Review of Catching a Bird

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 04 Nov 2024, 23:31

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Catching a Bird" by Bonz Buonopane.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Bonz Buonopane was a retired gangster with a wife and two boys. One morning, he was sitting at his wife's salon when he received a call from a distraught woman. When Jamie’s husband takes over the call, Bonz learns that their daughter, Stacy, was murdered a year ago. Bonz told them he wasn’t a private investigator. However, Jack replies Bonz was known as “a guy that gets things done.” Intrigued, Bonz agrees to meet the couple at the Ocean Grill. Jamie forewarns him that the police thought Stacy was a victim of the Worcester County killer. Jack paid Bonz two thousand dollars to find Stacy's killer.

Bonz meets with his connection with the local police to gain more information about the rumored serial killer. As Bonz continues digging up information about the Worcester County Killer, he learns Stacy may not have been the “good girl” that her parents claimed. A bold law student, an unusual dating site, and a trip down memory lane, and odd serial killer's twisted thoughts filled the pages of Catching a Bird.

Bonz Buonopane’s Catching a Bird is a unique story featuring a gangster who claims he is retired. Bonz was in denial because his narrative made him into the perfect anti-hero. He didn’t go seeking Stacy’s killer the way an investigator would. Bonz earned his infamous label as a gangster. A scene in a diner demonstrates that killing someone didn't bother Bonz at all. Bonz even feels pride about his toddler causing problems at his private Catholic preschool. I was amazed by his ability to stay one step ahead of everyone which added to the supsense. The blunt remarks of his adolescent son demonstrate Bonz's unconventional parenting skills.

Catching a Bird literally stole my attention from the first page. The only improvement I would have liked involved the timeline. Bonz lived in Delaware, but the murder led him to Maryland. Next, he traveled to a hideout established in Virginia. He jumped from one location to the next so quickly that I didn’t know how long he had traveled or how many days had passed. However, this was only a minor issue because Bonz’s fantasies and gangster philosophies distracted me completely.

I rate Catching a Bird five out of five stars. I don’t believe my dislike of the timeline warranted a lower score. Watching people’s reactions through a seasoned killer’s eyes gave me a new perspective on how people perceive villains. Vivid details of every scene made it easy to envision every moment. The character development was exceptional. Bonz was a flawed man, but it added distinctive attributes to his personality. His business savvy portrayed him as someone who could hold his own with someone like Al Capone. The unpredictable plot twists made this a thrilling book to read.

Mature readers who enjoy mystery stories involving an unfiltered killer will enjoy the unpredictable plot. Catching a Bird is unsuitable for readers who dislike profanity, explicit scenes, or violence.

******
Catching a Bird
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 15 Nov 2024, 15:48

This crime thriller seems perfect for readers who like to dig into the lives of criminals, even if in this case the protagonist claims he's retired. The unconventional protagonist and other well-developed characters offer greater depth to the story. Thank you for your great review!

Naimah Agboluaje · Post by **Naimah Agboluaje** » 25 Dec 2024, 08:35

Review: Based on the review, "Catching a Bird" by Bonz Buonopane seems to be a gripping and unique read. The story follows a retired gangster who gets involved in solving a murder case. The protagonist's unconventional parenting skills and his ability to stay one step ahead of everyone add to the suspense of the plot. The reviewer also mentions the vivid details, exceptional character development, and unpredictable plot twists that make this book a thrilling read. Overall, the review rates "Catching a Bird" five out of five stars and recommends it to mature readers who enjoy mystery stories with an unfiltered killer. Evocative imagery, painted vivid scenes beautifully.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:02

Thank you for the explanatory review. This novel is spoken from the mouth of our protagonist and it creates a narrative, fast paced tone. To me, it has the feel of a 1960s crime thriller.

SophiaNd · Post by **SophiaNd** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:31

"Catching a Bird" by Bonz Buonopane delivers a darkly comedic and suspenseful narrative, featuring a retired gangster who reluctantly delves into a murder investigation, revealing a protagonist who blurs the lines between anti-hero and hardened criminal. The book's unique blend of gritty realism, sharp wit, and unexpected twists keeps readers engaged, challenging conventional crime thriller tropes with its morally ambiguous characters and unconventional plot.

Nazma P · Post by **Nazma P** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:39

Serial killer stories are one of my favorite to read. And this book seems to have an unique angel as in most cases, it's a detective hunting the killer. But in here, we have a killer hunting another killer. This alone is enough to pique my interest.

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:42

An unusual twist of investigation by a former gangster. The review is so interesting with the partial disclosure of the plot. I am captured by the suspense and will read the book. Thank you.

Post by **Natalie MT** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:49

This sounds like a great thriller novel, centered around a semi-retired gangster and assassin. What an interesting premise! I'll consider picking this one up on KU.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:52

Indeed, a flawed personality would definitely give Bonz a distinct trait, which is far from what we would normally expect. I am glad the descriptions are very vivid and hence enable the reader to form a mental picture of every scene. I look forward to reading this book soon.
Many thanks for the amazing review, @Stephanie Runyon.

rusyalana · Post by **rusyalana** » 23 Mar 2025, 13:56

The book sounds quite exciting and Bonz's gangster philosophies are intriguing to learn more about. It seems like one psycho has gone on a hunt for another one. It will be really interesting to read this book. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 23 Mar 2025, 14:05

What a great review!! Thank you!

Today's BOTD is a crime thriller that follows Bonz, a gangster turned PI, who's working to track down a serial killer. Filled with intense scenes, mystery, and suspense, this definitely sounds like one that will keep me turning pages! Thanks again!

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 23 Mar 2025, 14:06

Reading about psychos, especially serial killers, can be intense and thought-provoking. Thank you for your informative review.

Post by **Judy Burr** » 23 Mar 2025, 14:09

Thank you for your review. I read the sample. Bonz, a retired gangster, receives a call from a desperate man and wife to help find the murderer of their daughter. This is an interesting plot indeed. Can Bonz, relying on his background and skills, catch the killer?

Post by **Alida Spies** » 23 Mar 2025, 14:09

Most people wouldn't think of gangsters as retiring. Bonz Buonopane must have been quite successful to enable him to retire. The story sounds interesting, Bonz being asked to find a murderer. I chuckled when I read about Bonz's aspirations for his children, and his parenting style. Unpredictable plot twists, suspense and gangster philosophies sound like good components of a fascinating novel. Thank you for your informative review.

Post by **Ukaegbu Confidence** » 23 Mar 2025, 14:13

Catching a Bird" by Bonz Buonopane rings a familiar similar to a series I watched. However, I can't help but notice that the leader character's name is the same as the author's name. Congratulations on BOTD.