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A serial killer murders lottery winners. Hitting the jackpot can kill you!
Nigel Heath wants to be the next Boston Pops conductor. A compulsive gambler, he's deeply in debt. He's also madly in love with Vicky, a Pops clarinetist. When he wins the lottery, he thinks his problems are over, but they're just beginning. Homicide Detective Frank Renzi is hunting a serial killer who targets lottery winners. Don't miss the exciting showdown between Renzi and the killer. "The coolest detective in literature today - Frank Renzi!" -- Feathered Quill Book Reviews   Jackpot is a prequel to earlier books in the Frank Renzi series. DATELINE: Boston in 2000, before Frank moved to New Orleans. Follow Frank and his relentless pursuit of justice in Absolution, Diva, and Natalie's Revenge, previous novels in the series.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2013

101 people are currently reading
753 people want to read

About the author

Susan Fleet

21 books67 followers
Music & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that's how I discovered my dark side.

After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers. Scroll down and check the video trailers.

I survived Katrina, but divide my time between Boston and the Big Easy. On my website I post profiles of women musicians. I also write ebooks about true crime: DARK DEEDS about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!



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5 stars
129 (36%)
4 stars
124 (34%)
3 stars
73 (20%)
2 stars
22 (6%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
6,226 reviews80 followers
July 13, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A serial killer is killing lottery winners in New England. A conductor trying to get on the Boston Pops is having personal problems, but wins. He has his fiance turn in the ticket, due to money problems. She gets murdered. A cop having the usual cop problems tries to solve the murders, but is constantly distracted by his problems.

The soap opera gets a little boring, but overall, not bad.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,306 reviews163 followers
December 23, 2013
Four lottery winners.

Four murders.

Is there a serial killer on the loose?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love the cover of Jackpot, as I do for all of Susan Fleet's novels. Simple and direct.

Susan Fleet loves to write about serial killers and Jackpot is another murder mystery that reads like True Crime. I do not find the plot so far fetched. I have watched The Lottery Changed My Life, a tv show about lottery winners. In one episode, a man was killed at a strip club. He had been known to carry large amounts of cash, making him a prime target.

Who knows what sets off a killer?

Jackpot is full of suspense, containing plots within plots. The story keeps unraveling and what starts out as a good thing, quickly turns bad. But then again, Susan loves to write about serial killers and does a fine job of it.

The characters come alive on the pages as Susan Fleet leads us from one murder to the next.

“He’d won $12 million and he was still a loser.”

Poor Nigel. He finally got a break. He won $12 million dollars in the lottery. His need to gamble, which had ruined his life, vanished. But, some people seem to be jinxed. Bad things seem to follow them around, like bees to honey or flies to shit.

Frank is a very flawed hero, but I love him. He never hurts anyone on purpose and goes out of his way for a child. It seems Susan Fleet always has a child in her books, that crosses Frank’s path. He goes above and beyond to help.

I like my heroes tarnished. They become more real to me and Frank fits the bill. He is married and having an affair with a married woman, Gina. They have been together for years and he is faithful to her. They met because of their jobs. Frank is a cop and Gina a reporter. I would think they are an unlikely duo, until I think of how much time anyone spends at work.

Susan fleet has a book idea for Gina and the title would be The Lottery Winner. ^_^

I am very familiar with Boston and the Cape, locations in Jackpot. As Susan’s words unfold on the page, my mind develops photographs of the passing scenery.

I have crossed this bridge many times and have sat in the traffic Susan Fleet talks about. We always worked at timing it to miss the worst - traffic that goes on for miles, cars as far as you can see.

She also includes music in her novels, whether if be the Jazz of New Orleans or the Boston Pops. It makes me think of the fantastic Fourth of July fireworks show.

Ryan is Gina’s husband. His dad is an alcoholic named Tom Collins. Susan always manages to include a little humor with the horror.

“…after dark the scary boogey men come out.” I laughed. You have to be there.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review. I always look forward to reading another murder mystery/thriller from Susan Fleet. What do you have in store for us next, Susan?

Profile Image for Jim.
1,108 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2015
The fourth book in the Frank Renzi detective series from author Susan Fleet, "Jackpot" is by far best book in series to date. The first three books in this series were maddingly inconsistent at best. Frank Renzi is a protagontist that cries out for a following. Author Susan Fleet however continues to toy with the reader in the first three books. "Jackpot", is a prequel taking place in year 2000 Boston. I was amazed how much I enjoyed reading this outing far more than any of the three previous in this series. Lottery winners are turning up dead not long after winning a lottery prize. After third victim is found murdered and staged identically in this killing spree, Renzi realizes he's dealing with a serial killer. Meanwhile Renzi's wife Evelyn figures out Frank has been having a long term affair with a newspaper reporter. Evelyn is a sad sack wife who has steadily gone downhill since daughter Maureen was born some 19 years ago. Frank has been in a relationship with Gina, a reporter with Boston Herald for nine years and counting. When Evelyn springs divorce papers on Frank, his world starts to spin out of control. Sooner or later Gina's husband Ryan will find out about affair and it's really gonna get messy. With intense pressure on Frank to solve these Jackpot killings, the bodies are piling up. With seven victims and counting this serial killer seems to be much smarter than several police departments. It's hard not to feel for Frank with pressure in job to find a killer, and his wife tossing him to curb. It's about here we can see why he ends up going to New Orleans to start over. This reference point for Frank's life makes more sense for the previous three books in series. "Jackpot", proves to be a powerful story built with some eclectic characters for a very enjoyable read. The characters from Boston are far superior in depth than the later ones from New Orleans. Once again I was surprised how much this story grabbed me. Finally a Frank Renzi book I could just keep reading and not wanting to put down. Give this one a solid four stars out of a possible five stars for "Jackpot". If possible I'd really rate this about a 4.25 star book. I thought the end was a little rushed after being gripped throughout reading this book. Highly Recommend "Jackpot". If possible read this book first before getting into first three books of series. It makes more sense that way. check it out.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Stuffed Shelves).
531 reviews32 followers
November 18, 2013
There's a serial killer out there, murdering lottery winners. The book is written from many different viewpoints. There's the victims point of view, as they get attacked by the serial killer who's out for their money and the fame of killing the lottery winners. You can see the viewpoint from the cops who are in search of the serial killer, as well as the serial killer himself.

You won't want to miss the action that goes down in this book. Frank Renzi is out to catch the killer, but not without a dramatic confrontation first. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and reading long into the early morning until the book was finally finished. You'll be addicted to finishing this book just as I was.

I have learned that this is a prequel to a series, so I am extremely interested in reading the rest of the books in the series to get the full experience of Frank Renzi and his amazing detective skills. I highly recommend this book and give it a 5/5.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Zguta.
Author 12 books59 followers
January 11, 2014
The Stakes Were High – Susan Fleet Won With Jackpot
The newest Detective Renzi novel takes the reader back to his days in Boston, in this riveting story that fleshes out much about the Boston area, the effects of gambling and of course we learn more about Detective Renzi’s marriage, his affairs, and we fall in love with his tough but sensitive demeanor, all over again. This character charms us with his caring actions. The real Jackpot is the plot. The thrills are there – the story paces in a continuous maze of panic, which serial killers often do in novels. I highly recommend all the Detective Renzi novels, and hats off to Susan Fleet – this is the best yet! Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,311 reviews
November 27, 2013
A look back at Frank Renzi's Boston PD days, where we learn more about his long affair with Gina. The villain in this piece is killing lottery winners. The build-up to the inevitable murder of a huge lottery winner was effective. I was frustrated, though, that neither Gina nor Frank thought to warn the lottery winner to be careful. They knew who she was; Gina even met with her. I can't really imagine that they wouldn't have warned her. Other than that rather major flaw in logic, the rest of the story was engrossing and I stayed up late to finish it. I like the characters a lot.
Profile Image for Cindy B. .
3,899 reviews220 followers
February 6, 2014
Nice plot, developed characters, f-bombs & graphic T&A descriptions that come so late in the plot that it's, in & of itself, disappointing. Without these rating would have been higher. A freebie on Amazon for Kindle, TTS-enabled.
Profile Image for Roxanne Reyes.
80 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2014
Easy reading and the plot was interesting. I liked some of the characters and enjoyed 80% of the story but towards the end instead of becoming tense, interesting and suspenseful it was predictable and lackluster. The crime scenes were described vividly and a bit unpleasant for my taste.
8 reviews
May 29, 2024
Wining a lottery is something not certain, no one can tell for sure, regardless of “logical, or rational thinking– i have been a big part of those who thought winning a lottery is just luck rather than spiritual insight, and my quest and eagerness in wining the lottery kept pushing me in realizing this fact and today, my story has changed after i won a lottery worth £2million, i was browsing online sometime, when i saw a post where a lady was testifying on how an African wizard ( Dr Amend ) helped her cast a lottery spell in winning a lottery and immediately i contacted him for same purpose and he did exactly what i wanted and i also won. To those who’ve been playing lottery with consistent trial for a long time and haven’t won should contact Dr Amend. You can connect with him via website below:


Website: https://dramendsolutiontem.wixsite.co...
75 reviews
February 28, 2019
A well executed and heart stopping story.


Frank Renzi and Gina are lovers. he is a cop and she is a reporter. They are both married, unhappily. Frank.is investigating the so-called Lottery killer as women who win are being killed. Gina becomes involved with the latest murder and befriends the man who seems to be the killer.she suspects that he is innocent . The story revolves around Frank and Gina and how their instincts and impulses try to make the case. It is a heart stopping, interesting story with a satisfying ending. I enjoyed the characters and the writing.
8 reviews
May 6, 2017
Couldn't put it down. A must read!!!
I wish I had found this much sooner. Enjoy this for yourself as soon as possible.



I wish I had found this much sooner than I did. A must read!!! Couldn't put it down - kept me entranced from beginning to the end.
Profile Image for DOROTHY SILLS.
401 reviews
June 11, 2018
Jackpot was definitely a page turner, I think it should be number one in the series. This is a story about all the elderly ladies that has won the lottery and the crazy guy that is murdering them.
A very good read. I recommend this book to everyone.
1,072 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2019
I like the character Frank Renzi, the homicide detective. He begins researching the killing of female lottery winners and sees the pattern for a serial killer. His personal life (pending divorce, affair) tend to interfere with his job. I rate this a 4.6.
39 reviews
September 26, 2021
Jackpot

Jackpot was and excellent read. It really keeps you turning the pages you just don’t want to put it down. The suspens is fascinating, I suggest you read this book you won’t be sorry
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2018
Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for David.
1,767 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2018
Quite a while since I read a Frank Renzi book but still enjoyed it. Slowish start but quickly got better.
Profile Image for Julia.
364 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2016
Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.

Jackpot is one of Susan Fleet’s Frank Renzi crime novels and, although it is the fourth in the series, it takes the form of a prequel to the previous books, covering Frank’s earlier years in Boston, Massachusetts. The book finds Frank at a critical point in both his personal and his professional lives. At home, his marriage of 20 years to Evelyn has stalled, but his long-term affair with Gina is still going strong, and at work he’s investigating not only an apparent gang slaying but also the latest case of a serial killer targeting elderly, female lottery winners. The story is told from multiple points of view, including that of the murderer, so is not so much a whodunit, as an enthralling ‘how catch 'em’ and ‘why’.

Jackpot is the only Frank Renzi book I have read so far and I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters of Frank and Gina, and Frank’s colleagues, and the story is thrilling and gripping. The writing is tight, and builds to an effective and tense climax, although the scenes from the murderer’s point of view are quite brutal and often disturbing. The book is slightly let down by some repetitious sentences and inconsistencies: Kathie becoming Kathy Lee, the killer’s gun changing from a Mark II to a Mark IV, and by identifying the Beatles classic ‘Eleanor Rigby’ as "Beatles tune 'Lonely People'". These minor gripes aside, I am really pleased to have discovered Susan Fleet and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Tom Bryson.
Author 14 books6 followers
January 27, 2014
Like a gamble? Winning the jackpot can cost you your life., January 17, 2014
By Tom Bryson - writer "TOMBRYSONWRITER" (UK)

With her latest novel, `'JACKPOT', Susan Fleet does it again with another page-turning police thriller that builds to a nail-biting crescendo - and the musical metaphor fits given the profession of the final intended victim. Cop Frank (Franco) Renzi follows a trail of blood-lusting mayhem as he hunts a seriously disturbed serial killer. In the closing, breathless finale, Renzi finds himself at the wrong end of a gun pointed at his midriff and gripped by a psycho.
However, this novel is more than a heroic cop chasing a crazy killer whose targets are big lottery winners. Sub-plots and layering reveal Renzi's personal pain as his private life unravels. He must choose between facing up to his true feelings or living a lie. Besides Renzi, richly drawn characters include compulsive gambler, musician and conductor, Nigel Heath and news reporter Gina stuck in a marriage going nowhere. There are also some seriously threatened goldfish - read the book and you will see this is no joke!
I like to read about places I know and having visited Boston and Cape Cod I could 'see' the locations.
Susan Fleet's writing is crisp, punchy and like all great storytellers, hurtles the reader along in a rollercoaster ride.
Loved it.
[...]
Profile Image for Diana Hockley.
Author 9 books46 followers
October 16, 2013

This novel is the prequel to the previously published Frank Renzi stories, and the author does a stellar job.

Frank Renzi is currently married but having a long-standing affair with a woman named Gina - for reasons which are explained in the plot. His wife is suspicious of what he is up to - not surprising considering how long Frank has been seeing Gina - and of course the possibilities for the "proverbial" hitting the fan are considerable.

This is not Frank's only concern - someone is killing lottery winners.
Nigel Heath, conductor, is desperate to get the job conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra but his gambling addiction may well sink his ambition. He is deeply in love with Vicky, a clarinettist. He takes a lottery ticket which turns out to be the worst move he has ever made.

What I particularly liked about this novel – apart from the creative plot and fine writing – is the way Fleet allows Nigel’s love for Vicky to develop and how their story pans out.

An excellent novel which should send new readers clambering for the rest of the Frank Renzi stories, which will be well worth their while.
Profile Image for Lisa Tortorello.
Author 3 books22 followers
August 7, 2014
My father-in-law used to say he did not play the lottery because with his luck he'd win, die of a heart attack from shock, and never get to enjoy one penny of it. Because of that, this story line caught my eye.

Niles Heath is a gambler who plays the lottery hoping to get out of a financial hole. Little did he know that winning the lottery would not be a means to an end, but bring about the end for all things that really mattered to him.

Winning the lottery can be deadly... especially when there is a killer of the loose! Finding out who the lottery winners are is easy, being a cable repairman gains easy access to the winners' homes. Staying one-step ahead of the police is another matter.
Profile Image for Sally Malkowski.
103 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2015
This fourth book in the Frank Renzi series is my favorite ... so far ... although all Ms. Fleet's books are worthy of reading.

Centered (mostly) around the Boston environs, it includes the orchestral arena, of which the author is well versed ... the domestic violence arena ... of which this reader is well versed .. and the brutality of gruesome murders of elder lottery winners. Included is a peek into detective Renzi's personal life, which isn't all that peachy.

This book is not a fairy tale with a happily ever after but it is sure to give you much to think about as to what can ... and actually does happen ... in real life ... and how to protect yourself against it. Not for the faint of heart!

Write on, Susan!
Profile Image for Katie Chambers.
42 reviews13 followers
May 18, 2025
After DNF-ing four indie thrillers for poor writing, I was relieved to find this one by indie author Susan Fleet worth the read.

The characters leap off the page—especially the serial killer. His obsessive thoughts, word choices, and fixations reveal his worldview and backstory without info-dumping. The layered plot keeps you hooked, and the tension builds well.

That said, some dialogue and narrative felt repetitive, rehashing details the reader already knew, and the ending could have packed more suspense. I also wanted more insight into the killer’s mom.

Still, a solid 4-star thriller that delivers where it counts!
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
June 4, 2014
This book came to life in. my hands and I couldn't put it down! A great suspenseful thriller. Characters were well developed. Police procedures and attitudes were spot on. This author may have a background in music, but she knows how to carry a story. The violence was graphic without excess, but the love scenes could have used a tad more descriptors. If that had been the case, I might have given the story 5 stars. All in all though, a great job by Fleet.
49 reviews
Read
February 9, 2014
Great Read

This is not a mystery since we see the perp from the start and we can folow his crimes as well as the police action to identify and capture him. Yet this is very satisfying to follow both the pursuers and the pursued. All the characters are real and believable and the action and suspense build on both sides. Could not put it down till the frenetic ending.
177 reviews2 followers
Read
February 10, 2014
Not quite a Jackpot more like a little lotto win.

This was a decent story with some good characters. Some of the back stories were never quite explained or tied together by the conclusion. Also it seemed to lack the white knuckle suspense of other serial killer novels I've read. All an all a nice quick read with a predictable ending.
152 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2015
Well written, gripping, thriller that that borders on a nail-biting finish. The characters seem real, the plot development is well paced and full of background that makes this picture full of blues and blacks and greys. Pay no attention to the jacket of the book, it is well worth the reading and very apropos for today. Five stars.
1,096 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2015
Once again I find myself needing a more specific rating - this book probably is a 3.5. A quick, easy read. I enjoy the character of Frank Renzi- Boston detective. The plot centers on a serial killer with specific targets-lottery winners and is a nice addition to the series of books about Renzi. I'd recommend it.
Profile Image for G.
265 reviews47 followers
February 13, 2014
Bookbub had this as a "bargain book" on an email, and I got it for free.
At first, I was intrigued, but as the book went on, I felt it became repetitive. Eventually, at Sixty-One Percent, I just gave up on the book entirely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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