his insight into his trusting and no trusting of people.
This is a first time author for me. I enjoyed the trip he took me on. If you are interested in sleuthing and mob connections mixed with unknown people and a couple million dollars...pick this up.
This is a first time author for me. I enjoyed the trip he took me on. If you are interested in sleuthing and mob connections mixed with unknown people and a couple million dollars...pick this up.
April 12, 2019
"A step back in time"
For someone who was reading Mickey Spillane in the late 50s this was a real treat. The ex-cop turned PI with a care-worn view of the world is cliched, but somehow Johnny Delarosa kept things in the moment. The moment having moved forward almost sixty years. Plenty of action, a full cast of interesting characters and a search for a missing two million bucks always makes this an easy read. The dynamic between Johnny and Katie is electric. This is book one in the series. There are so many ways this could go. Plenty of readers will be around to discover what lies in the future. A solid opening story, that's for sure.
I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
For someone who was reading Mickey Spillane in the late 50s this was a real treat. The ex-cop turned PI with a care-worn view of the world is cliched, but somehow Johnny Delarosa kept things in the moment. The moment having moved forward almost sixty years. Plenty of action, a full cast of interesting characters and a search for a missing two million bucks always makes this an easy read. The dynamic between Johnny and Katie is electric. This is book one in the series. There are so many ways this could go. Plenty of readers will be around to discover what lies in the future. A solid opening story, that's for sure.
I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 19, 2019
Scarlet Fever
By David Stever
4 stars
Crime thriller’s aren’t usually my type of read however I had seen a lot of recommendations for the story saying how good it was so I thought that I would give it a go and I am so glad I did – the story was really good! I was hooked straight away by the authors imaginative and creative writing style – it is one of those stories that you can easily imagine being made into a movie. I really liked the characters – I thought that they were well thought out and developed well over the story. There were some good twists and turns in the story too which made it very unpredictable!
This book is a definite must read for any crime fans and also for anyone looking for a little something different to read – I highly recommend it!
By David Stever
4 stars
Crime thriller’s aren’t usually my type of read however I had seen a lot of recommendations for the story saying how good it was so I thought that I would give it a go and I am so glad I did – the story was really good! I was hooked straight away by the authors imaginative and creative writing style – it is one of those stories that you can easily imagine being made into a movie. I really liked the characters – I thought that they were well thought out and developed well over the story. There were some good twists and turns in the story too which made it very unpredictable!
This book is a definite must read for any crime fans and also for anyone looking for a little something different to read – I highly recommend it!
July 20, 2019
Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever is the first in the Johnny Delarosa mystery series. I was intrigued by the cover because of the nod to the noir novels of the past and this did not disappoint. The story is a modern-day but still resembles the thrillers of the past. There is a drop-dead gorgeous woman who needs help, a hard-boiled detective, and various crime/mob characters. I really enjoyed the writing and how it set the scene for this book. The characters are great and I look forward to the ones who come back in the future stories. The story was fun and had some twists and turns. I felt like I was watching an old thriller. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 20, 2019
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever
5-Stars
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever was an exciting and fun thriller. I was at the edge of my seat during several parts of this novel and absolutely loved the action. Delarosa was a spunky and excellent main character. I loved his character development and that of the supporting characters. I also enjoyed the detail the author took into each setting, scenario, and background of each character. I absolutely could not put this book down. Being the first book of this series and the first novel I have read from this author, I look forward to reading more. This is going to be an amazing series.
5-Stars
Scarlet Fever (A Johnny Delarosa Thriller Book 1) by David Stever was an exciting and fun thriller. I was at the edge of my seat during several parts of this novel and absolutely loved the action. Delarosa was a spunky and excellent main character. I loved his character development and that of the supporting characters. I also enjoyed the detail the author took into each setting, scenario, and background of each character. I absolutely could not put this book down. Being the first book of this series and the first novel I have read from this author, I look forward to reading more. This is going to be an amazing series.
July 20, 2019
Ooo sooo mysterious!!! I loved this book!! I devoured this book in a few hours and it was one of this books that kept me on the edge of my seat enjoying all of the crazy things that were happening.
This book is about Johnny, who is a P.I. And was hired on a case by the gorgeous Clare. She wants him to find money that was lost 30 years ago for her mother. Many people are searching for that money so the stakes are high and some people will stop at nothing to get their hands on the long lost money. Will Johnny be able to find the money or will get get plowed down by all of the other looking for the same thing?!
I enjoyed this book the authors writing style. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author!!
This book is about Johnny, who is a P.I. And was hired on a case by the gorgeous Clare. She wants him to find money that was lost 30 years ago for her mother. Many people are searching for that money so the stakes are high and some people will stop at nothing to get their hands on the long lost money. Will Johnny be able to find the money or will get get plowed down by all of the other looking for the same thing?!
I enjoyed this book the authors writing style. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author!!
January 21, 2020
This was my first David Stever's book. Auburn Ride is the first book in the Delarosa Series, a great thriller. Private investigator Johnny Delarosa is an amazing character! The secondary characters are great, and they have an important part in the story. The mystery is well built, and unfold at a great pace. The storyline has it all!: action, danger, suspense, mystery, and secrets. I like the little romance and the humor along the story. Bill Lord is a new narrator to me. He did a great job with the narration. He has a great voice, and the characters were easy to distinguish. I enjoyed it. Looking forward for the next book in the Series. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 17, 2019
The book’s cover signaled a tawdry book and I had doubts about reading this mystery. David Stever should have chosen a better book cover. I did enjoy this Johnny Delarosa “noire” style mystery that hints at Raymond Chandler’s writing. David Stever slightly develops the characters and patterns many of his characters on stereo typical individuals. We have the young and naïve Katie trying to find excitement in life and Claire Dixon, the drop-dead gorgeous vixen hoping for her ship to come in. I felt that Stever could have enhanced the setting given his background as a screenwriter and film producer.
July 12, 2019
Scarlet Fever: A Crime Thriller by David Stever
5-stars
Scarlet Fever was my first book by David Stever, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this Johnny Delarosa thriller from start to finish! Right from the beginning I was hooked, the storyline was so detailed, incredibly intriguing and the best part it was always unpredictable! I was kept on my toes the whole way through, sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to play out! Honestly, I loved every second of this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I would absolutely recommend Scarlet Fever to anyone looking for their next thriller read!
5-stars
Scarlet Fever was my first book by David Stever, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this Johnny Delarosa thriller from start to finish! Right from the beginning I was hooked, the storyline was so detailed, incredibly intriguing and the best part it was always unpredictable! I was kept on my toes the whole way through, sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to play out! Honestly, I loved every second of this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I would absolutely recommend Scarlet Fever to anyone looking for their next thriller read!
July 17, 2019
Scarlet Fever by David Stever is the first book in the Johnny Delarosa Thriller series. David Stever writing style in this book reminded me of an old time thriller where you know what is going to happen but you still can't believe it happened. His characters are fully developed and has a clout around their personality that he created. The story is a simple story of missing money, mafia, and a detective. Claire wants Johnny to find her the money from her mob-wife mother that was stolen. Will Johnny take the case? Will Claire get what is coming to her nor will everything go wrong? You will be waiting on the edge of your kindle to see how this one ends.
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