Cast the First Stone
(The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #1)
By David James Warren
Crime Thriller, Time-Travel, Sci-Fi
Paperback & ebook, 147 Pages
February 9, 2021 by TriStone Media
Summary
One case haunts him. One chance to fix the past. One mistake could cost him everything.
Ex-Minneapolis Police Detective Rembrandt Stone walked away from a career he loved—just the price of being sure he can come home to the wife and daughter he cherishes. But he can’t shake the deep regret over a case left behind.
When his mentor, the former Chief of Homicide dies and leaves Rembrandt with a box of cold cases and a mysterious watch, he finds himself thrust into a world he recognizes—a world from twenty years ago—the same world he’s woken from in a cold sweat a hundred times. But is it a dream, or some kind of twisted reality?
If he solves the case that plagues him, and justice is finally served, will it destroy the life he loves?
Strap in for a mind-bending, time travel thrill ride in Book One of this exciting new series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.
From the creative pens of USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren*, award-winning author James L. Rubart**, and new voice, David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.
*USA Today, March 2016
**Christy Hall of Fame November 2019
Praise for the Book
“Cast the First Stone is a mind-bender of the first order. Fast paced, strong characters, great twists and Rembrandt Stone is a hero I predict will be grabbing readers around the throat for a long time. This is one to pick up because you won’t want to put it down.” Ted Dekker – New York Times bestselling author
“Cast the First Stone grabs the crime genre by the collar and shows it a thing or two! With time travel, cold cases, and flawed, relatable characters who feel like old friends, this story hooked me from the very first line. Sleep? Who needs sleep? Give me a True Lies of Rembrandt Stone novel. Masterful writing from three powerhouse storytellers.”
-NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
"Holy what?! DO NOT MISS THIS STORY! David James Warren kills it with this time-travel story that explores regrets and mistakes and the importance of living in the now. I tried explaining to Rembrandt Stone the dangers of messing with the timeline, but would he listen? Of course, not. This was truly a riveting story that gutted me! Now. Where the fluff is book 2? -Ronie Kendig, author of the bestselling, award-winning The Tox Files
“Cast the First Stone grabs the crime genre by the collar and shows it a thing or two! With time travel, cold cases, and flawed, relatable characters who feel like old friends, this story hooked me from the very first line. Sleep? Who needs sleep? Give me a True Lies of Rembrandt Stone novel. Masterful writing from three powerhouse storytellers.”
-NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
"Holy what?! DO NOT MISS THIS STORY! David James Warren kills it with this time-travel story that explores regrets and mistakes and the importance of living in the now. I tried explaining to Rembrandt Stone the dangers of messing with the timeline, but would he listen? Of course, not. This was truly a riveting story that gutted me! Now. Where the fluff is book 2? -Ronie Kendig, author of the bestselling, award-winning The Tox Files
My Review
CAST THE FIRST STONE is one of those stories where there are twists and turns and a mystery to be solved. The characters are easy to relate to, especially the protagonist who is a retired cop who would like to solve a box full of cold cases. Fans of true crime with a sci-fi twist will find much to enjoy about the start to this series!
I really liked the main character, Rembrandt or "Rem," from the start. He's a retired police detective who is now married with a young daughter, but can't seem to completely let go of his past and the cases that he never solved. He's a good man, if a bit impulsive, and he just wants to save people and find those who are guilty. It was interesting seeing how things played out and watching Rem try to figure out how to mix his past with his present. It was definitely an exciting story with some climatic moments and quite a twist at the end. Highlight for a slight spoiler: I had to wonder if he was an unreliable narrator or if he's not and things will be explained more in following books in the series. I'm definitely curious to see what will happen in the next book!
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I have to note that the author who narrated has a fabulous voice for this! I did think a few of the side character voices could have been done a bit better, but otherwise, the protagonist felt spot on. I also could listen to the deep timbre of his voice all day.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an exciting read and a book that was engaging to listen to. I'd definitely recommend to true crime, mystery and suspense readers who like their stories with some twists. I'll definitely be picking up book two!
Content: Some innuendo and crime-scene violence - would consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary audiobook copy from the authors' publicist, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Authors/Series
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves travelling and telling stories about life, adventure and faith.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.
Do you like true crime books or books with interesting twists? Is this one on your list?
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