★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
February 20, 2020 by Anthony Corso
One of the best novels that I have had in a very long time. I do believe that anyone who enjoys reading as I do will say the same. Read the novel.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
October 20, 2019 by Grace
This was more of a character study than an active read, but I still found it interesting to see ho who e characters developed.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Shocker
July 12, 2019 by quaintreader
The author gave a lot of early background buildup of the characters that really seemed to drag the story down at times. But I enjoyed the storyline and the shocking ending. I would definitely recommend this first book in the trilogy and will want to find out what happens next in books two and three.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Great story.
April 14, 2019 by Sandra
But sometimes the descriptions, for almost all aspects of the story, were too much, and distracting. Hard to focus on the story, which is very good.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A story hard to digest
March 31, 2019 by Alexa One/Cat Lady
Childhood friends growing up to choose their own path. I found the whole story line perplexing and by the end very sad. This was well written but not my favorite.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
March 24, 2019 by :lagniappe
Most of the mysteries I read do not have what I consider to be beautifully developed characters. Shattered Triangle is the happy exception, as all the main characters are extremely well drawn. Three childhood friends are thrown together again by tragedy. Tom Moran, LAPD detective, is put in charge of a multiple homicide. The victims are the wife and children of a childhood friend, Giuseppe Lozano, now a senatorial candidate. Also in the picture is Giuseppe's twin brother Giovanni, a Catholic priest. The author takes us back into each life, showing how each character developed. And I love that all three of the men are deeply flawed. I figured out fairly early what had happened to the family, so I wasn't as surprised as some of the other reviewers were. The book careens from character study to theological debate to political thriller, but you enjoy every minute of the ride. And, as an added bonus, the book is full of Los Angeles history, so I actually learned something along the way. The only part I found mildly annoying were the numerous political and theological views of the author, as they were on display often - and were not subtle. But that alone is not enough to deter me from giving this a solid recommend.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
March 22, 2019 by Michael
Very interesting mystery with a surprise ending. Will definitely read the next book. I will be willing to pay top dollar for it.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
The Title Says It All!
March 21, 2019 by Jane Phillips
I enjoyed this book and kept turning pages to see what was coming next. The three main characters were well developed. The negatives for me were that sometimes I was confused about whether we were in the present or the past. I don't mind going back and forth, but I do want to be able to tell when we are moving! The ending was disturbing, although not completely surprising. I didn't like it.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
March 16, 2019 by Dan Sterzik
I enjoyed reading this book. There were parts that seemed to drag on when things went from present to past to present but overall I really liked it. Enough intrigue, drama, twists and turns kept me reading. Would recommend.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing drama
March 12, 2019 by avidreaser
The book was filled with so much detail that I really felt like I knew the characters. I wasn't thrilled with the ending though.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Friends & Family
Reviewed in Australia
February 26, 2019 by Amazon Customer
Carefully tended plot that tells the now and the past of the characters. Takes us on a ride with police to find the killers and like real life we face the same clues, blocks & backsteps police face. Religion also plays an important role but is is neither tedious nor offensive. I cant't say I enjoyed this book but I definitely could not stop reading till the end.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting approach
February 25, 2019 by Amazon Customer
For quite a bit of the book, I was wondering where is this going. Slowly it comes into focus and turns into a fascinating yarn with a clash of ideals. So it works out if you can persevere through the beginning chapters.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Sad way for some people to be.
February 3, 2019 by Rose
A good read. Sad to think a lot of politicians could be this devious and have the feeling that anything justifies the end. Power and wealth can be all important to some people. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good story
May 15, 2017 by Train
Very interesting, it not disturbing story. Book was engaging for sure. The author's strong political viewpoints were on display a bit too often for my liking. There are three fairly interesting main characters throughout this story. The author spent a lot of time developing the characters from the time they were children until the time of the story. If you can get past the blatantly liberal slant of the author, this is a good read. The next book in the series is solid as well.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada
April 4, 2017 by Amazon customer
I liked the story
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A chilling ending
August 22, 2016 by Amazon Customer
I certainly learned a lot about contemporary American culture and history - and enjoyed the experience. It's a cleverly constructed story and you really don't see where it's all going until the very end; which is chilling. I'm not sure about the discourse on 'good and evil', but it was interesting.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Despair is redundant, here
August 19, 2016 by Skye Loper
Evil is darkness, but I expect the next revelation will be that our revenge must be full of recognition and restoration in the paths we choose to take. Two in the triangle are not diminished by the loss of a leg in the stool unless they choose to be.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Cassocks and handcuffs and business…oh my!
August 17, 2016 by Roseleann
The author's clinical study of the lives and careers of three childhood friends is an interesting, if somewhat choppy, read. The motivations behind the career choices of the three young men are quite clearly defined. I did, however, find that the dry indictment of Reaganomics, although factually correct and philosophically and morally sound, served to slow down the narrative. The plot elements were artfully described and well written, drawing me along without difficulty. I also enjoyed the brief studies of the incidental characters; however, I did find myself wishing that Giuseppe's gay college roommate had played a more defining role in the denouement. I didn't fully understand why he was reintroduced at the end, as his reappearance didn't seem to sway Giuseppe toward confession or even remorse. Maybe the author was using him as a sort of Greek Chorus; if that were the case, then the first person narrative of the detective, Tom, would seem, perhaps superfluous. I was a little disappointed in the ending, which I think says more about me than it does about the story, but, all in all, a good read. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read
August 9, 2016 by Martha Brindley
A very enjoyable read which I would recommend. A bit of L.A. history and a bit of crime thriller thrown in for good measure. Based around three engaging characters who have been friends since childhood. Thank you Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Slow Start, Awesome Ending
August 8, 2016 by Gladys
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was long-winded and I was somewhat bored with all the history included, but I kept reading because I was sure it was going somewhere. Once you get through the first third of the book it starts to get interesting and then turns into the kind of book you can't put down. I'm so glad I kept reading until the end as it go better and better and the ending is outstanding! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give it an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
July 31, 2016 by Amazon Customer (verified purchase)
Suspenseful. Well written and quite enjoyable to spend time with.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
July 28, 2016 by J Vernon Ruth
Staggering in its implications, this author's insightful venture into greed, religion and law through a dedicated lieutenant and priest merely exacerbates the voting public's view on government's corruption.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read
June 1, 2016 by Diane Pangelina
In preparation to read Bill Messenger's next book, I re-read Shattered Triangle. It was as compelling as when I read it the first time. I especially liked how the author fleshed our the characters and their complicated relations. Interwoven with the historical perspective, the characterizations anchored the story in time and space. The authors' perspective on the political, religious and societal milieu from the '60's all the way up to the turn of the 20th century was sharp and decisive. As a reader, I found it to ring true on most subjects. This book will appeal to those looking for a story of place, connected to engaging characters and a mystery that is both surprising and shocking at the same time. I recommend this book; and look forward to reading the next one.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A fine first novel by my former college priest.
February 16, 2015 by Christian D. Orr
My former college priest at the University of Southern California (USC), Fr. Bill Messenger (retired from the priesthood for the past 5 years now), has written a doozy of a first novel, a first-rate detective novel and murder mystery.
As a disclaimer, I will admit that I don't agree with the author's political views expressed in the novel, just like I disagreed with the political viewpoints he exposed in his homilies at the USC Catholic Center back in the day. But that aside, just as there was certainly never a dull moment during Fr. Bill's homilies, there's nary a dull moment in Shattered Triangle, and the politics does nothing to detract from the entertainment value of the book. The novel's plot line and characters are engaging, thought-provoking, and engrossing from start to finish. And it has some excellent insights into L.A. life and culture that anybody who grew up in SoCal during the latter half of the 20th century can appreciate. See more…
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing Book
November 21, 2012 by Candy
Shattered Triangle is the type of book that keeps you thinking of all day long and can't wait to complete. I loved the way the characters became so real. As each character shared their life I found myself understanding their feelings and motives and wanting to know more and more about them. This book is a nice gift to yourself.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy, Entertaining and Engaging
August 14, 2012 by Joe in Utah
The book is an easy, entertaining and engaging read. The storyline has an interesting and somewhat complex cast of characters and interrelationships that provoke additional levels of thought. I read the book cover to cover in 5 days and found myself reflecting on the story line throughout those five days. I thoroughly enjoyed the ready and look forward to the sequel and/or prequel!
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Page Turner
August 4, 2012 by P.A. Lach
Savored and will re-read many sections of this book. Interwoven with the unraveling of an horrendous murder scene are the thoughtful expositions of politics, religion and personal values of the principle characters. Character dialogue is somewhat stilted begging the question "do real people really talk like that?" Having said that, this is an ingenious story with a snap twist ending. An excellent summer.
Good Read
February 20, 2020 by Anthony Corso
One of the best novels that I have had in a very long time. I do believe that anyone who enjoys reading as I do will say the same. Read the novel.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
October 20, 2019 by Grace
This was more of a character study than an active read, but I still found it interesting to see ho who e characters developed.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Shocker
July 12, 2019 by quaintreader
The author gave a lot of early background buildup of the characters that really seemed to drag the story down at times. But I enjoyed the storyline and the shocking ending. I would definitely recommend this first book in the trilogy and will want to find out what happens next in books two and three.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Great story.
April 14, 2019 by Sandra
But sometimes the descriptions, for almost all aspects of the story, were too much, and distracting. Hard to focus on the story, which is very good.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A story hard to digest
March 31, 2019 by Alexa One/Cat Lady
Childhood friends growing up to choose their own path. I found the whole story line perplexing and by the end very sad. This was well written but not my favorite.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
March 24, 2019 by :lagniappe
Most of the mysteries I read do not have what I consider to be beautifully developed characters. Shattered Triangle is the happy exception, as all the main characters are extremely well drawn. Three childhood friends are thrown together again by tragedy. Tom Moran, LAPD detective, is put in charge of a multiple homicide. The victims are the wife and children of a childhood friend, Giuseppe Lozano, now a senatorial candidate. Also in the picture is Giuseppe's twin brother Giovanni, a Catholic priest. The author takes us back into each life, showing how each character developed. And I love that all three of the men are deeply flawed. I figured out fairly early what had happened to the family, so I wasn't as surprised as some of the other reviewers were. The book careens from character study to theological debate to political thriller, but you enjoy every minute of the ride. And, as an added bonus, the book is full of Los Angeles history, so I actually learned something along the way. The only part I found mildly annoying were the numerous political and theological views of the author, as they were on display often - and were not subtle. But that alone is not enough to deter me from giving this a solid recommend.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
March 22, 2019 by Michael
Very interesting mystery with a surprise ending. Will definitely read the next book. I will be willing to pay top dollar for it.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
The Title Says It All!
March 21, 2019 by Jane Phillips
I enjoyed this book and kept turning pages to see what was coming next. The three main characters were well developed. The negatives for me were that sometimes I was confused about whether we were in the present or the past. I don't mind going back and forth, but I do want to be able to tell when we are moving! The ending was disturbing, although not completely surprising. I didn't like it.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
March 16, 2019 by Dan Sterzik
I enjoyed reading this book. There were parts that seemed to drag on when things went from present to past to present but overall I really liked it. Enough intrigue, drama, twists and turns kept me reading. Would recommend.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing drama
March 12, 2019 by avidreaser
The book was filled with so much detail that I really felt like I knew the characters. I wasn't thrilled with the ending though.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Friends & Family
Reviewed in Australia
February 26, 2019 by Amazon Customer
Carefully tended plot that tells the now and the past of the characters. Takes us on a ride with police to find the killers and like real life we face the same clues, blocks & backsteps police face. Religion also plays an important role but is is neither tedious nor offensive. I cant't say I enjoyed this book but I definitely could not stop reading till the end.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting approach
February 25, 2019 by Amazon Customer
For quite a bit of the book, I was wondering where is this going. Slowly it comes into focus and turns into a fascinating yarn with a clash of ideals. So it works out if you can persevere through the beginning chapters.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Sad way for some people to be.
February 3, 2019 by Rose
A good read. Sad to think a lot of politicians could be this devious and have the feeling that anything justifies the end. Power and wealth can be all important to some people. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good story
May 15, 2017 by Train
Very interesting, it not disturbing story. Book was engaging for sure. The author's strong political viewpoints were on display a bit too often for my liking. There are three fairly interesting main characters throughout this story. The author spent a lot of time developing the characters from the time they were children until the time of the story. If you can get past the blatantly liberal slant of the author, this is a good read. The next book in the series is solid as well.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada
April 4, 2017 by Amazon customer
I liked the story
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A chilling ending
August 22, 2016 by Amazon Customer
I certainly learned a lot about contemporary American culture and history - and enjoyed the experience. It's a cleverly constructed story and you really don't see where it's all going until the very end; which is chilling. I'm not sure about the discourse on 'good and evil', but it was interesting.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Despair is redundant, here
August 19, 2016 by Skye Loper
Evil is darkness, but I expect the next revelation will be that our revenge must be full of recognition and restoration in the paths we choose to take. Two in the triangle are not diminished by the loss of a leg in the stool unless they choose to be.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Cassocks and handcuffs and business…oh my!
August 17, 2016 by Roseleann
The author's clinical study of the lives and careers of three childhood friends is an interesting, if somewhat choppy, read. The motivations behind the career choices of the three young men are quite clearly defined. I did, however, find that the dry indictment of Reaganomics, although factually correct and philosophically and morally sound, served to slow down the narrative. The plot elements were artfully described and well written, drawing me along without difficulty. I also enjoyed the brief studies of the incidental characters; however, I did find myself wishing that Giuseppe's gay college roommate had played a more defining role in the denouement. I didn't fully understand why he was reintroduced at the end, as his reappearance didn't seem to sway Giuseppe toward confession or even remorse. Maybe the author was using him as a sort of Greek Chorus; if that were the case, then the first person narrative of the detective, Tom, would seem, perhaps superfluous. I was a little disappointed in the ending, which I think says more about me than it does about the story, but, all in all, a good read. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read
August 9, 2016 by Martha Brindley
A very enjoyable read which I would recommend. A bit of L.A. history and a bit of crime thriller thrown in for good measure. Based around three engaging characters who have been friends since childhood. Thank you Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Slow Start, Awesome Ending
August 8, 2016 by Gladys
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was long-winded and I was somewhat bored with all the history included, but I kept reading because I was sure it was going somewhere. Once you get through the first third of the book it starts to get interesting and then turns into the kind of book you can't put down. I'm so glad I kept reading until the end as it go better and better and the ending is outstanding! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give it an honest review.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
July 31, 2016 by Amazon Customer (verified purchase)
Suspenseful. Well written and quite enjoyable to spend time with.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
July 28, 2016 by J Vernon Ruth
Staggering in its implications, this author's insightful venture into greed, religion and law through a dedicated lieutenant and priest merely exacerbates the voting public's view on government's corruption.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read
June 1, 2016 by Diane Pangelina
In preparation to read Bill Messenger's next book, I re-read Shattered Triangle. It was as compelling as when I read it the first time. I especially liked how the author fleshed our the characters and their complicated relations. Interwoven with the historical perspective, the characterizations anchored the story in time and space. The authors' perspective on the political, religious and societal milieu from the '60's all the way up to the turn of the 20th century was sharp and decisive. As a reader, I found it to ring true on most subjects. This book will appeal to those looking for a story of place, connected to engaging characters and a mystery that is both surprising and shocking at the same time. I recommend this book; and look forward to reading the next one.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
A fine first novel by my former college priest.
February 16, 2015 by Christian D. Orr
My former college priest at the University of Southern California (USC), Fr. Bill Messenger (retired from the priesthood for the past 5 years now), has written a doozy of a first novel, a first-rate detective novel and murder mystery.
As a disclaimer, I will admit that I don't agree with the author's political views expressed in the novel, just like I disagreed with the political viewpoints he exposed in his homilies at the USC Catholic Center back in the day. But that aside, just as there was certainly never a dull moment during Fr. Bill's homilies, there's nary a dull moment in Shattered Triangle, and the politics does nothing to detract from the entertainment value of the book. The novel's plot line and characters are engaging, thought-provoking, and engrossing from start to finish. And it has some excellent insights into L.A. life and culture that anybody who grew up in SoCal during the latter half of the 20th century can appreciate. See more…
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing Book
November 21, 2012 by Candy
Shattered Triangle is the type of book that keeps you thinking of all day long and can't wait to complete. I loved the way the characters became so real. As each character shared their life I found myself understanding their feelings and motives and wanting to know more and more about them. This book is a nice gift to yourself.
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy, Entertaining and Engaging
August 14, 2012 by Joe in Utah
The book is an easy, entertaining and engaging read. The storyline has an interesting and somewhat complex cast of characters and interrelationships that provoke additional levels of thought. I read the book cover to cover in 5 days and found myself reflecting on the story line throughout those five days. I thoroughly enjoyed the ready and look forward to the sequel and/or prequel!
★★★★ 4.0 out of 5 stars
Page Turner
August 4, 2012 by P.A. Lach
Savored and will re-read many sections of this book. Interwoven with the unraveling of an horrendous murder scene are the thoughtful expositions of politics, religion and personal values of the principle characters. Character dialogue is somewhat stilted begging the question "do real people really talk like that?" Having said that, this is an ingenious story with a snap twist ending. An excellent summer.
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