“As a former newspaperman and a Nashville resident, I especially enjoyed the book because of its reporter protagonist and its Music City setting. The plot is believable, provides action and suspense, and the characters are well-defined. It also offers insight into how the media functions that “civilians” should find interesting. It’s a good, quick read and I enjoyed it.”
—Larry Woody, a former Tennessean sports writer/outdoors editor and author, is a three-time Tennessee Sports Writer of the Year and a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Martin Methodist College Sports Hall of Fame
“Tom Wood’s journalistic background is perfectly showcased in his suspenseful first novel, Vendetta Stone. Its clever premise as a true crime novel, written from the point of view of journalist Gerry Hilliard, works so well that readers may question why they didn’t know about these serial murders earlier. Vividly drawn and complex characters join a well-crafted plot to create a “can’t turn the pages fast enough” winner. … [It] practically cries out for a sequel.”
—Michelle Broussard Honick, Co-author of Ghosts, Gangsters and Gamblers of Las Vegas
“One thought that hit me mid-way through was “Hitchcock” (I have admired his work for many years) and I use the term here in the highest regard. You did not disappoint. You kept an even keel without the ups and downs of over-dramatizing or leaving one hanging that so often happens. To boot, I learned a lot about the media businesses and that was an added plus.”
—Skip Nipper, Author and Nashville baseball historian
“It’s not difficult to imagine Vendetta Stone being adapted to film, and I think such a film would be welcomed by a large audience. Anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller as well as a realistic glimpse into Southern life should read this novel.”
—Stephen Delos Wilson, member of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association
“It is a gripping thriller . . . an excellent social and psychological piece of literature, especially looking into the mind of a serial killer.”
—Nick Sullivan is a former Tennessean sports writer, outdoors editor and copy editor
“Finished VENDETTA STONE last night — what a thriller, Tom! You nailed it. … Tom surprised me with his ending — and how he got there.”
—Suzanne Webb Brunson is a former Nashville Banner reporter
I just finished reading “Vendetta Stone”. Beginning with the clever title, I found the book to be an intriguing combination of a complex story coupled with great insight into the diverse characters and their points of view. I kept wanting to skip to the end to see how the story turned out, but I am glad I did not do that. The ending was both expected and surprising and that is the best way to end a well-told tale. Kudos to you, Tom.
Thanks Judith. I’ve started calling this a “fictional true-crime” story when people ask me the genre. When people ask me if this based on a true event or how they don’t remember seeing this in the news reports, it means I have done my job.
If you love Nashville you’re going to LOVE this book. Nothing better then a crime book based in Nashville. Pick it up at a local book store, on Kindle, or order it through Amazon. Written by our very own Tom Wood, a local writer for many many years as well as an extra on the ABC show “Nashville”. Its a must read!
Thanks, Justin! Working on ‘Nashville’ is great fun and you get to meet a lot of really cool people from all walks of life. All the stars are friendly and I would encourage anyone reading this to go to http://www.onlocationcasting.us/ and fill out an online profile to become part of the ‘Nashville’ experience.
This book “Vendetta Stone” is great! It was so intriguing that I could hardly wait to finish it. Great writing, Tom Wood. I recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
Appreciate your comments, Patty. One of my goals was to give it an old-school feel in a modern world. I grew up reading Mickey Spillane and writers of that era.