Review: Immoral Origins by Lee Matthew Goldberg

Synopsis:

A PULSE-POUNDING THRILLER THAT ASKS HOW FAR WE’RE WILLING TO SHED OUR MORALS IN ORDER TO HELP THE ONES WE LOVE.

It’s 1978 in New York City, and disco is prominent. As are mobsters, gritty streets, needle parks and graffiti-stained subways.

Jake Barnum lives in Hell’s Kitchen. He’s a petty thief selling hot coats with his buddy Maggs to make ends meet and help his sick kid brother. At a Halloween party downtown, he meets a woman with a Marilyn Monroe mask who works for an organization called The Desire Card-an underground operation promising its exclusive clients “Any Wish Fulfilled for the Right Price.”

As Jake becomes taken with its leader, a pseudo father and sociopath at heart, he starts stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. In other words…himself. But as he dives deeper in with the Card, begins falling love with Marilyn, and sees the money rolling in, clients’ wishes start becoming more and more suspect-some leading to murder.

The first book in the Desire Card series, Immoral Origins follows those indebted to this sinister organization-where the ultimate price is the cost of one’s soul.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Immoral Origins by Lee Matthew Goldberg is a fascinating start to a five-book series. This novel is dark, suspenseful, and has a unique hook. The hook is the calling card where any wish is fulfilled. I am quite surprised with the twists of events. The intrigue is heavy enough to engage readers’ full interest without losing its appeal. I love how nothing in the tale is the usual stuff that happens in a thriller suspense or crime fiction read. Instead, it takes a little of everything and welds itself together to form an epic yet sinister journey. The ending is just as gripping and edgy as the beginning of the story. What a story! Jake is one of those characters who ends up in the worst position ever. He does things to make things better for someone else. Caring and making bad decisions are what lead Jake to his ultimate fate. A fate no one can escape. The last part is a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what other surprises Lee Matthew Goldberg has in store for the series! Deadly, entertaining, and mysterious as hell – this is a must read for all fans of dark crime reads.