Cover: Circumstances of Childhood
by John W. Howell
The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars)
Plot
(by Goodreads)
When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?
Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.
His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.
If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.
| Genre(s): | Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Biographical > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers > Legal Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers & Suspense > Financial |
| Series: | n.a. |
| Length: | 299 pages |
| Release date: | 2017-10-01 |
Teaser
“Yes, it will be a big adjustment for all of us. We don’t have a quarterback. I’m afraid I put all my eggs into the Keith basket.”
Right then, I thought hard about having Greg take over as quarterback. He knew the plays better than anyone. Hell, he was the brains behind many of them. I said out loud, “Why doesn’t Greg do the quarterbacking?”
The coach looked over to where I stood as if he heard me, although impossible. “Greg, would you consider taking over as quarterback?”
My Opinion
This book provides you with a first look at Greg, whereas Keith introduces you to the story.
With Circumstances of Childhood, John W. Howell has created a unique story of friendship, loss, and much more. Greg and Keith are very likeable characters; as the story proceeded, I became their invisible friend. The story comprises a variety of craftily elaborated characters with depth and interesting interactions until the last page. I had a great time reading Circumstances of Childhood – it is a very intriguing and intense read; it turned me into an invisible ally and/or friend of the believable protagonists. I was drawn into the story right away, eager to learn more. Some of the events may start a new train of thoughts, maybe even shine a new light on something familiar.
This is for you if you like thrillers with excellent twists, interesting and complex characters, a touch of the paranormal, and – food for thought.
A compelling and remarkable read by a master of story-telling.
Highly recommended!
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (four stars) |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Mood | Suspenseful |
| Pace | Fast, steady |
| POV | best fit for every scenario |
| Language |  – 😳 (decent enough; some medium swearwords) |
| Violence | 😳 (some violence) |
| Sexual content | (decent) |
About the author
John W, Howell began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. Circumstances of Childhood in October 1st 2017. The latest, The Contract, was launched the week of June 4th, 2018. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
Connect with the Author:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241
Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave
Authors db – http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/6604-john-w-howell
LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-w-howell/48/b59/462/
Google + – https://plus.google.com/+JohnHowellAuthor/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/johnwhowell/
Shelfari – http://www.shelfari.com/johnwhowell
Amazon Author’s page – https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell
Buy links: books2read.com/u/4AYaXJ
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Circumstances of Childhood? Or – if you did not yet read Circumstances of Childhood – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
Book review: My GRL (John J. Cannon Series, #1)
Book review: His Revenge (John J. Cannon Series, #2)
Book review: Our Justice (John J. Cannon Series, #3)
10 Statements – John W. Howell
My train of thoughts on... 
Thanks for this mindful review, Karen. I’m a huge fan of John’s work. Hugs all around.
Thank you very much, Teagan. We are all fans of John’s work, it seems. Hugs.
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A good review of John W. Howell’s book CIRCUMSTANCES OF CHILDHOOD.
Thanks, Karen for this good review of John Howell’s book. Congratulations John. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks for your kind feedback, Suzanne.
😉 — Suzanne
A fabulous review of John’s book. I also loved it.
Thank you very much, Roberta.
I say ‘Amen’ to all the comments above! I, too, read “CofC”, gave it a 5-Star Review, got the $100 check from John, and have thought since my reading that Mr. Howell had some close ties to the people he wrote about in that book…that is, one way or another! Hip, hip, and a big ole HOORAY for my ‘dialogue idol’! ♥♥♥
P. S. I liked that ‘durn’ book so much I returned the $100 check to Mr. Howell and scribbleed this note on the check: “Can’t have this much serious fun and deep thought with a book plus take yur e-pluribus-unum!!! Just send Willett! (She’s a lady we know and like!) Just, saying!
Thanks, Billy Ray. I’m sure Karen is horrified at the thought of me even having a $100 to spend. I must say though, your review was excellent and I thank you for your appearance here today. Remind me again as to how much a bottle of Willett weighs?
Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
Karen Oberlaendar has written a lovely review of Circumstances of Childhood. Karen is also an excellent author and her book of short stories titled In a Small Compass is available for free. Visit Karen’s blog and claim your copy. Karen is also a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and a super reviewer. Thank you, Karen.
Thank you, Karen, for the insightful review. I am so pleased you enjoyed the story since your opinion means a lot to me.
Thank you for writing this unique story, John. I did my best to avoid spoilers. Your book will definitely be among my top five reads of 2018.
Thanks – likewise.
I am so humbled by your comment, Karen. Thank you.
I enjoyed the story. Great review, well deserved.
So did I, Inese. 🙂
This is a book that stays in your memory.
It sure is.
Thank you, Inese. So nice of you to say so.
I got the book last September. As I am not a stranger to accountancy, I was interested, but I found there much more than I had expected 🙂
It was my “kitchen sink,” story. I found it so much fun to write because I pretty much tossed convention aside. The Contract is in very much the same vein in being a cross genre work. Thank you again, Inese.
Thank you for writing good stuff 🙂
Great review. I especially like your rating grid at the end.
Wishing John all the best!
Thank you, Staci.
Your feedback on the rating grid is also highly appreciated. 🙂
I’ve never seen anyone do that. I really liked it. (I’m considering “borrowing” the concept.)
Please feel free to borrow the concept, Staci. I am looking forward to your next reviews. 🙂
I need to get better about posting my reviews on my blog. Hopefully soon (and with a new format). Thanks!
Happy weekend!
Happy weekend, Staci!
Thank you, Staci.
Wonderful review of a wonderful story. I too enjoyed this one. John is also one of my favorite people and I’m glad to see him represented here.
Thank you very much, Craig.
Even if I repeat myself: We share great taste.
We do. We’re awesome.
Thank you, Craig. The feeling is mutual.
Nice review, Karen – I loved the mixture of thriller with a hint of paranormal in this book.
Thank you, Teri. This is a brilliant concept I highly enjoyed as well.
Thank you, Teri