Imbroglio [Paperback]

Alana Woods (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2012

'I was so captivated I didn't want to put it down.'

What a buzz I got when I read that lead to a 5 star review.  Here's more from that reviewer:

'Ms Woods has the rare gift of painting vivid, action-packed pictures with her words. I was there with the characters, smelling the ocean, feeling the sun, hearing the waves ... '

So, what's the story about?  Here's a taste:

Noel Valentine--what's in her past that impels her to save a stranger's life knowing that it could endanger hers?
In hot tropical Australia she pulls a stranger from a burning car but can't save his passenger.
When the stranger shows up back in her home town of Sydney and asks for a place to stay, why does she agree? Especially given he could have been an assassin hired to kill his passenger. Especially given that she's pitching to win as a client the medical technology company that seems to be central to whatever is going on. A company that both assassin and victim had connections with. A company with questionable markets and equally questionable front men.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Ms Woods has the rare gift of painting vivid, action-packed pictures with her words. I was there with the characters: smelling the ocean, feeling the sun, hearing the waves ... I loved this book. '

- Dr Angela "angyem"

amazon.com/review/R17J5XS4AOX7AB/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

From the Author

Five star reviews are so good to receive.  They give you a glow.  You smile every time you think of them, which is often.  I'm not silly enough to think Imbroglio will only ever receive five stars, but it's absolutely fabulous that the book is starting out with them.
But whatever your opinion I will be happy to hear it via a review. The only condition is that if it's criticism, it should be constructive criticism, so I know why you didn't love it too.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: WoodsfortheTrees (March 30, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0957976712
• ISBN-13: 978-0957976719
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in England but an Aussie in heart and soul, at the moment I have a hankering to buy a masseria in Puglia and go live there (I spent three days there in July with my daughter Simone and we both fell in love with it). The food and wine are to die for. I just have to convince my other half ... and learn Italian.

Failing that, I really do love living in Australia. My little corner is in Canberra. I'm surrounded by hills, have a fabulous view over the Brindabellas and back on to a nature park which I gaze at while in creative mode.

Writer, editor, book reviewer, reader, traveller, food and wine lover - all of these describe me.

My debut novel, literary legal suspense fiction 'Automaton', is an award-winning best-seller. I'm not particular about subsequent books winning prizes but it would be nice if they became best-sellers too. Maybe you could help with that :)

Visit my website and send me an email -- I'd love to hear from you. Let me know how you like my books: http://www.alanawoods.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant Writing, Great Mystery February 21, 2012

By Jason Matthews

Format:Paperback

I got into this book at the onset as the author drew me in right away. It's interesting that I cared so much for the main characters, David and Noel, and yet as the book went on their human flaws along with the story line really had me questioning them. But that's what made them even more human I suppose, their mistakes and choices along the way. It's full of mystery and elements that take awhile to put together, beautifully written and well crafted.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yet another wonderful written book by Alana Woods March 20, 2012

By AC Links

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have learned that in order for me to enjoy a book I first need to enjoy the writer's style. It is rare for me to keep reading a particular author's line of books if I don't enjoy them or if the book doesn't keep me into the story. Well here I am, just finished Alana Woods Imbroglio. You just can't beat when an author has a movie playing in your head. Getting up the next day trying to make sense of the characters actions just to keep you wondering whats next.The story is gold, the style is platinum. It's a win win. I would recommend any of Alana Woods books.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Despite pace, Imbroglio still worth getting lost in March 10, 2012

By James Blakley

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Imbroglio" is an absorbing plunge into the life of Noel Valentine: an ad executive who boldly pulls helpless David Cameron from a burning car. Normally such an act of courage would merit a heroine's welcome and afford her the accompanying spoils. But instead, Noel's deeds simply spoil her life. For soon, the man she saved--and the man who saved her job while she recovered--press into action every ounce of Noel's determination as she finds herself a damsel in distress. One spinning out of control and being dragged down by the powerful currents of a consuming conspiracy of corporate greed and lust. It confuses a clear view of who is Noel's friend and who is her foe. That is the suspenseful essence of "Imbroglio."

Alana Woods skillfully constructs an authentic conspiracy-mystery that shines with strong characterization throughout, particularly where leading characters Noel Valentine and David Cameron are concerned. Noel is a thoroughly modern woman (whose traits shift appropriately from quiet and careful to driven and a bit hasty when necessary). Her voice and actions also come across as believably feminine in quality. David Cameron's physical and mental recovery (and his careful immersion into the plot) is handled with deliberate attention to detail, enhancing "Imbroglio's" nebulous air. And Woods's villains are suitably sinful, but not easily seen--perfect for setting up one of the story's biggest surprises.

Also admirable is the story's vivid setting: a modern, cosmopolitan Australia. Centered largely in metropolitan Sydney and Cairns, the scenic cityscape provides a welcomed relief from the outback, jack-and-jillaroo station image that many foreigners too-easily associate all of "the land down under" with.

"Imbroglio's" only flaw is its rather involved network of secondary characters. While the definition of imbroglio (a confusing situation) would justify an elaborate cast to handle the task, most classic mystery-suspenses have a faster, more direct pace. Imbroglio's secondary players sometimes detract from that point a-to-point b flow, thus stalling the building suspense and intensity in places.

So overall, if you want a quick, roller coaster ride of a read, "Imbroglio" probably won't do it for you. But if you're looking for an intelligently-written, maturely-crafted conspiracy-mystery (and one also wonderfully set against the sumptuous scenery of rarely seen cities) "Imbroglio" is a satisfying, high-quality novel well-worth losing yourself in.