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Dominoes #1-4
Dominoes
Maeve O’Brien and Jenna Branson anticipate a relaxing, fun filled weekend with their two children at an annual music festival in the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Instead, they fall victim to an unforeseen chain of circumstance that threatens to tear apart the very essence of their family unit. This unfortunate series of events brings together a host of characters whose lives are forever changed: a birth mother who tries to illegally reclaim her son, the questionable ethics of a psychiatrist, the desperate search for an amnestic woman, and more. By the time the last domino falls and the dust clears, nothing will ever be the same.
688 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2013
197 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Blaha
6 books25 followersI'm originally from a suburb of Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hill University with a major in Theatre and a minor in Art. After participating in various artistic pursuits, I applied to California State University in order to complete my Teaching Credential and Master's Degree. I've been a resident of California since 1984 and currently reside in Lancaster, CA located in the high Mojave desert.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2014
"Dominoes" by C.B. Blaha is a well plotted and gripping thriller about a child abduction. It is one of the best plotted series I have read since "Tales of the City", the book(s) throw plenty of twists and unexpected connections our way as well as showing unexpected consequences, falling like the proverbial dominoes in the title.
A possibly only minor and harmless incident in a supermarket starts a chain reaction of events for a family with two unconventionally acquired children. One through sperm donation, one through adoption. The donor suddenly takes an interest in 'his' child, while the biological mother also has a rekindled interest in her 'lost son'. This takes place in Nevada County during a bluegrass festival.
The story is surprising at every corner with unexpected connections, turns and events. I found it difficult to stop once I started and wanted to know what was going to happen next.
The book allows us to witness the child and his kidnappers at the same time as we see the rest of the story unfold, which I appreciated very much. This allowed the plot to stay away from stereotypes and formulaic dramatisation.
The series leads us through a bunch of colourful and interesting characters, focusing on further connected issues as the falling dominoes of the plot move one direction, only to turn our attention elsewhere. Everything in this turbulent and hugely enjoyable series of family, murder and kidnapping does live up to the hype of the previous episodes but no more said about the plot for fear of giving the game away. All I can say is that I was surprised how many loose ends there were to tie up and how well they all eventually came to the end.
Well written, very entertaining and full of interesting characters and stories this is a series not to be missed.
A possibly only minor and harmless incident in a supermarket starts a chain reaction of events for a family with two unconventionally acquired children. One through sperm donation, one through adoption. The donor suddenly takes an interest in 'his' child, while the biological mother also has a rekindled interest in her 'lost son'. This takes place in Nevada County during a bluegrass festival.
The story is surprising at every corner with unexpected connections, turns and events. I found it difficult to stop once I started and wanted to know what was going to happen next.
The book allows us to witness the child and his kidnappers at the same time as we see the rest of the story unfold, which I appreciated very much. This allowed the plot to stay away from stereotypes and formulaic dramatisation.
The series leads us through a bunch of colourful and interesting characters, focusing on further connected issues as the falling dominoes of the plot move one direction, only to turn our attention elsewhere. Everything in this turbulent and hugely enjoyable series of family, murder and kidnapping does live up to the hype of the previous episodes but no more said about the plot for fear of giving the game away. All I can say is that I was surprised how many loose ends there were to tie up and how well they all eventually came to the end.
Well written, very entertaining and full of interesting characters and stories this is a series not to be missed.
July 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book “DOMINOES” by CB Blaha in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. The book is not what I expected. It was really a wonderful read that kept me engaged and eager to turn the pages. The author has introduced a mixture of wonderful characters and the plot moves in a very nice mode.
This is a story that grabbed my emotions and kept me anxious for a resolution. A child abduction is every parent’s nightmare. This is a very complex plot that takes you on a wild ride of twists and turns that makes it very difficult to put the book down.
The author has done an amazing job. She brings the reader into the story and make them understand and feel the emotions that the families go through while trying to resolve the mystery of murder and abduction. The title for the book is absolutely perfect!!! Every detail falls into place just like a domino effect.
It is amazing how the story gets complicated and how many things have to take place to get everything connected, to get the results you want. It was really like connecting the dots on a very difficult puzzle. The book is very well written, and you would not regret picking up a copy and spending sometime getting lost into this amazing novel.
I would gladly recommend this book to my friends and anyone who is interesting in reading a very exciting novel filled with suspense, thrill, mystery and anguish and a very unforeseen end. CB Blaha, you have done a great job with this book. I am really glad I agreed to read this book. I loved it!!!
This is a story that grabbed my emotions and kept me anxious for a resolution. A child abduction is every parent’s nightmare. This is a very complex plot that takes you on a wild ride of twists and turns that makes it very difficult to put the book down.
The author has done an amazing job. She brings the reader into the story and make them understand and feel the emotions that the families go through while trying to resolve the mystery of murder and abduction. The title for the book is absolutely perfect!!! Every detail falls into place just like a domino effect.
It is amazing how the story gets complicated and how many things have to take place to get everything connected, to get the results you want. It was really like connecting the dots on a very difficult puzzle. The book is very well written, and you would not regret picking up a copy and spending sometime getting lost into this amazing novel.
I would gladly recommend this book to my friends and anyone who is interesting in reading a very exciting novel filled with suspense, thrill, mystery and anguish and a very unforeseen end. CB Blaha, you have done a great job with this book. I am really glad I agreed to read this book. I loved it!!!
September 9, 2014
DOMINOES (Dominoes Complete Book 1) by C. B. Blaha is a very well written, complex story. You will find the inner workings of a family. Scandal, a kidnapping and death add to the drama within the family and this series.
Dominoes is not simply about a kidnapping. That event happens in Part 1 when Will is kidnapped by his birth mother. He is found at the end of that segment. She mother goes on into hiding and dies in Part 3 after a bizarre accident. There is a scandal involving the lineage of the young girl which is interwoven throughout the book. This is the reason for the death at the beginning of the book and the attempted murder of another character (who is the girl's mother). But, enough of the plot - I told you it was complex. I don't want to give away too much. You need to read this book.
This is one of those stories which will lure you in from the first chapter and keep you spellbound until the very end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other works by this talented author.
Dominoes is not simply about a kidnapping. That event happens in Part 1 when Will is kidnapped by his birth mother. He is found at the end of that segment. She mother goes on into hiding and dies in Part 3 after a bizarre accident. There is a scandal involving the lineage of the young girl which is interwoven throughout the book. This is the reason for the death at the beginning of the book and the attempted murder of another character (who is the girl's mother). But, enough of the plot - I told you it was complex. I don't want to give away too much. You need to read this book.
This is one of those stories which will lure you in from the first chapter and keep you spellbound until the very end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other works by this talented author.
September 2, 2014
Delightfully unusual, this story would not leave the reader indifferent or bored. Plenty of unexpected twists and turns will have one turning pages, engrossed, wishing to know what happens next. The characters are all complex, lively, fascinating. The events real, everything one can relate to, this chain of events, the rows of dominoes, that in their fall are bound to take the next one down as well, and yet every loose end tied up beautifully in the end. A great read!
April 14, 2014
Well developed plot and characters
You won't be sorry you read this book! It's a complex plot with many unexpected turns, keeping the characters and you guessing. It took me some time to read, for several reasons, so I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the many (well developed) characters. Since I am familiar with one of the cities, I felt like I got to know my town and my neighbors better with the well researched details. Loved the Lesbian couple subplot. My only real issue is that I wished for a few more chapters to tie up the ending in action rather than narration. Thanks for a great read!
You won't be sorry you read this book! It's a complex plot with many unexpected turns, keeping the characters and you guessing. It took me some time to read, for several reasons, so I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the many (well developed) characters. Since I am familiar with one of the cities, I felt like I got to know my town and my neighbors better with the well researched details. Loved the Lesbian couple subplot. My only real issue is that I wished for a few more chapters to tie up the ending in action rather than narration. Thanks for a great read!
September 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book “DOMINOES” by CB Blaha in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. A wonderful read that kept me eager to turn the pages. The author has a mixture of wonderful characters. A very emotional child abduction, feelings of emotion create this great story line. Well done thoroughly enjoyed and recommended.
July 3, 2014
Simply Maevelous , its brilliant, wonderful detailing and structure of storyline and character development... Holds your attention and the reader honestly begins feeling for the various characters...Ardina is my fave character...
Dominoes has Heart
Dominoes has Heart
September 5, 2014
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I found Dominoes to be a real page-turning thriller about child abduction and the resulting ripple of effects this causes on the family involved. I would recommend this book.
September 17, 2014
Blaha really hit home with this one!
Although dealing with the very sensitive subject of child abduction (which I usually steer clear from), I really found myself being pulled into the story with each turn of the page. One thing that I really appreciated with this book is the fact that the author steered clear from all the usual stereotypes that usually appear in stories such as these. Aside from that, I loved the characters, especially the lead character. The author has a very distinct and unique way of making them well-rounded, real, and likeable (or not). The plot was intriguing to say the least, and I had a hard time putting the book down between my reading sessions. I'm glad I was given this book in return for a fair review. Great job!
Although dealing with the very sensitive subject of child abduction (which I usually steer clear from), I really found myself being pulled into the story with each turn of the page. One thing that I really appreciated with this book is the fact that the author steered clear from all the usual stereotypes that usually appear in stories such as these. Aside from that, I loved the characters, especially the lead character. The author has a very distinct and unique way of making them well-rounded, real, and likeable (or not). The plot was intriguing to say the least, and I had a hard time putting the book down between my reading sessions. I'm glad I was given this book in return for a fair review. Great job!
September 7, 2014
At 688 pages, you better be ready to put in an all-nighter (and then some) on this one. That said, if you can do that, you will have invested your time wisely for this is such a powerful book that hits every parent where it hurts most, losing a child (and to a kidnapper at that). If that hurts too much, do not read it. Simple as that. If you can get past the idea there ARE bad people out there and they DO bad things, then you will enjoy this tremendous tale. Recommended.
September 13, 2014
This book has many twists and turns and unexpected connections. It was a real page turner, however, the subject of Child abduction is a very difficult one to read.
What really pleased me was that C.B. Blaha was able to stay away from stereotypes by seeing many characters at one time. If I say anymore or go into more detail, I could give the plot way, and that would be terrible!
Well thought out, well written, brilliant plot, it has it all. Recommend.
September 10, 2014
This author writes with a practised and talented hand. From opening the first page, you are immediately drawn into the world of child abduction and suspense, and you won't be able to put it down until each and every 'domino' has fallen.
Perfectly paced, with dramatic action, this is a great page turner.
Perfectly paced, with dramatic action, this is a great page turner.
September 13, 2014
The reader meets and gets to know several families in a California town. When a boy is abducted, the dominoes start to fall as complex relationships between many characters begin to be revealed. Blaha’s compelling web of abduction, lies, murder and more kept me rapidly turning pages to see it would all end. A terrific, fast-paced read.
September 4, 2014
Quite a long book and it does require you to invest a lot of your time, however it's very much time well invested as this well thought out story about child abduction is full of intrigue, twists and turns and a plethora of detailed, three dimensional characters. The story has a kind of butterfly effect as one event affects the other and all the dominoes fall into place. A great purchase.
September 5, 2014
This book is wonderful. The author does such a great job of setting each scene and each emotion just right. It completely exceeded my expectations. Incredible from beginning to end, great characters and story. Grab a box of tissues before you start reading. Highly recommended!
September 17, 2014
This book is full of suspense. It kept me reading late into the night and many of my chores didn't get done. That's what a good book is supposed to do. I am super glad I picked it up. Highly recommended!
August 15, 2014
I'm very proud of this accomplishment, and hope you like reading Dominoes as much as I enjoyed writing the book.
September 6, 2014
Very good book. I recommend reading this one.
September 9, 2014
This suspenseful and emotional novel about a child abduction is a real page-turner. I highly recommend it.
September 26, 2014
Gripping and suspenseful, Dominoes is also very well written and filled with characters you will care about - and some you will hate! I'll definitely look forward to more work from Blaha!
October 23, 2014
Dominoes fall When a boy is abducted, revealing complex relationships between characters good and evil. A story of abduction, mystery, and murder, well written and at times compelling.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews