THE CARD (A Van Stone Novel) [Kindle Edition]

Jim Devitt (Author)

Book Description

Van Stone has it all, the perfect family, great friends and the best job in the world. Then, his life falls apart. Thrust into a deadly plot masterminded by unknown enemies, Van is in a race against time to save those closest to him.

As The Card barrels forward, Van, armed with only his best friends, draws on his deductive powers and inner strength, to battle the corrupt forces. Set in Seattle, Washington, this fast paced mystery takes you behind-the-scenes in professional baseball. Full of unexpected twists and high stakes drama, this first in a series adventure will keep you guessing until the final scene.

As fresh as today’s headlines, Jim Devitt, in his debut novel, weaves a suspenseful ride that blows the lid off scientific advancement, in a story of breathtaking action and suspense.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I would recommend this book for the young adult reader; it is fun and eventful, with suspense and action. Van Stone is a strong character, and has an amazing way of dealing with life. Devitt provides some great ballpark background as he delivers the goods." - Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Read more: seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Book-Review-The-Card-A-Van-Stone-Novel-by-Jim-1417701.php#ixzz2IpwC8R3B

About the Author

Jim Devitt spent eight years working behind the scenes in a Major League clubhouse. After his time in professional baseball, Jim graduated from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, and then continued on to complete his Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed research papers and presented at conferences throughout the country. He currently lives in Merritt Island, FL with his wife Melissa and their two children.

Product Details

• File Size: 416 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004UAVMS0
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,021 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #65 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Sports & Activities > Sports > Baseball

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An action-packed, full of twists and surprises, great read! March 29, 2011

By Anthony Valente

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ever wonder what a book by Clive Cussler would be like if Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino were teen-agers? Well I now know the answer, Van Stone and his side-kicks will take you on the same kind of ride I have only found in a Cussler novel.

I was originally looking for a book for my sons to read when I stumbled onto The Card. The cover intrigued me, and after reading the synopsis, I purchased it for myself. What seems to start out as a book about a batboy for the Seattle Mariners quickly turns into a mystery-adventure. (I have to admit, I pride myself on being able to figure out who-done-it, and potential plot twists. The ending on this one caught me completely by surprise!)

I think one most impressed me about this book was that it is completely believable. The characters, Van, Fred and Zoe can be found in any high school. I particularly like how strong a character Zoe is, a great role model for any young lady.

More importantly though, everything they do is feasible. There is no magic, no strange coincidences, or anything that would make you say "yeah right!" (Though I must say Fred's use of bacon grease was brilliant!) The kids even use the metro-bus to travel through Seattle to avoid problems with parking. I've always disliked novels that have people pull up to some place downtown and always seem to find a spot to park.

The novel is well researched, I've been to Safeco field many times, and knew very little about the roof. Better yet, Jim Devitt weaves the facts into the story so well; you don't know you are learning.

As I said, I bought the book for my sons to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I sincerely hope there will be more to come.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to encourage reading? Buy The Card. April 25, 2011

By Peggy D. Cuevas

Format:Paperback

As an elementary school teacher I'm always on the lookout for good books that will encourage the boys in my class to read. The Card is now high on the list for everyone in my class - not just the boys! It moves quickly, the characters are so believeable, and the plot is just complex enough to catch their interest without overwhelming them with too many characters. Even the students in my class who've never seen a baseball card enjoyed the interplay between Van and his friend Fred. In fact, whenever someone in the class acts a little goofy several of my students have taken to calling him "Fred".
Every school library and classroom library should have a copy of The Card. In fact, multiple copies would probably be a great idea. Naturally, I read the book before I put it on my classroom library shelf and I enjoyed it as much as my students have. This is one of those rare books that makes you want to read more. I sincerely hope Jim Devitt will make this the first in a series.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Teenage Boy Read January 26, 2012

By Janice K Hurst

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was an okay book for a teenage boy, but not for an adult. It was a clever idea that never quite got there for this adult. A nice kid gets a dream job as a ballboy for the Seattle Mariner's organization. The rest is about three kids who try to solve a mystery. It's good clean reading for your boys.

More About the Author

Jim Devitt spent eight years working behind the scenes in a Major League clubhouse. After his time in professional baseball, Jim graduated from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, and then continued on to complete his Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed research papers and presented at conferences throughout the country.

He currently lives in Miami, Florida with his wife Melissa and their two children.