The Smart One Paperback – October 7, 2016

I first sat down to skim thru this book before actually reading it but that strategy quickly, completely, fell apart as I found myself reading and reading page after page after chapter after chapter. I literally could not stop and, as one of the other reviewers here has stated, therefore "could not put it down."Drew Yanno, who started his writing career as a screenplay writer, has now produced with "The Smart One" his second novel and his growing skill set in that very different direction clearly shows. Plan to read just the first few pages of this book as I did and let the protagonist-narrator take it from there. He and the author will whisk you to places you would never have imagined going.My only question at the end was: Where will Yanno take us next? This one will be a tough act to top and follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Drew Yanno's newest book, "The Smart One". The plot is both clever and brilliant. In the very first chapter, he sets the hook, making this one of those "I can't put it down!" thrillers. Immediately, the protagonist is forced to make a life altering decision; then Yanno takes you back in time, revealing what led to that fateful day. Its a journey to fulfill the deceased doctor's last request - find out what twelve strangers have in common. The possibilities are endless and the truth is a huge surprise. I never saw it coming. Read this book; you will not be disappointed.

Like any good mystery, Drew Yanno’s latest novel, The Smart One, shakes up the reader from the start and sets the stage for the action and sleuthing that follows.But unlike many mystery yarns, Yanno’s unnamed main character isn’t a seasoned police detective or private investigator methodically following procedures until those committing the wrongdoing are brought to justice. That’s merely one of the differences that make reading this novel so entertaining.Instead, the story is told in the first-person by a washed-up college professor who, although once ranked among the smartest of his friends and colleagues, has lost his ability to write the sort of books that made him famous.Twelve names on a list fall into the professor’s hands, leaving him intrigued and yet burdened by the task of finding out what they have in common and whether that may have some critical bearing on his life.The quest doesn’t appear dangerous until some of those on the list befall unfortunate fates. The action quickly picks up pace, leaving the reader to wonder how the main character can survive in a world where top-secret information is often held in check by ruthless operatives, men in black armed with a license to kill.Readers who enjoy an unforeseen twist will smile with satisfaction when they finish this book. Highly recommended.

This novel that I read on my Kindle from Amazon is one of the most interesting ones I have read in a while. The plot was one that I never have heard of as the mysterious death letter from a medical doctor to well known author who had not seen or contacted the doctor in more than thirty years causes the author to embark on a mission that even he does not know why? The mystery is not solved until the end of the novel and I suggest you read it for your satisfaction. I believe sincerely that this tale will hold your interest.

Enjoyed this novel! First time I'm leaving a review about a book on Amazon and wish I could have given it 4 and 1/2 stars but I couldn't figure out how to do that LOL the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is I didn't like the characters not having names. After corresponding with the author, he explained his reasoning but I still prefer novels with characters that are names also some of the characters that had names like Rafe Plum we're pretty goofy but overall this is a great Thriller!! I couldn't put it down and finished it less than two days. I'm going to checkout his first novel and we'll post a review on that one. Yanno had me on the edge of my seat at times especially when the main character was with his brother and the adventures that they had.Plus the scene at the end (not going to give it away) was very well written!!Highly recommend this book

Yanno's book is a surprisingly intriguing read, that draws you into a complex plot that is fast moving and full of twists and turns. At the same time the protagonist is full of self reflection, looking at family relationships as well as his own ability to deal with people and situations. Written in the first person, the protagonist gets unwittingly thrust into an adventure that he had no intention of getting involved in, yet once he has begun he has little choice but to see it through, taking the reader on a wild adventure full of fascinating characters. I highly recommend this great read.

If you are looking for a thriller that draw's you in, where the author takes his time building up suspense, and where the plot is so intriguing that it holds you to the final pages, then "The Smart One" is right for you. Consider a dozen names on a list that mean nothing to the protagonist--he's never met these people and has no idea who they might be. Yet, somehow he is linked. You'll see how he feels compelled to puzzle it out, and that's when the named people on the list begin to disappear. I was hooked and stayed hooked! Good job, Mr. Yanno.

I LOVED this book. I read Drew Yanno's first book and loved that too. This was fun, suspenseful and I found myself looking forward to coming home from work so I could continue reading. In fact, I set aside time to finish the book because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. The author has a knack for making the characters so real and relatable that I feel as if I knew them. I highly recommend this book. I liked it so much that I wish I wasn't finished!