Customer Reviews

Illusion of Luck (Greg Tenorly Suspense Series - #3)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If there's one thing Lucky Larry has always wanted out of life, it's to make it big in the mystery world as a writer. The fact that he's harboring six completed manuscripts in his desk drawer, and is hard at work on the seventh, only further proves that. Unfortunately, agents aren't knocking down his door, and a publishing contract just doesn't seem to be in the cards for him. That is, until Lucky Larry gets the idea to turn the tables on himself, and begin publishing a Blog Online about his misadventures in murder.

Cynthia is a woman who makes Greg Tenorly weak in the knees. Sure, he doesn't think that it's strange to have fallen for the knockout; but the fact that she loves him just as much as he loves her makes him want to break out in song and dance. And now that the two are planning their wedding, Greg couldn't be happier. When he receives a call from an unpublished writer nicknamed Lucky Larry, however, the joy and happiness goes right out the window. The wedding day is riddled with fright and confusion; but, even so, Greg and Cynthia are finally man and wife. But if Lucky Larry has anything to say about it, they won't stay in their blissful moods for long. Lucky Larry is convinced that Cynthia belongs to him, and only him, and will dispose of anyone who tries to get between him and the lovely lady. But Greg's not having it. As Lucky Larry taunts the newlyweds, alerting them to the fact that he has killed before, and will not hesitate to kill again, the two become frightened regarding this deadly game. But as reinforcements being to file in, in the form of police officers, lawyers, and even Greg's boisterous best friend, Greg and Cynthia begin to contemplate whose luck will run out next - theirs, or Lucky Larry's.

I am an avid mystery reader, and try to stay on top of the genre, devouring any new releases; which is why I was so taken with Robert Burton Robinson's ILLUSION OF LUCK. Robinson has crafted a mystery novel that is not only fresh, and new, but quite a novelty. Integrating the high tech gadgets of today - such as the Internet and cell phones - he has penned a fantastic book that truly gives you a glimpse into the fascinating Greg Tenorly, along with his beautiful blushing bride, Cynthia. Robinson's characters are original and humorous. His discussions of police procedures and lawyerly lingo are unique and interesting; while the quips spewed by Greg's best friend, Sandy, make chuckling out loud unavoidable. A lucky find!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Very interesting book with a lot of twists and quick paced. This was an enjoyable reading. I liked the plot and thought the author developed it well.

I did not give 5 stars because I thought in some instances were unbelievable. For example the way the main characters found out about the location of the victim by deciphering clues from emails the bad guy sent out. It happened a couple of times and I thought the author could have spent more time creating a more realistic/believable situation.

In any case I would recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading the 4th book in the series.

"Illusion Of Luck" by Robert Burton Robinson is the third in the Greg Tenorly Mystery Series, however it is the first of the series that I have read. I can honestly say that this fine and enjoyable mystery can stand on it's own. Author Robinson gives a good enough look at the characters to feel like you know them well. Having said that, I would also say that I will definitely add the first two of the series to my reading list as I'd love to spend more time with the character of Tenorly(and pals) and see what other fixes he gets in and out of.

Greg Tenorly is your everyday man. Finding the love of his life a little late in life, but a woman who returns his love in full. He can't believe his luck that the lovely and kind Cynthia has agreed to marry him. The wedding day has arrived and signs of trouble in the form of a mysterious call on his cell phone warns him off the girl. A little confused by the call, he tosses it aside and decides nothing will ruin this day for him and his beautiful bride. The wedding goes off without a hitch, but their luck is about to change. A maniac is out to claim Cynthia for his own and nothing and nobody will stop him. He's "Lucky Larry" as he calls himself,an unpublished writer, and has already started to rid himself of anyone standing in his way. He always gets what he wants(except maybe a published book).

When things go terribly wrong, and Larry terrorizes the bride and her new hubby, the calvary steps in to help find and rid the world of the demon. An eclectic but fascinating group including Greg's best friend(a bit of a practical joker), and a tough brash woman lawyer/detective are on the trail to help save the day(with perhaps a little luck?).Larry,like many writers, writes what he knows - and this may be the reason his luck is about to run out.

The story is a fresh and up to date murder mystery.Cell phones and the Internet play a big part of the cat and mouse action and especially the ability to use free Internet services at your local coffee shop. Every character has their own stand out personalities. The mystery is a page turner as we follow the group they develop a comradery and brilliantly figure out the clues, the reader feels like cheering them on. Lucky Larry is the madman you love to hate, and throughout the story we have to wonder, was it luck that keeps him going, pure insanity or just fate? More then a mystery,it's a lovely love story with some sizzling romance and budding relationships to get involved with.

So do we make our own luck, or does fate lend a hand? It's a great ride finding out in this page turner.
"Illusion of Luck" was an entertaining, fast paced, and enjoyable read - not luck - just fine writing by the Author! Recommended for those looking for something with a fresh take. Writers will enjoy this one as well.

Enjoy the read...Laurie

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Semele: A Novel

This was a great book in the series it had a strange twist to it. I loved how the murderer in this one was writing a book named the same as the book. It really was exciting to see how things unfold in the 2 main characters lives. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

The author must surely be self-publishing his books. No editor who is worth anything would allow this book, or series in fact, to go to print with all the errors. There are hyphens in so many bad places, and words that are omitted from sentences all over the place. It is not a quality book. I have just finished the third in the series, and only because I kept hoping that his writing would improve. It has not. In fact, I believe that his ability is declining with each book. I bought all 4 in the series, because the write-up sounded interesting and novel. I tend to persevere when I have paid for a book, but, luckily, I didn't pay a great deal for these, so I won't bother to read the 4th in the series. Don't waste your time or your money on this writer. He really isn't worth it.

Interesting concept in Illusion of Luck: Larry is writing a story online and he is acting it out at the same time. It involves a murder/abduction/attempted rape.... Decent story up until the last 3 or 4 pages. The ending was a stretch (of the imagination). Considering the rest of the story, 3 stars would be harsh, so I give it 4 stars.