I'm addicted to a new and upcoming author named Aaron Paul Lazar. Not only does he live and write about upstate New York, where I spent nearly my entire childhood, but he also writes masterfully. His first series is based around the fictional character of Gus LeGarde, and I've enjoyed reading his books so much that I'm going to be celebrating "Gus LeGarde Day" every Monday for the next five weeks by posting my review and a giveaway of the book reviewed. On the sixth week I'll be introducing you to Sam Moore, the hero of his next book series. Hopefully I'll be able to review each of Aaron's books when they become released in the future, as I am just waiting to see what will happen to Gus (and Sam) next!

About the Book:
"Double Forté is a chilling mystery set in the verdant landscape of Upstate New York's Genesee Valley. Packed with memorable characters, hair-raising chase scenes, and touching family moments, it's a solid page-turner.

Desolate over his wife's suicide four years earlier, small-town college professor Gus LeGarde faces bewildering emotions when he falls for Camille, the vivacious, dark-eyed daughter of his secretary. Yet troubling events in her past cause her to rebuff Gus's affections.

Romance glimmers, however, as both become embroiled in an adventure when Gus discovers a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a secluded cabin. The mystery turns deadly when the child's kidnapper escapes on a snowmobile that tumbles into the deep Letchworth Gorge.

The villain's fate is questioned when Gus's little grandson disappears and threats arrive against Camille. And where is the business partner of Gus's philandering son-in-law? Does a murderer lurk in the dark, wintry woods?"

About the Author:
"Aaron Paul Lazar resides in Upstate New York with his wife, daughters, grandsons, mother-in-law, dogs Max and Frisky, and four cats. By day, he is an electrophotographic engineer. Evening and weekend passions include writing, reading, gardening, cooking, photography, cross-country skiing, and listening to music, particularly Chopin and Puccini."

My Take:
This is one of those "can't put it down" kind of books. There's danger and mystery lurking around every corner when it comes to Gus. I actually feel a bit bad for the guy, because everything seems to happen to him. Chased by a murderer, finding a kidnapped child, falling in love...he just seems to get mixed up into everything. And what about that creepy son-in-law of his? I'm surprised Gus doesn't kick him out of the house the first time he cheated...that guy is just bad news all around.

The events in this book will have your heart racing - like when Johnny, Gus's grandson, goes missing. Who has him? Where is he? Oh it just gives you chills thinking that something could've happened to him. But most of all you will be urging on Camille, just praying that she opens up to Gus and allows herself to love him...and allows him to love her! They just make an adorable couple.

It feels as though writing mystery with a little bit of romance comes naturally to Aaron. There's nothing out of place in the books; everything seems well though out. Gus's gardening expertise obviously stems from Aaron's love of gardening, and you can tell that he really knows what he's talking about! And his descriptions of Upstate New York are exact - even though I never really spent any time in the country, you feel as though you're there.

Bottom line is this... If you like mysteries, you need to read this book!

Cost: You can buy Double Forté on Amazon.com for $5.89 + shipping (for a used book) or $19.90 + shipping (for a new book).

Overall: We give Double Forté a 10/10!

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We were sent copy of the book "Double Forté" free of charge for the sole purpose of this review; no other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own.