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Martyr Maker #2
Laws of Wrath
Actor, director, producer and award-winning author Eriq La Salle draws us in to a gritty, lightning-paced thriller about an act of loyalty that inspires a ceaseless cycle of revenge.
There are those who fight the devil within them. And those who worship it.
NYPD detectives Phee Freeman and Quincy Cavanaugh are called to the scene of a brutal murder, where Freeman learns his older sibling is the victim. At first, the slaying looks like the random act of a vicious killer, but both detectives and FBI agent Janet Maclin soon discover this is something much more sinister. Similar ritualistic murders throughout the city leave the three investigators no choice but to join forces with Dr. Daria Zibik, a brilliant but deranged Satanic cult leader. Phee and his partners must do everything they can to stop the bloodshed and determine if the evil they are hunting and the psychopath they are trusting could actually be one and the same.
There are those who fight the devil within them. And those who worship it.
NYPD detectives Phee Freeman and Quincy Cavanaugh are called to the scene of a brutal murder, where Freeman learns his older sibling is the victim. At first, the slaying looks like the random act of a vicious killer, but both detectives and FBI agent Janet Maclin soon discover this is something much more sinister. Similar ritualistic murders throughout the city leave the three investigators no choice but to join forces with Dr. Daria Zibik, a brilliant but deranged Satanic cult leader. Phee and his partners must do everything they can to stop the bloodshed and determine if the evil they are hunting and the psychopath they are trusting could actually be one and the same.
Audible Audio
First published June 17, 2014
58 people are currently reading
3437 people want to read
About the author
Eriq La Salle
9 books450 followersActor, director, producer, and masterful storyteller Eriq La Salle is best known to worldwide television audiences for his award-winning portrayal of Dr. Peter Benton on the medical drama ER. Educated at Juilliard and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, his credits range from Broadway to film roles, starring alongside Eddie Murphy in Coming to America, Robin Williams in One Hour Photo, and Hugh Jackman in Logan. La Salle has maintained a prolific acting career while also taking the helm as director for HBO, Showtime, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ABC NBC, Fox and CBS productions. His craft as a crime writer was honed over his many seasons as a key member of the Dick Wolf Entertainment team, which include four years as executive producer and director on Chicago PD, in addition to directing episodes of Law & Order, Law and Order SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He is also executive producer, director, and one of the lead actors of Dick Wolf's “On Call,” out in 2024 on Amazon Prime Video. As a writer, La Salle is the author of several critically-acclaimed thrillers published by Sourcebooks—Laws of Depravity (2022), Laws of Wrath (2023), and Laws of Annihilation (2023). His episode of The Twilight Zone recently made WGA’s list of 101 Best Written TV Series. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 26, 2023
This is book 2 of the Martyr Maker series so I can't go into too much detail but I do think you could read this book without reading book 1....you shouldn't because that book is great. The author is famous to those of us who grew up watching the movie Coming to America or the tv show E.R. I binged E.R a couple years ago while I had the flu and I gotta say Dr Peter Benton was fine as Hell.
Laws Of Wrath is a gritty novel that is a throwback to 1980's or 1990's crime dramas. This book kinda reminded me a little bit of the 90's tv show New York Undercover, because of the partnership in this book. I was discussing this book with a friend and they said that it sounded like the novels of SA Cosby. I haven't read anything by him but I do have All The Sinners Bleed.
While I enjoyed this book and the series overall, I will say that it's not for everyone. It's extremely violent and the characters are not the most likeable. This book contains a lot of Transphobia but it was in my opinion handled well but I'm also not a member of that community so if Transphobia is a trigger I would say stay away or at least make sure you are in the proper headspace. The main character Phee was very cruel to his Transgender sibling. The character is described as being a cross dresser and mostly referred to as male but that characters close friends referred to her using she / her. Phee does realize that he should have loved his sibling unconditionally and feels intense remorse for how he treated his sibling....but it was still very shitty but realistic behavior.
I really like this series and I've already ordered book 3 Laws of Annihilation. I can't wait to read it, I have a feeling this series is going to have a bloody conclusion.
If you like gritty crime fiction, than I highly recommend this series.
Laws Of Wrath is a gritty novel that is a throwback to 1980's or 1990's crime dramas. This book kinda reminded me a little bit of the 90's tv show New York Undercover, because of the partnership in this book. I was discussing this book with a friend and they said that it sounded like the novels of SA Cosby. I haven't read anything by him but I do have All The Sinners Bleed.
While I enjoyed this book and the series overall, I will say that it's not for everyone. It's extremely violent and the characters are not the most likeable. This book contains a lot of Transphobia but it was in my opinion handled well but I'm also not a member of that community so if Transphobia is a trigger I would say stay away or at least make sure you are in the proper headspace. The main character Phee was very cruel to his Transgender sibling. The character is described as being a cross dresser and mostly referred to as male but that characters close friends referred to her using she / her. Phee does realize that he should have loved his sibling unconditionally and feels intense remorse for how he treated his sibling....but it was still very shitty but realistic behavior.
I really like this series and I've already ordered book 3 Laws of Annihilation. I can't wait to read it, I have a feeling this series is going to have a bloody conclusion.
If you like gritty crime fiction, than I highly recommend this series.
March 9, 2025
First 5 🌟 Read of 2025!
Laws of Wrath by Eriq La Salle is book 2 of the Martyr Maker Series . La Salle is already proven that he's a talented actor but the Laws of Wrath is proof that he's got the writing chops as well. This was a well written, fast pace & gritty crime drama that reminded me of 90s tv shows like NYPD Blue and Law & Order.
Trigger Alerts: Sacrificial Murders, Extreme Violence, Cult Activites, mentions Chld ppolestation.
I suggest you start with Book1.
I already have Book 3 queued up and can't wait!
Laws of Wrath by Eriq La Salle is book 2 of the Martyr Maker Series . La Salle is already proven that he's a talented actor but the Laws of Wrath is proof that he's got the writing chops as well. This was a well written, fast pace & gritty crime drama that reminded me of 90s tv shows like NYPD Blue and Law & Order.
Trigger Alerts: Sacrificial Murders, Extreme Violence, Cult Activites, mentions Chld ppolestation.
I suggest you start with Book1.
I already have Book 3 queued up and can't wait!
September 23, 2023
I'm not sure if it is because I came in on book 2 of the series, but Laws of Wrath by Eriq La Salle was A LOT for me. It had way too many characters and viewpoint changes for me to keep track of, and half the time I had no idea what was going on. I think this would make an excellent movie, and since La Salle has done TV, maybe that is what he was going for. There is basically nonstop action which I enjoyed, and there was a religious aspect that I actually found super intriguing even if it also got confusing for me at times.
Listening to the audiobook also may have been part of the issue for me, but the author narrates, and he is FANTASTIC. I loved listening to him, and he clearly knew exactly what he wanted for his audio. The cover is what drew me into the book in the first place and brings up that fun saying that you can't judge a book by its cover. I was expecting a female MC somewhere in here when there really wasn't one. Too many POVs and a confusing plot made Laws of Wrath a bit of a dud for me, but if you enjoy violent storylines with lots of action and characters, you may like this more! And I would definitely read in order if I were you, judging by my own experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Listening to the audiobook also may have been part of the issue for me, but the author narrates, and he is FANTASTIC. I loved listening to him, and he clearly knew exactly what he wanted for his audio. The cover is what drew me into the book in the first place and brings up that fun saying that you can't judge a book by its cover. I was expecting a female MC somewhere in here when there really wasn't one. Too many POVs and a confusing plot made Laws of Wrath a bit of a dud for me, but if you enjoy violent storylines with lots of action and characters, you may like this more! And I would definitely read in order if I were you, judging by my own experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 10, 2024
My first 5⭐️ of the year! This was such a good read. While you don’t have to read book 1 first, I highly suggest reading the series in order to really appreciate the story that’s being told. This story dives into the complexities of brotherhood and religion and you can tell the author really did his research on the topics covered here. I’m SO excited to read book 3.
November 26, 2024
Wow, never knew Eriq LaSalle was a writer.
This was definitely an intriguing book.
I listened to the audiobook; he was the narrator. EXCELLENT!
Phee, Clay, Quincy, and Dr. Zibik.
One body, found in the dumpster….just so happens to be Phee’s older brother. As Phee wrestles with his demons, more bodys drop.
Are they connected, is this a random serial spree? As Quincy and Phee call in the assistance of Dr. Zibik, things take another dramatic turn!
This was so good! I like the character dynamics of cat and mouse. It definitely kept me turning pages.
As this is part of a series, I ended up starting at book two. I definitely plan to finish the other three in the series.
If you enjoy cat and mouse, cop stories, with a bit of love and revenge, this is for you!
This was definitely an intriguing book.
I listened to the audiobook; he was the narrator. EXCELLENT!
Phee, Clay, Quincy, and Dr. Zibik.
One body, found in the dumpster….just so happens to be Phee’s older brother. As Phee wrestles with his demons, more bodys drop.
Are they connected, is this a random serial spree? As Quincy and Phee call in the assistance of Dr. Zibik, things take another dramatic turn!
This was so good! I like the character dynamics of cat and mouse. It definitely kept me turning pages.
As this is part of a series, I ended up starting at book two. I definitely plan to finish the other three in the series.
If you enjoy cat and mouse, cop stories, with a bit of love and revenge, this is for you!
June 12, 2014
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Laws Of Wrath through BookViral and I can sum it up in just one word - Brilliant. The plot was gripping, as was the pacing, whilst the characters are well defined and believable. There are a lot of authors writing in this genre but few ARE as good as Eriq La Salle in my opinion. Simply excellent!
April 29, 2023
This is an intense, raw and violent story. There are vicious murders in the first few pages that will leave you questioning why you picked up this book. But the writing is so good! It’s gritty and dark - much like the writing of S. A. Cosby. There is non-stop, fast-paced, head spinning, tension-packed action throughout the entire 337 pages.
The author uses deep moving emotion that gets to your human core making it nearly impossible to put this book down. And the shocking ending makes me think there has got to be another book.
Don’t read this with a full stomach…..don’t read this at night…..don’t read this when you are alone…..it is going to creep you out in ways you never thought possible!
Trigger alerts: sacrificial murders, cult activities, and mentions of child molestation.
Keep writing @eriqlasalle
@goodreads #giveaway #arc
The author uses deep moving emotion that gets to your human core making it nearly impossible to put this book down. And the shocking ending makes me think there has got to be another book.
Don’t read this with a full stomach…..don’t read this at night…..don’t read this when you are alone…..it is going to creep you out in ways you never thought possible!
Trigger alerts: sacrificial murders, cult activities, and mentions of child molestation.
Keep writing @eriqlasalle
@goodreads #giveaway #arc
March 13, 2023
This was a pulse pounding thriller that had me guessing. Satanists, cults, revenge, gangs, The African. This book had it all. Some things I saw coming a mile away, which is why I rated it three stars, but it was still a wild ride. Thanks to poisoned pen press and the author for the arc of this book. Releases May 2/2023! If you love Patterson, you will devour this book.
February 25, 2024
Once again La Salle has left me speechless and on the edge of my seat with his wild and thought provoking stories. I cannot wait to get into the next book
April 23, 2023
This is a fast paced multi layered police procedural- I really enjoyed the honest and gritty writing style as well as the overall dark themes. It gave me “Gangs of New York” vibes which is one of my favorite movies. I loved the satanic/religious duology that was an undercurrent to the story.
I didn’t realize this is technically book two in a series. You don’t need to read the first one to understand, but I would have liked the character development and I think I will need to read it before book three to get caught up. Some of the background was a little convoluted/hard to track since I hadn’t read the first book.
There are multiple POVs that were sometimes a little challenging to keep track of, and tonsssss of layers to the story. My favorite part of the plot line was the fact that the reader knows who the killer is fairly early on- which means most of the book I was trying to figure out how the author was going to trick me (and he sure did).
The detectives end up working with a prisoner to help solve the murder of one of the detective’s brother. I loved that. That was such a unique twist.
Big cliffhanger at the end- can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen and netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t realize this is technically book two in a series. You don’t need to read the first one to understand, but I would have liked the character development and I think I will need to read it before book three to get caught up. Some of the background was a little convoluted/hard to track since I hadn’t read the first book.
There are multiple POVs that were sometimes a little challenging to keep track of, and tonsssss of layers to the story. My favorite part of the plot line was the fact that the reader knows who the killer is fairly early on- which means most of the book I was trying to figure out how the author was going to trick me (and he sure did).
The detectives end up working with a prisoner to help solve the murder of one of the detective’s brother. I loved that. That was such a unique twist.
Big cliffhanger at the end- can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen and netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2024
I-... wow. This book was EVERYTHING. I was in tears by the end. I'm about to cry now just writing this. This was so much deeper than I expected it to be. Thought provoking would be an understatement. This one will be my favorite in the series, I just know it.
Full review coming after book III while I hope and pray Eriq is writing a fourth book 😩
Full review coming after book III while I hope and pray Eriq is writing a fourth book 😩
November 29, 2014
"Eriq La Salle's Laws of Wrath is all thriller; no filler--a white-knuckled treat."
- James Patterson
"Raw and gritty, with a careening plot and brisk dialogue, Eriq LaSalle's satisfying new novel will especially appeal to fans of serial killer thrillers."
- New York Times bestselling suspense author Wendy Corsi Staub
READERS FAVORITES REVIEW, Lee Ashford
Laws of Wrath, by the multi-talented Eriq La Salle, is proof positive that Mr. La Salle is not a one-hit wonder. Quite to the contrary; with Laws of Wrath he has hit another Grand Slam! Following his debut novel, Laws of Depravity, he has skillfully crafted another amazingly captivating novel that will have you losing sleep and postponing chores, just so you do not have to take a break from the story. I have seldom encountered a novel so penetrating and incisive. The many sub-plots woven into Laws of Wrath are fascinating, some gruesomely so. Mr. La Salle has peeled back the thin veneer of civilization with surgical precision, and shown us some of the almost inconceivably ugly realities lingering just under the surface. Laws of Wrath is outstanding fiction, with its basis firmly planted in the non-fictional evil man is capable of committing. I cannot find words adequate to express how much I recommend reading this book.
- James Patterson
"Raw and gritty, with a careening plot and brisk dialogue, Eriq LaSalle's satisfying new novel will especially appeal to fans of serial killer thrillers."
- New York Times bestselling suspense author Wendy Corsi Staub
READERS FAVORITES REVIEW, Lee Ashford
Laws of Wrath, by the multi-talented Eriq La Salle, is proof positive that Mr. La Salle is not a one-hit wonder. Quite to the contrary; with Laws of Wrath he has hit another Grand Slam! Following his debut novel, Laws of Depravity, he has skillfully crafted another amazingly captivating novel that will have you losing sleep and postponing chores, just so you do not have to take a break from the story. I have seldom encountered a novel so penetrating and incisive. The many sub-plots woven into Laws of Wrath are fascinating, some gruesomely so. Mr. La Salle has peeled back the thin veneer of civilization with surgical precision, and shown us some of the almost inconceivably ugly realities lingering just under the surface. Laws of Wrath is outstanding fiction, with its basis firmly planted in the non-fictional evil man is capable of committing. I cannot find words adequate to express how much I recommend reading this book.
August 2, 2023
"We’re all in the same game, just on different levels. We’re all in the same hell, just fighting different devils."
"Sometimes what you wanna be doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for who you wanna be."
Blurb: There are those who fight the devil within them. And those who worship it.
NYPD detectives Phee Freeman and Quincy Cavanaugh are called to the scene of a brutal murder, where Freeman learns his older sibling is the victim. At first, the slaying looks like the random act of a vicious killer, but both detectives and FBI agent Janet Maclin soon discover this is something much more sinister. Similar ritualistic murders throughout the city leave the three investigators no choice but to join forces with Dr. Daria Zibik, a brilliant but deranged Satanic cult leader. Phee and his partners must do everything they can to stop the bloodshed and determine if the evil they are hunting and the psychopath they are trusting could actually be one and the same.
My thoughts: This book has it all! Suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, A view into a sadistic killers mind and why they think the way they do, a detective trying to fight thru the guilt, and memories of the past that really get you engrossed in the story! I actually really enjoyed this one to the point that I'm going to have to read more of this author's works! Before you dig into this one make sure you check trigger warnings!
Thank you so much again to @poisonedpenpress & the author @eriqlasalle for sharing this one with me!
I give The Laws of Wrath by Eriq La Salle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Sometimes what you wanna be doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for who you wanna be."
Blurb: There are those who fight the devil within them. And those who worship it.
NYPD detectives Phee Freeman and Quincy Cavanaugh are called to the scene of a brutal murder, where Freeman learns his older sibling is the victim. At first, the slaying looks like the random act of a vicious killer, but both detectives and FBI agent Janet Maclin soon discover this is something much more sinister. Similar ritualistic murders throughout the city leave the three investigators no choice but to join forces with Dr. Daria Zibik, a brilliant but deranged Satanic cult leader. Phee and his partners must do everything they can to stop the bloodshed and determine if the evil they are hunting and the psychopath they are trusting could actually be one and the same.
My thoughts: This book has it all! Suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, A view into a sadistic killers mind and why they think the way they do, a detective trying to fight thru the guilt, and memories of the past that really get you engrossed in the story! I actually really enjoyed this one to the point that I'm going to have to read more of this author's works! Before you dig into this one make sure you check trigger warnings!
Thank you so much again to @poisonedpenpress & the author @eriqlasalle for sharing this one with me!
I give The Laws of Wrath by Eriq La Salle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 5, 2022
352 pages
5 stars
This book is not for the faint of heart. If extreme violence and gore are not your thing, you may want to pass on this novel.
Mr. La Salle continues his brilliant writing with this latest book. He has a remarkable talent for creating characters who, in spite of their actions, are likable. .None of the people in this book can be labeled as “good,” but they are interesting, engaging and entrancing all the same. I found myself rooting for them to succeed. How off is that? Antiheroes, all of them.
I felt strongly for AJ. For her life - all of it - and her demise. I really wanted her killer caught and punished. I agree with another reviewer that the funeral scene was touching and created a good feeling in me. I could picture every moment via Mr. La Salle’s wonderful ability to tell a story.
The character descriptions in this book are well written and colorful. The reader gets a complete picture of who the person is and what they are about. There are no wasted words. The plotting is linear in structure and all scenes are well described.
I cannot say enough good things about These books and Mr. La Salle’s writing ability. I am sold. I certainly hope he plans to continue the “Laws of…” series. I will gladly wait for the next in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
5 stars
This book is not for the faint of heart. If extreme violence and gore are not your thing, you may want to pass on this novel.
Mr. La Salle continues his brilliant writing with this latest book. He has a remarkable talent for creating characters who, in spite of their actions, are likable. .None of the people in this book can be labeled as “good,” but they are interesting, engaging and entrancing all the same. I found myself rooting for them to succeed. How off is that? Antiheroes, all of them.
I felt strongly for AJ. For her life - all of it - and her demise. I really wanted her killer caught and punished. I agree with another reviewer that the funeral scene was touching and created a good feeling in me. I could picture every moment via Mr. La Salle’s wonderful ability to tell a story.
The character descriptions in this book are well written and colorful. The reader gets a complete picture of who the person is and what they are about. There are no wasted words. The plotting is linear in structure and all scenes are well described.
I cannot say enough good things about These books and Mr. La Salle’s writing ability. I am sold. I certainly hope he plans to continue the “Laws of…” series. I will gladly wait for the next in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
May 3, 2024
4.5 stars!!!
I think I loved Laws of Wrath more than I did Laws of Depravity! This book was adventurous and exciting. I loved reading more about Phee, AJ, and Clay and their family history and dynamic. As much as I hate romance, I loved the romance in this book. It was much better done than in Laws of Depravity, in my opinion. Overall, I think the characters and their individual storylines grasped me and made me fall in love with the storyline even more. Eriq LaSalle is definitely becoming a favorite author of mine!
I think I loved Laws of Wrath more than I did Laws of Depravity! This book was adventurous and exciting. I loved reading more about Phee, AJ, and Clay and their family history and dynamic. As much as I hate romance, I loved the romance in this book. It was much better done than in Laws of Depravity, in my opinion. Overall, I think the characters and their individual storylines grasped me and made me fall in love with the storyline even more. Eriq LaSalle is definitely becoming a favorite author of mine!
July 26, 2025
4.5⭐️this exceeded my expectations. It was a mix of criminal minds & some sort of dark, gritty detective thriller. It reminded me A LOT of S.A. Cosby’s books, but just not as good in regard to character development. It was a very close second. Lots of darker spiritual matters and violence, but the overall plot of the family dynamic, and solving the case of this police officers brother was SO good- highly recommmed!
May 21, 2023
Well this was intense and powerful. This was my first by this author and I had to be in the right mood for it and when I was it worked.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
September 10, 2024
The second one of the trilogy did not disappoint! I am loving these books.
March 13, 2025
I don’t know if this book was good or bad because I kept falling asleep listening to the audiobook. Not because it was boring but because I was tired. So I listened to about half and it was OK.
March 12, 2023
Wow, this book had my heart racing because it was scary and gritty. Phee and Quincy are trying to solve the case of Phee’s estranged brother AJ’s murder. Clay, his father is devastated but quickly realizes it has to have something to do with his shady past. Maclin from the FBI comes back to assist the guys and together they discover a satanic cult of people who are shielding and assisting the killer to wreak havoc on people Phee knows. Impetuous and cold Phee will do anything to protect and avenge his family. I love the page turner writing style. The author’s attention to details and descriptions of criminal acts are spot on and draws you in. Character building led me to root or chastise their actions as the situation became more critical. These are some truly cold blooded folks in this book. The funeral, oh my, I broke down too. Truly a rich and powerful book; It is like watching a movie. Bravo and I hope there will be more after that ending! I am providing this honest review and thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC of the book.
September 20, 2024
Dr. Benton, I mean Mr. Lasalle, can't seem to shake some of the more amateurish elements of his writing style, but all in all I found this sequel to be superior to the first. While "Laws of Wrath" owes a large part of its success to the groundwork laid in the previous tale, the partnership between detectives Phee and Quincy is solid, there's an incredibly dark storyline involving dismemberment and Satanism, and a genuine effort put forth into flow and plot. I've got the third "Laws of Annihilation" in my to-read pile. "Come on, people! Let's move"
March 9, 2023
"Laws of Wrath" by Eriq La Salle is a riveting crime thriller that takes the reader on a gruesome journey through the streets of New York City. The story centers around the investigation of a series of ritualistic murders that have taken place in the city, with Detective Phee Freeman and his partner Quincy Cavanaugh leading the charge.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire book as the reader is immediately plunged into the brutal murder of Phee's cross-dressing brother. The author's vivid descriptions of the crime scene and the victim's injuries are not for the faint of heart, but they effectively convey the horror and shock that the characters feel throughout the investigation.
As the investigation progresses, the team discovers that there are multiple similar murders taking place throughout the city, and they must work with a deranged Satanic cult leader, Dr. Daria Zibik, to try and uncover the killer's identity. The author does an excellent job of building tension and creating a sense of unease as the characters begin to realize the true extent of the killer's depravity.
The characters in "Laws of Wrath" are well-developed and complex, with their personal lives and struggles adding depth and nuance to the story. Phee, in particular, is a fascinating character with a unique perspective on the investigation due to his personal connection to the case.
Overall, "Laws of Wrath" is a gripping and well-crafted crime novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. La Salle's writing is sharp and precise, and his ability to create vivid and visceral images of the crimes and investigations makes for a truly immersive reading experience. Fans of the genre won't be disappointed by this thrilling and disturbing tale.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire book as the reader is immediately plunged into the brutal murder of Phee's cross-dressing brother. The author's vivid descriptions of the crime scene and the victim's injuries are not for the faint of heart, but they effectively convey the horror and shock that the characters feel throughout the investigation.
As the investigation progresses, the team discovers that there are multiple similar murders taking place throughout the city, and they must work with a deranged Satanic cult leader, Dr. Daria Zibik, to try and uncover the killer's identity. The author does an excellent job of building tension and creating a sense of unease as the characters begin to realize the true extent of the killer's depravity.
The characters in "Laws of Wrath" are well-developed and complex, with their personal lives and struggles adding depth and nuance to the story. Phee, in particular, is a fascinating character with a unique perspective on the investigation due to his personal connection to the case.
Overall, "Laws of Wrath" is a gripping and well-crafted crime novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. La Salle's writing is sharp and precise, and his ability to create vivid and visceral images of the crimes and investigations makes for a truly immersive reading experience. Fans of the genre won't be disappointed by this thrilling and disturbing tale.
September 16, 2023
Laws Of Wrath is now the third book I have read by Eriq La Salle in a row - so it's clear to see that I like what he's writing! I am very firmly grounded in my crime thriller era, and this book absolutely filled that niche for me.
I simply adore the way that La Salle writes. I'm really not sure if I can even actually pinpoint what it is that I love so much about his writing, but if I had to guess, I think it's the storyline and the plot. But honestly, maybe it is the morally gray characters (and there is a plethora of them)! I'm a sucker for those characters that toe the line between bad and good; the ones that you can side with, although you know what they are doing is "wrong" according to society's standards.
My only complaint is that I noticed at times I had a problem following along with all the characters, but when I stepped back and looked at the book as a whole, this really wasn't a huge issue; I still had a firm grasp on the plot and what was happening.
This ending, though - that is one hell of a cliff-hanger! I mean, come on! How am I supposed to wait for another book? When is it coming, and why is it not already in my hands!?
That's all. Please give me the next book in the Martyr Maker series ASAP La Salle!
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy to read and review.
I simply adore the way that La Salle writes. I'm really not sure if I can even actually pinpoint what it is that I love so much about his writing, but if I had to guess, I think it's the storyline and the plot. But honestly, maybe it is the morally gray characters (and there is a plethora of them)! I'm a sucker for those characters that toe the line between bad and good; the ones that you can side with, although you know what they are doing is "wrong" according to society's standards.
My only complaint is that I noticed at times I had a problem following along with all the characters, but when I stepped back and looked at the book as a whole, this really wasn't a huge issue; I still had a firm grasp on the plot and what was happening.
This ending, though - that is one hell of a cliff-hanger! I mean, come on! How am I supposed to wait for another book? When is it coming, and why is it not already in my hands!?
That's all. Please give me the next book in the Martyr Maker series ASAP La Salle!
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy to read and review.
October 29, 2023
4.5
"The sins of the father shall be laid upon the children."
This is book 2 in the Martyr Makers series. It picks right up where book one ends. Phee and Quincy are enjoying time off and getting for vacation after solving the case of the murdered priest Phee receives a call his estranged trans brother has been killed. His killing isn't random though.
This book we get more of the detectives backgrounds and family history. Before the end, a pastor is killed, but this time one of them will know who the killer is. This is the setup for book 3. Not only does the killer pickup where the last one left off, but he sees his mission is the bring judgement to the secular world as well.
It's violent and definitely not for the faint of heart because each killing is very descriptive. If you enjoy Karin Slaughter and S A Cosby, you'll definitely enjoy this series.
Yes, this is Eriq LaSalle from Coming to America and ER fame.
On to book 3.
"The sins of the father shall be laid upon the children."
This is book 2 in the Martyr Makers series. It picks right up where book one ends. Phee and Quincy are enjoying time off and getting for vacation after solving the case of the murdered priest Phee receives a call his estranged trans brother has been killed. His killing isn't random though.
This book we get more of the detectives backgrounds and family history. Before the end, a pastor is killed, but this time one of them will know who the killer is. This is the setup for book 3. Not only does the killer pickup where the last one left off, but he sees his mission is the bring judgement to the secular world as well.
It's violent and definitely not for the faint of heart because each killing is very descriptive. If you enjoy Karin Slaughter and S A Cosby, you'll definitely enjoy this series.
Yes, this is Eriq LaSalle from Coming to America and ER fame.
On to book 3.
June 16, 2014
James Patterson says "Eriq La Salle's Laws of Wrath is all thriller; no filler--a white-knuckled treat." I'm not sure how I can top! this is one of my favourite genres and I have just added a new favourite author to my reading list. If you are looking for a top notch thriller with strong characters and good writing I don't think you will be disappointed.
January 25, 2025
I didn’t think Wrath would live up to the intensity of Depravity, in some way it didn’t because it soared past it. The opening chapter had me holding my throat, tensing as I was reading. Pretty much it did not let up. With the last sentence of the novel it’s setting up the next book to be completely bedlam.
November 28, 2014
Engaging, Emotional, Edge Of My Seat, Page Turning Read! Love Love Loved It!
September 30, 2014
Another nail biter. Well written and great character development. I'm sure Eriq La Salle is working on his next in this series. I can't wait.
Read
April 17, 2023I would like to start off this review by thanking Mandy from Sourcebooks and Poisoned Pen Press for sending me this ARC! Let's dive in!
NYPD detectives Phee and Quincy are the dream team. When Phee's estranged brother is murdered, they take on the investigation together. They are joined by FBI agent Maclin and what they find out about A.J.'s murder is that this is no isolated event. This is something darker and deeply entwined with other victims, cult leaders, and deeply ritualistic.
I'm not going to lie, I almost didn't finish this one. But, I am so glad I did. The whole time I was reading this one, I had this sense of dread overcoming me. It literally was giving me anxiety. This story is very atmospheric and scary. This book truly is the definition of having you sit on the edge of your seat. The detail put into this thriller was so well done. I don't want to give too much away but this feels slow to start but once you get into it, its so worth it. I liked that we were given so many different character point of views. I loved the character development within Phee. Most of the book, I did not like Phee. I thought he was kind of a jerk but learning more about him and he definitely made a come back in the end. Also....I'm gonna need another book because I have to know more about the side story with Quincy and his brother Liam!
The major reason I gave this book four stars was because of some of the tough language in this made it difficult for me to read. Also, the misrepresentation of the Satanism was bothersome. People who practice satanism aren't out to seek revenge and kill people. Their religion is actually based more on science and understanding of the universe. I wish it was made a little more clear that people who practice satanism aren't evil and the people in the book were just evil, and portrayed satanism in the wrong light.
Again, thank you Mandy Chalal at sourcebooks and poisoned pen press for sending me this ARC!
NYPD detectives Phee and Quincy are the dream team. When Phee's estranged brother is murdered, they take on the investigation together. They are joined by FBI agent Maclin and what they find out about A.J.'s murder is that this is no isolated event. This is something darker and deeply entwined with other victims, cult leaders, and deeply ritualistic.
I'm not going to lie, I almost didn't finish this one. But, I am so glad I did. The whole time I was reading this one, I had this sense of dread overcoming me. It literally was giving me anxiety. This story is very atmospheric and scary. This book truly is the definition of having you sit on the edge of your seat. The detail put into this thriller was so well done. I don't want to give too much away but this feels slow to start but once you get into it, its so worth it. I liked that we were given so many different character point of views. I loved the character development within Phee. Most of the book, I did not like Phee. I thought he was kind of a jerk but learning more about him and he definitely made a come back in the end. Also....I'm gonna need another book because I have to know more about the side story with Quincy and his brother Liam!
The major reason I gave this book four stars was because of some of the tough language in this made it difficult for me to read. Also, the misrepresentation of the Satanism was bothersome. People who practice satanism aren't out to seek revenge and kill people. Their religion is actually based more on science and understanding of the universe. I wish it was made a little more clear that people who practice satanism aren't evil and the people in the book were just evil, and portrayed satanism in the wrong light.
Again, thank you Mandy Chalal at sourcebooks and poisoned pen press for sending me this ARC!
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