Book – Give Us This Day

Give Us This Day by Tom Avitabile (2015, Story Plant) Brooke Burrell thought she had retired.  Life was in Hawaii with her U.S. Navy officer husband, coaching high school soccer.  She had let her former boss convince her to come back for one final assignment.  Quick and easy.  Until her top witness was killed, all the financial records she had been about to seize disappeared and suddenly the case wasn’t going to be quick or easy.  Instead it was about to turn into the largest, most devastating attack ever made on an American city.

When I reviewed Tom Avitablile’s book “The Devil’s Quota” in September of 2014 (HERE), I called it “…a solid mid-range thriller”.  With “Give Us This Day” Avitabile takes the step into the next level.  This is consistent page turning writing with believable characters and “keep you up at night” suspense.  I’ve read a lot of this genre, so it was nice when he hit me with a couple things that I’d never run across before.

Brooke Burrell is a top quality character and a great lead for a thriller.  She’s smart, she’s tough but she’s completely human too.  This isn’t some graphic novel heroine but a flesh and blood woman who happens to be tough enough for the biggest cases.

That same attention to detail creates villains that are more than one dimensional as well.  Combined with a carefully constructed plot that provides plenty of twists and you have the book thriller readers are always hoping they will find.

I also like the “A Letter From the Author” at the end.  It always bothers me that thrillers feel like textbooks for criminals and terrorists.  Avitabile is quick to note that he has exaggerated the action for the purpose of the story.  A “Don’t Try This At Home” note.   It’s a touch I appreciate.

The list of thriller authors whose next work I await eagerly is pretty short.  Looks like Tom Avitabile may have found himself a place there.

Why I Liked It – Great female lead, some novel twists and turns.

Why You Will Like It – You won’t be able to put it down.  The story just keeps gaining speed and carries you to the final, satisfying conclusion.

“Give Us This Day” hit #1 on Barnes and Noble’s e-book list recently.

Rating – **** Recommended