Bob
Meinert is Arrested on Suspicion of Murder
All the evidence points to Bob Meinert as the murderer of a young man
who jilted Bob's sister and caused her suicide. Bob admits that he's
not sorry that the scoundrel is dead, and insists he didn't do the crime.
But the DA has a solid case and Bob is jailed without bond.
But wait! The jurors who convicted a Pittsburgh Mafia boss are being
mysteriously and systematically murdered, and the man that Bob is accused
of murdering is one of those jurors. Could it be that the DA has the
wrong man?
The real story here is the intricate plot that develops in the race
to find the murderer before he/she runs out of jurors to murder. As
with most serial killings, the investigators suspect a pattern, and
with the help of a Catholic Priest, they link the killings to biblical
writings that account for the sequence and the gruesome methods of death.
This is a real page-turner that will keep you glued to the story for
the full 500 pages. I thought I had the culprit nailed in the first
100 pages or so, only to change my mind two or three times as I read
on, and I didn't get it right until the very end.
And keep your eye on Meinert. He's not the "angel" he's led us to
believe he is.
The setting for this story is Pittsburgh, and the local place names
and business names become an integral part of the story. That just added
to the enjoyment I got from reading the book. One of the main characters
ot the book was a graduate of Waynesburg College, my alma mater, and
also the alma mater of the author, who, as you may have guessed, is
a close friend of our own Bob Meinert.
Former
county attorney releases Dark Covenant
By Jane Smith, Journalist
Staff Writer for the Meadville Tribune, Meadville, Pa.
November 17, 2006
Former Crawford County District
Attorney Don Lewis has a new thriller, “Dark Covenant,” published, and
for those who like a murder mystery with a lot of twists, this is the
book to read. Lewis begins his story at a trial for a Pittsburgh mob
“godfather.” After three days of deliberation, the jury returns the
verdict amidst a courtroom filled with people, including his 11-year-old
daughter, all of whom react loudly when the verdict is read. Nine years
later, the daughter visits her father in prison as he prepares to die
in the gas chamber — his appeals exhausted.
From there, the story turns its
focus to another woman, who sat quietly in a dark room knowing the man
was to die that day. However, the woman is not identified. Fast forward
two more years and the murder mystery becomes unveiled. One by one,
somebody is killing people. Although detectives try to find a pattern
for when the murderer may strike, who will be killed and how, they can’t
connect them. Then they get a call from someone who blurts out that
the three murder victims all served with him on the jury. At first,
detectives believe the deaths are coincidence, but the man convinces
them otherwise and voices fear for his life.
Let me say, I read this book when
Lewis lived here and gave me a manuscript of the draft. I loved it.
But, quite frankly, that was a few years ago. I forgot who the murderer
was. I disciplined myself this time not to go to the last chapter and
cheat. I read it page by page and kept guessing who the murderer might
be. Could it be the daughter? I didn’t think so, but then again, maybe
it was.
As you read the story, those familiar
with Crawford County law enforcement and people in the court system
will recognize some names or descriptions that match somebody, but with
a different name. To those of us who have been around a long time, that
adds a little more interest to the story.
This novel is like none I have
ever read as far as the plot goes. Where Lewis comes up with the ideas
and the characters is interesting. He obviously has done a lot of homework
to bring in the twists and turns before he reveals the killer and the
motive. It has no resemblance to his first novel, except the writing
is still excellent and the suspense keeps building until the end.
The paperback is only 357 pages
long and is a quick read for those who enjoy a good mystery — and a
good insight into how police work evolves.
If you don’t like to read, but
know somebody who does, I recommend buying the book as a special gift.
It is available locally at Tattered Corners on Chestnut Street, where
Lewis is planning a book signing in December.
Reader Reviews
Don,
As one who truly loves to read, I enjoyed both of Mr. Lewis's books.
I had a hard time putting them down until I was finished with each one.
I am really looking forward to the next one!
Charles Mitchell, Pittsburgh, PA
Don,
Enjoyed "Satan's Boots," especially the characters JD and Max, who are
great friends and buddies. It's not only an exciting murder investigation,
it also probes the "good-old- boys" of our present day public and criminal
society, which we see, hear and read today. Throughout the book, I thought
many times I knew the killer; however, realizing I was wrong, I had to
read on. I needed to find the answer! And finally at the end, I was surprised.
Great story!
Sal Acampora, Bristol, CT
Don,
I am anxiously awaiting your third book, "Kalup's Crossroads." Will
it be released soon? I would like to purchase it directly from you as
soon as it is available along with one of the little book markers with
the synopsis on it.
Your book, "Satan's Boots Don't Creak" was excellent. As I told you,
I could not believe it was your first book ever. Then I read "Dark Covenant"
and it totally blew me away! I was in suspense the entire time, I could
not put the book down. I am anxiously awaiting your next book.
Carol Ann Werner Harris, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Lewis,
Hopefully you remember speaking with your fellow former Pennsylvanian
this past weekend at the SC Book Festival. We spoke about Mercer County
judges John Stranahan and Mike Wherry just to jog your memory. In any
event, I promised I would drop you a note after reading your book. I
am totally pissed at you -- I was so tired at work today as I couldn't
put your book down...it was great. A gritty, true to life portrayal
of cops and PI(s) peppered with a little romance and nail biting suspense...and
of course an obvious devotion to our Pittsburgh Steelers and my beloved
Pittsburgh. You sir, are a great writer and I think you just may have
the makings of a movie with the Dark Covenant. Best wishes.
Deborah Johnson, Travelers Rest, SC
Don,
I read Dark Covenant over a short weekend and thoroughly enjoyed
the experience. At some point during my reading I forgot it was you
that I was reading and had given myself up to the story. I couldn't
put it down, and incurred a few impatient comments from my wife as she
waited for me to "just finish this part." I had it figured out at least
three separate times, but of course was wrong until the end. Kept me
guessing and moved very quickly.
I'm ready for the next one.
John Eroszonak, Myrtle Beach, SC
Don,
We just returned from a vacation in Florida. While there, Ann and I
both read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd like to send a copy
to a friend of ours. Without having to check back, please refresh my
memory about the cost and I will get a check off to you in the mail
with the name and address where the book is to be sent.
Bob Gaertner, Pittsburgh, PA
Counselor,
Just finished Dark Covenant. It was really, really, really good!
I read enough mysteries that I am not usually suprised but, you got
me! Well done.
Bege Martin, Denver, Colorado
Don,
After being gone from my beloved North Side, Pittsburgh for 40 years,
I returned through your book, Dark Covenant. You placed me in
Jake Steele's "night office" with Gene, Gabe, Bones and Tommy;
with the Pittsburgh Police stake out units and tours of Sharpsburg and
Spring Garden. Your second novel kept me intrigued and hooked to the
point that it took less than 2 days to read. Your book is a "must
read" for all Pittsburgher's - both ex and present and all Mickey
Spillane fans. I look forward to your next novel with great anticipation.
Jack Pivirotto, Sun City West, Arizona
Hi Mr. Lewis,
I finished Dark Covenant last night around midnight. Have to
tell you it was the most captivating book I've read in the past few
months. Was difficult putting it down and even kept it at my desk so
I could sneak a few pages in from time to time. Can't wait to receive
Satan's Boots in the mail!
Ginger Pitts, Sarasota, Florida
Don,
Well Done!!! Dark Covenant certainly keeps your attention. The
many unique characters and individuals, from the District Attorney to
Boyd, are all typical of the law enforcement community. Each brings
something new to the tale that is woven so well. And then there is Jake;
we should have more like him. All along I thought it was (deleted) who
had committed these heinous crimes. Wrong again... Fantastic writing!
You must have some Scottish blood running through you. Looking forward
to your next book.
Bill D.
Don,
Got the book on Friday night. It was outstanding. When is the next one?
You need to write them quicker. I didn't figure it out until Chapter
78 but wasn't confirmed until Chapter 83. Nice work. Na, I don't look
ahead as it ruins everything. In all the years I've known you and how
good you were, I never dreamed that you had something like this tucked
inside ya. It is special knowing someone that has such outstanding abilities.
Enjoy the sunshine and keep on a writing..... please.
Larry Silvis, Mercer, PA
Don,
I just finished this book, and you had asked me to let you know which
one I liked the best. First, I would like to make it cleat that I loved
both of them, and being such different stories they are hard to compare.
That being said, I believe Dark
Covenant held my attention more with it's interesting and twisting
plot. I think that, along with the "gore", would make a better
movie. It did take awhile for me to remember who was who, with all the
many characters, but that's just me.
I really like the short chapter concept, as it makes it harder to put
it down, and you did a great job using this tool, not unlike Dan Brown,
whose writing style and books I also like.
So, if forced to pick, I think Dark
Covenant has a slight edge over Satan’s
Boots in terms of my personal interest. Both, however, are
well written, very compelling and deserve whatever rewards you reap from
them.
Nice work,
Wayne Carberry, Pennsylvania
AN ENGROSSING THRILLER!
READERS BEWARE – Don Lewis’ latest book Dark Covenant
is a true sleep-stealer – I just couldn’t put it down until
I read the next chapter, and the next chapter after that and the next
chapter, etc., etc., etc. And mystery books are not my genre.
The story is exciting throughout. The characters are believable and
real. The reader can’t wait to see what’s waiting around the
corner for them and him.
Don Lewis, although formerly a successful prosecutor and later defense
attorney par excellence in Meadville, PA,, should have commenced his
current career ten years earlier. Keep 'em coming, Don.
W. F. Peters
Don,
It was a very good read; the best. It has the makings of an excellent
movie plot. My wife, through deduction, established two characters as
the guilty person or persons. She was wrong on both. Difficult to put
down once into it. Your descriptions of the area and the characters
(especially “Bones”) were very, very, well done. You are Blessed.
Jerry Bonaroti, Pittsburgh
Don,
As an avid “mystery who-done-it" reader, I can highly recommend Dark
Covenant. With this book, there is no skipping over sentences or
paragraphs......I hung on every word. Plus, it was so very touching
to read of things and people familiar. I understood their lives and
I knew the characters, or people just like them. As a life-long professional
in the criminal justice system, I can tell you that this writer knows
law enforcement, the court, and the people who come into contact with
it — both the good and bad.
Well done, Don I can hardly wait for the next one!!
Laura Walls, Black Mountain, NC
Don,
Really enjoyed your novel. Keep up the great work. How about a list
of your previous books, and any new work.
Bob Brayer
I finished reading Dark Covenant
and want to tell you what a great book it was. I thought the plot was
interesting and mysterious. When I thought I had it figured out, I was
proven wrong. The suspense had me guessing throughout the book. And
I would not have guessed it would end like it did.
It was very well written and a tough book to put down. I read and enjoyed
Mr. Lewis’s first book and I look forward to reading his third book.
Carol Crumling
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