Reviews
Have you read "The Vengeful Unhinged? Please Leave Your Reviews Below!
" A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book."
"It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Washington DC thriller movie. To be continued? Very long but I really really liked it so I will still rate it at 5 stars."
– Tony Parsons
"Whoa! That's exactly what I thought when I finished reading Vengeful Unhinged, the new book by author Jerry Sonnenblick."
"This story is an absolute roller coaster ride of a thriller, and will hook readers from the very first words. Follow the story of attorney David Sherwood in the 1960s as he faces love and loss and love again, and the introduction of angry, disbarred attorney Mason Grewe, who has come to Tucson and become a top person in the mob and has a huge grudge against David, who played a key role in his disbarment. Throw in some political intrigue, some wealth, and a whole lot of excitement, and you've got a book that most won't be able to put down until they've turned the last page.
I very much enjoyed Vengeful Unhinged. Author Jerry Sonenblick has done a great job at creating a real page-turner of a read and one that will appeal to a wide audience of enthusiastic readers. He's done a great job in creating believable characters, especially in protagonist David Sherwood, whom readers will be able to connect with and relate to, and truly come to care about. If that isn't a hallmark of a very promising author, I'm not sure what is. Any reader who loves a thrilling and adventurous novel with legal, mafia and political story lines should absolutely read this book. I am pleased to recommend Vengeful Unhinged, and look forward to reading more from author Jerry Sonnenblick in the very near future."
– Tracy Slowiak
"'Vengeful Unhinged' is a tightly woven tale of politics, gangsters, nightclubs, and shady backroom deals."
"From the opening page I was captured by the descriptive writing of the author. Due to the great character development, I found myself relating to and liking the villain and pulling for him throughout the book. I especially liked the fact that although there is conflict between lawyers, disbarred lawyers, and politicians, there were zero courtroom scenes! The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas for the backdrop of this spectacularly addicting story added to the excitement, and I certainly hope to read more from this author!"
– Mark Meyer
"I had an interesting time with this novel."
"I sensed it was a true story, or it was certainly based on a true story, since nothing was blown up at the end. The authenticity, and the truly unique characteristics were reinforced by historical information that could only be known by someone who had experienced it from the inside. Amazing twists of Karma add irony and make it unforgettable. Jerry's writing style adds credibility and is reminiscent of a time, when the actions and intents of the characters drove the story. For those who know something of Las Vegas and Arizona politics, this should ring some bells. For those who are political and junkies, you get a taste of the intrigue and power wielded by those who deal at the State and National level. I found the characters to be stereotypically believable, yet fully developed and I wonder,
in the near future, if someone is going to jump out of the bushes and decide to much had been revealed? In all, Vengeful Unhinged, was an enjoyable read and a
sobering tour of back stories, just below the surface, that control our lives. Thank you Jerry Sonenblick, for sharing a picture of politics and political operatives that we seldom see. I rate this book a strong 4 stars."
– Jim Fromm
"I felt Vengeful Unhinged is what I would call a political
mystery thriller."
"I found the novel to be very interesting and engrossing, with extremely interesting and captivating characters. The story does start off a little slow but then turns into a truly grabbing thriller between totally exciting characters. The last few chapters of Part 2 held me to the edge of my so called seat. In a few words to sum up this was a very interesting novel and an enjoyable read."
– John Kuhl
"In an exciting and highly involved story featuring thrills, political maneuverings and lots of action taking place in 1960s Tucson, Vengeful Unhinged by author Jerry Sonenblick is a story that readers won't soon forget."
"Protagonist David Sherwood, a gentle attorney who nonetheless possesses
an iron will, faces many challenges, including the loss of first his loved fiancee
in the face of prejudice and then his beloved wife when she can't face her history, a vindictive mob member who's determined to punish David for getting him disbarred from the legal profession, and a rich and powerful man who is determined to bring about his downfall. Through it all, David perseveres, but
with all these forces against him, will he ever be able to live a full and satisfying life, or will he meet the wrong end of someone's revolver? You'll need to read the book to find out!
Vengeful Unhinged was a book that certainly kept me engaged from the very start. Author Jerry Sonenblick has provided his readers with a story that is full of surprises and is exciting from the start to the finish. While at times a bit complex, as there are many unique characters with involved backstories of their own, the overarching plot line of the life of David Sherwood is able to pull everything together quite nicely. Readers who like excitement, thrills and intrigue would be well-suited to Vengeful Unhinged, and I would suggest that they pick up this book as soon as possible. Author Jerry Sonenblick is a promising new voice in this genre, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for his readers next!"
– Chris Fischer
“Vengeful Unhinged” by Jerry Sonenblick is a legal/political novel that will engage and thrill literary minded readers who are interested in powerful, intense drama."
"The book is based on actual events that occurred throughout the 1960s/1970s and skillfully tackles issues of discrimination, financial crisis, political confrontation, and corruption.
The story is set in the 1960s/1970s and follows David Sherwood, a lawyer with a sweet soul and strong determination to succeed. Driven by sadness resulting from a broken engagement and lost love, David is steady in his efforts to improve his life and grow his career. Unfortunately, he comes across a number of untoward characters, who are determined to bring him down.
Mason Grewe, former lawyer turned Las Vegas crime gambling crook/international money-launderer, and Barney Stone, a wealthy, power hungry and prominent person in the community, both promise vengeance on David for interrupting their nefarious schemes. When US Senator Bart Langley, a friend of David’s, names David to replace him after he resigns from the Senate, Mason and Barney team up to interrupt David’s rise to success in the political world. They join forces to oppose the appointment and offer other candidates to take the position instead. But David may outwit the two of them again.
We also learn about David’s challenges in his love life. He finally meets, falls in love with, and marries a woman named Mista. Though very much in love early
on in the relationship, Mista becomes overwhelmed by the intensity of David’s life and eventually responds by isolating herself from the marriage and withdrawing from David.
In Summary, “Vengeful Unhinged” by Jerry Sonenblick is a thrilling, fast-paced novel that offers exciting, fictionalized accounts of actual legal, political, and financial events that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. Tales of a sophisticated money-laundering scheme, political confrontation, sexual scandal, religious biases, and marital challenges all combine to engage and keep readers interested from the first page to the last. Not to be missed!"
– Columbia Book Review
"After being disbarred, things seem to be looking up for Mason."
"Now that he’s left Tucson and is off to make a name for himself somewhere else, he’s gotten a little lucky. Meeting up with Pappy and Gino is only the start to his progress in life and it’s definitely going to lead to something great, but will the amazing experience really be everything he’s been hoping for or will it start to fall apart fast? And what about the man who’s responsible for getting him disbarred? David Sherwood seems to be struggling lately and it’s going to take some time before he’s able to pick himself up and get back to his previously pleasant life, if he can in Vengeful Unhinged by Jerry Sonenblick.
There’s a lot going on in this book. There are several different characters that you really get pulled into. You feel like you get to know both Mason and David, but there are other characters as well, and everyone has a great personality that makes you want things to go well for them, even though some of them are more than flirting with the wrong side of the law. There’s a lot going on with action and some adventure, and plenty of romance at the same time. After all, Mason is getting involved in something interesting related to a few questionable people and David may be getting involved with a new girl that’s better than the one he can’t forget (or is she?). Vengeful Unhinged by Jerry Sonenblick is a book you won’t want to put down."
– Samantha Dewitt (Rivera)
"I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel, Vengeful Unhinged, by Jerry Sonenblick. It is unlike any book I have read recently as it integrates fantastic character development, mystery, intrigue, suspense, international drama, organized crime, love and betrayal!"
"The character development makes you feel like you really know the protagonists personally and experience a wide range of emotion as the story develops with its twists and turns. The 1960 and 1970’s period specific cultural events and struggles add a nice color to the story line as well as making the story very relevant. It isn’t often one gets to see the interplay of politics, law, human motion, ego and religious prejudice issues all rolled into one fast moving and entertaining tome.
I found myself not wanting to out the book down even as I was to deplane from my cross-country flight. In many aspects, I felt like I was physically there in Tucson and Las Vegas observing, cheering and arguing with David, Mason and the other interesting characters. The story weaves multiple plots, venues, characters moving in and out, and significant historical events in a smooth and efficient manner. The book tells the story of how ethical behavior, friendship and making good decisions will win out in the end, just as unethical behavior doesn’t, at least not in the end. Congratulations to Jerry Sonenblick for a book well done!"
- John Erickson
"A WOW Book."
"I loved the book immensely. It's a well-written book. I became so engrossed that I felt I was actually living the story. It's a page-turner with many colorful characters and scenarios. The various story lines intertwined throughout involve discrimination, love, politics, Las Vegas mob money and revenge. It would make a great movie script. You won't be disappointed in this book."
- Joyce
"Jerry Sonenblick’s book, Vengeful Unhinged is well-written and an excellent read. "
"It involves David Sherwood, a Tucson attorney and the book’s protagonist, and Sherwood’s eventual foray into politics. Sherwood’s antagonist is a diminutive attorney named Mason Grewe, who is disbarred for moral turpitude thanks to Sherwood’s effort. Grewe moves to Las Vegas where he first plays poker and then becomes part owner of two gambling clubs with mob connections. Grewe makes a good deal of money but still obsesses about revenge on Sherwood whom he blames for his disbarment. The main characters are well developed, as are several of the other people in the book. Equally well developed are their personal and business relationships. As the book takes place partly in Tucson, several features of the 1960’s are mentioned, including the Mountain Oyster Club where wealthy cattlemen and businessmen gathered, and the 5 Star Tack Room where the finest food could be obtained and served with aplomb. All told, “Vengeful Unhinged” is a book well worth reading, and Sonenblick should be congratulated for his efforts."
- Gerald B. Goldstein, M.D.
"A Good Read."
"Just got done reading the book and very much liked it. Being born and raised in Tucson the places mentioned were fun as I had been there. The characters in the book were interesting. There are a few surprises that make the book extra enjoyable."
- Neil
"Revenge is a motivator, but not the only one. It comes in many forms, and retribution may come unwittingly."
"Mason Grewe blames David Sherwood for his disbarment. No matter how long it takes, Mason will be avenged, or so he believes. But the novel is more far-reaching because it examines the lives of its interesting and sometimes unusual characters, all in a simmering pot of intrigue. The author brings the reader into their lives, thoughts and personalities.
Revenge is just one element of the story. There is a mix of organized crime of the Vegas variety, greed, betrayal, hard-ball politics, conflict, nefarious and underhanded tactics to gain political power and profit, romance and love, prejudice, and honor and its opposite.
The characters are genuinely drawn, multi-dimensional, and sometimes colorful (in the sense of unusually interesting). David and Mason, the principal characters, are opposites in their natures, yet interestingly there is some commonality in their humanness. Both become successful, one ethically, one criminally. Both find love, one early, one late. They move in different directions with radically different outcomes.
The novel takes place in the 1960's. An added feature -- this background adds flavor and realism -- is the commentary about society of the day, sometimes expressed in dialogue."
- Reviewed by Robert Krueger, author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil.
"The character and location development is super."
"It is amazing to me the talent and imagination demonstrated by the author in the development of his story line. Having lived in the area for 45 years I appreciated the use of local attractions in the development of the ever expanding Vengeful story plot and his ability to present it in real life form. The politics and white collar crime seem all to real to be a just a novel. This book keeps you wanting to know what twist and turn the next page will produce. I enjoyed reading Vengeful Unhinged and recommend it as a thoughtfully written work of a dedicated author. Thanks for the experience."
- Bill Hallier
"VENGEFUL UNHINGED IS A FINE READ!!!"
"I finished VENGEFUL UNHINGED and I hasten to say that I LOVED IT! David Sherwood’s adventures along with the Tucson of the 60’s and 70’s (so WELL REMEMBERED!) make it a book which I looked forward to reading in it’s entirety!
Mason Grewe and Barney Stone ... as well as some others! ... are really Black Hat guys! The intricacies of their relationships are fascinating and believable! The characters are real and their interactions are well-motivated. I hope that more and more people can read it!
Thanks to the author for completing what may have started out as a dream....which winds up keeping my full attention!"
- Larry Schnebly
"I love reading great books and Jerry Sonenblick can write with the best of them!!"
"Very believable characters with a very interesting plot full of twists and turns - makes for a great read! If you're from Tucson (or have even visited) the references to many local landmarks and favorite restaurants make the book even more fun to read....I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book from Jerry."
- Joseph N.
"This book is a wonderful read!"
"I enjoyed all the references to Tucson as I know it well, but even someone who has never been there would enjoy it! I neglected everything I was supposed to be doing once I began to read it as I was caught up in the actions of everyone in the book and how in the world they were going to solve the problems they g9ot themselves into! I think that Sonenblick appeals to all of us who are fascinated by Las Vegas and just by the human situation in general. I also appreciated his describing the women carefully so I could enjoy their jewelry and visualize what they wear wearing - this attention to detail is what makes a writer great! Now I want to read his next book!"
- Corinne Milton
"Great read from a talented author!"
"Thanks to Jerry Sonenblick for a wonderful read! He draws us into a world of intrigue, with unexpected twists that will keep you wanting more. Looking forward to the next offering from this very talented author!"
- D. Davis
"This legal thriller is well worth the read!"
"The author captured the sights and sounds of the 1960-70's with details rich in history and multi-dimensional characters. Twists and turns keep you reading, with the occasional red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing."
- Lala
"This book was a good look at the early days of Las Vegas and Tucson, Arizona. There's a combination of romance, luxury living, business, and politics. So no matter which elements you like, you'll find something to enjoy."
- Jennifer Marshall
"Twin Stories Make for Double the Reading Fun."
"David Sherwood and Mason Grewe are two young Arizona lawyers who take very different paths. An early dispute leads to David filing a complaint against Mason, who is disbarred by the Supreme Court of Arizona. After losing his license, Mason moves to Las Vegas and works his way into the casino business. Back in Tucson, David practices law and becomes involved in Arizona politics. Over time, both men become successful. But Mason never forgets David's role in his leaving Arizona, and vows to get revenge one day.
The setting for the book is interesting with a lively look at Tucson and Las Vegas in the early 1960s. Mason runs the brand new Moon Glow casino in Vegas and the star-studded opening night features A-list celebrities from that era. The comic Steve Allen is emcee of the gala with a distinguished crew, including Dean Martin, Red Skelton, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and others. In Tucson, David toils behind the scenes, working to facilitate the election of a new US Senator from Arizona. Restaurant settings and other locations provide a fun look back for Tucson readers. Readers also get a glimpse at some of Arizona's political power brokers. Some are upstanding, some are morally compromised.
The author is a skilled wordsmith with a good ear for dialogue. He also must be a bit of a ladies' man. While all of characters are clearly described and believable, the author saves his best prose for the ladies. When David gets married, the author notes that his bride "was majestic. She wore a conservative, high-necked, knee-length white satin dress that was custom fitted to her contoured shape. It bore two tiers of ruffles above the hemline. Her only jewelry was an eighteen-karat gold double-chain necklace. She cast an aura of queenly beauty..." Other women (and their jewelry) also receive generous descriptive attention.
The 60s was a time of great social change with the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the emergence of minorities and broader horizons for women. Yet, undercurrents of anti-Semitism remain and David experiences discrimination in Tucson.
Believable characters, crisp dialogue, interesting settings, and unexpected plot twists make for a real page turner. Pick it up, you won't want to put it down."
- Brian Sowle
"Exciting new novel by upcoming exciting new author!"
"Jerry Soneblick is emerging as a new and exciting author of fast-paced novels involving political intrigue, corruption, exposed power wielded by those at state and national levels, and the practice of law. In his latest novel, "Vengeful Unhinged", he has spun a host of unique characters into the story with sexual scandal, marital challenges, religious bias, and wonderful historical information regarding events that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. This novel was an educational read involving land deals, gambling, and money laundering. We thoroughly enjoyed Jerry Soneblick's new book and will look forward to seeing many more exciting thrillers from this author!"
- Jerry and Bobbi Rothbaum
"From the very first page this book grabbed me."
"The pace and style reminded me so much of John Grisham. There are so many fascinating facets to the story; the money laundering scheme was intriguing; the religious prejudice that destroyed the engagement of David Sherwood was hurtful; and the trumped sexual scandal that ruined the career of Senator Bart Langely was absorbing. It is not often that the characters in a book are so strong, so vivid, and so capable of expressing their feelings. Seldom do I run across a page turner. The author, Jerry Sonenblick, is to be congratulated and I hope he continues his literary way."
- Nancy Present
"A fabulous read with intrigue and passion! A masterpiece!"
- Beth Kaufman
"Love and backstabbing as its storyline unfolds"
"Simply stated, "Vengeful Unhinged" will take its readers on a delightful roller coaster ride of suspense, intrigue, love and backstabbing as its storyline unfolds. Featuring a fast page turning exploration of the legal and social scene in Tucson, Arizona and the casino lifestyle of Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and 60s, the principal characters never fail to be true to themselves, making their individual and combined stories truly believable. A remarkable achievement for the author. Hopefully Jerry Sonenblick will provide us with a sequel that will find his principal characters experiencing new adventures against the backdrop of Washington DC in the 70s and 80s, and their maneuvering in, and perhaps out of the US Senate, the most exclusive club in America!"
- Laurence
"Excellent read"
"This is a sleeper which captures your attention and keeps you engrossed in a very interesting story about ordinary people caught up in changing circumstances that are believable and extraordinary at the same time. .The plots are intertwined in a fascinating way with real world application. The author has a gift for constantly drawing the reader into the next turn and creating events that illustrate how life often unfolds even though what appears on the surface is not the true picture of what motivates each character. It is a fascinating look into the deep motivations of the characters which stem from their individual life experiences as they proceed through life. It is a useful lesson to note how much impact that back ground has on people., even those close to us who may have motivations we are never fully aware are there impacting our relationships. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to other books by this author."
- Chris Sheafe
"...a broad scope of readership interests - - - Love, Hate"
Vengeful Unhinged is a book to capture a broad scope of readership interests - - - Love, Hate, Crime, Read, Politics and life’s full range of failure and success. David, the lead character, is a lawyer, with senate level political ambition. Mason, a disbarred lawyer resulting from David’s efforts, is focusing on bringing David down. Major league political interest bring David’s and Mason’s paths together again, with them both at each other’s throats. The tension and conflict is overwhelming - in the course of this book – long continuing challenge for control. Meanwhile, David’s love-life is culminated by his heart-throb’s family because of his Jewish heritage. Trial and Tribulation continue throughout the book, but each issue is resolved to the reader’s satisfaction. The end result is a captivating story that captures the reader’s full range interest. This book is a authored by Jerry Sonenblick, a retired attorney and real estate developer who has proved his success as a published author in the past.
- Warren Albert
"A grabber!!"
"Vengeful Unhinged is a title that does not grab me. But when recommended by a close friend, I took a leap of faith and am so glad I did.
A very favorite author of mine is John Gresham. As most Gresham novels do; keeping me thrilled from opening chapter of lost love to the last chapter of redemption, is not hard when the story line is more than interesting, the writing is sharp and the characters well developed. And this book has it all.
The book also has a future. A sequel is required because, while the knot was finely tied, it was not finally tied and that subtle difference is the nuance separating a fair/good book from one with character and shelf life, requiring a movie and certainly in need of a future.
Jerry Sonenblick is a writer whose talents are generally unheralded because he is unknown. So were all of us when we were born. Good book, great reading, most satisfying. Five stars."
- Carl A. Bosse
"Great book that should resonate with baby boomers and millennials."
"I really enjoyed this book. I read it in just 5 or 6 lunch hours. Don't let the fact that this is the author's first book make you wary or discourage you from reading it. The book is well-paced, has good detail, and well-drawn characters - the character Ronnie, a beautiful 6 foot tall-plus woman who's the co-worker and later wife of one of the chief protagonists will stick in your mind long after you've finished the book.
If you liked the book or the film Casino, you will love this book. If you're like me, an Easterner who permanently relocated to Tucson, Arizona in the 1990s, then this book will educate you about what is was like for a Baby Boomer coming of age and establishing a career in Arizona and Nevada in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. It will also show you how things really work behind the political scenes in Nevada and Arizona to this day. And for those who think mortgage-backed securities are a bad idea, well, when you read about how developers obtained financing in Arizona in the late 1970s in the days before mortgage-backed securities were created, you may just change your mind.
The book also touches on themes that should resonate with Baby Boomers and millennials alike: ethical choices you face in your career field; difficulties in finding the right life partner; the danger of greed; and problems that can develop from holding a personal grudge.
In closing, how much of this book is based on the author's observations during his Arizona legal and business career, I can't say - clearly some. But I can confidently state that if you want to read a book that is full of intrigue, ethical dilemmas, relationship issues, political maneuvering, and even some modern Southwest history, this book is for you."
- Brian Churchill
"Five Stars"
"excellent read,hope you write more"
- A Satisfied Reader
"Politically the current status in USA is in upheaval and one finds similar events in this great book."
"In the thrilling adventure VENGEFUL UNHINGED you are not far from today's world re politics, rulers, leaders and losers! Those of us living in Tucson can follow the adventures as we live our own lives in the atmosphere described by the book One does not encounter the events daily, but we are aware of the surroundings and events that take place. Politically the current status in USA is in upheaval and one finds similar events in this great book. Jerry is a brilliant and a gifted writer! As you come to the end, you wish for more!!"
- Anna Laura Bennington
"A great story and wonderful read, Jerry Sonenblick has done it again with his new legal thriller. The setting and southwestern references are a great arena for this revenge and conspiracy read. Vengeful Unhinged offers an interesting and appealing perspective on cultural events of the 1960s and smoothly integrates the period’s legal power struggle. Intriguing plot and character play. This book is highly recommended. Again, great job Jerry!"
- Derek Daniels
"I liked it."
"As a whole, i liked it. It was interesting until the end. There were however some things that irked me. First of all, as a non American, i got a bit lost in the politics details. At some point in all the political mayhem, it became just words.Too many details really.Then, i had an issue with pretty much all the dialogues in the book.Between the couples it was very...cheesy i guess.Who talks like that?And then, it was the surprisingly fast decisions for even the biggest problems. "Let's do this"."ok let's do it".Problem solved.Really? That easy?All in all, an average book but could use more work."
- Evgenia Papageorgiou
"Vengeful Unhinged was a great book; I could not put it down."
"The character development was outstanding, the character portrayal was so interesting that it kept me absorbed in the entire book. All aspects of the book were cohesive and kept my attention throughout.
I am looking forward to reading Mr. Soneblick's future novels."
- Lanny Colton
"An exciting story that will leave you wanting more."
"A good mystery based in Tucson, AZ"
"Living in Tucson I always enjoy a work of fiction based primarily here. The characters and story line kept me turning page after page even though I needed to be elsewhere. A very good read...hard to put down. I did, however, find the "suicide" a bit of a reach. The combination of politics, money laundering, murder and graft come together very well. I high recommend this book."
- Lawrence C. Potter
"A well-written story based in the Tucson and Southwest area. Fun to read about descriptions of sites I know. Interesting scenarios."
- A Satisfied Reader
"Legal and political page turner"
"Jerry has written a legal and political page turner. If you like Tucson and Arizona, if you love Tucson and Arizona, if you simply would like to love both, why not read Jerry's new thriller. Well done Jerry! Keep writing!
- Larry, Scottsdale, AZ
"Love this book"
"I loved this book. I am in the real estate business in Tucson, AZ. The author (Jerry Sonenblick) is a friend and a client. I have read a lot of books....this one of my all time favorites."
- Benjamin A. Becker
"Good character development and I appreciated the political intrigue"
"It was a great combination of personal and professional intertwinings that kept me ..."
"Vengeful Unhinged took me on an engaging adventure with vivid details into the dealings of the past. It was a great combination of personal and professional intertwinings that kept me looking forward to the next time I could sit down and read a portion. I recommend this book to all who desire thrill and exciting twists!"
- A.K.
38 Reviews as of
March 30, 2017
4.6 ranking
