Once again, the author continues the Greed Thriller series with a great second book. The story continues with MIchael Doyle not just a journalist but a want to be detective good guy. As with all of the author’s work, the character’s are all distinctly different but so believable. There is always a little humor in the main character. This book is no different. Continuing with a murder in the last book, North Texas has a new monster in town and that is drugs. For Michael, the teen overdoses in the area and the kidnap of his friend's wife makes him want to get to the bottom of it. He, along with his colleagues, decide to find out exactly who is killing the teens and get their friend's wife back. Besides it would make a great article for the paper. They travel into Mexico and not a minute is without an adventure. What they see in Mexico is not what was expected but they needed to get to the bottom of what was going on. They have a young intern willing to play the part of a high school student to see their side of what was going on. She watched as students got drunk and did illegal drugs as if it was nothing….just a party. Michael, Andi and the rest of the team go through a lot to get to the what was happening back home while they are running for their lives in Mexico. A lot of mystery, suspense and thrill. Great book! ( )

Greed #2

Having kids and bringing them up to be healthy and productive adults is a hard task but when your kids are mixed up in illicit drugs what are you to do? Worst by helping them get out of this predicament you decide to go after the shady characters that got them hooked.... well read “Lethal Greed” and you may find out....enjoy.

In a web of mystery, “Lethal Greed”, brings a city under siege with drug deaths and kidnapping. Michael Doyle (the protagonist) and those closest to him are sucked into a twister so destructive no one will be the same at the end. Greed, is the driving force in this action packed story where we find Michael immersed in a drama involving his friend Arthur whose wife has been kidnapped and ransomed. With partying young adults shooting up, sniffing or snorting drugs....some to their death....Michael had to take on the drug dealers to protect the vulnerable but dealing with the Drug Cartel is a whole other ball game.

I had a bit of trouble getting into it at first it took some time before I noticed I was hooked and couldn’t let go. Slow paced at first then the action and suspense took off and kept a steady tempo till the very last page. Even with all the action this is an easy plot to follow and one that will make you think. Mr. Mefford choice of subject definitely is an eye opener....although not surprising. Partying in Puerto Vallarta during Spring break wow the kids know how to give themselves a good time...or a fatal one...

I like the characters in this book, most are recurring one from book #1 but no fear if you haven’t read “Fatal Greed” this story can be read on its own.

In a few words:

“Lethal Greed” brings a thought provoking subject to the forefront, not only about greed but also about murder, betrayal and the terrible curse of drug addiction. ( )

Lethal Greed by John W. Mefford is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once more the author uses greed, avarice, as the drive at the very heart of the actions which leads to the senseless deaths of young people who have not even started their lives yet and which will lead to much more heartache and broken lives before we are finished with our tale.

Michael and Marisa have tied the knot and Micheal is firmly ensconced in his new job working for the local newspaper. He quickly finds himself immersed in the drama unfolding with his friend Arthur whose wife has been kidnapped and is being held captive as well as the string of drug related deaths of young adults in their city. Marisa's mother, who is from San Antonio has also popped in for a visit.

I really enjoyed the characters in the first book and was looking forward to touching base with them again. The case involving Arthur and his wife Trudy will occupy most of Micheal's time and energy as he travels back to Puerto Vallarta, to rescue Trudy. But, there is also a new member to his staff, a young girl who has agreed to work undercover in order to bust the drug ring responsible for the heartbreaking overdoses, plus trouble in Marisa's personal family life also ties into the fray making for some really tense and action packed scenes.
The cautionary tale that warns against easy money and the dangers of drugs is an old one. It never fails to amaze how many people still fall under the spell of big money, somehow filing away the fact they are ruining countless lives by supplying drugs. The addiction to drugs is still very prevalent and knows no boundaries when it comes to class or money. Very good, otherwise law abiding citizens with stable, loving home lives can become addicted to illegal drugs just like anyone else. This story is a fine expose' of just that. No, it doesn't become preachy or anything but there were some ironical moments between Michael and Marisa, each affected personally in one way or the other.
However, some of these more poignant moments might fly under the radar as most readers will become caught up in the action and suspense elements in the story. The first chapter sets the pace and the action only slows down briefly here and there. The only complaint I had was the plausibility in some areas. I have said this countless times about thrillers.. I give this genre lots of leeway in that area, but I also like it to stay in a believable range. At times I felt things were about to get out of hand in that area. Thankfully, the story righted itself and continued on a more even pace.
There are some whopping emotional punches thrown out there and again the victims in this deadly game are many. Michael and Marisa seem like survivors to me and despite the differences in their upbringing, their lives are meshed together and I have the feeling they will work through all this and come out stronger in the end. Over all this one is a 3.5 rounded to 4 ( )

#2 in the exciting and compelling "Greed" series, while, it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading #1 "Fatal Greed" as well. This is a fast paced thriller, which involves greed, murder, suspense, and so much more. Any reader who enjoys thrillers, suspense and mystery will delight in "Lethal Greed". From the first page to the last, it's exciting, thrilling and well written with interesting characters. Mr. Mefford, has written a well thought out, thought-provoking tale of greed and all it encompasses from murder, to betrayal and all in between. "Greed" series, is well worth your time to read. I don't think you will regret your choice. An awesome read!

*Received for an honest review from the publisher*

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot, due to content,etc.
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )