Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Despondent and bitter, Ty macerates his grief in alcohol. From the depths of the bottle screams a voice, howling for vengeance. His target is a stranger, the woman who drew his wife toward her death. He doesn't know her, but he'll find her, and when he does, he will make her pay, for a deal has been struck with Nick's Russian associates, enslaving her into a life of bondage. But as Ty moves forward in a cloud of alcohol, he mistakes the wrong woman for his intended victim and now all his plans have gone straight to hell.
With his eyes made clear by the stark reality of his mistake, Ty is driven, compelled by remorse and a relentless sense of guilt to make amends and protect Hannah Maguire, the innocent woman whose life he has derailed. He vows to keep her safe and out of the Russians' hands, but they're holding Nick as leverage to force Ty to complete their deal and turn over the girl. Once again, he must fight to free his brother, miring all three lives in further jeopardy. But Ty can't do it all: Save the girl, his brother and his own soul. One of them must make the ultimate sacrifice.
HilyBee
Posted March 29, 2013
A heart-wrenching, mysterious novel that is beautifully written. This novel is full of twists and turns. The first couple of chapters are all about Nick and Ty trying to cope with their lives after the accident. When they realized the only family they had left was each other, they begin rebuilding their relationship. The novel is set up differently than I had expected. Certain chapters are about Nick, some are about Tyler, some about Jillian, and then some are all the characters together with no main focus. The way the story fits together like a jigsaw puzzle, not always easy to see how the pieces fit together but you know they do. Each character is developed very well, just enough detail for you to understand them without too much detail.
I can't say too much about the main story without giving it away. It did keep me guessing until the end, when I was able to put it all together. I enjoyed the romance, crime and mystery aspects of this novel. It really took the a-typical revenge story to a whole new level. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading mystery and revenge novels and people who enjoy watching cop dramas on television. This novel is right up your alley!
~HilyBee from Novel d'Tales
This is one of those books where you start reading it and know it's gonna be a roller coaster and you'll need multiple nights to finish it! The author takes you back and forth, and keeps you guessing what will happen to Nick, Ty and 'the mistaken' victim. You'll be surprised at the ending, which I'm not going to give away. But it is a very satisfying one, and you'll be ready to read the author's next book afterwards!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TheStuffofSuccess
Posted March 15, 2013
The Mistaken is a book with so many twists and turns - definitely there was not one dull moment. Tyler has a brother Nick who just can't seem to stay out of trouble and get his act together. To repay a debt, Tyler signs on with the Russian Mafia - much to Tyler's dismay. Nick feels he doesn't have a choice. He has gotten himself into trouble; his brother has a fiance and no longer has time for him; and he feels responsible for the death of his parents and sister.
Tyler ends up getting married and when his wife becomes pregnant there are a series of misfortunes that lead to the death of his pregnant wife and his unborn child. Vowing to get the person he believes is responsible he develops a plot to capture this person and turn her over to the Russian Mafia. But it isn't quite that easy as he mistakes someone else for the person he believes is guilty. Can he get out of this mess that he has created? Can his brother? Can he save the innocent woman? Will he catch the real woman who is guilty? How far will someone go for the person they love?
This story is an amazing thrill ride and the villain isn't really a villain - he is just a guy full of guilt, trying to make it through each day after the loss of his wife and unborn child. Believe it or not there is so much more that happens in this book and you will seriously not be able to put it down. You will become attached to each character. Definitely a 5 star read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nook_Users_Book_Club
Posted March 14, 2013
Nick has lived the perfect life… until now. Tyler (Ty), is a British Australian transplant living in San Francisco for several years. He is handsome, wealthy and has the perfect fiancé, Jillian. They are slowly planning their life together, however, Ty’s baby brother Nick seems to constantly interfere. Nick is a young, spur of the moment guy. He likes to enjoy life and partying. He is striving to be like his big brother but seems to fail at every turn. On the eve before their parents and sister are to visit from Australia, Nick decides to party once again even though he is to pick them up. This is just the beginning of their trouble. The aftermath is one huge insane mess. Nick escapes into alcohol and pills. Tyler tries in vain to help him while still trying to move forward with his life. Nick has already had troubles, but now gets in deeper by joining up with the Russian Mafia……When Jillian’s identity is stolen, things accelerate to a fevered pitch.
We were over 100 pages into this book before we remembered what the story was going to be about. We liked that the first 1/3 of the book was the intro to the main story and we were not disappointed. The plot wasn’t so different from other books/ movies that we had read/seen but the author does a fantastic job of making it new. This is a novel full of heart pounding action and thrills. You never know what is coming on the next page. It has a little bit of everything, romance, murder, mystery and thrills all wrapped into one exciting debut novel by Nancy S. Thompson.
We like that each chapter is narrated by a specific character giving the reader greater perspective into each side of the story. We think it also is what helps the story flow and helps develops the characters. The characters are richly described and we felt we could reach out and smooth the wrinkle on Ty’s forehead.
Not once were we bored with this book, with all of the twists and turns we were thoroughly entertained throughout the 300+ pages. Great job Ms. Thompson!
LynelleClark
Posted February 3, 2013
I was privileged to have the author of this book previously on my blog announcing this new book as part of a Book Barrage.
It took me awhile but eventually I got around to read it for myself and what a enjoyable read.
From start to finish your attention is held as you are drawn into the world of one man Tyler Karras. A young man who walked the straight and narrow but due to tragic circumstances and the manipulation of a younger brother swayed away and got lost in the world of vengeance and bitterness.
But in all of this a beautiful love story unfolds and you are attracted to both Tyler and Hannah's characters as they run to stay in front of a relentless Mafia boss and his people to sell her into the sex trade.
Right from the start we are introduced to Tyler, the main character whose life fell apart. His brother Nick who hanged with the wrong crowd, caused the fatal accident of both their parents and sister. His wife Jillian, a young expected mother who lost their lives in a fatal car accident and the villain in the story Erin Anderson who caused all the heart ache and turmoil. She played a big part in destroying this young man even if they never met. His hatred for her grew as he sank deeper into the bliss of alcohol trying to dull the pain and coping with the loss of his family.
All well developed characters that captured you, keeping your attention. The story and plot well written to a great build up. As you learn more about the hold that the Russian mafia had on this family without Tyler's knowledge. The implication it had on all involved.
My heart went out to Tyler as you see the mistakes he made, the way he coped with it, the twists and turns his life took to ultimately flee for his life and end in the witness protection program.
We also met Hannah, young mother who just discovered her husband has a affair with Erin Anderson. Destroying another family in the process. Tyler and she met under the most horrific times and it nearly cost them both something precious, she the victim he the predator. But then when Tyler had a change of heart a story unfolds greater that touched your heart as they flee and get to know each other as human beings, as persons but also as lovers.
A sweet love that against all odds sustained until the very end.
A recommendable read to all lovers of thrillers with a unique twist in the story line with all the elements of a good plot.
Michael_Offutt
Posted December 30, 2012
First off, I wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has excellent pacing, and I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning. I loved the way all these super broken characters kind of interacted with each other. We have Tyler who's addicted to alcohol, involved with the Russian mob, and whose bi-polar and pregnant wife committed suicide in a road rage incident while trying to avenge herself against a woman that made it impossible to have her Martha Stuart house in San Francisco. And here's where my only few criticisms come into play about this book. It's just so "straight" and "white" that I find it oddly compelling because I believe these stereotypes about "rich white folks" to be absolutely true, yet I wish that they weren't.
I mean, I guess that's a problem for privileged white women who have the charming husband with an Abercrombie & Fitch body and gorgeous blue eyes. You'd better damned well not get in-between them and their Martha Stuart decorated house which they've envisioned having babies in and choosing plantation shutters over drapes. To be honest, Erin was a dispicable thief who stole money from people as well as identities, and it is well within character for Jillian (Tyler's wife) to put her life and the life of her unborn child on the line for some material goods. Cause let's face it...it's a money money money nation. I just wish this wasn't so true. It's like a Republican mantra: "ya screw with my granite countertops and my high-end Viking appliances people and you got another thing comin'!"
Don't look for minorities in this book unless you want bad guys. It's told in first person with multiple points of view, which I thought was done masterfully. It's the same kind of thing I loved about Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner and also by George R.R. Martin. It puts you into each character's head. And be aware that the title of each chapter will tell you whose head you're going to inhabit.
"The Mistaken" has a lot of adult themes in it. You've got rape, kidnapping, murder, extortion, violence, and substance abuse. However anything sexual is told and not shown, i.e., "so and so was raped." I guess that's done to preserve the PG-13 rating similar to video games that have violence galore but anything sexual gets glossed over. I understand the marketing reasons behind this, but as an adult man, I like my books to be written for my age group. In other words...I don't shy away from R-rated movies, but embrace them as I'm over the age of 17. However, this book is clearly not written with regard to my sensibilities but to engage readers who want a lot of action and romance without descriptions of fluid exchange or friction fiction.
I could totally see this being a made for television movie with a huge audience (I know Nancy cringes at Lifetime, but I could totally see that or the CW--Home of Arrow and the Vampire Diaries). Tyler turns into a major bad ass with Liam Neeson-like skills from the movie "Taken" where he mass murders tons of people using a makeshift pipe that he literally tears loose from a rail around a gladiatorial pit. But just like Arnold Schwarzenegger in True Lies: the people he kills are "all bad."
I want to reiterate: I loved this book. I blazed through it in two days. I think it's an engaging read for men and women alike. So do yourself a favor and buy a copy today and grab your popcorn. It's one hell of a ride.
Bookworm_Babblings
Posted December 29, 2012
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Tyler Karras, adjusts to being in America and begins living the "American Dream". Until his parents and his sister are tragically killed in a car accident, his brother Nick, who was driving the car survives but with injuries. Riddled with guilt for forcing Nick to pick up the family from the airport knowing he was hung over and tired, Ty takes him in and stays by his side during every step of his recovery. Nick drowns his guilt and grief with drugs and alcohol and Ty tells him it's time to leave. Shortly thereafter, Nick gets mixed up with the Russian mafia, unable to intervene, Ty focuses on Jillian, the love of his life. Tragedy hits home once again when Ty loses his wife and unborn child. Ty bent on vengeance makes a deal with the devil...The Russian mafia. With a case of mistaken identity this story puts you on a suspenseful rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. This book far surpassed my expectations. I was also intrigued by the little twist in the end, it was an awesome book. This was definitely one of my top ten best novels of 2012!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In a twisty-turny rollercoaster ride, the author deftly manages to keep the reader on the edge of their sear, wondering just what will happen next. Not simply a man and woman on the run for their lives, it weaves moral questions about revenge, self-sacrifice and the willingness to destroy another to gain the upper hand and ameliorate pain of the past. With a decision made in the half-witted haze of alcohol, Tyler thrusts himself and his target into a world that requires they run, hide and outwit those who are chasing them.
With clever character insights and a narration that allows for the inner voices and reactions of the characters to seem very real and immediate: the author has provided moments that are straight punches to the gut , having your pulse pound in fear for them, and you cheering on the characters to prevail and ultimately succeed and survive.
A terrific read that has me putting this author on my “to be stalked” list for her next release!
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review with the IOB Tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
"The Mistaken" is a fantastic thriller/romance/suspense/mystery novel that will keep you reading until your finished. A fast paced plot with tons of twists, turns, and characters that are well developed and realistic...it's just WOW! Total excitement from start to finish. Highly recommended for all suspense, mystery fans. *5 Stars*
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
LisaRegan
Posted October 29, 2012
This book is amazing. It is a non-stop thrill ride that will keep your pulse pounding and keep you turning pages well into the night. Meet Tyler Karras. He has a great life. Until he doesn’t. Karras’ entire life falls apart before his eyes, sending him spiraling down into a hell of despair and self-loathing. When his brother Nick, who has ties to the San Francisco Russian mafia, suggests a despicable plan to exact revenge on the woman who inadvertently robbed Tyler of everything, Tyler readily agrees. In an alcohol and grief-soaked haze, Tyler mistakenly targets the wrong woman, Hannah Maguire. Although Tyler comes to his senses and realizes that revenge is not the panacea he was seeking, the realization comes too late. He has already plunged himself, his brother and now an unsuspecting Hannah deep into the seedy, violent underworld that is ruled by the Russian mafia—and the mob does not forgive and forget.
What I especially loved about this book is how Thompson deftly handles the plot twists. I never saw what was coming next! I read a lot of thrillers and I can usually predict the course of a novel by the second or third chapter. It was exceedingly refreshing to read a book that kept me so enthralled and actually made me gasp aloud. All the incredible twists were not what I expected and for me, that made this book very original. I love a book with good, unpredictable twists in its plot that reads well and keeps you turning pages even when you should be doing other things! This book does that.
What I also love about this book, among other things, is that it is fast-paced and wildly entertaining and it also has depth. This book is not just a run-of-the-mill man-and-woman-in-jeopardy thriller. It asks how far would you go? If someone took everything from you, how far would you go to get revenge? If someone you loved was in deep trouble, how far would you go to protect them, to help them? This book asks how well do you really know yourself? Can a good person do unspeakable things? Is there redemption after touching the fiery face of hell? Tyler Karras is the answer to these questions and he does not disappoint. You will feel his struggles, his grief and despair, his guilt and self-hatred in your bones. You will cheer desperately as he tries to set things right. Hannah acts as a kind of foil for him, meeting the unexpected terrors that Tyler has mistakenly set upon her with calm determination. You will cringe at what she has to go through but you’ll respect her character all the more for the strength and grace she shows. She is Tyler’s redemption personified. These characters are complex and well-drawn and the terrifying moments that draw them together make the moments of intimacy that much more poignant. You will connect to them on a visceral level. I was captivated by them both and the relationship that developed between them against the backdrop of loss and violence. As is usually the case in life, nothing goes as intended. These are regular people thrust into unimaginable situations and their drama will keep you riveted for hours.
Thompson is a rare new talent in the thriller genre, combining an intelligent and well-thought-out plot with complex and relatable characters that will give readers the white-knuckle reading experience of their lives! Do not miss this book! I am a fan for life!
Overview
...