All books available at: https://www.amazon.com/author/donnamcarbone

Review:

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

"THROUGH THICK AND THIN IS MORE THAN A CRIME NOVEL. IT IS A STORY ABOUT THE DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND AND THE STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. THE CRIMES ARE UNIQUE AND THE MAIN CHARACTERS SO WELL CRAFTED THAT THE READER FEELS A KINSHIP WITH THEM. I CAME AWAY BELIEVING THAT I ACTUALLY KNEW CAT LEIGH AND MARCI WELLES AND WAS HAPPY TO BE “FRIENDS” WITH THEM." ~JOHN PAUL GASCA~

Review:

“I started reading the prologue and could not stop. This is beyond brilliant!” ~ Kathy Banfield

Review:

For an author, compliments carry different "weights." All compliments have value, but that value is based on how the author feels when he/she reads or hears them. A recent acquaintance began reading my Cat Leigh and Marci Welles crime novel series. She wrote to me after reading Through Thick and Thin, the first book in the series. Her words were similar to what I had heard from other fans. The stories were interesting, the locations (Palm Beach County) made the crimes more "visual," and the characters (Cat and Marci, in particular) were well-crafted and lived on in her memory when the book was finished. This reader had met my daughter Jessica, the role model for Cat Leigh, at one of the Institute's Tongues a'Wagging storytelling events, so the reenactment of Jess's rape, although fictionalized, hit her hard. I appreciated the empathy she felt.

SILK SUIT/STONE HEART

The same woman who posted the review for  Through Thick and Thin wrote again to tell me she had finished Silk Suit/Stone Heart, the second book in the series. her praise was similar to what I have heard in the past. she finished her email by saying that "Chapter 22 should be required reading for all women."

Truthfully, I had to read Chapter 22 again to know what she was referencing. That entire chapter is based on speeches Jess and I gave when we did the talk circuit after her attack. It is filled with information detailing the truths and lies surrounding rape and the way the legal system and the media manipulate society with twisted logic and outright falsehoods.

Having spent the last 13 and a half years trying to keep women safe, this fan's words weighed heavily on me... in a good way. My hope is that every woman (and man) who reads my books learns how to keep themselves safe in an ever increasingly dangerous world.

I do not need to be on the New York Time's best seller list and I do not need a Pulitzer Prize (both accolades are bought not earned). Saving lives... even one life... What greater reward could there be for an author!

Review:

"THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN DONNA CARBONE'S CRIME SERIES FEATURING TWO FEMALE DETECTIVES WITH THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. DETECTIVES CAT LEIGH AND MARCI WELLES SOLVE NOT ONE BUT THREE CRIMES. WHILE THE READER ENJOYS THE FAST MOVING PACE, HE/SHE ALSO LEARNS HOW TO BE SAFE AND AVOID BECOMING A CRIME VICTIM. I LIKED THE FACT THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE STORIES, NOT JUST ONE AS IN MOST CRIME NOVELS. THE SAFETY TIPS ARE COMMON SENSE BUT ADD LOTS OF VALUE TO A VERY GOOD READ. THANK YOU DONNA CARBONE." ~ D. MALLEGOL ~

Review:

“Author Donna Carbone published this story about two female detectives, Cat and Marci, officers of the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Department. They solve not one, but three crimes. While the reader enjoys the fast moving pace, he/she learns how to be safe and avoid becoming a crime victim. I liked the fact that there are three stories, not just one as in most crime novels. The safety tips are common sense but add lots of value to a very good read. Thank you Donna Carbone.” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Donna Carbone had the temerity to ask me to review the first two novels of her mystery series - several days after I told her that I am a literary snob (deservedly or not) and that I considered the whodunit format to be formulaic and trivial. In Ms. Carbone’s case, I was wrong. Here are novels that you can read without a feeling of wasting your time over cardboard cops and faux felons. I recognize all of the venues and characters from my tenure as an Assistant Prosecutor in Florida. The two women deputies inhabit South Florida’s all too real world of wife beaters, murderers, rapists, and other assorted low-lives. They themselves have come from real world and have lives of their own. They experience love, bureaucracy, male chauvinism, fear, anger, twinges of rivalry, interpersonal conflicts, and feelings of remorse for unsolved crimes and the suffering of its victims. They battle black hearts on a daily basis. Women deserve a ‘partner’ series of stories to rise to the complexity and nuance of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or the Mel Gibson and Danny Glover pairings. Now they have them. I don’t know the author very well, and I don’t see the police force in her curriculum vitae. But she must have been a cop and a detective in another life, so accurately does she capture the warp and weft of crime, the law, and law enforcement in the Sun Belt.  The story lines of pursuit and interrogation of murderous criminals is as good as anything in Crime and Punishment. If this author writes any more such works, I may have to change my mind about the genre.” (posted to amazon.com)

PRIVATE HELL

Review:

“Another great story by Carbone and this one packs a punch. A thought provoking read which tackles big issues and carries more meaning than the usual fiction (semi-fiction in this case) with none of the drag found in a non-fiction piece devoted solely to the exploration of violence and abuse. It is the uplifting drama of one who has risen above the degradation imposed on them, becoming the sorely needed example of a champion which is relevant to so many who have not yet recovered their voice.” ~J. Jeannopoulos~

Review:

“I can never write a quick review of a book by Donna Carbone. I find it always takes me some time. This is not because the books are difficult to get through; on the contrary, they are page-turners that move me through them quickly, eager for the next page to unfold more of the story. No, it is because Donna's work demands of me contemplation, even digestion of a sort. A consummate storyteller, she is never content with that alone. She writes with a sincere desire to make life better for women.
Of course, that leads to a better life for men, too, because men need empowered, strong women as mothers, wives, partners, daughters and friends. Donna always leads her reader to go deeper, to learn anew and to resolve to make some changes, large or small, in how they view the world because of how she shares her view of it. A Hollywood mogul once said, "If you want to send a message, call Western Union," In today's lingo, he might have said, "Put it on Instagram," but the idea is the same. Donna never hammers a message into us; she tells us an engrossing story with characters we come to care about, but she presents their lives and their challenges in such a way that we cannot forget them once we close the book.” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“ This tale of 1 woman's experience with domestic violence was riveting...I read it in 2 days because it was a fast paced story, with a time line that was clear and flowed so easily over the span of a lifetime. I was drawn into her life, felt it and came away a more compassionate and empathetic person. This is a topic that must be discussed, written about and the stories spread among the masses. This one courageous, determined and fiercely instinctive child, grew into womanhood carrying the same insidiously lethal vulnerabilities into her adulthood, until she finally, in the nick of time, found the resources that would help her to stop the abuse and walk into a new life with renewed hope for love and family. Consider this book a text book course for life! Don't miss it! Pass it along and teach the lessons. Wonderful! Entertaining! Informative! Bittersweet! Hopeful!” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Another great story by Carbone and this one packs a punch. A thought provoking read which tackles big issues and carries more meaning than the usual fiction (semi-fiction in this case) with none of the drag found in a non-fiction piece devoted solely to the exploration of violence and abuse. It is the uplifting drama of one who has risen above the degradation imposed on them, becoming the sorely needed example of a champion which is relevant to so many who have not yet recovered their voice.” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Thank goodness I broke my rule of not reading stories I thought would be too sappy! Carbone has the finesse to combine mystery, food, philosophy and much more into a tale that made me laugh, think, and grimace-all in less than a page. Then there's the finish. It assures I will be reading all this author has to say in the future.” (posted to amazon.com)

CHARLIE’S MOLASSES

Review:

“An Epic Story Wrapped in a Small Package

Review:

History is colorful but not pretty, as evidenced by this story set in Pahokee, a once-thriving sugar town in the Everglades of Florida. A Florida native shared it with the author, who takes the reader on an unforgettable trip back in time. I have been known to skim over sections like the preface, epigraph and prologue, which rarely fill me with a shiver of anticipation or set the stage for horrors to come like these do.

Review:

Newly divorced, Helen moves to Florida to discover more about her deceased father, a writer who had passed his gift along to her. The saga begins many years earlier, when a boy fishing on the riverbank accidentally sinks a hook into Nicholas Grant as he sails his father’s sailboat for the first time. Charlie is the boy, a mysterious presence throughout the book whose absence feeds the suspense and mystery surrounding Pahokee. Nicholas falls in love with beautiful Rebecca, whose father owns the sugar mill that keeps the town thriving. On the surface, it’s a good match, but evil intrigue lies just below, along with the gators.

Review:

Romance, Vodou, murder, simmering resentment, betrayal and horror weave a spell that drew me in, kept me enthralled, and only let go at the end of the epilogue. My high recommendation comes with a warning: prepare to be unable to put the book down.” ~ Patty P. ~

Review:

History, mystery and romance!

Review:

“I enjoyed reading how the sugar industry began in a small Florida town in 1921. This is the setting for the vivid characters in a plot that has a sinister undertone and a prevailing mystery surrounding a young boy. The story is enhanced by a stellar author who crafted it into one you will long remember!” ~ Regina R. ~

BREAD AND BULLETS

Review:

“I loved that the book was full of details only the writer would know. It was amazing all around. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you engaged and not wanting to put the book down, this is the book for you. Not only full of true stories but full of humor and suspense. It is just unbelievable to think someone live through this. I would refer it to anybody who loves reading. An amazing story!” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“This story is so well written, it quickly becomes a page turner. It really draws you in and makes you wonder “could this happen to me?” It tells you all about his “crime” and how our justice system failed him.” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Excellent writing of a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. Life’s not always fair, and it’s inspiring to see one man roll with the punches, persevere, and move forward.” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Awesome book! I had the privilege to meet Rosario recently. He is funny, sweet, caring and very personable. This book was incredible. What a story and miscarriage of justice. This was a warm and loving man, who really cares about his family and friends. He is a credit to his family, friends and society. I would totally recommend this book to all who seek truth. This man is totally truthful!” (posted to amazon.com)

Review:

“Great book, funny, honest, and so interesting. Living on Long Island and, now, in Florida, I can relate to this amazing book.”

Review:

“Bread and Bullets takes you on a crazy journey through the life and experiences of a business man who was faced with a situation to kill or be killed. Protecting his family and himself was his motive, but the courts made him out to be the bad guy. From business ventures, to courts and to prison, the author tells his version of it all and it makes you wonder what would you have done if you were faced with his situation. Its a fun read, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns which keep you interested in the outcome.” (posted to amazon.com)

LAMBIE AND ME

Review:

This book was not only a good read for me but my 7 year old daughter loved it as well. Great stories and a very clever concept. I'm sure it'll be a book we read over and over again.

Review:

Love, love, love "Lambie and Me"...a book that should be in every parent's home to be read over and over again to the children as they grow through their formative years. Stimulates conversation between parent and child about such important character building traits...empathy, compassion, trust, love, sharing and so much more. Wish I had it my library as my children grew...it's a timeless book for all libraries.