Title: Smash and Grab
Author: Lori Matthews
First published April 9, 2020
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.38
Overview
In the thrilling novel “Crash and Burn” by Lori Matthews, billionaire entrepreneur Blake Williams is in over his head. When his private jet crashes in the Amazon rainforest, he finds himself stranded with the one woman he’s been trying to avoid – his ex-wife, investigative journalist Samantha Jones.
As they struggle to survive in the harsh jungle, they must confront their past and work together to uncover the truth behind the crash. But with danger lurking around every corner, and their unresolved feelings for each other threatening to resurface, Blake and Sam will have to fight to stay alive – and resist the temptation to rekindle their fiery romance.
About the Author
Growing up, my family was filled with book lovers, and some of my fondest memories are of reading alongside my mom and sisters. We would argue over whose turn it was to make tea, never wanting to put our books down.
It was my mom who introduced me to the romance genre by leaving books all over the house. One day, I picked up a Harlequin novel by Janet Daily, and little did I know that it would set the stage for my future reading and writing preferences.
I quickly moved on to devouring mystery novels, with Agatha Christie becoming my favorite author, and then suspense novels by Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming. During high school, I attempted to combine my favorite genres by writing my first romantic suspense novel.
Sadly, after only four chapters, exams took over, and my writing dreams were put on hold. I hope that book is buried in a computer recycling facility somewhere.
Many years later, after getting two degrees, getting married, having two children, and settling down in New Jersey with my supportive husband, I attended a writing workshop in Tuscany that reignited my passion for writing. Since then, I have been pounding the keyboard, much to the delight of my children who get to eat more pizza as a result.
Editoral Review
Smash and Grab, by author Lori Matthews, is a fast-paced heist story that will capture the attention of genre fans and newcomers alike. Published on April 9, 2020, this novel is set in the bustling metropolis of New York City and follows the adrenaline-fueled exploits of a group of ambitious thieves hoping to score big and secure their fortunes.
Matthews has written an entertaining thriller that is chock full of complicated characters, high stake situations, and gripping action. The author weaves a tale that draws on classic heist tropes, but with a refreshing and modern twist that makes it feel entirely fresh and original.
The story is set primarily in Brooklyn and Manhattan, with the vividly detailed urban landscape of New York City adding an element of realism and grit to the narrative. The central conflict revolves around a trio of thieves named Ron, Davis, and Mo, who band together to execute a series of daring heists that they hope will enable them to retire early with millions of dollars in the bank.
The character development of Ron, Davis, and Mo is particularly impressive, with Matthews effortlessly bringing depth and humanity to these otherwise unscrupulous characters. There’s a rich complexity to each member of the gang that makes the reader feel invested in their schemes, successes, and failures.
While the genre of heist novels is relatively well known, Matthews navigates the various tropes with ease, delivering an impressive story that feels both fresh and inventive. The author builds the tension and suspense slowly throughout the book, never overloading the reader with too much action or exposition.
One potential critique of the book is that it occasionally relies on formulaic heist narrative devices which could feel predictable to some readers. But the author manages to imbue these devices with fresh energy and style and successfully avoids falling into generic thriller territory.
Overall, Smash and Grab is an impressive and entertaining debut novel that skillfully blends modern and classic heist narrative elements to deliver a story that is both exciting and engaging. For fans of the genre, it’s a must-read.
Score: 4/5. With its crisp writing, vibrant setting, and memorable characters, Matthews offers a thrilling, page-turning experience that is hard to put down.
