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Manny Williams #2
Deceitful Moon
Detective Manny Williams and his partner, Sophie Lee, are called to the scene of a disturbing and gruesome murder at Lansing’s local adult playhouse, the White Kitty. The circumstances surrounding the ex-con’s murder rocket deeper into the bizarre as the forensic evidence reveals more questions than answers.
As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again, and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle’s heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean.
All the while, the body count rises in his city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.
As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again, and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle’s heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean.
All the while, the body count rises in his city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.
Nook
First published May 30, 2011
About the author
Rick Murcer
40 books68 followersRick Murcer lives in Michigan and like many in that part of the country lost his job in 2008 due to a decline in the economy. An experienced executive, he sent out over 600 resumes without success. With unemployment benefits waning and savings nearly depleted he did the only logical thing he could think of...decide to become a writer.
Fortunately for Rick, he defied all conventional wisdom about self-publishing and literally became an overnight sensation. His first three books Caribbean Moon, Deceitful Moon, and Emerald Moon sold more than 300,000 copies between April and October 2011. He had two books in Amazon's top ten for many weeks and became both a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.
Rick graduated from Michigan State University and is fairly new to the game of writing. Proving his knack for storytelling, the first piece he had ever written, Herb's Home Run, was published by The Writer's Journal in 2002. Rick attributes his success to hard work and God's blessing and believes that you can achieve any goal you wish if you just set your mind to it.
Rick has been married longer than his wife likes to admit, and they have two grown children, three grandkids, and a blind, black Lab named Max, who serves as Rick's "writing" dog. Each morning Max pushes Rick to his writing room so that the dog can snore on his rug while Rick ponds away on the keys. And pounds away he does. Rick is one of those amazing writers that are so energized by the stories in their heads the words just flow onto the page. He has many works in progress so expect more titles from him in the near future.
Fortunately for Rick, he defied all conventional wisdom about self-publishing and literally became an overnight sensation. His first three books Caribbean Moon, Deceitful Moon, and Emerald Moon sold more than 300,000 copies between April and October 2011. He had two books in Amazon's top ten for many weeks and became both a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.
Rick graduated from Michigan State University and is fairly new to the game of writing. Proving his knack for storytelling, the first piece he had ever written, Herb's Home Run, was published by The Writer's Journal in 2002. Rick attributes his success to hard work and God's blessing and believes that you can achieve any goal you wish if you just set your mind to it.
Rick has been married longer than his wife likes to admit, and they have two grown children, three grandkids, and a blind, black Lab named Max, who serves as Rick's "writing" dog. Each morning Max pushes Rick to his writing room so that the dog can snore on his rug while Rick ponds away on the keys. And pounds away he does. Rick is one of those amazing writers that are so energized by the stories in their heads the words just flow onto the page. He has many works in progress so expect more titles from him in the near future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2015
Deceitful Moon picks up 3 months after the events of Caribbean Moon, the first book in the Detective Manny Williams series. I would suggest reading the books in order, as the story line from the previous book continues. They are not really stand alones.
In Deceitful Moon, there are two plot lines, so there is a lot going on and a lot to keep up with. Firstly, Manny and his partner, Sophie Lee, continue to hunt the serial killer who appeared in the first book, briefly sending them back to the Caribbean. Secondly, they have a new serial killer in their hometown of Lansing who is killing males. As in the previous book, the body count keeps rising and Manny and Sophie once again join forces with the FBI.
Deceitful Moon is fast paced and action packed, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. There are plenty of dead bodies, violence and some rather gory details, but there is also plenty of humor and some very likable characters. I truly loved the blend of jokes and grisly serial killer hunting, but I appreciate that the humor and sexual innuendos may not be every reader's cup of tea. If you've listened to J.A. Konrath's Jack Daniels series and enjoyed it, you will like this. The writing is engaging, and there are some breathtaking twists and turns. Mannie's partner, Sophie, is a great character and I loved her attitude. I also enjoyed the nice camaraderie and witty banter within the police department and with the FBI. They are the sort of books where you will be laughing out loud one minute and be on the edge of your seat and totally spooked the next.
In Deceitful Moon, there was one heart breaking moment that totally shocked me. In hindsight, everything was building up to that development, but still, a very brave move, Mr. Murcer. The ending definitely leaves you wanting to read the next in the series
As far as the audio version is concerned, there was a change in narrator from book 1 to book 2. While not really a big problem, it took a little while to adjust to the different voices, especially as I started this one straight after finishing the first. The narration provided by DJ Holte for Deceitful Moon was fantastic. Great pacing, intonation and range of different voices as well as great expression of a range of emotions. There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I am eagerly waiting for book 3, Emerald Moon, to be made available as an audiobook, and I am hoping DJ Holte will once again provide the narration for it.
Thanks to audiobookreviewer.com for providing me with a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
In Deceitful Moon, there are two plot lines, so there is a lot going on and a lot to keep up with. Firstly, Manny and his partner, Sophie Lee, continue to hunt the serial killer who appeared in the first book, briefly sending them back to the Caribbean. Secondly, they have a new serial killer in their hometown of Lansing who is killing males. As in the previous book, the body count keeps rising and Manny and Sophie once again join forces with the FBI.
Deceitful Moon is fast paced and action packed, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. There are plenty of dead bodies, violence and some rather gory details, but there is also plenty of humor and some very likable characters. I truly loved the blend of jokes and grisly serial killer hunting, but I appreciate that the humor and sexual innuendos may not be every reader's cup of tea. If you've listened to J.A. Konrath's Jack Daniels series and enjoyed it, you will like this. The writing is engaging, and there are some breathtaking twists and turns. Mannie's partner, Sophie, is a great character and I loved her attitude. I also enjoyed the nice camaraderie and witty banter within the police department and with the FBI. They are the sort of books where you will be laughing out loud one minute and be on the edge of your seat and totally spooked the next.
In Deceitful Moon, there was one heart breaking moment that totally shocked me. In hindsight, everything was building up to that development, but still, a very brave move, Mr. Murcer. The ending definitely leaves you wanting to read the next in the series
As far as the audio version is concerned, there was a change in narrator from book 1 to book 2. While not really a big problem, it took a little while to adjust to the different voices, especially as I started this one straight after finishing the first. The narration provided by DJ Holte for Deceitful Moon was fantastic. Great pacing, intonation and range of different voices as well as great expression of a range of emotions. There were no issues with the quality of the production.
I am eagerly waiting for book 3, Emerald Moon, to be made available as an audiobook, and I am hoping DJ Holte will once again provide the narration for it.
Thanks to audiobookreviewer.com for providing me with a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 21, 2011
This new novel is sure to satisfy anyone who loved Caribbean Moon, our first encounter with Manny Williams. The author’s vivid writing style is wielded with more finesse here, and the suspense of several different plot lines weaves throughout the entire story.
A few of the fundamental premises of the book, though, stretch credibility a bit too far for my liking—particularly the sheer number of insane women who managed to find each other and develop a credible plan to kill and maim men whom they think need to be brought to justice, and the ease with which Detective Williams’s nemesis pushes the buttons of the police so that they act like thugs rather than professionals.
Murcer certainly portrays women with more variety than many of the top-ranked thriller authors do, but too many of his female characters still feel one-dimensional; they serve a single function in the story and are not developed much beyond that functionality, so they have little emotional appeal.
While these quibbles were enough to keep me from giving Deceitful Moon the highest possible rating, it is a compelling read, even better than this author’s debut.
A few of the fundamental premises of the book, though, stretch credibility a bit too far for my liking—particularly the sheer number of insane women who managed to find each other and develop a credible plan to kill and maim men whom they think need to be brought to justice, and the ease with which Detective Williams’s nemesis pushes the buttons of the police so that they act like thugs rather than professionals.
Murcer certainly portrays women with more variety than many of the top-ranked thriller authors do, but too many of his female characters still feel one-dimensional; they serve a single function in the story and are not developed much beyond that functionality, so they have little emotional appeal.
While these quibbles were enough to keep me from giving Deceitful Moon the highest possible rating, it is a compelling read, even better than this author’s debut.
February 28, 2016
Way better than the first one. The two plot lines are keeping the reader alert all the time. But still something is missing for me. The reasonsing of the murder is not very convincing and it feels it's on ffw. Other than that, I really enjoyed it and will definitely continue with the next one of the series.
July 27, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Detective Manny Williams and his partner Sophie Lee are detectives in the Lansing, Michigan Police Department and are investigating the murder of a man in an alley behind a peep show arcade called the White Kitty.
When Manny receives an unwanted phone call from Dr. Argyle, he suspects the worst. An all-around bad guy and serial killer from the last novel, Argyle has sworn vengeance against Manny and his colleagues at the Lansing Police Department. Argyle calls him to taunt him with his latest murder, a reporter named Eric Hayes from a local Lansing newspaper called The Post.
After watching the horrifying pictures sent by Argyle, Manny contacts his friend FBI Special Agent Josh Corner to bring him in on the Argyle case. The murder happened aboard the sister ship to the one that the Lansing team was on in June. They decide to meet in the Caribbean, along with Sophie who continues to be flippant and annoying in this novel as she was in the first one.
When Chief Gavin Crosby is shot in his office, Manny, Sophie and the forensic tech Alex race back to Lansing from the Caribbean. The shocking truth behind Gavin’s shooting makes little sense. Also two more men have been murdered with the same MO as the White Kitty murder. They have another serial killer on the loose. Following some revealing evidence, the Lansing team and the FBI agents realize that their problem is much bigger than they thought. A shootout at the police department conference room heightens the suspense to an almost breaking point.
After multiple murders, the police and their services are spread thin. Then cops start to die. What is going on? Who is doing this? One person simply cannot commit all the murders in the time frame during which the murders occurred. Then there is Dr. Argyle to who is committing his own brand of mayhem.
This is an extremely well written and plotted thriller. The writing is crisp and no nonsense. The suspense starts out immediately in the book and continues on a high point until the very end. The story is both engaging and exciting. The characters are brilliant and likeable (except for Sophie). The team respects one another and works well together. I am anxious to read the next book in this series. Well done, Mr. Murcer!!
Detective Manny Williams and his partner Sophie Lee are detectives in the Lansing, Michigan Police Department and are investigating the murder of a man in an alley behind a peep show arcade called the White Kitty.
When Manny receives an unwanted phone call from Dr. Argyle, he suspects the worst. An all-around bad guy and serial killer from the last novel, Argyle has sworn vengeance against Manny and his colleagues at the Lansing Police Department. Argyle calls him to taunt him with his latest murder, a reporter named Eric Hayes from a local Lansing newspaper called The Post.
After watching the horrifying pictures sent by Argyle, Manny contacts his friend FBI Special Agent Josh Corner to bring him in on the Argyle case. The murder happened aboard the sister ship to the one that the Lansing team was on in June. They decide to meet in the Caribbean, along with Sophie who continues to be flippant and annoying in this novel as she was in the first one.
When Chief Gavin Crosby is shot in his office, Manny, Sophie and the forensic tech Alex race back to Lansing from the Caribbean. The shocking truth behind Gavin’s shooting makes little sense. Also two more men have been murdered with the same MO as the White Kitty murder. They have another serial killer on the loose. Following some revealing evidence, the Lansing team and the FBI agents realize that their problem is much bigger than they thought. A shootout at the police department conference room heightens the suspense to an almost breaking point.
After multiple murders, the police and their services are spread thin. Then cops start to die. What is going on? Who is doing this? One person simply cannot commit all the murders in the time frame during which the murders occurred. Then there is Dr. Argyle to who is committing his own brand of mayhem.
This is an extremely well written and plotted thriller. The writing is crisp and no nonsense. The suspense starts out immediately in the book and continues on a high point until the very end. The story is both engaging and exciting. The characters are brilliant and likeable (except for Sophie). The team respects one another and works well together. I am anxious to read the next book in this series. Well done, Mr. Murcer!!
December 12, 2023
I read the first series years ago, enjoyed it very much! So I bought this one right away! Finally read it in a day! Was as good as the first! I love FBI-BSU books with forensic thrown in! A page turner and show stopper! Although there was tears of sorrow at the end! Excellent read!💕📖💕
February 21, 2018
Mystery.
Couldn't out of down. Really enjoyed this book. Want to read more of Manny Williams series. Very good reads for those who like cop stories.
Couldn't out of down. Really enjoyed this book. Want to read more of Manny Williams series. Very good reads for those who like cop stories.
February 24, 2018
Good book - likeable characters. My only objection is that the antagonist is as smart as Manny Williams. I rate it 4.4 stars.
September 30, 2016
I enjoyed this fast-paced, well-plotted, suspenseful mystery that comes with a side of light banter to balance the gruesome deaths. My rating 4.5.
Manny is a dedicated, driven, workaholic police detective. He loves his wife and daughter but that doesn’t stop him from getting pulled away when he is deep in pursuit of a killer. He gets along well with his partner, Sophie, who, even though married, seems to flirt a bit - okay outrageously - especially with one of the FBI agents they have been working with. Manny has his own draw to resist in the form of a female FBI agent.
Manny and Sophie are just getting into the investigation of a local murder binge that appears to be targeting men of ill repute, known for hurting or mistreating women. Although the vigilante killer (or killers) may be ridding society of some real low life, still it’s murder. Before Manny gets deep into the forensics, where he likes to dig, he gets a call he doesn’t want to hear.
Another serial killer, and Manny’s nemesis, Dr. Fredrick Argyle, is on the killing path again and is baiting Manny to catch him. This guy is very brutal and creepy, reminding me of Hannibal Lecter.
Manny and his team speed off to the new crime scene where Dr. Argyle leaves a few mutilated bodies and warnings that Manny and his family and friends are not safe. Back home, Manny’s own boss is shot at point blank range leaving Manny another killer to track.
The story makes clear shifts between the murder investigations keeping the reader/listener keyed to gather the clues. The author skillfully hints at suspects that do not seem probable but one never quite knows what might cause someone to snap.
Although the plot deals with some gruesome murders, the author manages to maintain a certain lightness in the friendship of the characters and the depth of love among the family. The comedic banter seems natural as a release to ease the tensions of their gritty jobs. Mr. Murcer does a good job with each element: strong characters, skillfully plotted mysteries with red-herring clues and twists, and high levels of action and suspense. I really enjoyed the forensic details and mind thinking that Manny sorts through trying to get ahead of the killers.
The story is sprinkled with cursing, as might be expected with cops and killers, but, as far as I can recall, the author doesn’t use the worst of the words. I really enjoyed the fast-paced style and the strong, engaging protagonist. Although this can be read without having read the first book, it made me wish that I had read that one first. Also, this ends with open lines for new changes in the next book. I do recommend this book (and series) to those who enjoy good forensic details and can deal with some gritty murder scenes.
Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a really good job with the narration. He provides smooth transitions between distinct voices and he captures and portrays the range of emotions including love, humor, hatred, mania and more. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this reading experience.
I received this audio book from the narrator for an honest review.
Manny is a dedicated, driven, workaholic police detective. He loves his wife and daughter but that doesn’t stop him from getting pulled away when he is deep in pursuit of a killer. He gets along well with his partner, Sophie, who, even though married, seems to flirt a bit - okay outrageously - especially with one of the FBI agents they have been working with. Manny has his own draw to resist in the form of a female FBI agent.
Manny and Sophie are just getting into the investigation of a local murder binge that appears to be targeting men of ill repute, known for hurting or mistreating women. Although the vigilante killer (or killers) may be ridding society of some real low life, still it’s murder. Before Manny gets deep into the forensics, where he likes to dig, he gets a call he doesn’t want to hear.
Another serial killer, and Manny’s nemesis, Dr. Fredrick Argyle, is on the killing path again and is baiting Manny to catch him. This guy is very brutal and creepy, reminding me of Hannibal Lecter.
Manny and his team speed off to the new crime scene where Dr. Argyle leaves a few mutilated bodies and warnings that Manny and his family and friends are not safe. Back home, Manny’s own boss is shot at point blank range leaving Manny another killer to track.
The story makes clear shifts between the murder investigations keeping the reader/listener keyed to gather the clues. The author skillfully hints at suspects that do not seem probable but one never quite knows what might cause someone to snap.
Although the plot deals with some gruesome murders, the author manages to maintain a certain lightness in the friendship of the characters and the depth of love among the family. The comedic banter seems natural as a release to ease the tensions of their gritty jobs. Mr. Murcer does a good job with each element: strong characters, skillfully plotted mysteries with red-herring clues and twists, and high levels of action and suspense. I really enjoyed the forensic details and mind thinking that Manny sorts through trying to get ahead of the killers.
The story is sprinkled with cursing, as might be expected with cops and killers, but, as far as I can recall, the author doesn’t use the worst of the words. I really enjoyed the fast-paced style and the strong, engaging protagonist. Although this can be read without having read the first book, it made me wish that I had read that one first. Also, this ends with open lines for new changes in the next book. I do recommend this book (and series) to those who enjoy good forensic details and can deal with some gritty murder scenes.
Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a really good job with the narration. He provides smooth transitions between distinct voices and he captures and portrays the range of emotions including love, humor, hatred, mania and more. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this reading experience.
I received this audio book from the narrator for an honest review.
November 24, 2015
This is an extremely well plotted mystery thriller with 2 beautifully constructed mysteries, and vibrant characters. It is the second book in the series (I read the first book some years ago), and, while this book can be read as a standalone novel, I think it best if the reader reads this series in order, because these stories interlock so closely. However, even if you read this one first, I think you will find it absorbing.
There are 2 sets of villains, and 2 sets of violent crimes that must be solved as quickly as possible, and one set of crimes affects every major character in the book in stunningly surprising ways. The villain who is carried over from the 1st book reminded me of Hannibal Lecter in his viciousness and brilliance. He is a bit less stable, or rather, unstable in very different ways, but his instability in no way impairs his effectiveness. Of such characters nightmares are born!
There is a fairly large cast of characters to keep track of, and all of them are important, and contribute significantly to the development of the plot. Some are wonderfully sympathetic, and a few are not only that, but charmingly quirky, as well, and the author presents them with verve and compassion. Not only are these people law enforcement professionals, but they are extremely decent, good individuals, as well, and that makes investment on what happens to them on this reader’s part inevitable.
I do have one quibble with the plot, and seeing it surprised me, because the author is so meticulous in every other detail. When a police officer, of any rank, is either wounded or killed in the line of duty, his family is NOT informed by phone. Officers are sent to her home or wherever she happens to be, she is told personally, and then escorted to the hospital. In addition, the closest waiting room will be packed with other police officers, on or off duty, to provide support to their fallen comrade and his/her family. If the wounded officer is in the ICU and the ICU waiting room cannot accommodate them, they will find the closest available place, and pretty much make it their own.
Mr. Holte provided a stunning narration, the excellence of which fully complimented this very, very fine book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review via the courtesy of Audiobookblast dot com
There are 2 sets of villains, and 2 sets of violent crimes that must be solved as quickly as possible, and one set of crimes affects every major character in the book in stunningly surprising ways. The villain who is carried over from the 1st book reminded me of Hannibal Lecter in his viciousness and brilliance. He is a bit less stable, or rather, unstable in very different ways, but his instability in no way impairs his effectiveness. Of such characters nightmares are born!
There is a fairly large cast of characters to keep track of, and all of them are important, and contribute significantly to the development of the plot. Some are wonderfully sympathetic, and a few are not only that, but charmingly quirky, as well, and the author presents them with verve and compassion. Not only are these people law enforcement professionals, but they are extremely decent, good individuals, as well, and that makes investment on what happens to them on this reader’s part inevitable.
I do have one quibble with the plot, and seeing it surprised me, because the author is so meticulous in every other detail. When a police officer, of any rank, is either wounded or killed in the line of duty, his family is NOT informed by phone. Officers are sent to her home or wherever she happens to be, she is told personally, and then escorted to the hospital. In addition, the closest waiting room will be packed with other police officers, on or off duty, to provide support to their fallen comrade and his/her family. If the wounded officer is in the ICU and the ICU waiting room cannot accommodate them, they will find the closest available place, and pretty much make it their own.
Mr. Holte provided a stunning narration, the excellence of which fully complimented this very, very fine book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review via the courtesy of Audiobookblast dot com
July 14, 2015
This series, 'The Manny Williams Series', just keeps getting better. 'Deceitful Moon' is full of thrilling scenes, mystery, suspense, some intense action and of course, deceit. The storyline blew me away. I loved how it played out. This book has a lot going on, but it's not confusing. The characters were great. Except for Argyle- he's an arrogant, egotistical, evil Hannibal type. He truly makes the perfect bad guy. Manny is a strong willed detective that is loyal to a fault. He makes the series great. Sophie is also another great personality. I love her humor and her attitude. I look forward to reading more of this series. A must add to your tbr list. Recommended.
April 18, 2016
HOLY COW. Just...wow. I started this series hoping they would be quick and engaging reads, and my expectations were easily surpassed, particularly with this second installment of the Manny Williams series. The vagueness surrounding members of the Justice Club made it a little hard to follow at times, but the suspense started early and lasted throughout the entire book. Deceitful Moon begins three months after the end of the first book, Caribbean Moon, and I enjoyed the overlap between the two. This is definitely a book you'll want to finish quickly to see where the pieces fall into place, but only if you're a fan of detective books and don't mind reading graphic descriptions of murder.
September 24, 2011
Good mystery thriller, full of suspense and strange twists in this 2nd Danny Williams series, downloaded it directly after the first one, Caribbean Moon, which is probably the best way to read this book. The characters are authentic, at least for the cops, can't say I have known many serial killers. The plot makes you hang on for the ride. Now, for the third one, which picks up right at the end of the 2nd with several free chapters to hook you!
August 9, 2015
Deceitful moon is the second of Rick Murcers novels about Detective Manny Williams, and in this one, too, he shows us the action from both the protagonists' and the antagonists' view. A few twists occur which had me convinced part of it was a dream, but not so.
Like Caribbean moon, Deceitful moon is well and engagingly written, and sees the return of what seems to be the Moriarty to Williams' Holmes, dr. Frederick Argyle.
Like Caribbean moon, Deceitful moon is well and engagingly written, and sees the return of what seems to be the Moriarty to Williams' Holmes, dr. Frederick Argyle.
August 2, 2011
A very good thriller with continuations from the first book in the series. Wanted to read the third, "Emerald Moon", but Kindle does not carry that book. Will get to it later. Rick Mercer has has a good character in Manny Williams and his gang. Hope to read more is his books.
February 2, 2014
First I have to admit that I enjoyed this novel. However I will not be reading anymore of Rick Murcer's books. I'm already tired of the story line that has spanned his first two books. Writing a story arc that lasts 3 or more books feels like a promotional gimmick to sell more books.
July 15, 2011
Good, but gory.
August 18, 2011
This book suffers from too much going on. Pick one main story and run with it!
August 20, 2011
Good read
August 25, 2011
Suspenseful. Very good read. Would read it again.
October 11, 2011
Not as good as the first one in the series, but still a good read.
December 15, 2011
Finished this one in the middle of the night and had to turn on the wifi and snag book three in the series.
Currently Reading
January 6, 2012I love the story line behind this book.
January 17, 2012
I am truly enjoying this series. The plots are great , the peripheral characters are interesting, the dialogue is good.
July 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this second Manny Williams Thriller. I was a little disappointed in the ending but it will not stop reading the next two books.
February 9, 2013
Even better than the first book.
March 17, 2013
Another great story by one of my favorite authors!
January 8, 2016
Enjoyed reading this book.
January 10, 2012
A good Detective Mystery.
May 23, 2012
Great read! 2nd in the Series by Rick Murcer, I recommend the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews