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It is the perfect combination of intrigue and history written into one book.

Synopsis

Lukas Stolz, an ex-East German maths guru is shot dead outside the Hotel Napoli in Milan. Lieutenant Raphael Conza of the Guardia di Finanza is presented with conflicting evidence and a potential case of mistaken identity. His investigations lead him to Nyala Abebe, a young Ethiopian émigré who may be a vital witness.

But the gang behind the murder will stop at nothing to cover their tracks and Lieutenant Conza soon finds himself in conflict with powerful and influential adversaries who appear to be shielding the killers.

Conza soon realises he’s out of his depth as he seeks answers to the murder and the real motives behind the Milan Contract.

The Milan Contract by Stephan Franks kept me on the edge of my couch for the entire book. It is full of action and intrigue. The book starts with Lukas Stolz stepping outside of his hotel one sunny morning and getting gunned down. His death looks cut and dry, a mugging that went wrong. But suddenly people go missing, end up dead, and henchmen are searching the streets for people. Maybe this isn't a mugging gone wrong after all.   


Lieutenant Raphael Conza doesn’t think this case makes any sense. Nothing is adding up, the evidence is not where it is supposed to be, and he’s rushing to find out who the witness was so he can keep her safe. Young, Nyala Abebe, doesn’t know what she saw, nor does it make sense. What she does know, is that someone is trying to find her. As she tries to keep her family and loved ones safe, she struggles with what is right and wrong. She agrees to help Lt. Conza, but only if he promises to listen to the whole story before he jumps to conclusions. Lt. Conza finds himself reaching out to old colleagues and traveling to other countries to try to make sense of what he has been told and the videos he has seen. What does one do when the story or evidence doesn’t match the facts in front of you?  


My favorite character has to be Lt Conza. He follows his gut instinct and keeps his promises. He does not stop searching for the truth, even when his job and life are on the line. He steps out of the box if only for a short time, to find the truth, the murderers, and the history behind why everything came about. He is the type of friend and colleague everyone wants.  


I am awarding this book 5 stars. It is well-written and well-edited. It does contain some profanity. As a history lover myself, I loved that it flashed back in time with true historical facts. I was a child who lived in Germany on November 9, 1989, when the wall came down. That also happens to be my birthday so it was a double celebration for me and my family. I highly recommend this book to mature readers who love intrigue and history written into one book. 

Reviewed by

I've been an avid reader since elementary school. I joined the Navy out of high school, turning down multiple scholarships. I have 2 adult children and 2 rescued fur babies. I am a Domestic Violence survivor and I'm currently writing my first novel.

Synopsis

Lukas Stolz, an ex-East German maths guru is shot dead outside the Hotel Napoli in Milan. Lieutenant Raphael Conza of the Guardia di Finanza is presented with conflicting evidence and a potential case of mistaken identity. His investigations lead him to Nyala Abebe, a young Ethiopian émigré who may be a vital witness.

But the gang behind the murder will stop at nothing to cover their tracks and Lieutenant Conza soon finds himself in conflict with powerful and influential adversaries who appear to be shielding the killers.

Conza soon realises he’s out of his depth as he seeks answers to the murder and the real motives behind the Milan Contract.

Sunday

Hotel Napoli, Milan, Italy

The first tram had not yet rolled out of the Messina depot and pigeons pecked and nodded between the rusty tracks along the Via degli Imbriani. The shutters on the apartments overlooking the boulevard still shielded the sleeping from the wash of pale yellow that was creeping over the flat roofs and down the plaster walls.

A black Mercedes hugged the pavement, the driver leaning forward to read the names of the buildings. Finding what he was looking for, the car accelerated briefly and swung across the tracks before sliding to a stop in front of Hotel Napoli.

His watch told him he was eight minutes early, so he called up a sports newsfeed on his mobile and flicked the release catch of his seat belt.

To the south-east, the wheels of the early Paris express train whined and creaked in protest as it was shunted into position at Milano Porta Garibaldi station. From behind the stucco-fronted apartment blocks to the north, a deep growl of laughter echoed around the walled courtyards.

The glass doors slid open and Lukas Stolz stepped out of the hotel, his eyes narrowing against the morning light. He caught a glimpse of a young girl cycling towards the city as the wheels of the express train emitted a final squeal, and the whisper of laughter faded behind the pigeons’ satisfied coos.

The driver returned his smile as he rose from his seat and pirouetted neatly into position at the rear of the car. Stolz skipped down the low step, raising his bag in handover. But the driver’s hand failed to meet his and Stolz turned to see what had made the young man freeze in open-mouthed shock.

A few seconds later, it was all over.

In the brief instant it took the .22 bullet to effortlessly drill a neat hole in Lukas Stolz’s forehead, he relived the summer storms of his childhood. He was standing on a bridge with his parents, balls of lightning bouncing off the river and rolling towards him. His mother’s lips were moving but her words were drowned out by thunderous drums so deep he could feel the wooden boards shift beneath his feet. The bridge collapsed and he was falling. His father turned away as Lukas Stolz felt himself slipping below the cold, dark water.

The second and third bullets were not necessary.

Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractover 3 years ago
over 3 years ago
If any readers or reviewers are on NetGalley - let me have your email address and I will invite you to download a free copy of The Milan Contract.... :)
Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractover 3 years ago
over 3 years ago
5.0 out of 5 stars Asa Ray Hanson - Favorite Book of the Year Net Galley Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021 Wow! It’s so hard to sit and write a proper review over this novel when my mind is still exploding from the creativity that went into writing it. To state that it’s a page turner simply doesn’t do it justice. From the first moment I began flipping through the pages and reading, I knew I was going to love it. Mixing thrill with an adrenaline pumping storyline, Franks goes into an amazing tale about corruption, betrayal, and sticking things out to the end. Throughout the book, it was difficult to force myself to put it down at night. The way it’s so beautifully written, it’s as if the book is a 5 star meal at the best steakhouse in the city. Each chapter, written in various perspectives of the characters, details their trials and thoughts. It leaves you curious, wondering how the different pieces are going to fit together by the end. And, when that ending comes, it is as action packed as expected. To keep things short, would I pick this up at a bookstore and read it again? Yes. I’d take it with me on my next flight and spend hours reading through and picking apart the flaws in each wonderfully detailed character. Both good and bad are part of humanity, and I think this book does more than represent a realistic crime story. It leaves you wanting more. Phenomenal read.
Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractalmost 4 years ago
almost 4 years ago
Review by Ian Molloy - Reviewer Last updated on 28 May 2021 My Recommendation  Thank you to NetGalley, Stephen Franks (author) and Mooncatbooks (publisher) for giving me the opportunity to read The Milan Contract. For a first novel by Stephen Franks it is a "ripper". I loved it. To start off I thought hang on a minute there are way too many characters continually being introduced, how am I going to keep track of them all. Yes, there were quite a few characters, but the brilliant way they were described, it was easy to keep track of who was who. Lieutenant Raphael Conza was the main policeman but he was very able supported by a few others. The book was set in Italy, but it also encompassed, UK and Germany among other countries. I will not say too much about the book or plot, but if you get a chance to read this one, do yourself a favor and make sure you get it. I would love to see some sequels to this and make it into a mini series. A couple of the main players may have already left the scene, but I am sure it could be developed further. If so, I would love to read some more. I will keep my eye open for more books by Stephen Franks. I have no hesitation in giving this the highest rating of 5 stars from me.
Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractabout 4 years ago
about 4 years ago
Thanks to everyone's 'upvote' on my debut novel! The book has just reached 250 sales since January and it is being well received by Amazon and Goodreads readers (around 4.9/5).
Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractabout 4 years ago
about 4 years ago
The crime fiction novel, 'The Milan Contract' has already received rave reviews on Amazon (4.9/5) and Goodreads (4.88/5), so if you're searching for a tale of intrigue and mystery, why not give it a go! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1838396209
Stephen Franks
Stephen Franks shared an update on The Milan Contractabout 4 years ago
about 4 years ago
Thanks for all the upvotes following Nikki Libby's review of my debut novel.

10 Comments

Stephen FranksHi everyone. More than happy to answer questions about my debut novel, or just natter about books in general! I read more than I should and write less than I could, but I do have a passion for books.
about 4 years ago
Nicholas NicolaidesCongratulations Stephen!
about 4 years ago
Stephen Franks@nicholasnicolaides Thanks Nicholas, I notice from your bio that you partly grew up in Cyprus. I always considered that wonderful island to be my 'second-home'. Very happy times spent there! If you want a free signed copy of the paperback (I've still got a few left) then subscribe on www.mooncatbooks.com and I will arrange to send you one. Thanks again
0 likes
about 4 years ago
Ayush NalavadeGreat and helpful review @ramblingwoman. The synopsis sounds really intriguing and that's a beautiful cover, @stephenfranks. Think this could be turned into a film adaptation?
about 4 years ago
Stephen FranksHi thanks for commenting. In answer to your question, a couple of people in the industry are already looking at it as a potential TV series, from what I understand. But I don't get too excited - this business is full of people stroking your ego to make a few quid! As always, I will believe that someone is genuinely interested when they put their money where there mouth is!
0 likes
almost 4 years ago
Baltazara TchermnykhCongratulations Stephen! Well motivating review @Nikki Libby. This book sounds fascinating!
about 4 years ago
Stephen FranksThanks for leaving a message Baltazara....very kind!
0 likes
about 4 years ago
About the author

Stephen Franks served in both the British Army and Royal Air Force during a career spanning more than twenty years. He took up law in the 2000's and was called to the bar in 2016. Stephen continues to offer legal counsel to a small portfolio of private clients in the south of the UK. view profile

Published on December 11, 2020

Published by Mooncat Books Ltd

90000 words

Contains mild explicit content ⚠️

Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆

Genre:Mystery & Crime

Reviewed by