Book Review: Silent Sentry

Silent Sentry

By: Theresa Rizzo

Published By: Rizzo Publishing

Publication Date: April 3, 2016

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Kindly Provided by Author

Audience: Adult - Mystery/ Thriller

Mystery + romance AND the mafia? What more could I ask for? When I was approached about reviewing another book by Theresa Rizzo, I happily agreed because I enjoyed her previous book so much. But little did I realize this one had to do with the mafia. Very few people know that I used to have a mild *cough* obsession *cough* with mafia when I was younger so I always enjoy reading mysteries that have to do with organized crime. And Theresa Rizzo did not disappoint in this novel. 

 Silent Sentry is a wonderful mystery novel about Gianna Donnatelli. She is in her mid-twenties, an RN, a computer whiz, and she just started up her own company. She grew up in the posh neighborhood of Gross Pointe in Detroit, MI. But now she wants to make a difference to those who are underprivileged and lives in downtown Detroit. Unfortunately, while housesitting for her father, she surprises and intruder and winds up in the hospital. 

Cue the gorgeous Dr. Joe Scarfili. He finds Gianna at the hospital after her ordeal. They are old family friends, although they haven't seen each other in years. Due to her injuries, she needs someone to stay with her. Her father is still out of town, her brother lives in Italy, and her mother has been dead for years. So Joe offers to let her come stay with him. 

 At this point, the mystery is just beginning. What follows are a series of break-ins, computer hackings, bombings, and murders. Is it the Detroit gangs or someone more sinister? Is someone after Gianna or her company? Could Joe also be a target? And could Gianna's or Joe's families be tied to the mafia? 

 Add to all of this a growing attraction between Joe and Gianna. Unfortunately, Joe comes with emotional baggage due to his late wife's "do good-er" life philosophy. When Gianna's father is gunned down in a similar manner to Meggie, Joe doesn't handle it will and it could spell the end of their relationship. 

 So many questions and so much going on in this book! The only thing that wasn't a big mystery to me was who the real culprit was terrorizing Gianna. However, there were so many other loose ends that didn't seem to be connected and I was anxious to see how everything would all fit together. 

Gianna's character was wonderful. I felt she was strong when necessary, and allowed her weaknesses to show through when she couldn't handle any more. It was impressive that she stood up to her father, especially a protective Italian father. But I loved seeing how he had still gone above her head to protect her without her knowledge, showing just how much he loved his daughter. 

 The good doctor Joe was also an admirable man, but he definitely had his faults. I didn't like the way he ran from Gianna after her father died. That seemed much too cowardly for me, even given his grief over his wife's death. And I also felt like he may have kept his head in the sand where his family was concerned - not being willing to acknowledge that they may have still had mafia connections. However, his love and concern for Gianna were genuine and I certainly appreciated that. 

 If you have read my reviews before, you know I'm a sucker for an awesome mystery/crime novel with a great romance thrown in the mix. And when you add in the mafia? I can't help but love the book! I certainly look forward to Ms. Rizzo's next novel!

Summary:

Award-winning author Theresa Rizzo delivers a thrilling crime novel packed with suspense, romance, and redemption.

The Scarfilis and Donnatellis love deeply and protect fiercely. “Family takes care of family” is the code they live by.

So when a hacker threatens Gianna Donnatelli’s life, Dr. Joe Scarfili is determined to keep her safe, only he has no police or tech experience, and Gianna’s penchant for aiding Detroit’s underprivileged is the same kind of altruism that got his wife killed. Gianna protects Joe with the same unyielding resolve. 

Gianna pushes all his insecurity buttons. Joe tries her patience like no other. But together they’ll fight to save each other and their love… Or die trying.