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Martyr Maker #1
Laws of Depravity
Book #1 from the series: Martyr Maker
🎧Run Time = 9 hours and 20 minutes
New York City. Fall 2012. A priest is found murdered in the most gruesome of crime scenes. The brutal slaying is the work of "The Martyr Maker," a serial killer that for the past 30 years has left behind a legacy of torture and fear. Every ten years, he butchers 12 clergymen in twisted scenes reflecting the martyrdom of Jesus and his disciples. Detectives battling their own demons know that they are working against the clock to catch the murderer before he completes his final cycle of killing and risks disappearing forever. The investigation is made even more difficult when they discover the seemingly unrelated clergyman are anything but the symbols of godliness they would have their community believe.
🎧Run Time = 9 hours and 20 minutes
“A delightfully twisting roller-coaster ride through light, dark, and the shades between” (Kirkus Reviews): Investigators must move quickly to hunt down a serial killer who has targeted priests for the past three decades — before he disappears forever… Written and narrated by an Emmy Award–nominated actor, this tense crime thriller is “an exciting listening experience” (AudioFile).
New York City. Fall 2012. A priest is found murdered in the most gruesome of crime scenes. The brutal slaying is the work of "The Martyr Maker," a serial killer that for the past 30 years has left behind a legacy of torture and fear. Every ten years, he butchers 12 clergymen in twisted scenes reflecting the martyrdom of Jesus and his disciples. Detectives battling their own demons know that they are working against the clock to catch the murderer before he completes his final cycle of killing and risks disappearing forever. The investigation is made even more difficult when they discover the seemingly unrelated clergyman are anything but the symbols of godliness they would have their community believe.
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Eriq La Salle
8 books593 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 335 reviews
October 3, 2012
New York City. Fall 2012. A priest is found murdered in the most gruesome of crime scenes. The brutal slaying is the work of "The Martyr Maker," a serial killer that for the past 30 years has left behind a legacy of torture and fear. Every ten years, he butchers 12 clergymen in twisted scenes reflecting the martyrdom of Jesus and his disciples. Detectives battling their own demons know that they are working against the clock to catch the murderer before he completes his final cycle of killing and risks disappearing forever. The investigation is made even more difficult when they discover the seemingly unrelated clergyman are anything but the symbols of godliness they would have their community believe.
December 12, 2022
Eriq La Salle is best known for playing Dr. Peter Benton on the tv show E.R. and for having a fire jheri curl in the movie Coming to America. La Salle is truly a man who can do everything because not only is he a great actor but he's a great writer too.
Laws of Depravity feels like a throwback to late 90's crime movies. You know the ones that starred Denzel Washington or Samuel L. Jackson. I personally love those movies and it only increased my enjoyment of this book. Apparently this book was actually published back in 2014 and it's part of a series. The whole series was recently picked up by Sourcebooks and they are being republished.
Laws of Depravity is the perfect title for this book which is about a serial killer who kills clergyman in extremely depraved and gruesome ways. I loved it! This book is gritty and bleak. The only thing that stopped it from receiving a full 5 stars is the fact that it had a storyline that was unnecessary. This whole character could have been plucked out of the book and nothing would have changed plot wise. She was unnecessary and I found myself skimming her chapters. Maybe she becomes more important in future books in this series but in this book I just didn't find her necessary.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like gritty crime stories with over the top violence than Laws of Depravity is for you!
Laws of Depravity feels like a throwback to late 90's crime movies. You know the ones that starred Denzel Washington or Samuel L. Jackson. I personally love those movies and it only increased my enjoyment of this book. Apparently this book was actually published back in 2014 and it's part of a series. The whole series was recently picked up by Sourcebooks and they are being republished.
Laws of Depravity is the perfect title for this book which is about a serial killer who kills clergyman in extremely depraved and gruesome ways. I loved it! This book is gritty and bleak. The only thing that stopped it from receiving a full 5 stars is the fact that it had a storyline that was unnecessary. This whole character could have been plucked out of the book and nothing would have changed plot wise. She was unnecessary and I found myself skimming her chapters. Maybe she becomes more important in future books in this series but in this book I just didn't find her necessary.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like gritty crime stories with over the top violence than Laws of Depravity is for you!
November 17, 2013
I will always remember Eriq LaSalle's great head of hair,but exceptional storyteller will be the first thought that comes to mind .
.... Review to come.
.... Review to come.
July 11, 2026
Very very Deep book.. The content of the book will make you sit it down and really contemplate about the things you just read and consumed. There’s truly a whole lot going on beneath the surface of what you read reading I really suggest taking your time with this read.
Keith Book Korner
Keith Book Korner
July 28, 2026
It started off a little rough for me, but once it picked up, it really took off. 👏🏾 It gave Mindhunter meets Criminal Minds vibes from start to finish. Deglar was genuinely unsettling 😳, the investigation kept me hooked, and I appreciated the care La Salle took with the characters, especially Elana and her father. A solid crime thriller that was worth sticking with. 📚
October 4, 2012
La Salle, Eriq. Laws of Depravity (Martyr Maker Series). Create Space: 2012. ISBN: 1-4775-8211-8 (p) $15.00 ISBN-13: 9781477582114 (e) $3.99
A Study Atonement, Confession, Revenge and Evil
Father O’Conner, found flayed in his office by the janitor, brings Detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Tavares “Phee” Freeman to the scene of the brutal slaying. They follow the corpse to the city morgue. There they discover FBI Agent Janet Maclin who hopes to relate this murder to The Martyr Maker. This serial killer is Maclin’s only open case. Over a period of thirty years, thirty-six priests and preachers have been murdered in ways reminiscent of the martyrdom of Jesus and twelve of the major and minor apostles, twelve murders every ten years.
Dr. Kravitz, New York City’s chief coroner, following Maclin’s direction, finds a plastic capsule in O’Conner’s stomach containing a rolled up piece of paper with a passage of scripture written on it, confirming the perpetrator’s MO. Maclin, Quincy and Phee now work together in this police procedural trying to get ahead of a killer that is now threatening the clergy of New York City in this police procedural.
Coming from diverse backgrounds each individual peopling this book is flawed and complex. Each character deals with the evil in his or her background, as well as its cost on the present, in different ways. The depth of the story and its expected and unexpected twists and turns, makes for a highly enjoyable read.
La Salle spent two years at the Juilliard School’s Drama Division. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Best-known as Dr. Benton in the television drama ER, La Salle has acted on and off Broadway and in films. He has produced, directed and written screenplays. Laws of Depravity is his first novel.
Drawing on his years of experience in storytelling on the stage, television, and movies, this novel is highly visual and visceral. This is a “modern day parable cleverly masquerading as a crime novel:” a study of atonement, confession, revenge, and evil. Its characters are multi-layered bringing depth and vivid reality to this police procedural. Each must confront not only with the depravity of a twisted mind, but also the defeated or suppressed depravities that have shaped their own lives and families, that have made them who they are. The reader is in for a page-turning experience that leaves supper dishes undone and creates bleary-eyed days at the office.
I reviewed this book for Readers Favorite.
A Study Atonement, Confession, Revenge and Evil
Father O’Conner, found flayed in his office by the janitor, brings Detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Tavares “Phee” Freeman to the scene of the brutal slaying. They follow the corpse to the city morgue. There they discover FBI Agent Janet Maclin who hopes to relate this murder to The Martyr Maker. This serial killer is Maclin’s only open case. Over a period of thirty years, thirty-six priests and preachers have been murdered in ways reminiscent of the martyrdom of Jesus and twelve of the major and minor apostles, twelve murders every ten years.
Dr. Kravitz, New York City’s chief coroner, following Maclin’s direction, finds a plastic capsule in O’Conner’s stomach containing a rolled up piece of paper with a passage of scripture written on it, confirming the perpetrator’s MO. Maclin, Quincy and Phee now work together in this police procedural trying to get ahead of a killer that is now threatening the clergy of New York City in this police procedural.
Coming from diverse backgrounds each individual peopling this book is flawed and complex. Each character deals with the evil in his or her background, as well as its cost on the present, in different ways. The depth of the story and its expected and unexpected twists and turns, makes for a highly enjoyable read.
La Salle spent two years at the Juilliard School’s Drama Division. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Best-known as Dr. Benton in the television drama ER, La Salle has acted on and off Broadway and in films. He has produced, directed and written screenplays. Laws of Depravity is his first novel.
Drawing on his years of experience in storytelling on the stage, television, and movies, this novel is highly visual and visceral. This is a “modern day parable cleverly masquerading as a crime novel:” a study of atonement, confession, revenge, and evil. Its characters are multi-layered bringing depth and vivid reality to this police procedural. Each must confront not only with the depravity of a twisted mind, but also the defeated or suppressed depravities that have shaped their own lives and families, that have made them who they are. The reader is in for a page-turning experience that leaves supper dishes undone and creates bleary-eyed days at the office.
I reviewed this book for Readers Favorite.
October 26, 2022
Fascinating premise, but otherwise, for me, a mess. I just couldn’t push myself onward, and I didn’t care enough about who did what to whom to make it to the end.
This is why:
POV is all over the place, randomly jumping from one character to another. At least half of the characters absolutely did not need narrating viewpoints. Consequently, the story lacked focus.
Instead of character development, we have long passages of backstory on seemingly everyone. Total information dump. I felt absolutely no emotional connection.
Too much detail on some things, not enough on others.
The gruesome murders were the only color in the story.
The book has the right pieces but needs some intense editing in order to pull out all its potential.
Of course, this is just my opinion. You might love it.
*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This is why:
POV is all over the place, randomly jumping from one character to another. At least half of the characters absolutely did not need narrating viewpoints. Consequently, the story lacked focus.
Instead of character development, we have long passages of backstory on seemingly everyone. Total information dump. I felt absolutely no emotional connection.
Too much detail on some things, not enough on others.
The gruesome murders were the only color in the story.
The book has the right pieces but needs some intense editing in order to pull out all its potential.
Of course, this is just my opinion. You might love it.
*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
Want to Read
October 4, 2012This can easily be defined as a gift that keeps on giving.
Not being much of a thriller reader myself, I picked this book up after the recommendation of a friend. Well, now I owe him big time!! The story is intense and filled with twists and turns, the writing is intriguing and the characters compelling. And this alone would make for a great novel. But Mr. La Salle doesn't stop there. He forces you to think, he plants a seed of doubt within you, making you torn between siding with the perp or with the law. Killing is wrong, period... so why am I not feeling bad for the victims? And why do I find myself so inclined to root for the killer?
And if this wasn't already enough, here's another gift to the reader: An unconventional mixture or personal relationships, which brings on a whole new wave of emotions.
Absolutely a must read and definitely a must recommend! Can't wait for the second book to come out!
Not being much of a thriller reader myself, I picked this book up after the recommendation of a friend. Well, now I owe him big time!! The story is intense and filled with twists and turns, the writing is intriguing and the characters compelling. And this alone would make for a great novel. But Mr. La Salle doesn't stop there. He forces you to think, he plants a seed of doubt within you, making you torn between siding with the perp or with the law. Killing is wrong, period... so why am I not feeling bad for the victims? And why do I find myself so inclined to root for the killer?
And if this wasn't already enough, here's another gift to the reader: An unconventional mixture or personal relationships, which brings on a whole new wave of emotions.
Absolutely a must read and definitely a must recommend! Can't wait for the second book to come out!
June 7, 2023
This book would be a lot better if not for the transphobia, multiple inaccuracies about Christianity, and failing the Bechdel test.
September 24, 2012
“Laws of Depravity” by Eriq La Salle should be on a fast track to Best Seller status. The line between legal and illegal is broad and readily discernible; not so, the line between right and wrong. This intense debut novel will have you pondering the fine line between right and wrong, between sanity and insanity. La Salle leads us along the razor edge of that distinction, where a minor loss of focus may lead to a long slide in the wrong direction in spite of one’s intent. It clearly elucidates the potentially disastrous results that can break through to the surface years after some precipitating event. This ultra-suspenseful tale scratches the foul underbelly of darkly held secrets, to reveal unfathomable horror.
Expect to have your world shaken when you read “Laws of Depravity”. La Salle takes a taboo subject and exposes its ugly enormity to all. This is fiction, of course. But it is fiction solidly based in a reality society can no longer sweep under the proverbial rug. In its distilled form, “Laws of Depravity” shows us the horrendous consequences which may develop from the selfishly uncaring and hostile possession of another’s innocence. It shows us how the effects of an abusive act can impact generations of victims, with seemingly limitless possible results, as is demonstrated by the inconceivably twisted ending. This is a story of good vs. evil where it’s not always clear who are the good, and who are the evil. “Laws of Depravity” may be the most engrossing book you read this year, bar none.
I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorites, who provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expect to have your world shaken when you read “Laws of Depravity”. La Salle takes a taboo subject and exposes its ugly enormity to all. This is fiction, of course. But it is fiction solidly based in a reality society can no longer sweep under the proverbial rug. In its distilled form, “Laws of Depravity” shows us the horrendous consequences which may develop from the selfishly uncaring and hostile possession of another’s innocence. It shows us how the effects of an abusive act can impact generations of victims, with seemingly limitless possible results, as is demonstrated by the inconceivably twisted ending. This is a story of good vs. evil where it’s not always clear who are the good, and who are the evil. “Laws of Depravity” may be the most engrossing book you read this year, bar none.
I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorites, who provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
Ebook/Thriller: I didn't realize this book was a reissue from 2012, which was nice because the world was crazy in 2012, but not like the past few years. I wanted to read it because the author is an actor and director and I thought his writing style would keep my ADD brain interested.
The book goes through investigation and backstory very smoothly. I really liked the characters and their development. The plot was standard Criminal Minds, which is a good thing. I knew how most of it would end, but it was the journey to the end that I enjoyed. The bad guy was crazier than Silas in Di Vinci Code.
I did enjoy the book and await the second in the series. I want to thank Netgalley for a copy of the novel.
The book goes through investigation and backstory very smoothly. I really liked the characters and their development. The plot was standard Criminal Minds, which is a good thing. I knew how most of it would end, but it was the journey to the end that I enjoyed. The bad guy was crazier than Silas in Di Vinci Code.
I did enjoy the book and await the second in the series. I want to thank Netgalley for a copy of the novel.
April 24, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
It's got some Dan Brown vibes with the religious nutbag serial killer, but the writing is tedious as hell, with every single fucking character getting back story that was just...
And the romance subplot...
Not for me.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded up
It's got some Dan Brown vibes with the religious nutbag serial killer, but the writing is tedious as hell, with every single fucking character getting back story that was just...
And the romance subplot...
Not for me.
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded up
Currently Reading
October 1, 2012This book is a must get. It will have you on the edge of your seat. Mr. La salle really takes us on a journey. The plot is really unlike any other.What's interesting is as I am reading this book I can relate to certain aspects of the story.You can really get into the heart and soul of each character.This book has a lot of twist and turns....When you think the story is going one way it goes another...very unpredictable.I highly recommend "Laws Of Depravity".
May 2, 2023
Action packed but predictable. There’s a lot of information thrown at you rather than letting it develop over the novel. Despite all the information, I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters and didn’t develop any connection to them. The case itself was a interesting and I did find it kept my interest to an extent. I just wished I could have connected more to the characters. There’s also a lot of sappiness that seemed out of place considering the gruesomeness of other parts. This was just a strange mish mash of themes.
January 14, 2025
This read like the most twisted serial killer case that you literally couldn’t believe actually happened if there wasn’t hard proof, if that makes sense. The author really knows how to gross you out but also keeps you extremely intrigued at the same time. Can’t wait for Book 2!
February 6, 2024
Wow wow wow!
This was gripping from chapter one. I felt like I was watching an extra long episode of criminal minds.
I’m so excited for the rest of the series.
This was gripping from chapter one. I felt like I was watching an extra long episode of criminal minds.
I’m so excited for the rest of the series.
November 5, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media (Recorded Books) for accepting my request to audibly read and review Laws of Depravity & the attached prequel Laws of Innocence.
Author: Eriq La Salle
Published: 11/01/22
Narrator: Eriq La Salle
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
My choice always is a debut author over an established author. When requesting on NetGalley the option of author is under why. I often wonder when I click author do the Powers that Be think, oh she loves debut novels or do they think I just click. Once I was able to separate La Salle's voice and my memories of Coming to America, I relaxed and was not disappointed. I am stymied. This was written about ten years ago, there is a prequel and a second book making this a series. I'm thrilled I don't have to wait one to two years for the second book. I hope the author gets recognized this round.
The subject matter was prevalent ten years ago, and sadly it is still pertinent today. Detectives are tasked with figuring out who has butchered 36 priests; the job is who, the why has never left the news in real life. Laws of Depravity is dark. It is more than priests abusing kids. There are transgender people vying for police attention. There is a family where the abuse has formed different paths for siblings.
I don't want to simplify or misdirect with red herrings or spoilers. This is a smart, well-written, and told story. I couldn't read in one sitting. I had to let things resonate.
I would recommend to anyone who likes current news topics in fiction. This is a good mystery on its own. The Devil is in the details.
There is profanity, and that prevents five stars from me.
Prequel: Telling on its own. I learned things that perhaps would have been helpful. I'm not sure. I enjoyed both of my experiences equally, and have no regrets with reading the prequel second.
Author: Eriq La Salle
Published: 11/01/22
Narrator: Eriq La Salle
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
My choice always is a debut author over an established author. When requesting on NetGalley the option of author is under why. I often wonder when I click author do the Powers that Be think, oh she loves debut novels or do they think I just click. Once I was able to separate La Salle's voice and my memories of Coming to America, I relaxed and was not disappointed. I am stymied. This was written about ten years ago, there is a prequel and a second book making this a series. I'm thrilled I don't have to wait one to two years for the second book. I hope the author gets recognized this round.
The subject matter was prevalent ten years ago, and sadly it is still pertinent today. Detectives are tasked with figuring out who has butchered 36 priests; the job is who, the why has never left the news in real life. Laws of Depravity is dark. It is more than priests abusing kids. There are transgender people vying for police attention. There is a family where the abuse has formed different paths for siblings.
I don't want to simplify or misdirect with red herrings or spoilers. This is a smart, well-written, and told story. I couldn't read in one sitting. I had to let things resonate.
I would recommend to anyone who likes current news topics in fiction. This is a good mystery on its own. The Devil is in the details.
There is profanity, and that prevents five stars from me.
Prequel: Telling on its own. I learned things that perhaps would have been helpful. I'm not sure. I enjoyed both of my experiences equally, and have no regrets with reading the prequel second.
April 14, 2025
3.5⤴️ Laws of Depravity was the April book of the month. I’m always on the hunt for fiction books by African American male authors so this was right on time! Eriq La Salle starred in one of my all time favorite movies, Coming to America, so I was thrilled for him to let his soul glow and shine thru in this novel! IYKYK 😆
This novel was banging! It was a fast paced thrilling hunt to find a serial killer. The consensus was that this book felt like we were watching an “edge of your seat” crime action movie.
As far as depravity goes, there was one character who was quite depraved if I may add. Because whyyy would you karate chop your peen sir?!
One of the parts I loved most were the tender scenes with Elena & her dad, Oscar.
We get a glimpse of the officers/procedural, their lives and the killer himself. There were many characters to keep up with, which was confusing at times, but I think many will stick throughout the series.
The audiobook was great! Read by the author himself and equally conveyed all of the energy that was on the page. Definitely recommend this for an action packed wild and thrilling ride!!
This novel was banging! It was a fast paced thrilling hunt to find a serial killer. The consensus was that this book felt like we were watching an “edge of your seat” crime action movie.
As far as depravity goes, there was one character who was quite depraved if I may add. Because whyyy would you karate chop your peen sir?!
One of the parts I loved most were the tender scenes with Elena & her dad, Oscar.
We get a glimpse of the officers/procedural, their lives and the killer himself. There were many characters to keep up with, which was confusing at times, but I think many will stick throughout the series.
The audiobook was great! Read by the author himself and equally conveyed all of the energy that was on the page. Definitely recommend this for an action packed wild and thrilling ride!!
January 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Laws of Depravity** by Eriq La Salle is a gripping, intelligently written thriller that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. The prologue alone had my eyes bulging out of my head and they stayed that way straight through to the final page. La Salle wastes no time setting a dark, unsettling tone, then steadily cranks up the tension with sharp pacing, complex characters, and a haunting psychological edge. The plot is smart and unpredictable, blending crime, morality, and human darkness in a way that feels both disturbing and deeply compelling. Every twist feels earned, and the emotional stakes hit just as hard as the suspense. A standout read for fans of gritty crime fiction and psychological thrillers this one absolutely lingers long after the last page.
**Laws of Depravity** by Eriq La Salle is a gripping, intelligently written thriller that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. The prologue alone had my eyes bulging out of my head and they stayed that way straight through to the final page. La Salle wastes no time setting a dark, unsettling tone, then steadily cranks up the tension with sharp pacing, complex characters, and a haunting psychological edge. The plot is smart and unpredictable, blending crime, morality, and human darkness in a way that feels both disturbing and deeply compelling. Every twist feels earned, and the emotional stakes hit just as hard as the suspense. A standout read for fans of gritty crime fiction and psychological thrillers this one absolutely lingers long after the last page.
December 11, 2022
This book didn't quite work for me. I think it will appeal to readers who like darker stories. There were elements I enjoyed, and the writing was good, but the overall plot and vibe of the story was not for me.
April 5, 2026
Real rating: 4.75
The way I instantly sat up at that last chapter, oh my gosh. I’m so speechless right now. Kicking myself in the butt for taking as long as I did to finish this book. I’m definitely not going to make the same mistake with 2-4, or the prequel.
The way I instantly sat up at that last chapter, oh my gosh. I’m so speechless right now. Kicking myself in the butt for taking as long as I did to finish this book. I’m definitely not going to make the same mistake with 2-4, or the prequel.
February 1, 2025
4.25. As a Criminal Minds fan, this was right up my alley. Very good police procedural suspense. The characters were interesting. Having the author and actor Eric La Salle narrate the audio book was a bonus The pacing was good. Highly recommend to those who enjoy cop dramas. Definitely continuing the series.
October 18, 2022
A secret killer has been on the loose for 30 years now. Every decade he comes back to kill 12 priests and 36 are already dead so far. The police and FBI are all on their toes to catch him this time before he is gone for good. But discovering body after body across New York has unearthed the fact that he s killing these priests according to the sins they have committed. Will there be more deaths in the name of faith? Is he really a killer or merely a punisher of sins - only time will tell!
This book had a great hinge to it, keeping you involved at all times. The plot of the book reminded me of Dan Brown's book: Angels and Demon. With similar priest assassinations but a different objective for killing. The lengths to which Christianity religion is discussed in the book definitely deserve an additional genre tag. The 3rd personal narrative was a little on and off towards the centre of the book, but nothing the steaming characters cannot fix a few chapters later.
Thank you @netgalley @eriqlasalle @recordedbooks for the digital ARC
Genre: #mystery #thriller #religion
Rating: 3.5/5
#LawsofDepravity #NetGalley
This book had a great hinge to it, keeping you involved at all times. The plot of the book reminded me of Dan Brown's book: Angels and Demon. With similar priest assassinations but a different objective for killing. The lengths to which Christianity religion is discussed in the book definitely deserve an additional genre tag. The 3rd personal narrative was a little on and off towards the centre of the book, but nothing the steaming characters cannot fix a few chapters later.
Thank you @netgalley @eriqlasalle @recordedbooks for the digital ARC
Genre: #mystery #thriller #religion
Rating: 3.5/5
#LawsofDepravity #NetGalley
November 1, 2022
Every ten years for the last 30 years 12 clergymen have been killed. The slayings are gruesome. This time two NYPD detectives are enlisted to track down the killer and try to prevent all of the predicted deaths.
Based on the plot alone this should be interesting to fans of crime thrillers but there is a lot going on in this long novel. The chapters are full of detail, too much detail. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and we are given background info on even the most unimportant ones. There are also many different points of view but there is no easy transition when this happens as the narrator often switches back and forth within the same chapter.
The plot and action, which had potential to be interesting, are often overshadowed by characters' relationships and personal issues. It's clear a lot of effort went into this book but it was ultimately a letdown.
Based on the plot alone this should be interesting to fans of crime thrillers but there is a lot going on in this long novel. The chapters are full of detail, too much detail. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and we are given background info on even the most unimportant ones. There are also many different points of view but there is no easy transition when this happens as the narrator often switches back and forth within the same chapter.
The plot and action, which had potential to be interesting, are often overshadowed by characters' relationships and personal issues. It's clear a lot of effort went into this book but it was ultimately a letdown.
December 30, 2012
Wow, an absolute page turner! What do I like most about it? The characters are well drawn, and the plot twists are plausible, two things sadly missing in many books in this genre. Additionally, the reflections on spirituality and human nature invite the reader to remain empathetic to all victims as well victimizers.
November 28, 2014
Intriguing, Emotional, Funny, Page-Turner!!! Excellent Read!!!
May 10, 2018
Reads like a movie novelization, largely free of emotion and character insight. The story is good, the characters actually quite well done, but the narration lacks heart.
September 15, 2026
While this book did remind me of Law and Order: SVU, some major elements fell short for me. Firstly, having the book be in third person and reveal the perpetrator (therefore his motives), every main character, and their thoughts too left no room for anticipation. We’re only waiting for all of these things to collide, which was anticlimactic. I believe picking a perspective of one side (good guy or bad guy) would’ve left some questions and room to keep the reader guessing.
Secondly, there are two characters we are introduced to who have no relevancy to the plot. Don’t know why we needed their entire backstory?? My only guess is maybe they have a larger role in the upcoming books in this series, but sincerely, it could’ve waited til its moment.
Next, some instances just didn’t feel believable. I do not intend to be nitpicky, but it’s like c’mon. One of the detectives was second in the NFL, and now he’s an overworked, underpaid government employee?? Not buying that for a second! And our perp apparently has 9 lives the way he is always escaping the detectives and, towards the end, ends up whooping one of their asses… did I mention this was a cancer patient whose days are numbered?? Exactly. Don’t piss me off. 😭
And lastly, which is a theme throughout the book, I just found it unnecessarily wordy, therefore longer than it should’ve been. I did listen to the audio and follow along with my Kindle, and rarely did my ears perk up for me to get back to my Kindle. It was just background noise at some points. While I did enjoy the short chapters, it can only be so much if the content isn’t there. And the audio really did save me from DNFing because I enjoyed the voice actor a lot. 🎧
Another side note too, I hate when books wait til the last page to reveal something huge like… Damn, we as an audience can’t even get a breadcrumb?!? And the reveal just fell flat to me. There was no shock it’s just like aw okay is this what we’ve been waiting for 😐I don’t know, I love a good mystery and whodunit, but it takes away the enjoyment when we’re given all that information up front and just waiting for all the characters to figure out what we as readers already know. Mind you, I knew all this less than halfway through the book.
So yeah, overall, I feel indifferent about recommending it. I am going to dig into the prequel and sequel with hopes those deliver better. The audio is my high point for this read. So though it may not have met my expectations (a highly recommended read), this may be the novel for someone else. 🤷🏾♀️
Secondly, there are two characters we are introduced to who have no relevancy to the plot. Don’t know why we needed their entire backstory?? My only guess is maybe they have a larger role in the upcoming books in this series, but sincerely, it could’ve waited til its moment.
Next, some instances just didn’t feel believable. I do not intend to be nitpicky, but it’s like c’mon. One of the detectives was second in the NFL, and now he’s an overworked, underpaid government employee?? Not buying that for a second! And our perp apparently has 9 lives the way he is always escaping the detectives and, towards the end, ends up whooping one of their asses… did I mention this was a cancer patient whose days are numbered?? Exactly. Don’t piss me off. 😭
And lastly, which is a theme throughout the book, I just found it unnecessarily wordy, therefore longer than it should’ve been. I did listen to the audio and follow along with my Kindle, and rarely did my ears perk up for me to get back to my Kindle. It was just background noise at some points. While I did enjoy the short chapters, it can only be so much if the content isn’t there. And the audio really did save me from DNFing because I enjoyed the voice actor a lot. 🎧
Another side note too, I hate when books wait til the last page to reveal something huge like… Damn, we as an audience can’t even get a breadcrumb?!? And the reveal just fell flat to me. There was no shock it’s just like aw okay is this what we’ve been waiting for 😐I don’t know, I love a good mystery and whodunit, but it takes away the enjoyment when we’re given all that information up front and just waiting for all the characters to figure out what we as readers already know. Mind you, I knew all this less than halfway through the book.
So yeah, overall, I feel indifferent about recommending it. I am going to dig into the prequel and sequel with hopes those deliver better. The audio is my high point for this read. So though it may not have met my expectations (a highly recommended read), this may be the novel for someone else. 🤷🏾♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2026
If you’re looking for a dark thriller:
-cops
-multiple POVs
-serial killer
-string romantic element
-religious murders
-under 400 pages
-based in New York
*check your trigger warnings*
Yikes.
A good amount of people recommended this book to me and on one hand I can see why but on the other? Lost me.
This book reminds me of “All The Sinners Bleed” by S.A Cosby and “Black Lotus” by K’Wan. We have religious exploration, pedophilia, murder, a serial killer & a police hunt to find who did it.
Early on I wasn’t sure if this book was for me.
The transphobia was S T R O N G.
This wasn’t one of those storylines where a main character is transphobic or experiences transphobia and there’s some sort of character development by the end. This was embarrassingly irrelevant to the story.
Tell us you are transphobic without telling us you are transphobic. The dead naming, the blatant misgendering & problematic detailing of trans women was extremely harmful. There was NO POINT AT ALL for the amount of times it was referenced.
It didn’t add to the story.
There was no growth.
Regardless of how I felt about the rest of the story those moments soiled it for me. I could not confidently recommend this to someone that trusts me with book recommendations. If you don’t care about the LGBTQ+ community then of course those sentiments were glossed over and replaced with a focus on the descriptive gore.
Not here for it.
& won’t be reading anything else this author writes.
-cops
-multiple POVs
-serial killer
-string romantic element
-religious murders
-under 400 pages
-based in New York
*check your trigger warnings*
Yikes.
A good amount of people recommended this book to me and on one hand I can see why but on the other? Lost me.
This book reminds me of “All The Sinners Bleed” by S.A Cosby and “Black Lotus” by K’Wan. We have religious exploration, pedophilia, murder, a serial killer & a police hunt to find who did it.
Early on I wasn’t sure if this book was for me.
The transphobia was S T R O N G.
This wasn’t one of those storylines where a main character is transphobic or experiences transphobia and there’s some sort of character development by the end. This was embarrassingly irrelevant to the story.
Tell us you are transphobic without telling us you are transphobic. The dead naming, the blatant misgendering & problematic detailing of trans women was extremely harmful. There was NO POINT AT ALL for the amount of times it was referenced.
It didn’t add to the story.
There was no growth.
Regardless of how I felt about the rest of the story those moments soiled it for me. I could not confidently recommend this to someone that trusts me with book recommendations. If you don’t care about the LGBTQ+ community then of course those sentiments were glossed over and replaced with a focus on the descriptive gore.
Not here for it.
& won’t be reading anything else this author writes.
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