Dangerous Illusions

A Novel of Murder, Theft & Betrayal

"NOT SINCE DASHIELL HAMMETT'S MALTESE FALCON HAS AN OBJECT OF DESIRE CAUSED SO MUCH TROUBLE!"—Craigie Zildjian

In a beguiling tale of deception and murder, desire and theft, seduction and betrayal—where nothing is what it appears to be—a man is murdered and an iconic musical instrument is stolen during a gathering at Eliot Sexton’s Park Avenue apartment. The stolen item—an object of desire worshipped by millions—is the key to solving the crime, or so the detective brought in to investigate believes. The murder, however, is not nearly as straightforward as it seems—nor is the theft.

Though the island of Manhattan presents no shortage of suspects—many of them capable of killing to satisfy their appetites—Eliot, a young economic historian and writer, soon becomes the prime suspect. As he draws closer to the truth behind the theft and murder, he also becomes the killer’s next target.

Irreverent, provocative, and utterly unpredictable, DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS is a weeklong polyrhythmic journey into contemporary New York that will keep readers guessing right up to its thrilling conclusion.

ADVANCE PRAISE FROM READERS, BOOK REVIEWERS, AND LIBRARIANS

“Like all of the best crime fiction, this is about so much more than a murder; it’s about the world we live in now.”—Barbara Dey, ALA Librarian

“Joseph J. Gabriele debuts as an author with a literate, sophisticated and enthralling mystery novel Dangerous Illusions.”—Grady Harp, Vine Voice

“This might be one of the best additions to the crime drama or thriller noir genre in many years. There is a reason the reviews have been so glowing about this book; it has everything from rich character development to white-knuckle moments of tension. What a wonderfully addictive book.”—Veritas Vincit

“A beautifully written mystery filled with suspense and intrigue. . . . A rare gem in a genre where it is sure to stand out.”—Lizzie Andrews

“If you enjoy reading crime fiction, you'll be caught in the web of this novel like a masochistic fly.”—Paul Woodland

“Sleek and stylish. . . . Dangerous Illusions is noir at its best.”—Artimatic

“This novel by Joseph Gabriele is a masterful first work, written in a superb, descriptive style, which never loses the reader's attention. . . . I thoroughly recommend Dangerous Illusions to all those who enjoy a good thriller.”—H.Y. Taylor

“A fascinating read filled with vivid and exciting characters. . . .”—Cassandra Greenfield

“Dangerous Illusions is author Joseph J. Gabriele's first work of fiction, though you could never tell. His experience at a number of leading New York trade publishers has clearly paid off in this rather well-written, intriguing and unique murder-mystery thriller. . . . Definitely recommended.”—Thalia

“On an academic level, this book is written almost to a level of perfection that can be compared with the greats in thriller writing. Gabriele has crafted a story that is intelligent, ingenious, and memorable. It is book I'm sure to re-read.”—Kirstein Howell, Vine Voice

“Seductive and Compelling . . . . Dangerous Illusions, the first novel by Joseph J. Gabriele, has a sensuous seductive pull that draws you into the story, slowly narrowing the fascinating cast of characters and suspects until you find you’re furiously reading the last few pages to find out who and why. . . . this story will take you on a ride you won’t want to miss.”—Donna Thompson

“A top-notch murder mystery. . . . The story is intense, captivating and believable.”—Khamneithang Vaiphei

“Sexy and spellbinding this well-developed mystery hooks you in fast and the four-on-the-floor pace will keep you turning pages faster than a Buddy Rich drum solo.”—Heather Smith