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Pernicious Proclivities: Can the evil be stopped? Kindle Edition

4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

Rocco Mancuso looks like a hit man though he is an Ivy League attorney who works for the us Atomic Energy Commission investigating nuclear espionage. Ty Rettig is a millionaire psychopath managing a major AEC site that produces plutonium for nuclear weapons. Rettig organizes a major scam and murders several people to cover it up. With no love life and a boss who despises him, Mancuso washes away sorrow with too much beer. Mancuso solves the biggest case of his career and thinks he's falling in love when he is assigned to investigate missing plutonium. His investigation places Mancuso squarely in Rettig’s cross hairs. If he exposes Rettig, he will be murdered. But can he live with himself if he doesn’t? Pernicious Proclivities is a murder mystery you won’t put down.

Editorial Reviews

Review


"Rocco Mancuso, a federal agent for the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s, is on the hunt. He's tracking a spy from the wilds of Tennessee to Pennsylvania and back again. It's hard to say who the spy might be - or where 300 kilos of highly enriched uranium might have gone - but Mancuso is determined to find out. While he's one the road, he's able to avoid his boss, his tumultuous personal life, and pretend that his career has a future.
"Mancuso ends up crossing paths with Ty Rettig, a powerful senator's son, who is shaping up to be a pretty nasty character. Backed by the power his father wields, the Rettigs are powerful players out for themselves. Between nuclear accidents, missing scientists, and a whole lack of paperwork, Mancuso realizes that he'll be lucky to end this with his head intact, let alone his career.
"Hewitt writes from the perspectives of many different characters, which makes the book multifaceted. It also takes the audience away from Mancuso's fairly jaded perspective for periods of time. I do feel like his character is written well and his voice is true to his description and circumstances. ...things really start to connect together when, after Mancuso's success in one area, he suddenly finds himself fighting for his career, life, and future when assigned to a case involving Rettig. I found this to be a great point of writing as it illustrated Mancuso as a down-on-his-luck guy and the sheer unpredictability of life. I soon wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery. I thought the plot of Pernicious Proclivities was good. There were a few plot twists that really made the book. If you're looking for a thriller with an agreeable hero and a bomb of a problem, then try Pernicious Proclivities." SamIAmReading, A Book Review Blog, published May 23, 2023.

From the Author

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet read MALICIOUS DECEPTION by W. Michael Hewitt (ASIN: B09XLW9ML6) please do so before reading PERNICIOUS PROCLIVITIES as this novel reveals the key to mysteries in MALICIOUS DECEPTION.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C6BQZL28
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Self published on Amazon
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 24, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

About the author

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W Michael Hewitt
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W Michael Hewitt writes techno thrillers that draw up his decades of experience as president of US domestic and international corporations involved in the safe handling of nuclear and hazardous chemical materials. He holds degrees in chemical, nuclear, and mechanical engineering. Now retired and living in sunny Arizona, he plays golf, writes fiction, and travels to fascinating places worldwide. The experience gained while working provides a treasure trove of information that he now weaves into mystery thrillers. His goal is to enthrall readers with people, circumstances, and settings that most readers will never be exposed to but provide food for good reads that will hopefully capture their interests.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
27 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
    I loved how the novel balanced fact and fiction. W. Michael Hewitt's background in chemical and nuclear engineering lends a credible air to the storyline, making the suspenseful moments feel even more real. This blend of historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling makes the book stand out. Rocco Mancuso, our protagonist, is an intriguing character. His rough exterior, coupled with a sharp intellect, makes him an unforgettable presence. I particularly enjoyed the excerpt where Mancuso's interaction with the hotel clerk reveals layers of his personality. It's these humanizing moments that made me root for him despite his flaws. Ty Rettig, the antagonist, is crafted with such finesse that I found myself despising him - a testament to Hewitt's skill in character development. The contrast between Mancuso and Rettig adds depth to the narrative, making their eventual confrontations all the more gripping. In short it's a must-read for fans of mystery thrillers. Its rich characters, fast-paced plot, and intelligent writing make it a standout. Hewitt has crafted a world that's as ominous as it is captivating, and I'm eagerly awaiting his next work.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2023
    Prepare to be enthralled from start to finish with "Pernicious Proclivities," a captivating novel that seamlessly blends unexpected twists, vivid characterizations, and a skillfully interwoven plot. This book takes readers on an unforgettable journey filled with crime, politics, espionage, and profound human drama, ensuring that it holds you hostage until the very last page.

    What truly sets "Pernicious Proclivities" apart is the author's remarkable ability to merge the realms of fact and fiction. Set against the backdrop of 1965 America, the narrative flawlessly captures the atmosphere of an era defined by political and social transformation. However, what elevates this novel to a new level of intrigue is the author's ingenious incorporation of entirely fictional characters and plotlines. This fusion of historical context and imaginative thrill adds a fascinating layer of depth, rendering the story a unique blend of authenticity and suspense.

    One of the book's standout features lies in its exceptional characterizations. Each individual is meticulously crafted, possessing a complexity that breathes life into the story. From the morally ambiguous protagonist to the enigmatic supporting cast, the characters display a remarkable authenticity that draws readers into their intricate web of emotions and motivations. Their actions and intentions are expertly interwoven, creating a tapestry of suspense and mystery that keeps you eagerly flipping through the pages.

    With its exploration of various themes ranging from crime and politics to espionage and profound human drama, "Pernicious Proclivities" deftly navigates multiple genres. The author seamlessly intertwines these elements, crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative that never fails to surprise. The intricate twists and turns of the plot continually challenge readers' assumptions, urging them to question the true intentions of the characters and leaving them in anticipation of what lies around the next corner.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
    Be prepared to finish this book in one setting. This book is full of mystery, with so many twists and turns that I can hardly put it down. The character development in this story is amazing, and there is so much drama. if you want a good read, I highly recommend this one!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
    I enjoyed reading this book. The author does a good job tying mysterious elements surrounding real life events. The work is well-researched, descriptive, and brings the characters to life. For those who like mystery novels, this is a highly recommended novel.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2023
    "Pernicious Proclivities" is a captivating political thriller that masterfully blends historical facts with imaginative fiction. The story follows Rocco Mancuso, a hard-nosed federal investigator with a drinking problem, as he gets entangled with a psychopathic killer, a Pakistani spy ring, and a powerful mafia don. The author's background in engineering adds authenticity to the espionage elements.

    The book's standout feature lies in its meticulous character development, making each individual relatable and adding emotional depth to the story. While the plot can be intricate at times, the fast-paced narrative keeps readers hooked with constant action and intrigue.

    In summary, "Pernicious Proclivities" is a gripping blend of fact and fiction, offering an intelligent and riveting political thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended for fans of espionage and crime dramas!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2023
    There were so many characters and different storylines. It was hard to follow at first, but it came together at the end for a very satisfying ending. I was not sure about what the story would be from the cover, so I am glad that I took the time to dig in deeper. You will enjoy reading this thriller.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
    The best way I can describe Pernicious Proclivities: Can the evil be stopped? is to use movie analysis - it is a mix of 007, Die Hard, and Mission Impossible, but with a 1960's setting, and with W.O.M.D.s in the mix, the stakes are EXTREMELY high. This novel is very well crafted, with interested plots-lines, and well-deveoloped characters. It is a political, psychological, adventure, that film's more like a film than a book. W Michael Hewitt's vivid depictions, and details pull you into the story, so that you yearn for the next chapter. I really enjoyed this thriller.

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