"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

"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

"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 book site.

"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." -Sharky (Amazon Reviewer)

"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 Reviewer

Reviews from Authors for Paper Targets:

"Atmospheric, poetic, tragic, dark and light, crazy and sad"
" with 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 and Top and Best Goodreads UK Reviwer

"An astonishing page-turner of debut novel"
"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 n 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.

"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

And more...

"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." - 'Lisa' (Amazon Books 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." - 'ed' (Amazon Books Reviewer)

"Stay up with a storyteller without caffeine because you just really really want to know. Love’s terrifying truths are scarier than villainy. These characters regret, forget, neglect, ignore instincts, trust without reason, redeem, destroy, doubt and discover; and in doing so, expose the reader and themselves. Paper Targets is a brisk-paced narrative of an outsider who never feels at home inside. Enzi also is paradoxically an insider who can invade and right/write, with messenger RNA-like disguised code, the greedy market. His trick is doing so while disentangling a loveknot and befriending a much needed confidante, my favorite character from these notes from the Missoula underground." - Ellen Mullally (Amazon Books 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." - Kosh (Amazon Books Reviewer from the UK)