"This book is flat-out genius, the best novel I’ve read in years."
" I read it twice—the first time for entertainment, the second time to see if I could figure out how Steve Saroff flawlessly integrated so many different literary tricks and elements: clever narrative shifts, seamless flashbacks, perfectly built plot arcs, metaphors stacked three deep, and wise lessons that subtly unspool but never get in the way of the story. The first five pages are absolutely gorgeous, as good as it gets, well worth the price of the book if you don’t read another word. Then it’s as if Kurt Vonnegut, Larry Brown, James Crumley, Scott Turow and Patricia Cornwell all decided to throw in together, like an all-star team of authors combined to do a greatest hits project. The novel is that good, that remarkable. I rooted for Enzi from start to finish, even when he made painfully dumb choices—choices that never seemed forced or contrived thanks to the book’s flawless character development—and I’m fairly certain I won’t forget him or Crazy Canyon or all the patterns in the world that only a few touched folks can see. Just amazing."
- Martin Clark, Author of The Substitution Order, The Legal Limit, The Plinko Bounce and more

"An astonishing page-turner of debut novel"
"That scene in Reservoir Dogs: Mr Blonde about to cut off the ear of a cop duct taped to chair while Steve Wright (dj on radio) plays the Steelers Wheels, Stuck in the Middle. This novel glides uncomfortably and masterfully like that scene. Awkward yet a little joyous. Fun page-turning mystery but also mildly terrifying. I read it in 2 sittings. I'm a mud slow reader. Highly recommended to everyone, especially those interested in noir, art, a blazing narration, and all of our deeply unsettling subconsciouses. Saroff is also seems capable of laying down the perfect sentence on command. There's one on almost every page. His next book should be skywritten. Can't wait to see it."
- Michael FitzGerald, Author of the novel, Radiant Days and founder of Submittable Inc.

"Atmospheric, poetic, tragic, dark and light, crazy and sad"
"Intricately deep characterisations, and entertaining to the end. The author's narration works well for this book, adding a cinematographic feel to it all, at least I saw it while I heard it! A film to be made!"
- Mahayana Dugast, Author of The Return of the Sovereign Heart and Top Goodreads UK Reviwer

"WOW!! Incredibly riveting, fast-paced"
"I was on the edge of my seat constantly as the action moved between Montana, Seattle and New York. Saroff's ability to ratchet up the drama and tension is masterful. Highly recommend! Very unique thriller!"
- Sharon Orlopp , Author of Standing Up After Saigon

"A wonderfully written thriller with Big Sky country as a setting."
"His tale has something of the spirit of Hemingway stories. His spare prose seems designed to step out of the way but is arresting in itself."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Beautiful Emotions Wrapped Up In Words."
"The first sentence got me intrigued about the book and almost immediately. Steve Saroff's writing style made me nostalgic throughout the novel, maybe it was the main character not settling in a place and the continuous mention of nature, the open space, mountains, and the stars but it reminded me of the movie "Nomadland." It is a book that leaves you wanting more and wishing you hadn't read it yet, so you could read it again without knowing what was going to happen. A unique book that must be read quietly and gently, lest you miss any important details. However, prepare for the nostalgic mood of the book to be imprinted in your heart because it is in mine."
- LoveReading, UK's most popular trusted review site

"A Solid Work of Noir Art."
"It's rare to find a thriller and crime story that also embraces such literary foundations; but Paper Targets represents art in and of itself."- Midwest Book Review

"Infused with nature and solitude."
"Readers will be immediately invested in Enzi's fate, and Saroff expertly intensifies the plot through unfolding backstories and quiet tension. Lyrical yet succinct, Saroff's first person narrative is well crafted, granting readers an inside view of Enzi's sentiments." - Publishers Weekly / Book Life

"Adventure and more with a touch of humanity. Saroff crafts his words in a way that brings the listener deep within the story and keeps them there long after the ending. The story, plot twists, and characters are strongly crafted with poignant and dramatic moments. The descriptions of the characters were vivid. As the narrator as well, Saroff provides an entertaining and mesmerizing narration. He spoke clearly and flawlessly. His pauses and intonations were perfect for the story. " - Audible

"Brilliantly done and totally spellbinding."
"It’s brilliantly done and I found it totally spellbinding, never quite knowing how it would finally play out. The piece, taken as a whole, can be seen as one long confession and one hand it’s simply a mystery novel but to me it’s much more than that, it’s a rich piece of literary fiction that just happens to pose a question which isn’t answered until the very end. HaveI read or listened to anything better this year? I don’t think so, this one might just take the top spot."
- Andrew Smith a "Top Reviewer" on GoodReads

"He does not hold anything back."
"Saroff’s style of writing creates suspense from the potential acts of his characters. He does not hold anything back. By the end of the novel, you are fully aware of everything that has taken place and suspense is placed in the hands of the good and evil forces that tear at us all, every day, in response to living our one and only life. There are other notable qualities to Paper Targets involving art, computer programming, and simple good folks. However, I’m stopping here. After all, these are all just icing on top of an already substantial cake."
- Daniel Villines, GoodReads

"I must say, I've never read anything like this!"
"A fast paced story written in often beautiful language with a sensitive and likeable main character. Not too much violence and a very interesting problem to solve. I thoroughly enjoyed it." - GoodReads Reviewer

"beautifully written, almost poetic in parts.
"The plot is quite unique and the characters are brilliantly developed. As a reader, you become so invested in the story, as well as in the main character, Enzi. He is flawed, but his innate goodness and desire ultimately to do the right thing drives the story in directions you may not expect. It is one of those books that you finish and realize you are better for having read it, wondering why you didn’t read it sooner." - Amazon Reviewer

"Great and Rare New Talent. I get excited and bowled over when I find an exceptional new novel. This one covers all the bases--great characters, narration, plot, but is also very believable and a unique first person approach. You can't help sympathizing and rooting for the main character. I read some of the dialogue over and over--but what else can "a fella" do but savor the story? I mean, knowing it's gonna be hard to find that next novel that is this good." - Amazon Reviewer

"Stunning Much more 'artsy' than my usual reads. The writing is outstanding, beautiful and haunting, the story engrossing, the characters solidly real. I rarely say "couldn't put it down", but this one was so utterly compelling that it's worthy of the cliché. Stunning, original and thought-provoking, as well as a damned fine read." - Amazon UK Reviewer

"A crackling literary thriller set in the Mountain West."
"If you are as much of a fan of literary thrillers as I am, you won't want to miss Paper Targets: Art Can Be Murder by Montana author Steve Saroff. I lived in Missoula during the 1990s, when this book is set, and I enjoyed recognizing the landmarks that popped up in the story. But it was the interior life of the protagonist, Enzi, that captivated me. He is a brilliant autodidact and coder whose innate connection to the mathematics of the world around him make his worldview absolutely fascinating. This viewpoint and the crackling dialogue are what gives the novel its literary credentials, but don't let that stop you if you're more of a plot-lover -- the crimes and intrigue are nonstop, and there are several main characters who are unlike any I've ever encountered in a thriller. Along the way, there is murder and financial crime, fine art and aching loneliness. I couldn't put this book down, I was so on edge about whether Enzi would manage to find a way to extricate himself from the highly charged criminal scheme he wandered into. It is a novel of moral gradations, which I appreciate, because love, greed, and relationships are never black and white in real life." - Amazon Reviewer