MY NOVELS AND REVIEWS

SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

THE JENNIFER DONAHUE SERIES

VOLUME 1

In the Wealthy Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood, Detectives Jen Donahue and Shari Thompson arrive to investigate the death of the wife of a prominent neurosurgeon whose body has been found in her bathtub. In front of the building, Detective Larry London is in the midst of investigating a hit-and-run accident that has killed one teenage girl and left a second in critical condition. The two cases do not appear to be related, but to the detectives, a coincidence of any kind is always suspicious. They try to stay objective, but these three detectives are only human, and when they begin to identify too closely with the parties involved in their respective cases, a new and dreadful homicide takes place, one which will turn their worlds upside down as it propels them towards an outcome that no one could foresee. full of twists and turns, Suspicious Deaths will keep the reader engrossed until the very end.

I’m as much a fan of LA detective mysteries as the next person, especially when they’re ripped from the headlines and told with snappy pacing and great, relatable characters. Peter S. Berman has crafted just such a story in his Suspicious Deaths. Whether you’re a fan of LA-based authors like Stephen J. Cannel, Michael Connelly (Bosch series), or any of the classic 1940s -1970s hard-boiled detective writers like Elmore Leonard or Micky Spillane, you’re going to find Berman a solid “newer” addition to the fold. Berman’s work here is of very high caliber. I’ve been reviewing books by self-published, or small publishing house writers for a little while now. I can safely say this is a book that could be found in any of the largest publisher’s catalogs for crime-mystery. The plot, arch, pacing and character development are all of a professional level. You will find this to be a thoroughly impressive—and above all—fun read. Grab a copy and enjoy! Andy Newhall, Penna Book Reviews

Five Stars

Reviewed by Stephen Robson, Reader’s Favorit

Suspicious Deaths by Peter S. Berman is a fictional chronology of crime scene investigation viewed through the eyes of those on the front line; the detectives and specialists who deal with these difficult tasks on a day-to-day basis, and the perpetrators and victims, often pulled into dire situations beyond their capacity to navigate. Peter S. Berman’s Suspicious Deaths is one of the best books I’ve read in recent times. It is not only sublimely written but also packed with a wealth of interesting information about the criminal investigative system, including forensic and legal processes. Added to this richness is a maturity surrounding the development of the characters and relationships. I thoroughly recommend Suspicious Deaths to anyone who loves high-quality reading.

Stacey E. Vance 5.0 out of 5 stars

Tales from the Robbery-Homicide Division: Hidden Agenda / Web of Betrayal

Great set

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2020

I have a feeling that real world legal work is not as gripping as Hidden Agenda. If it was, I think there would be more lawyers. This book was AMAZING! I could not put it down and found myself pulled into the action from Jump. So many times reading crime/justice books seems too setup, perfect, and unbelievable. Berman's life as a DA no doubt gave him the material and experience to draw on for this book, though. It was great! I liked that the author used terms that everyone, not just those in the judicial fields, would understand. It made for an even more relatable tale, and I appreciated all the attention to detail that he placed on developing all of the characters so well. Not all criminals, or even most criminals, are thugs. Many find themselves on the wrong side of the law, which they never imagined would happen. This is Book #1 in the series, and it sets everything up for coming stories. HOWEVER, the resolution of this book stands on its own, without leaving you hanging in a way that you are madly awaiting Book #2. I liked Hidden Agenda a lot, and would recommend it to any of my Crime Fans! love crime novels! If that also describes you, read on.

Our author was a District Attorney, which no doubt has informed his source material for this whole series. Never a dull moment, Web of Betrayal is a total page turner and I had a hard time putting it down. There is so much packed into the book, and although it is the second in a series, I read it first without any trouble. So many times Book #2 in a series is hard to grasp without Book #1, but Berman definitely got this one right.

buzymomof2 5.0 out of 5 stars

Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2020

An amazing read that captivates you from the start. Well written story line makes it hard to put the book down. Even better as a box set. Definitely recommend. I received an advance copy of the box set from Hidden Gem Books to leave a review.

AVAILABLE NOW AS AN EBOOK BOX SET AT A VERY SPECIAL PRICE ON AMAZON/KINDLE

Kindle Chris 5.0 out of 5 stars

Enjoy. Then think. Ends/Means?

Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2020

Cops,lawyers,terrorists,politics,romance. What more could anyone ask for? The intriguing plots of these novels not only entertain, they give lots to ponder over long after after the last words are read. Although I received these books in exchange for a review, I got by far the best part of the deal. I am looking forward to more of this author's writing.

  UNTOUCHABLE

TALES FROM THE ROBBERY-HOMICIDE DIVISION 

BOOK 5

An early morning call to police of a woman screaming ends up as a rape murder. The victim is a college girl and the daughter of a police officer, so when the case goes cold, it is given to Detectives Donahue, Gibson and Thompson from the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division. Through diligent work, they will unravel a story that will lead them to London, Istanbul, and eventually to the Royal House of Saud.

Is the American government involved? And if so, why? Will justice ever be served? The surprise ending will provide a twist that brings it all back home.

***** REVIEWS  *****

UNTOUCHABLE is a taut and suspenseful story about a cold case murder investigation that is complicated by diplomatic immunity and foreign policy. Berman’s characters are well defined and credible.Untouchable is a well written and compelling crime thriller, and it is most highly recommended. — Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

UNTOUCHABLE is another engaging, suspenseful crime story where victims and perps aren't the only persons of interest. Keep 'em coming, Peter S. Berman. I'm a fan! —Viga Boland for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

UNTOUCHABLE: This novel by Peter S. Berman is an action-packed murder mystery that had me reading on and devouring the book in just a few hours. A mystery about a cold case, this novel has an intense story line that kept me interested and invested until the very end. The pace of the story is perfect for such a novel and the character development is just amazing. —Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

THE STRANGLER’S KNOT

A STAND ALONE NOVEL

Retired LAPD Homicide Detective Nicky Cavaleri moves to Bend, Oregon, to investigate an unsolved serial killer case from the era of his childhood. When word gets out about what he and rookie detective Kelly Caldwell are doing, the local press receives a letter from the possible killer. As the investigation moves forward, a chance discovery by Caldwell turns the case on its head, forcing the two detectives to probe deeply into past secrets that will expose them both to the risk of death.

***** REVIEWS *****

THE STRANGLER’S KNOT - Peter S. Berman's ability to take a tried-and-true storyline and invest The Strangler's Knot with his own brand of intrigue, plot twists, red herrings, and moments of high suspense is remarkable. Berman avoids at every step the common clichés that avid fans of this genre hate. Imbuing his fiction with an insider's knowledge of process and procedure, a sense of authenticity abounds, even in the most common interactions of his characters. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of Berman's work comes from his convincing subplots, which in the hands of a less skilled author would strain the credulity of the reader, but from him evoke a wonderful sense of place and the real people in it. This is a fast-paced book that will keep its readers quickly turning pages. They will not be disappointed by the ride. - Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews 

THE STRANGLER’S KNOT - If you have ever wondered about how a cold case gets solved then you must read The Strangler's Knot, a wonderful murder/mystery story. Peter S. Berman's writing was never dull and kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a must-read for every murder mystery fan. The Strangler's Knot is a top notch, five star plus book! - Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews 

THE STRANGLER’S KNOT - It's one of those stories you just hold on to as long as you can, a real-page turner, with Berman a grand storyteller. - Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.

ABDUCTED

TALES FROM THE ROBBERY-HOMICIDE DIVISION 

BOOK 4

When American virologist Angela Disler, a potential Nobel Prize nominee, vanishes from a conference in Alexandria, Egypt, the CIA and the FBI quickly spring into action. The job of getting her back is given to Bryan Harb, a deep cover CIA asset in the Middle East, and Mordecai Ben-Gurion, a Mossad intelligence agent. With the assistance of Jordanian intelligence and the US Military, the investigation suddenly goes into overtime when the two men learn that what she knows could bring the civilized world to its knees.“Abducted” is a riveting thriller that will keep you turning pages far into the night

***** REVIEWS *****

ABDUCTED - by Peter Stephen Berman is a thriller that moves you. This thrilling tale starts with a bang and the momentum never dies, not even in the end. This is a thriller that lived up to its name. The suspense and the thrill element of the novel nearly killed me. I was desperate to know how it ended, so I spent a sleepless night reading it. I will not say more and give out spoilers -- you have to read it for yourself. This is definitely a novel you will always want to read again and again. AmazinG! - Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

ABDUCTED - by Peter S. Berman is a spellbinding thriller that is well-written and beautifully paced. The author did a marvelous job on plot and characterization. The story is well-paced, spiced with numerous unexpected turns and a-ha moments that will take readers by surprise. Peter Stephen Berman creates dialogues that move the plot forward and read very naturally. Great writing!! - Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

ABDUCTED - Peter Berman captures the reality of unintended consequences from the best intentions to research prevention of our worst fears. Abducted eases us into a mundane industry conference that rapidly escalates into an international crisis that must be resolved with speed and the highest degree of secrecy. A fascinating perspective of the decision making in the highest levels of government and the military and intelligence resources required. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end. - Todd P. Anderson, Amazon Reader

***** REVIEWS *****

MONEY FOR LOVE - This book kept me turning the pages from the very start until the very end, staying up way past the time I should have been asleep to find out what happened. Author Peter S. Berman has done a fantastic job in creating strong, independent and interesting female protagonists that his readers will be able to connect with and care about. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is! The storyline is exciting, full of action, and an absolute edge of your seat, heart in your throat thriller, and I did not see many of the twists and turns coming. Any reader who enjoys a great murder mystery should read this book as soon as possible! - Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

MONEY FOR LOVE - Money For Love is a dark tale of the seedy underside of matchmaking and those willing to pay for play. Berman wrote these scenes very realistically and I was immediately transported into this desperate world of Russian mobsters, mafia henchmen, and two wonderfully brave detectives willing to risk their own lives to stop these terrible crimes. The characters were well-written and very interesting. I enjoyed the tough female cops and really felt like I could relate to their motivations. This topic could have seemed a little clichéd, but Berman did a nice job of keeping the topic fresh and didn't fall into any overused or offensive tropes. This reflected well on his writing style and word usage. - Renee Taylor for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

MONEY FOR LOVE - This intriguing book is a true page-turner, as the reader becomes involved in a complex labyrinth of criminal actions. Suspense novels should keep the reader guessing and involved until the very end; Mr. Berman successfully accomplishes this goal.—Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite Book Review

WEB OF BETRAYAL

TALES FROM THE ROBBERY-HOMICIDE DIVISION 

BOOK 2

When a British SAS officer is assassinated in Los Angeles by a member of an IRA splinter group, it is up to District Attorney Renee Marin to prosecute the killer. But before the proceedings can begin, Marin and Detectives Gibson and Donahue are confronted by a series of terrorist murders designed to force the release of the assassin. With the assistance of SAS Major Andrew Whitney, they find themselves caught up in a desperate race against time to unravel a series of betrayals and secret alliances that reach into the very highest levels of government. 

***** REVIEWS *****

WEB OF BETRAYAL - The book is a compelling read with a lot happening at the same time. There is betrayal, suspense, intrigue, action, secret alliances, surprises and ambitions that race the story forward and make it fast-paced. The scenes and actions are exhilarating and the characters are well portrayed. The subplots are woven seamlessly to blend well with the main plot, giving it good continuity. The bombings, politics, court scenes and ambitions are thrilling and original and this book will intrigue readers who love action and thriller stories. The darker side of human nature is exposed here and the book has all the elements required to make it a good thriller. I really enjoyed reading this murder/mystery/thriller novel and I would recommend this book to all those readers who love action thrillers.- Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

WEB OF BETRAYAL - is a terrorist thriller written by Peter S. Berman.I enjoyed reading this book and following the complex and complicated procedures involved in handling international terrorism. There are also important ethical issues raised in this book that give the reader much to think about. Add to that bombings, office politics and political ambitions, and you have a suspenseful novel filled with action and plenty of surprises. I enjoyed Web of Betrayal and highly recommend it for fans of the terrorist thriller genre. - Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

WEB OF BETRAYAL - This is another great read by an author who knows how to write a great crime novel. I read Berman's first book (Hidden Agenda) about a year ago, and I'm glad to see that he's back. I love books by authors like Michael Connelly and Lee Child, and Berman's books are right up there with the best of them. This book has some of the same characters as Hidden Agenda, but it stands on its own and they can be read in any order. I have a background in both law and law enforcement, and I can say without reservation that Berman gets it right in his novels. His experience in the courtroom and in the field shine through and he's a terrific storyteller. I'm a fan of both crime novels and military special ops stories, and this book combines the best of both. The tactics and courtroom details are authentic, and the story will grab you and keep you turning pages well into the night. - Bob S. a Verified Purchase Amazon Reader

HIDDEN AGENDA

TALES FROM THE ROBBERY-HOMICIDE DIVISION 

BOOK 1

Jeremy Hart, an LA District Attorney, is a young widower whose grief counselor sends him to a charity party to jump-start his social life. At the party, he meets Claire Carleton, a married woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage with an abusive, wealthy husband. A courtship develops between them, but her husband, Peter, discovers the affair, and after a brutal beating, Claire confides to Jeremy that she believes Peter is planning her demise. When Peter Carleton is found shot to death in the driveway of his Bel Air home, detectives Ulysses Gibson and Jennifer Donahue are called upon to solve the case, and when the evidence points to Jeremy Hart as the killer, he is arrested and taken to trial. What follows is a search for the true story behind the killing. Gibson and Donahue must struggle to keep the scales of justice in balance as they uncover what turns out to be a Hidden Agenda. 

***** REVIEWS *****

HIDDEN AGENDA - Peter S. Berman's mystery novel, Hidden Agenda (Tales from the Robbery-Homicide Division Book 1) combines engrossing police procedural with an intense and exciting legal thriller. Berman peoples his book with real-life characters who get the reader deeply involved in the story. The courtroom scenes are fabulous and made me recall reading the old Perry Mason novels and watching the TV series -- only better. I'm a big fan of police procedurals and loved following Ulysses Gibson and Jennifer Donahue as they investigate the murder of Claire's abusive and controlling husband. Berman's background in law and law enforcement comes through in this very entertaining and authentic legal thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed Hidden Agenda and highly recommend it. - Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

HIDDEN AGENDA - I loved the book. The story took a lot of twists and turns. After I finished it there were many days I could not stop thinking about how it all worked out and wondered about the finish. I had to find another book to stop thinking about the book. I understand there is another book coming and I can't wait to red it. —Amazon Reader

HIDDEN AGENDA - Author Peter S. Berman utilizes his knowledge as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney in his book Hidden Agenda. This tale grabbed my interest from the prologue and held it to the very last word. The brilliant plot slowly built to a crescendo and kept me guessing every step of the way. Author Peter S. Berman did a fabulous job creating the characters; even the secondary characters are well developed. Hidden Agenda is a must read tale filled with romance, intrigue, courtroom drama, and police investigation. - Anne Boling for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews