Paper Targets

Art Can Be Murder

By: Steve Saroff

Narrated by: Steve S. Saroff

Broken love. Hidden crimes.

A tale for anyone who has mistaken red flags for trail markers. Based on the events of one of the largest criminal frauds, a drifter becomes a computer hacker who falls for a displaced and dangerous artist.

Enzi is a runaway with in-demand skills. Kaori communicates with her drawings. When Kaori is involved in a shocking crime, Enzi questions everything he has ever done.

©2022 Steve S. Saroff (P)2022 Steve S. Saroff

Critic reviews

"An astonishing novel. Highly recommended to everyone, especially those interested in noir, art, a blazing narration, and all of our deeply unsettling subconsciouses. Saroff also seems capable of laying down the perfect sentence on command." (Michael Fitzgerald, author of Radiant Days and founder of Submittable.)

“Montana Voice podcast host Saroff debuts with a novel about an enigmatic loner who attracts strange characters as he tries to do good—or repair the bad he has done. Enzi is much like Saroff: a runaway and a dyslexic who started with nothing. But he discovers a talent for—and a fascination with—math and winds up a successful computer coder with his own company. But he has come under the sway of Tommy Tsai, a very smooth and very, very bad guy, and gets drawn into cybercrime. At the same time, he posts bail for, and falls half in love with, a young woman named Kaori, an unbalanced Japanese artist prone to not just violent mood swings, but violence itself. Halfway through the novel, the Kaori story takes a back seat to Enzi’s desperate fight to break Tsai’s hold over him. It’s unwise to try to walk away from Tommy Tsai, who has murderous contacts, and true to thriller conventions, the plot involves a race against time. The story is set in Montana (mostly Missoula), and Enzi can wax eloquent about the surrounding mountains and streams. That’s one way his tale has something of the spirit of Hemingway stories like ‘Up in Michigan.’ Another is that his spare—for the most part—prose seems designed to step out of the way but is arresting in itself. But Saroff is also capable of lyric flights and striking metaphors.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Okay

Stars: 2.5

Narrator: Steve Saroff (Author)

I won this in 2022 and happen to see the title on Audible, bells went off and I was humbly reminded why the book was on my Kindle -- a Goodreads Giveaway Kindle win.

The premise of the story had me curious, that's why I entered. Unfortunately, there are a couple issues. The author reads his book: I recommend a professional narrator. His voice is not bad, it's okay. But, the book needs better than okay. There are American names and Japanese; there are male and female characters.

Once I settled in with the narration I did alright until half way, that's when the story started dragging on and on for several hours and never recovered. There are some moments that pieced the story together but they are few.

I rounded up from 2.5 to 3 -- I believe my experience would have been different if I had read the book that I won and that was not an audiobook.

An immersive profound tumbling romp of an adventure.

So much to like about this one.
Debut story, too?

So much artistry. So many things to appreciate.
The language.. pace.. cadence... dialogue... lyricism... reflection and introspection throughout the narration. . a set of characters so real, and flawed, and natural... leading us through a set of outlandish occurrences, twists of fate, emotional interactions.

Hard to describe.
One of those masterclass pieces that just has to be experienced.
Where the pieces are as powerful as the whole. The layers as touching and affecting, sometimes wretched.. as simply and modestly-eloquent as their interplay and connected push forward.


[so many pause-worthy lines throughout... ]
“Crazy is crazy, but lonely is lonely. I do not know which is the saddest.”

“All mistakes start by starting”

Thriller

I have listened to Paper Targets narrated on Audible by an author himself. It is an intriguing thriller with a great heart. Cheerful, friendly and helpful with an unexpected ending.

This is real storytelling!

I found myself slowly pulled into this well-told and well-recorded story. It’s emotional. Analytical. Saroff takes you down this dark road, and then, just when you think it’s all over - he doesn’t let you off. Days later, I’m still thinking about it …

Fantastic 🏆

If you’ve liked this review already, skip to the update past the stars 👇🏼 Back in the office, added promised journal notes taken on the roadtrip. Maybe, of some interest.

If new, Hope you’re inspired to give Paper Target’s a shot 😁

Please forgive I’m working to figure out how to write reviews while book touring for signings, during travel of North America, and who knows where else I’ll land on my own publishing journey.

This review is in two parts, one from an overview, and the remainder from notes.

Hopefully today this will fall into hearts as deeply as Mr. Saroff’s story landed in mine 🏆

/\ update

#RoadTripRead no.6 Wonderful story. Stay tuned for full review. Highlights, was driving through Montana where a bulk of the story takes place.

Laughed when the story was in Missoula in real time while listening and I’d pulled in to the town among others. And, I’m a native to NYC where most of the rest of the story is set.

The publisher didn’t know about my travel plans when approaching me about considering this book. I’m so glad because it was a pleasure to listen to the author tell his story with the setting as my real world backdrop through the book.

A few other notable moments, out the gate the backstory of Enzi is relatable in real life as I’d struggled with literacy and have similar happenstances with his family history. As an artist enjoyed the unique way the intrigue is communicated using art as a clue for evidence. My spouse use to work on Wall Street. The financial implications to the plot made complete sense, to me. Very well researched book.

It’s random my life has components that fit the story. It’s possible this tainted my opinion. Compared to someone unfamiliar with locations or lifestyle might not be as affected in such a relatable way.

I took notes on the cross country trip. Will fill in details when I’m back in the office.

Thanks to the publishing company for offering me several format copies with no pressure to read. They legit thought I’d enjoy the book. Answered questions. And, was kind scoring an autographed copy for my bookshelf to display with other indie authors.

When finding out the writer narrates rather than listen to the converted PDF on Speechify used an Audible token. Helps to leave a verified Amazon and audible review this way, as well.

What I liked about this book most, it kept my attention during the entire story and the author narrating his work made it enjoyable. I have listened to hundreds of books over the years. Mr Saroff could be mistaken as a professional narrator he’s this good, to me.

I like to listen to books faster than normal speed especially if the narrator is well spoken because it’s easy to understand the faster pace. Can finish more books without missing a beat.

At normal speed didn’t enjoy the narration as much as 1.5. Being from NY and how my ear is trained to consume most narrators sound like Buddhist monks (I listen to these books .75 for effect in mindful listening;) and for me the action is way more fun at a pace that vibes urgent or feels a wee bit intense.

Like, Stephen King or Jack Carr lit.

This story would make a great movie on Hulu or Netflix. Even a season of eight shows to help move the story between locations. Adding to the build up toward climax.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯

During road trips listen on Audible, Libby, etc. Typically jot a few ‘paper’ notes in a weekly journal for safety reasons. Avoiding text and driving.

The goal is add these later. When not driving digitally take notes to become the review. Which is easier time wise for me to keep up with an annual goal of 52 review minimum.

Still working to figure out the best way to road-trip read and review. Appreciate your patience as a friend and follower of them.

A few highlights from my notes as promised …

Enzi’s first secret, “I can not read.” This is the quickest I’ve connected with a character. Growing up with this struggle was not a secret, but life altering none the less.

Being into this new world is enhanced by Mr Saroff’s storytelling cadence and readability of the MC.

Upon having listened to hundred’s of books over the years, Mr. Saroff is on of my favorite narrators. David Sadaris’s tone pops up. Comparable to Steve S Saroff’s when the vS fence is 1.5. Very pleasant. Keeping my attention.

The plot is current to today’s financial markets. What sets this apart from other market stories involves Montana. When people think financial district defer to NYC. Japan. London. Anymore, remote work elevates the landscape of storytelling to a new level of intrigue. Affording many more potential novel settings I’m here for 💯.

Nerdy about tech enjoyed the plot. Enzi reminds me of my son, who began at three on his journey to computer guru with a broken apple green screen. Almost three decades later is top tier in the industry space. Could easily be Enzi. Another reason I’m a biased reviewer.

So much so, that the Audible rep I chatted with today added Paper Targets to her listen list 😁

Perfect timing, pulling into Missoula the same time the book lands here in the plot.

Another time, while reading The Lovely Bones … book remarks the town the missing girl, Susie, is from while I’m living and working there. Gasp moment.

In the case of Paper Targets was over the moon to experience the landscape in real time to the read adding to the adventure and intensity.

On the roadtrip listened to Bradley Coopers, 🎶Maybe It’s Time to let the old ways die🎶 following the final chapter occurring six months later to the conclusion. Prologue. Enzi’s mindset equates to the song, in my view.

No spoilers. Though if you’ve heard the song and read the ending might agree.

This story is relatable in we all make decisions that do not work. We all have opportunities to change our focus. Goals. Life.

The story is well written. Descriptive. By the conclusion every piece has a purpose. Being in the story on the road trip helps me see this as a film. Intrigue of changing cities and vast western US landscape all fit into one theme. Including a foreign city involvement.

Very plausible happenstance. As AI improves a likely event. If it hasn’t already occurred beyond fiction.

This is my first attempt at adding notes from a roadtrip to an overview of a book experience. Hope this supports your potential interest to embark on a journey you’ll likely enjoy as much.

Kind regards,

Patience 😁

Adventure and more with a touch of humanity

Nothing about Enzi is typical. He is dyslexic, has no family, computer coder extraordinaire, lost, and has a passion for female artists. His highly skilled computer coding drops him into the path of a notorious and deadly conman named Tommy Tsai. Enzi is not great with relationships. The woman he loves is being charged with double homicide, and additionally, the coding he has implemented is creating a backlash that may prove deadly to Enzi in more ways than one.

Steve Saroff, the author, weaves a gripping story with unique characters. Saroff could have just written the story but instead, he crafts his words in a way that brings the listener deep within the story and keeps them there long after the ending. The story, plot twists, and characters are strongly crafted with poignant and dramatic moments. The descriptions of the characters were vivid.

As the narrator as well, Saroff provides an entertaining and mesmerizing narration. He spoke clearly and flawlessly. His pauses and intonations were perfect for the story. I did not notice any issues with his narration at all, his voice was steady throughout.

Overall, this was a highly entertaining book that will remain with the listener long after. At first, it seemed a bit slow, but the momentum quickly built.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Great character development, intrigue and depth

Thoroughly enjoyed Paper Targets! Winding and relatable story. Even amid the intrigue, I identified with some aspect of almost every character’s circumstance. I was drawn in from the start but the characters kept me wanting more. Rooted for a way out the entire time! Your reading as the author made it even better. Looking forward to reading your next writing endeavor Steve.

Poor fella just wants to move on

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the way this author writes. It was all the more fascinating to learn not only did the main character struggle with dyslexia but so did the author and both moved forward in life able to read and do incredible work.

I highly suggest reading this off-the-wall murder/mystery/thriller. It is unlike most all others I've read. It has all the same insides: girls, sex, murders, crazy people, police chasing with questions, people on the run, threats to lives, etc., it is just at a much slower pace and with someone who never intended to be involved.

👍

📚📚📚📚

Loved it

Character development was excellent. Very easy to get into the story and stay focused. Would recommend

Slow

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is one of those reviews that is difficult to write. It has a good plot and a great ending, but getting to the end was tough. I got lost a couple times and had to rewind and listen again. I didn’t connect with the characters, which often makes it hard to enjoy a book. Kaori did make me laugh a couple of times, though, which is always nice.

The narrator has a decent voice, but he spoke too slowly, and I had to increase the speed of the audiobook to 1.2X. That helped quite a bit.

I think if I had to do it over again, I would read the book rather than listen to the audiobook. Once in a while, I prefer one over the other, which happened in this case.