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McRyan Mystery #0.5-2
First Deadly Conspiracy
SPECIAL EDITION 3 BOOK BOX SET - The first three books of the Amazon bestselling McRyan Mystery Series! Award winning author, Roger Stelljes, delivers three mysteries (FIRST CASE - Murder Alley, THE ST. PAUL CONSPIRACY, and DEADLY STILLWATER).
Vince Flynn has described Roger Stelljes as "A powerful new thriller voice."
Fans of John Sandford, David Baldacci and James Patterson will enjoy these fast-moving stories of murder, greed, and treason, the cast of colorful characters, and its setting in and around historic St. Paul, Minnesota.
Midwest Book Review said his first book had a "colorful flair and a savvy knack for dialogue."
Stelljes' vivid characters, his gift for gritty and real dialogue (slang/jargon/behind the scenes dialog), as well as his uncanny sense of place and time, will put you in the middle of the action allowing you to feel the desperation of Mac McRyan and his fellow detectives.
FIRST CASE - a mystery (12 chapter novella) that is the prequel to the McRyan Mystery Series. An emotionally charged investigation full of unexpected twists and turns, Mac McRyan will need to follow a convoluted trail of evidence, secrets, and hidden agendas to help solve a murder mystery that is his FIRST CASE.
THE ST. PAUL CONSPIRACY - McRyan Mystery Series -A complex murder investigation with repercussions far beyond an ordinary serial killer case - national and political security concerns lie at the root of this tangled, fast-paced gritty crime novel. Merit Award Winner for Commercial Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards and a Minnesota Book Awards Nominee.
DEADLY STILLWATER - McRyan Mystery Series - A complicated brazen daytime kidnapping is just the beginning in a case of betrayal and revenge that will ultimately strike at the soul of the St. Paul Police Department. From the searing streets of St. Paul to the murky waters of the St. Croix River, Deadly Stillwater is a book you won't be able to put down until its last gripping minute. Midwest Book Awards Winner - Genre Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards.
Vince Flynn has described Roger Stelljes as "A powerful new thriller voice."
Fans of John Sandford, David Baldacci and James Patterson will enjoy these fast-moving stories of murder, greed, and treason, the cast of colorful characters, and its setting in and around historic St. Paul, Minnesota.
Midwest Book Review said his first book had a "colorful flair and a savvy knack for dialogue."
Stelljes' vivid characters, his gift for gritty and real dialogue (slang/jargon/behind the scenes dialog), as well as his uncanny sense of place and time, will put you in the middle of the action allowing you to feel the desperation of Mac McRyan and his fellow detectives.
FIRST CASE - a mystery (12 chapter novella) that is the prequel to the McRyan Mystery Series. An emotionally charged investigation full of unexpected twists and turns, Mac McRyan will need to follow a convoluted trail of evidence, secrets, and hidden agendas to help solve a murder mystery that is his FIRST CASE.
THE ST. PAUL CONSPIRACY - McRyan Mystery Series -A complex murder investigation with repercussions far beyond an ordinary serial killer case - national and political security concerns lie at the root of this tangled, fast-paced gritty crime novel. Merit Award Winner for Commercial Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards and a Minnesota Book Awards Nominee.
DEADLY STILLWATER - McRyan Mystery Series - A complicated brazen daytime kidnapping is just the beginning in a case of betrayal and revenge that will ultimately strike at the soul of the St. Paul Police Department. From the searing streets of St. Paul to the murky waters of the St. Croix River, Deadly Stillwater is a book you won't be able to put down until its last gripping minute. Midwest Book Awards Winner - Genre Fiction for the Midwest Independent Publishers (MIPA) Book Awards.
773 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2012
298 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stelljes
43 books765 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 29, 2013
I'd already read The St. Paul Conspiracy & Deadly Stillwater and enjoyed them both. So I jumped at the chance to read the prequel novella--but found it only in the 3 book set. Oh, well, only 99 cents for all 3.
Living in MN I like reading MN authors.
Living in MN I like reading MN authors.
Read
February 6, 2014Absolutely brilliant set of books
I had to keep charging my kindle so I could keep reading. I just couldn't put them down. Looking forward to reading the next set.
I had to keep charging my kindle so I could keep reading. I just couldn't put them down. Looking forward to reading the next set.
January 1, 2017
Enjoyed all three in the series!
Good job to the author! I love how he kept my attention throughout each book in the box set! I definitely enjoyed all three!
Good job to the author! I love how he kept my attention throughout each book in the box set! I definitely enjoyed all three!
January 6, 2018
Having had the privilege to enjoy the AUDIO box set I would urge you to give yourself the chance to immerse yourself in all three tales. I had read one of the titles years ago and became hooked on McRyan; hearing narrator Johnny Peppers bring the characters to life only enhanced my pleasure in the stories. From my individual title reviews:
"First Case"--OK, this is easy. I'm already a fan of author Roger Stelljes--I've been reading his McRyan series out of order--and I love narrator Johnny Pepper's voicing of the various characters, so this introductory novella was a relaxing and enjoyable romp for me. There were parts with which I was familiar, because each of the novels is carefully constructed to stand alone so critical background is included, but being the core of the instant story they were more layered and detailed, giving additional depth to and understanding of the characters and their world.
"The St. Paul Conspiracy"--A little murder, a little conspiracy, a little romance, a little family business. What's the family business? Law enforcement with a side of saloon-keeping. Move on; nothing to see here.<--The Big Lie! All the ingredients for a big screen blockbuster pouring out of my speakers.
"Deadly Stillwater"--A graceful hero of logically extraordinary deductive abilities working smoothly with a team; believable characters, gripping plot and good, well-edited, readable prose.
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"First Case"--OK, this is easy. I'm already a fan of author Roger Stelljes--I've been reading his McRyan series out of order--and I love narrator Johnny Pepper's voicing of the various characters, so this introductory novella was a relaxing and enjoyable romp for me. There were parts with which I was familiar, because each of the novels is carefully constructed to stand alone so critical background is included, but being the core of the instant story they were more layered and detailed, giving additional depth to and understanding of the characters and their world.
"The St. Paul Conspiracy"--A little murder, a little conspiracy, a little romance, a little family business. What's the family business? Law enforcement with a side of saloon-keeping. Move on; nothing to see here.<--The Big Lie! All the ingredients for a big screen blockbuster pouring out of my speakers.
"Deadly Stillwater"--A graceful hero of logically extraordinary deductive abilities working smoothly with a team; believable characters, gripping plot and good, well-edited, readable prose.
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
August 3, 2019
My first reaction was that the police are a walking talking "how to" manual for sexual harassment in the workplace, which by the 3rd book was just getting on my nerves. I can see why there was only 1 female officer in the dept that is mentioned.
Combine that with the perfection that is the human being called Mac, was a bit much. He's good looking blond, tall and fit. He was the perfect college athlete, leading the hockey team to NCAA championships. Still as fit as he was in college. Add to it that he's the smartest and best detective in the St. Paul Police dept, (and probably all of MN). By the 3rd book, it was a bit too much
The story lines themselves were pretty good, I think it could have used more aggressive editing. The dialog was often unnatural being more like a formal writing than casual conversation--much more awkward and wordy than I would expect for casual conversation. There were also several scenes which didn't really server to move the story forward, -- I don't think it really served to move the plot along. (and I just don't care about them having sex or not)
Overall, the books were pretty good for listening to driving to and from work, but I think there were some definite places that could use some improvement. Hopefully the newer books in the series are a bit tighter.
Combine that with the perfection that is the human being called Mac, was a bit much. He's good looking blond, tall and fit. He was the perfect college athlete, leading the hockey team to NCAA championships. Still as fit as he was in college. Add to it that he's the smartest and best detective in the St. Paul Police dept, (and probably all of MN). By the 3rd book, it was a bit too much
The story lines themselves were pretty good, I think it could have used more aggressive editing. The dialog was often unnatural being more like a formal writing than casual conversation--much more awkward and wordy than I would expect for casual conversation. There were also several scenes which didn't really server to move the story forward, -- I don't think it really served to move the plot along. (and I just don't care about them having sex or not)
Overall, the books were pretty good for listening to driving to and from work, but I think there were some definite places that could use some improvement. Hopefully the newer books in the series are a bit tighter.
October 27, 2017
I love box sets like this because you get so much value! Three books and hours and hours of entertainment for one credit is crazy. I read books 4-6 before going back to these at the beginning. Although I really enjoyed these, it was interesting to compare the authors writing style and plot development in the later books to the first ones. These books are still engaging and fast paced and interesting. The author has definitely grown since them, though. The main character also undergoes a fair amount of development and growth throughout the series.
I am always happy to find a new series that can entertain me on my commute and at work. This one absolutely fits the bill! The narrator has the right feel for the story, and is truly the voice of the character. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this genre, and offer that the series even gets better as it continues.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left my honest review. The free copy did not influence my review in any way.
I am always happy to find a new series that can entertain me on my commute and at work. This one absolutely fits the bill! The narrator has the right feel for the story, and is truly the voice of the character. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this genre, and offer that the series even gets better as it continues.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left my honest review. The free copy did not influence my review in any way.
July 7, 2017
Best Detective Mystery Series Ever!
OMG!! I read the First Case prequel novella and I was hooked big time! Detective "Mac" McRyan is a man's man, a detective's detective and a woman's wet dream! I love a great detective mystery and Roger Stelljes writes one of the best series I've ever read. The plots are deep, tangled and full of intrigue keeping you on the edge of your seat up to the very end. His characters are fully fleshed out to where you feel that you know them personally. There is just the right amount of humor sprinkled along the way to keep things from being 'dead' serious. I have read the first four books in the series in less than four days, just can't put one down once I get started! I've already downloaded the rest of the books to complete the series thus far written and can't wait to start the next one but had to stop long enough to write a quick review. Don't miss these great reads, they are keepers!
OMG!! I read the First Case prequel novella and I was hooked big time! Detective "Mac" McRyan is a man's man, a detective's detective and a woman's wet dream! I love a great detective mystery and Roger Stelljes writes one of the best series I've ever read. The plots are deep, tangled and full of intrigue keeping you on the edge of your seat up to the very end. His characters are fully fleshed out to where you feel that you know them personally. There is just the right amount of humor sprinkled along the way to keep things from being 'dead' serious. I have read the first four books in the series in less than four days, just can't put one down once I get started! I've already downloaded the rest of the books to complete the series thus far written and can't wait to start the next one but had to stop long enough to write a quick review. Don't miss these great reads, they are keepers!
October 13, 2018
Highlights What a Good Detective Squad Should Be
This is close to becoming one of my favorite police procedurals The main characters are well drawn and like able, really the good guys. The plots are suspenseful and clever. Following McRyan’s thought processes is fascinating. The author paints a vivid picture of the physical area, asking you feel as if you are actually there. The relationship among the detectives is warm and supportive. The book highlights all that can be good about law enforcement when good moral people are involved. Very important to point out right now. I look forward to reading more of McRyan.
This is close to becoming one of my favorite police procedurals The main characters are well drawn and like able, really the good guys. The plots are suspenseful and clever. Following McRyan’s thought processes is fascinating. The author paints a vivid picture of the physical area, asking you feel as if you are actually there. The relationship among the detectives is warm and supportive. The book highlights all that can be good about law enforcement when good moral people are involved. Very important to point out right now. I look forward to reading more of McRyan.
June 10, 2021
Really great page-turner stories
I am a retired journalist, so I notice things...
Mac was eating a burrito so he did not stuff food in his mouth with a fork.
Dittos for copying did not have pink, green and goldenrod carbons....that would be NCR papers.
A ditto is a white paper with a dark inked paper on the back.
Love the series and the characters and recommending them to my friends.
I am a retired journalist, so I notice things...
Mac was eating a burrito so he did not stuff food in his mouth with a fork.
Dittos for copying did not have pink, green and goldenrod carbons....that would be NCR papers.
A ditto is a white paper with a dark inked paper on the back.
Love the series and the characters and recommending them to my friends.
May 15, 2017
St Paul Conspiracy was my favorite of these books. Unfortunately, I chose to listen to these in audible books. I didn't care for the narrator. At times he reads as a poor actor or a fourth grade reader causing me to lose the story line as I want to help him. Lol. Not bad mystery books but not quite good enough to rate 5 stars from me.
November 20, 2017
Definitely a crime thriller
At times I found the series a bit over the top with detail of clothing and looks of the detectives and women characters, and there was times I had to reread pages due to boring details but all in all, the series was entertaining and painted a good picture of how hard detectives and police work at their jobs...
At times I found the series a bit over the top with detail of clothing and looks of the detectives and women characters, and there was times I had to reread pages due to boring details but all in all, the series was entertaining and painted a good picture of how hard detectives and police work at their jobs...
December 27, 2017
This is a pretty good series: the author’s writing style makes you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action, and you will have a hard time putting it down. If you enjoy a good thriller, or are looking for a new thriller series to start and enjoy, I would highly recommend you pick up this box set – then be prepared to start reading the books after these.
June 26, 2019
I read third book “Deadly Stillwater” first unknowingly. I loved the intensity as the story unfolded. I then realized it was part of a series. Ordered this trio (free) and was unimpressed with book one but book two was more impressive. Now on book 4 “Electing to Murder”, I’m hooked on Mac the central character!
November 22, 2023
1st Deadly Conspiracy
A page turner of note, Mac and the Boys kept us on our toes from start to finish.
The way we are caught up in the story makes one develop a kinship with the characters
A page turner of note, Mac and the Boys kept us on our toes from start to finish.
The way we are caught up in the story makes one develop a kinship with the characters
May 4, 2025
Amazingly Talented!!
I have read & enjoyed all of the many books I have read by Roger Sterlljes!! They have all been edge-of-your-seat exciting. I shall continue on my quest to read them all.
I have read & enjoyed all of the many books I have read by Roger Sterlljes!! They have all been edge-of-your-seat exciting. I shall continue on my quest to read them all.
January 27, 2018
Great book
This book is hard to put down. I’d wake up in the middle of the night thirsty or ets and would start reading again. Couldn’t put this book down!
This book is hard to put down. I’d wake up in the middle of the night thirsty or ets and would start reading again. Couldn’t put this book down!
September 15, 2018
Love the books, characters and plots. Reading them all. Great author.
September 30, 2018
I am happy that I bought this box set!
August 25, 2021
Mac is a number one detective! I enjoyed the plots of each story and how he and his team worked together to get the criminals.
November 11, 2024
3.5 stars
November 18, 2014
Three-book set of well-written, straight-ahead police procedurals. Two murder mysteries and a kidnapping, all solved at the last minute by our hero, Mac McRyan. I liked the storytelling and the characters, and enjoyed trying to outguess the author (I could not!). This was easy reading but kept me interested throughout. The hero is too perfect; academics, sports, girls, money, friends, all came a little too easily! I prefer the lead cop in a murder mystery to be somewhat flawed, which adds dramatic tension and plenty of conflict among the people trying to solve the crime. I would have given this book three and a half stars, if that was possible. I would read more in the series at some point in the future.
November 25, 2016
Not for me.
I only finished the first full book. It was different, the cop was a lawyer who decided to follow his family business of being a policeman instead. It was well written and engaging, but I found that I couldn't engage with the main character, there was too much going behind the back of the chief and, when caught, continuing to pursue the same investigation. I can understand going behind the chief and doggedness, but I'd think that you'd be busy with other cases and up for review after continuing to pursue a politically hot case.
There was one scene where they had the opportunity to question the chief suspect then drop it, which I suspect any real police force would have skipped instead as getting involved with for no good reason.
I only finished the first full book. It was different, the cop was a lawyer who decided to follow his family business of being a policeman instead. It was well written and engaging, but I found that I couldn't engage with the main character, there was too much going behind the back of the chief and, when caught, continuing to pursue the same investigation. I can understand going behind the chief and doggedness, but I'd think that you'd be busy with other cases and up for review after continuing to pursue a politically hot case.
There was one scene where they had the opportunity to question the chief suspect then drop it, which I suspect any real police force would have skipped instead as getting involved with for no good reason.
January 27, 2021
I haven’t read this author before or listened to this narrator before. I real liked the first book. It really set up the series and made me like the characters. The second book dragged for me. The overall story was good but it was too something. This third book was really good and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see what all happened. I took a chance on this audiobook because it was a great deal getting all three books for one credit. The narrator was not my favorite. He had a limited range of voices; and there were a lot of characters. And, at times it was really monotonous, just dragging on in areas that should be excitement or joy. His voice didn’t convey that. I’m interested in reading more of this series but I’ll just read them and skip the audio.
October 6, 2016
Three book set
I enjoyed all three of the books and look forward to reading all of his upcoming books. Because he refers to things that happened in previous books it doesn't hurt to read them in the order they were written although it isn't necessary. I'm just kind of anal that way.
I enjoyed all three of the books and look forward to reading all of his upcoming books. Because he refers to things that happened in previous books it doesn't hurt to read them in the order they were written although it isn't necessary. I'm just kind of anal that way.
June 6, 2015
FIRST DEADLY CONSPIRACY
Roger Stelljes is right up there with Grisham, Woods a nd the rest of the best writers today. His main character is Det. McDonald's Ryan who is every thing a cop should be. as you follow him and his boys into each mystery,you get to see the teamwork they bring to the current case.
Roger Stelljes is right up there with Grisham, Woods a nd the rest of the best writers today. His main character is Det. McDonald's Ryan who is every thing a cop should be. as you follow him and his boys into each mystery,you get to see the teamwork they bring to the current case.
December 28, 2014
First Deadly Conspiracy - Box Set (McRyan Mystery Series)
Welcome to the nitty gritty details of police work! Meet Mac McRyan, Detective St Paul police department, who doesn't quit until the case is solved. Mac has a unique ability to get to the root of the problem long before anyone else. Thanks for letting me get to know what makes McRyan tick.
Welcome to the nitty gritty details of police work! Meet Mac McRyan, Detective St Paul police department, who doesn't quit until the case is solved. Mac has a unique ability to get to the root of the problem long before anyone else. Thanks for letting me get to know what makes McRyan tick.
June 30, 2020
Great series, and enjoyed having them in a box set. The plot and characters are good. Shows the human side of how they work together. Rather during the hectic times, to keep them on the path. They shift thru the clues as a group which I like. They all work together, the clues or questions are shared. Enjoyable for anyone wanting a good mystery, these will definitely be ones to get.
October 21, 2014
KIDNAPPINGS AND REVENGE
McRyan needs all his wits, gut instincts, and dogged perseverance to finally end the criminals' program of always being ahead of the police. Daughters of prominent fathers are kidnapped and no one knows why.
McRyan needs all his wits, gut instincts, and dogged perseverance to finally end the criminals' program of always being ahead of the police. Daughters of prominent fathers are kidnapped and no one knows why.
Read
March 11, 2015Very impressed with the box set. Both of the books were easy reads. The second book got a little predictable but it was still a good read. And it didn't take me long to read the set. Like I said a very easy read. Started reading novella Feb 10th.
March 24, 2015
Don't Try to Think Ahead of Mac!
I love a great mystery and suspense series and Roger Stelljes proved to deliver. This is worthy of every minute...Just about the time You think you have a situation figured out, you are so wrong!
I love a great mystery and suspense series and Roger Stelljes proved to deliver. This is worthy of every minute...Just about the time You think you have a situation figured out, you are so wrong!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews