Published: April 22, 2011
Words: 70,363 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452427478

Short description

“Evil can only triumph if good men do nothing.” When a relatively young woman’s body is inexplicably found in the garage of her home, an imperceptible breeze of vindictiveness and greed floats into Central Florida’s St John’s River Basin and a tiny town on its shores. One man perceives a whispering of malice he cannot ignore pushing its way into this idyllic place. This man is THE SHOPKEEPER

Extended description

Craig McNair, following the devastation of divorce is peacefully trying to rebuild his life, and is beginning to realize his dreams. Leaving a life of construction behind, he has opened an outdoors shop and marina along the St. Johns River. Craig has also come to believe that he may indeed be able to trust again, to love again. As his life begins to flourish the imperceptible currents of transformation occurring in his hometown of Delana Bend soon will become torrents of hatred he will be forced to contend with.

Craig McNair’s ex-wife, Miranda, could never accept her divorce. Even though she now possesses the house he built and his money, Miranda’s seething hostility is continually fueled by catty gossip of Craig’s newfound happiness and the greed of her attorney, Samuel Carlson. Together they plan to steal McNair’s business and make millions from the sale of his property. Alone Miranda plans to destroy his renewed life and his new love in the process, embroiling Craig in a.. (Read more) Craig McNair, following the devastation of divorce is peacefully trying to rebuild his life, and is beginning to realize his dreams. Leaving a life of construction behind, he has opened an outdoors shop and marina along the St. Johns River. Craig has also come to believe that he may indeed be able to trust again, to love again. As his life begins to flourish the imperceptible currents of transformation occurring in his hometown of Delana Bend soon will become torrents of hatred he will be forced to contend with.

Craig McNair’s ex-wife, Miranda, could never accept her divorce. Even though she now possesses the house he built and his money, Miranda’s seething hostility is continually fueled by catty gossip of Craig’s newfound happiness and the greed of her attorney, Samuel Carlson. Together they plan to steal McNair’s business and make millions from the sale of his property. Alone Miranda plans to destroy his renewed life and his new love in the process, embroiling Craig in a caldron of deceit and vengeance.

When Seminole Indian Warren Jumper arrives in town searching his lost family heritage, he meets Craig at the marina. The two men recognize in their first afternoon together that the ancient river and the events in Florida’s history occurring along its banks dating back to the First Seminole Indian War inexorably connect them. The exploits of their storied ancestors bind them in the furnace of loyalty and together they share a discovered secret that has been lost for more than a hundred years. A friendship becomes brotherhood and where one is forced to travel, the other will be by his side, no matter the cost.

Ivory Fallow has experienced enough abuse at the hands of her father and husband that she can barely conceive of a normal life, until she meets Craig. He is the epitome of her every girlhood dream, dreams she had long abandoned to despair. But during one chance meeting on the river Ivory’s hopes are rekindled. When Ivory’s husband mysteriously dies in an ‘accident” on the river she senses an escape from cruelty and brutality could be a reality, if she can find the courage. Craig is the one man she wishes will be able to turn her nightmare into fantasy, and a scared girl into a vibrant woman.

Lake County Sheriff “Bump” Soloman is confounded by a flurry of deaths in the little town of Delana Bend. Each “accident” appears coincidental, however he feels an underlying current of extenuating circumstances that push coincidence aside. This feeling is more of a cognitive impression stirred by his cop instincts, but neither he nor his investigators have any evidence to support his premonitions. When the Sheriff’s burgeoning love is brutally attacked it shatters his world, throwing all conjecture and his principles of law and order askew, in lieu of real truth.

One thing the Sheriff is certain of, Craig McNair is involved.

The composition of this novel is so taut, yet touching and humor filled, the result is an intoxicating Novel that will intrigue and excite readers to the last page, presenting an interesting challenge to each reader to discover the identity of the title character.

Stephen Michael Natale offers a story that is the best meld of genre realms and the perfect weekend companion to a beach chair or fireplace.
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Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

romance, thriller, suspense, action, best seller, who done it, good vs evil, historical mystery, florida novel

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Videos

The Shopkeeper Wild Ride
The First Edit of a video for The Shopkeeper

Reviews

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Review by: Josephine Leyte-Vidal on April 09, 2012 :
I don't often let a book keep me up til 2:30 A.M. but, The Shopkeeper did. Natale gives you just enough to turn the page and then leaves you hanging.
Revenge is mine says the Lord but, The Shopkeeper went beyond revenge and eliminated evil, one devil at a time.
I recommend it as a good read.

Josephine Leyte-Vidal
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: R.E Elatan on March 07, 2012 :
The Shopkeeper is why I buy commercial fiction! A fast, fun and exciting read filled with intrigue, romance, vengeance, sex appeal and everything else a reader wants in book. Purely entertaining, the best weekend I’ve had with a book in a long while.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Carol E Wyer on Nov. 12, 2011 :
Stephen Natale's novel 'The Shopkeeper' grips from the outset, refusing to loosen its hold until the end of the final chapter. A superb blend of history, mystery and horror entwine with a strong morale message.
Very slightly reminiscent of a marvel comic character 'baddies' are dispatched innovatively by an avenging angel as gradually those who do wrong, are justifiably and deliciously 'bumped off'.
'The Shopkeeper' is not just a thriller. Natale reveals himself to be a versatile author and the plot is punctuated with eloquent descriptions of Florida and its rich history. At times, holding my breath and at times I found myself racing through this pacey novel which ultimately is one of good versus bad and how friendship is the greatest gift of all. A super read.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: lynn herrick on July 18, 2011 :
Who would have ever thought Central FL would have such sinister tales that spell out intrique in each chapter? This reader took secret delight as each "accidental" death unfolded to the characters deserving no less. How the author conjured such intricate details is beyond me. Florida history, amazing scenery, and twisted justice are effectively executed (pun intended)!
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Patricia Elliott on July 18, 2011 :
Reading the Shopkeeper is like hopping on an exciting ride through history, mystery, good, evil, friendship and love. I was hooked from the first line and loved every minute of this great read. The characters remain with me and I hope I encounter them again in Mr. Natale's next book. Bravo!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Patricia DiAntonio on July 17, 2011 :
The Shopkeeper is a very descriptive novel of historical mystery filled with adventure and romance. The central Florida setting is intriguing and the connection of the characters becomes fascinating as the story develops. As the suspense builds the anticipation makes it necessary to continue reading. I highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting the publishing of the next book in this series.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: M. Beardsley on May 10, 2011 :
Worth reading, this intriguingly interesting novel maintains ones attention and creates the desire to read further. Periodic points of history are thrown into this fictional project which leads the mind into exploring the factual history of the areas described; while the characters and story line make you put exploring history aside for a later endeavor. This novel contains just enough mystery, strong friendships, love, hate, sex and laughter to implore you to read further without hesitation.
I am looking forward to this author’s next work.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Christine Scaglia on April 29, 2011 :
Just the right combination of "good and evil" made it impossible to put down. The author did a marvelous job of keeping your interest and anticipation of what was ahead. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am anxiously awaiting the next episode. Highly recommended to those who appreciate the value of eternal friendship and understanding regardless of what has to be done. Kudos Stephen, and may your new career flourish!
Seminolespirit
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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