Official Review: Special Means by Andrew Ceroni

Jocelyn Eastman · Post by **Jocelyn Eastman** » 25 Jun 2020, 15:48

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Special Means" by Andrew Ceroni.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Special Means by Andrew Ceroni is a fictional suspense novel that will keep a reader on the edge of their seat. An elderly couple in Denver is attacked at gunpoint by gangbangers. Even though the police intervene, the couple dies in the aftermath of the attack. The country is in an uproar over this attack and the gang problem in the United States. The President is hearing backlash from everyone, including General Blanton, a high-ranking member of the armed forces. The President decides to use the United States armed forces to deal with the gang problem under the secretive STARDUST program. As gang members mysteriously show up dead, the Director of the CIA, Jack Barrett, sends his talented investigator, Dave McClure, a man with a talent for getting himself in trouble, to find out why evidence of special forces was at the scene of one of the dead gangs. What will Dave McClure uncover? Is there more trouble for the President from Blanton then his criticism? Why are these gangs ending up dead?

This story is well-told with mostly easy-to-understand language. There are a lot of acronyms to keep track of which may make it a little difficult, but it isn’t overdone. There is some violence in the novel, as there is a large shootout scene, but it isn’t overly graphic. There are no explicit scenes and there is no profanity. It is also extremely well-edited, as I found no mistakes.

The thing I liked most about the novel was the plot. At first, I thought it was about one thing but then it just veered in three other different directions. It always kept me on my toes and was very interesting. I would also like to note that there was information about FEMA in the novel that was brought up, and it was clear that the author did his research. I appreciated that.

The thing I disliked most about the novel was the lack of characterization of the antagonist. In the book, we hear about the antagonist in the beginning and throughout the story as going on news outlets and speaking out against the President, but we don’t get a lot about his character from that. The only two times we see the antagonist, General Blanton, is towards the end of the novel when he is trying to kill someone. I just felt like more time could have been taken to develop him.

Overall, this was a great book. I think those who like crime and mystery novels would like this one. People who like spy novels might also like it since technically, Dave McClure was a CIA agent and was undercover. Even without a well-developed antagonist, this book shined with its amazing plot. I am rating it 4 out of 4 stars.

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Special Means
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_Lindsey_ · Post by **_Lindsey_** » 27 Jun 2020, 07:53

I'm glad the antagonist's lack of character development didn't take away from things too much. It's the mark of a great author if they can create authentic plot twists. It definitely looks like the author was able to do that here. Thanks for the review.

Usma Khann · Post by **Usma Khann** » 28 Jun 2020, 00:21

The plot and the storyline flows. I would like to read the book to see the end of the journey. Appreciate the review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 28 Jun 2020, 01:46

Good to know that there are some unpredictable twists as that's what makes this kind of thriller great. A well-researched story is stronger, adding to its engagement. Thank you for your great review!

funmilayo_h · Post by **funmilayo_h** » 28 Jun 2020, 05:57

I like undercover plots and a crime and mystery lover...so yes! I'm reading this..Great review!

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 28 Jun 2020, 06:16

Wow! This is an unexpected plot, and it is full of excitement. This is a piece o would enjoy.
Thanks for the informative review.

Harty Muli · Post by **Harty Muli** » 28 Jun 2020, 22:47

It sounds like this books is full of action with the involvement of special forces. I look forward to reading it. Nice review.

Priyanka2304 · Post by **Priyanka2304** » 03 Jul 2020, 06:34

Secretive/undercover missions and Investigating agencies have always played a big role in weeding out the criminals from the country. STARDUST program being one of them. I expect a lot of thrill reading this book.