Reviews for Death in Brazil

Absolutely fascinating look at the events leading up to and surrounding the suspicious death of a popular and troubled man in an exotic country. I knew the subject as a friend of my dad's: fun, irreverent, a gun-nut. We were saddened by his early and unexpected demise. But this book is worth reading to understand the curious events and caveats related to foreign internet dating. 

I thought the book was a very good read and enjoyed it very much. It brought back many memories to me, as I lived and worked in Brazil for a couple of years. I thought the author caught the spirit of many things Brazilian. 

Congratulations on the excellent book! It was obvious the author did a great deal of research. She captured a portion of Brazilian life and experiences very well. 

Stayed up all night to finish this book. It was a real page-turner!

I couldn’t put this book down. Ken’s life was one adventure after another. 

What an incredible story! It’s very well written and the characters are so personable. The story line is woven together in a seamless manner, as the reader is taken on this journey from Florida to Brazil, to Ohio. 

A story line that pulls you in. While this book was based on a true story, I found it difficult to comprehend some of the injustices that Adam endured. I admit to wishing Melanie had tried a little harder to let Matthew know ... or that families had helped this turn out differently. But the story flows very well and I found myself rooting for the ending just as it happened. A good book for sitting in front of a fire with a puppy in your lap. Hope others enjoy it as much as I did.

This story is a real-life chronicle of human beings trying hard to cope with circumstances that have shaped them from conception to adulthood in our contemporary times. Thought-provoking read!

A nice change to read. Very engaging.

Warmth, detail and a walk through modern history. A great read!  

The author Patricia Daum went to great lengths to build a story that took us through so many historic and memorable times, to so many generations. Each chapter was a gift.

Had my attention from beginning to end.

Judge’s review from 30th Annual Writers Digest Self Published Book Awards (2022)

The book’s themes are familiar but the settings are distinctive and carefully chosen. As we explore the winding trails of Reese family history, we discover new places we wouldn’t have otherwise. Much like the Easter-egg hunt in the first act, the book leaves behind clues that we can investigate for ourselves. Clues that point us to real places we might one day visit and perhaps meet someone who reminds us of the characters in this book. The book tackles traumatic events on both a small (family) and large (society) scale but refrains from over-dramatizing or sensationalizing them. It lends the events the emotional weight they deserve without bogging down the story’s hopeful outlook, while, in turn keeps the reader focused on and excited about the journey. 

"Loved the historical Stuart locations and enjoyed the story."

"I want to thank the author for writing about a really tough subject…the difficulties of a gay lifestyle. It brought back memories of when I learned my nephew and cousin were both gay.  While my brother had enough love for his son to find acceptance, my cousin did not find acceptance from his family and ended up taking his own life. Thanks to the author for writing this inspirational story that had a happy ending."

"I really enjoyed the book and the story. The name change at the end was a real surprise. I would never have thought someone would do that at that point in life."

"What an amazing cast of characters!  I grew up in upstate New York and could relate to the conservative culture."

"What an inspiring story. I found myself cheering for Adam in his quest to find his father’s family." 

"Thanks for writing this book. It was a selection for my book club and provided a lot of lively discussion."

Couldn’t wait for my book to arrive and as a Stuart, FL  native my “fact checking” fun was working overtime!

It was spot on with every detail and the storytelling kept me thrilled to the end. Left me wanting more. Sequel soon please, it was wonderful!

This is a well-written novel involving complex family relationships and events. A quick read -- you'll laugh and cry. A winner book.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to be reminded of the good that can come from bad; and the gifts that loss can bestow; and that we are all human and fallible but capable of redemption as well. Kudos to the author. 

I enjoyed this book as I got further into it. I began to realize what an amazing family the main character came from. It made me think about the topic in a much more compassionate way. Something beautiful came from the sadness and proves that love and understanding surpasses many of life's challenges.

Wonderful and heart-warming story. Beautifully written without being overly dramatic! A great gift!

I especially enjoyed the research invested and the detail to the area in Western New York. I was raised in that part of the country and identified with the places and characters.

Liked the details in the story. Grew up during the time when girls went elsewhere to have babies or had them at home. This was a different perspective on the subject. Fun read.

Judge’s review from 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards (2020):

Every adopted kid wonders about his or her birth parents at one point or another, and in “Lucky Penny,” Daum shows us precisely what could happen when one’s biological family is not what one expected. Highly emotional, this book does a great job of representing the complications that come with learning the truth of the past, with seeing exactly what one comes from, and with asking yourself what could have been had even just one decision taken a different direction. Human relationships are twisted and multilayered, and Daum’s writing style and attention to detail guides her readers through without overwhelming them with too much or too little at a time. Like Penny, we learn exactly as much as we need when we need it—nothing more.

“There are so few books that are positive now and this was such a good family story. It is refreshing to see what happens when a family is close. Loved the cover!” 

“You have created such vivid scenes with your details of how a certain time in America would have looked and sounded and smelled and felt – amazing research and translation into the story.”

“I enjoyed reading your first novel. I appreciated your message of hope and life after a traumatic event. Your story reminded me that there is always a 'lucky penny; in every person’s life. You just have to have the courage to find it and embrace it.”