Customer Reviews

The Lodge: A Tale of Corruption

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4 star:		(1)
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I posted this review of my book for Ralph Nelson, a Palo Alto Elks Trustee. Dave Brandin, author.
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The Lodge is a great follow-up to Brandin's first thriller, The Horns of Moses, the plot again centering on revenge. Harry Warrener, former Navy SEAL and retired Cal Poly professor, learns that his best friend, Randy, has died by slipping and hitting his head on a urinal at a notoriously famous hotel. The only problem is that no way could Randy have lost his balance. He'd been trained by the SEALS, he was athletic, and he always stayed in great shape. Harry becomes suspicious about his friend's involvement with a charity-based organization, The Fraternal Order of Stags, and decides to become a member in order to dig deeper into what really happened. Quickly he discovers corruption in the sale of the Lodge's multi-million dollar beach property, proceeds of which are to be used in the construction of a new building. And then Harry discovers a Stag connection to the mafia....and the murders continue!

The action takes place in and near San Luis Obispo, "an oasis on the coast dominated by San Francisco in the north, and Los Angeles in the south". Readers familiar with the area will particularly enjoy the urinal scene at the Madonna Inn, which really brings out the author's sense of humor. Although the Fraternal Order of Stags is fictional, The Lodge is a must read by members of similar organizations---not only as a sort of Bureaucratic Guide to Charitable Clubs, but also as a reminder that one should keep a diligent eye on "those who manage our money".

Brandin's publisher, iUniverse, has granted The Lodge its Rising Star Award and has made it an Editor's Choice. James Patterson better grab Brandin up as one of his co-authors, before he gets sponsored by a Ridley Pearson or a Dennis Lehane !

Ralph Nelson (Trustee), Elks Lodge #1471 of Palo Alto, California.

As a 39 year Lodge member, Trustee for many years and Past Chairman of the Board I realize how many of these characters I have met when my Lodge tried to sell land and rebuild. The fictional/truth David writes about are about as close to reality as it comes. I really enjoyed trying to identify who was who. David has a wonderful sence of humour and I would recommend every member of a faternal order or who is thinking of joining one read this book.
JB

What an intriguing novel - suspense, loyalty, greed, the mafia and, oh yes, a touch of love - these elements and more describe "The Lodge, a Tale of Corruption." The author David H. Brandin has woven a tale of conspiracy within a charitable organization, seemingly an unthinkable act to rational - thinking people and those of us who believe that our donations/charitable acts are being funneled to the proper places, not into the pockets of the greedy. But greed, as Brandin demonstrates, can trigger unsavory actions.

Harry Warrener learns that during his absence on a holiday his best friend has passed away. Upon his return home he soon becomes suspicious that Randy Lismore's death is more than accidental. Harry, thus, unearths a conspiracy within the Los Osos Stags Lodge, a service organization, payoffs from a construction company, and San Francisco mafia involvement. The Central California coast story soars from Monterey to San Francisco with Chicago serving as the home of the Stags and the site of the denouement.

Harry struggles with his perception of his cowardly actions in Viet Nam and his determination to avenge his friend's murder. Oh yes, the love connection. He combines with a fellow potential member of the Lodge, a female, to pursue the culprits. Well worth the read.

This is a fantastic read. The Lodge is very fast paced whose characters exhibit deceit, greed, and cowardice. And those are the positive traits.

Highly recommended.