Joe's Latest Release
Book 2 in the MJ Fernandez series
Available everywhere books are sold!
What is the cost of knowing?
When arson is confirmed to have caused a fire that kills a family of four, the search for their killer leads detectives to focus their investigation on Brian McMillan, a paroled felon with a history of violence, including a prior arson conviction.
Awaiting trial for the murders, Brian returns to the cold, concrete box he vowed to leave behind forever. Immediately upon arrival, he receives the first of a series of threats; each more vicious than the last but all carrying the same unspoken message: Keep your mouth shut. About what, he isn’t entirely sure. Fear takes control and drives Brian to share with his court-appointed attorney, Walter Erickson, a chilling pattern he noticed during his last imprisonment.
Walt’s legal mind dismisses the observation as jail-house paranoia, but his instincts rage. Buried by the massive legal battle ahead, Walt reaches out to the one person he trusts to explore Brian’s allegations: MJ Fernandez, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter with whom he shares a special bond.
MJ and Walt become entangled in the twisted reality behind the catastrophic blaze as MJ’s fearless and dogged determination to discover the truth propels them into a multi-dimensional world of darkness they know nothing about, and wish they had never entered.
As the pieces of the puzzle snap into place, they quickly realize they are running out of time to bring those responsible to justice… and to save an innocent man.
Book 1 in the MJ Fernandez series
Available everywhere books are sold!
When Is Doing The Right Thing
The Wrong Answer?
Jonathan Silverman is a well-respected attorney who finds himself drawn into the tumultuous worlds of pharmaceutical research and criminal enterprise when he’s approached by a small start-up that developed a revolutionary dementia treatment seeking his help with a newly filed class-action lawsuit.
As Jonathan contemplates representing the company, his father is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite his world being turned upside down by the devastating prognosis, agreeing to defend the company will provide him with an opportunity to fight for a groundbreaking therapy that may help his father.
As the litigation progresses, Jonathan’s path collides with MJ Fernandez, an intrepid investigative reporter who questions the lawsuit's timing and the FDA’s approval of a new drug by an obscure company about to launch its IPO. MJ is convinced that something is amiss with this company and their wunderkind founder. Reluctantly, they join forces to confront a ruthless investor determined to see the IPO move forward, no matter the cost.
Together, they balance on the tightrope of legality in search of the truth, only to find themselves in a no-win situation and fearing for their lives and the lives of those they love.
A creative yet treacherous solution emerges, but it requires Jonathan to make an impossible decision — a decision no one should ever have to make.
Event Photos
Blue Anchor Grill - Portsmouth, RI - 11/24/24
The Three Pines - Book Signing
Canastota, NY - 2/22/25
ARIA Event - Ashaway Free Library
Ashaway, RI - 5/10/25
Barrington Books - Barrington, RI - 1/11/25
Private Event - Abington, MA - 1/11/25
Charter Books - Book Signing
Newport, RI - 3/11/25
Ragged Island Brewing - Book Signing
Portsmouth, RI - 4/27/25
Barnes and Noble - Book Signing
Middletown, RI - 5/31/25
Barrington Arts Festival
Barrington, RI - 6/1/25
Book Lovers Local Author Expo - Cumberland , RI - 2/15/25
Newport Yacht Club - Book Signing
Newport, RI - 5/9/25
Grafik Coffee - Book Signing
Portsmouth, RI - 6/8/25
Summer Book Festival
Pawtucket, RI - 7/12/25
REVIEWS
For 'Million Dollar Men'
"I was hooked from the moment I started this book! Could not put it down! The storyline had me sucked in and I love seeing more of MJ's character progress.
10/10 Must read!"
- Erin S.
For 'The Decision'
"I could not put this book down, especially the last 100 pages. Love how Joe Salerno, a first time author by the way, kept his chapters short. Made for an easy read, and quick page turning. He gets you to immerse yourself in the Silverman family with each chapter, and holds your interest the entire time. I really loved this book snd cannot wait for his next one. I’m a fan!"
- HB
For 'Million Dollar Men'
'This book is a rollercoaster with more twists and turns than a pretzel factory! It held my attention in its web of intrigue 'til the bitter end. Hang on for the ride!
- Deb R.
For 'The Decision'
"Joe Salerno’s “The Decision” is a masterfully written novel. It’s even more impressive when considering its his first effort. With a new voice and artistic maturity, Salerno presents a page-turning medical thriller that tackles the pain a family experiences when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The main character, Jonathan Silverman, is an attorney who prioritizes the people he loves above all else. He forges an unlikely alliance with an investigative reporter and together they outwit greedy biotech researchers and their Mob investors. The dangerous game of doing the right thing for the greatest number of people is complicated by the complex FDA drug approval process and the mega profits promised by Wall St sharks. “The Decision” is a novel you will find hard to put down. Like me, you will anxiously anticipate the next in Salerno’s series."
- Barbara G.
For 'The Decision'
"Story filled with intrigue and suspense. Loved the characters with their flaws and dilemmas they each faced. Knowing the right thing to do for the greater good but wanting to care for loved ones is such a struggle for so many on all different levels. This book illustrates how corporate greed gets in the way so that right and wrong seem like they are no longer options. Taking a stand either way will be what you have to live with. Enjoyed this quick paced story keeping you glued until the end!"
- Michele K.
For 'The Decision'
"A story of a multi-faceted dilemma involving personal struggles and an entangled cast of characters! A well written narrative of complex topics and events surrounding a very real situation-the need for an effective drug to cure the debilitating Alzheimer's disease-that is woven into a story that you can't put down until you know the answer! As a Boston native, love all the references to familiar places! Can't wait to read the next one!"
- CZ
For 'The Decision'
"The book was hard to put down. Very quickly you become invested in the Silverman family and the emotions that ensue when a loved one is given the awful diagnosis of early onset dementia. Though this theme is critical, it is only part of this fast paced thriller. Having read many other first time authors, I was pleasantly surprised with the cadence of how Salerno writes. The novel reads as if he is well into his career having worked out his style along the way. Read the book, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to his next release."
- LMAC
For 'The Decision'
"Looking for a page turner of the highest order? Something that will make you think as much as get your heart pounding? Look no further than The Decision by Joe Salerno. I've always been a fan of books by first time author and Joe's debut effort is right up there with the best of them. The way he can twist the criminal underworld and the real life world of Alzheimer's research into a bonafide thriller makes for a gripping story. You. Should. Read. This."
- Marty D.
