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Frank Quinn #9
Frenzy
Pretty Maids All In A Row
Six dead women in a hotel room. Five of them students, still in their teens. Tied up. Tortured. The NYPD recognizes the suspect's signature--three bloody initials carved into each victim's forehead. Ex-cop Frank Quinn has faced this madman before. Both bear scars from their last encounter. Killer and cop, hunter and prey . . . In a deadly game of matched wits, only one can prevail. It's not just about who gets killed. It's about who will survive . . .
Six dead women in a hotel room. Five of them students, still in their teens. Tied up. Tortured. The NYPD recognizes the suspect's signature--three bloody initials carved into each victim's forehead. Ex-cop Frank Quinn has faced this madman before. Both bear scars from their last encounter. Killer and cop, hunter and prey . . . In a deadly game of matched wits, only one can prevail. It's not just about who gets killed. It's about who will survive . . .
560 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2014
118 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
John Lutz
234 books300 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 22, 2020
2 stars.
February 14, 2020
Ninth book with Frank Quinn and his team.. This book went back and forth, time framed that is, which got very confusing. However it came all together. Ended up being a Good Read....
February 8, 2015
I usually love John Lutz books. This time around, I had a hard time with it. The time jumping took a little getting used to. I had a hard time remembering if it was New York present day or three years ago. I did love the fact that the psycho killer was as creepy as always, and as equally twisted as any other bad men in a Lutz novel. I found learning his background was helpful to the story as well. I didn't particularly enjoy a few things: the woke art-centric piece and the character Nancy Weaver. Oh, and I would have liked to have seen more of Feds and less of Minnie. At least the premise behind the killer seemed original.
August 16, 2015
Cela vedlejsi pribehova linka na me pusobila jako zbytecna, umele naroubovana do pribehu.
Chovani postav bylo parkrat dost nelogicke a navic vysetrovatele jsou samouzdravujici se supermani.
Zakomponovani detstvi vraha byla dobra myslenka, ale cele to proste nejak nezapadalo do sebe.
Chovani postav bylo parkrat dost nelogicke a navic vysetrovatele jsou samouzdravujici se supermani.
Zakomponovani detstvi vraha byla dobra myslenka, ale cele to proste nejak nezapadalo do sebe.
March 4, 2018
A serial killer has returned to New York City and he does his best to entice retired homicide detective Frank Quinn in the pursuit. There is also a parallel story about a bust of a beautiful woman by Michelangelo.
October 30, 2020
I struggled with this one a little at the beginning, due to the jumping back and forth between time periods, especially since this was my secondary book that I only read a few pages from each day. About half way through I got more used to what was happening in each time period and the book flowed a little better at that point. However, I have to say I did not enjoy the storyline dealing with the missing art and felt it was a stretch connection with the killer.
This definitely wasn't one of my favorites in the series, but I like Quinn and company, so I'll keep coming back for the next installment.
This definitely wasn't one of my favorites in the series, but I like Quinn and company, so I'll keep coming back for the next installment.
June 28, 2015
So on Chapter 50 I stumbled upon a tidbit:
Prentis, 1995: Already, an Illinois sophomore in Clearwater had fallen to his death from a third-floor balcony while drunk and convinced he could leap to the next balcony. He had boldly announced his intention so there would be plenty of photographs and YouTube videos. A record of his feat.
There was YouTube in 1995? How did I not know this!
Prentis, 1995: Already, an Illinois sophomore in Clearwater had fallen to his death from a third-floor balcony while drunk and convinced he could leap to the next balcony. He had boldly announced his intention so there would be plenty of photographs and YouTube videos. A record of his feat.
There was YouTube in 1995? How did I not know this!
December 9, 2014
Unfortunately, this Frank Quinn story didn't hold my attention as well as past stories. This one seemed to drag on longer than necessary and had an alternate plot line that was unnecessary and dragged the book down. Just not one of the better stories in this series.
November 17, 2015
It was fast paced action but didn't explain the reasons for the actions. Plenty of jumbled short sentences that didn't make any sense .
Apologies for been critical but there are far better crime writers about.
Apologies for been critical but there are far better crime writers about.
February 21, 2015
I won this from goodreads. I usually like Mr. Lutz's stories but this one not so much.
January 21, 2015
C'mon, John!
July 27, 2015
I didn't think it was one of his better books.
February 6, 2016
I really love this series, but this one was a bit hard to follow. Am hopeful that the next one will get more on track.
October 13, 2016
Stupid!!!
May 29, 2017
This one started off well, but then things started happening that just didn't make sense. Unfortunately, the plot got quite thin near the end.
May 23, 2020
No frenzy
Sorry, not for me. Didn't finish this book I gave up after reaching 27% of absolute rubbish. Would not buy from this author again.
Sorry, not for me. Didn't finish this book I gave up after reaching 27% of absolute rubbish. Would not buy from this author again.
June 4, 2019
The killer leaves his mark.....
Six women are found dead in a hotel room - five of them were students and still in their teens. Tied up tortured, these are signature killings recognised by the NYPD from the three bloody initials carved into each victim's forehead:DOA.
Ex-cop Frank Quinn has faced this madman before and both men bear the scars from their last encounter. Killer and cop, hunter and prey, find themselves in a deadly game of matched wits where only one can prevail. It's not just about who will be killed, but who will survive.......
Six women are found dead in a hotel room - five of them were students and still in their teens. Tied up tortured, these are signature killings recognised by the NYPD from the three bloody initials carved into each victim's forehead:DOA.
Ex-cop Frank Quinn has faced this madman before and both men bear the scars from their last encounter. Killer and cop, hunter and prey, find themselves in a deadly game of matched wits where only one can prevail. It's not just about who will be killed, but who will survive.......
December 31, 2021
Another good book in the series. I really am enjoying it.
If you like serial killer books this is a series for you.
Great characters and great character development.
That’s for the narration, Scott Brick is amazing.
If you like serial killer books this is a series for you.
Great characters and great character development.
That’s for the narration, Scott Brick is amazing.
July 18, 2025
Colorful characters
I loved all of the characters and the story. It was a bit difficult to follow going from the past into the present and back again. All in all, it was a good read.
I loved all of the characters and the story. It was a bit difficult to follow going from the past into the present and back again. All in all, it was a good read.
August 20, 2019
A Fair Read
Frenzy was not one of my favorite John Lutz novels. A bit slow and predictable I'm sorry to say as Lutz is one of my favorite authors.
Frenzy was not one of my favorite John Lutz novels. A bit slow and predictable I'm sorry to say as Lutz is one of my favorite authors.
January 1, 2020
Unexpectedly a great mystery.
April 15, 2021
different
Had a hard time keeping up with storyline. Interesting but i prefer a little more action as in his previous books
Had a hard time keeping up with storyline. Interesting but i prefer a little more action as in his previous books
April 1, 2023
Good book, lots of people & it’s really 2 mystery’s that blend together….
Read
September 6, 2023DNF
October 10, 2014
"Frenzy" by John Lutz which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced, chilling crime thriller that begins with the death of six women tortured in a hotel room, five of them teens. When former homicide captain Frank Quinn is hired to assist the NYPD in the case he recognizes the killer's monogram- D.O.A. - carved into their foreheads. A killer he almost died pursuing, and thought dead in airplane crash, Frank knows he's back to playing a deadly cat and mouse game with him. But, this time the monster's hunting for treasure while on his murder spree and Frank has to locate it before he can bring the serial killer to justice.
In a mesmerizing plot John Lutz weaves threads of a plot with links to the 1993 murder of a wealthy businessman and his girlfriend, the 1940's escape of a soldier from the beaches of Dunkirk and a murder spree in present day New York city. With unique twists and turns the strands of the story converge in an explosive ending that's nerve-racking and thrilling. With clever dexterity the author gradually builds tension and suspense, holding the reader breathless as Frank Quinn begins to unravel clues that link a family dynasty to a missing work of art smuggled out of France in WWII to the killer's agenda, while trying to protect his colleagues and his partner Pearl Kasner. The action never stops in a game of wits where killer and cop constantly interchange roles of hunter and prey. The plot is filled with lies, secrets, subterfuge and playacting as Frank Quinn engages not only with an overzealous and clever killer but is thwarted at every turn by a family that wants to keep the work of art from being discovered.
The characters are well-developed, realistic and have a complexity of personality that adds fuel to this high-powered story. Frank Quinn, the head of Quinn and Associates Investigations (Q&A) is highly intelligent, obsessive and persevering; intent on bringing killers to justice but keeping a loose foot on legalities. I loved the witty use of Q& A as an acronym for Frank Quinn's Company because he's tough and relentless in the question and answer department of a crime. Pearl Kasner 's not only his diligent, brave and clever partner but Frank's lover. Similarly Officer Nancy Weaver feels a strong loyalty to Frank in her role as the NYPD liaison to his company. She's tenacious, resilient and smart, but has a reputation for having an overactive sex drive.
Of the other colourful personalities in this gripping story Minnie Miner is the double-crossing, ambitious, aggressive yet charming talk show host; Dr. Julius Nift, the insensitive and irritating medical examiner; and Dwayne Aiken the abused fourteen year old who hides his sadistic egotism under a tactile, attentive and charming facade.
The story is riveting from the first page to the last and I recommend it to those that love a compelling and totally enthralling crime thriller.
In a mesmerizing plot John Lutz weaves threads of a plot with links to the 1993 murder of a wealthy businessman and his girlfriend, the 1940's escape of a soldier from the beaches of Dunkirk and a murder spree in present day New York city. With unique twists and turns the strands of the story converge in an explosive ending that's nerve-racking and thrilling. With clever dexterity the author gradually builds tension and suspense, holding the reader breathless as Frank Quinn begins to unravel clues that link a family dynasty to a missing work of art smuggled out of France in WWII to the killer's agenda, while trying to protect his colleagues and his partner Pearl Kasner. The action never stops in a game of wits where killer and cop constantly interchange roles of hunter and prey. The plot is filled with lies, secrets, subterfuge and playacting as Frank Quinn engages not only with an overzealous and clever killer but is thwarted at every turn by a family that wants to keep the work of art from being discovered.
The characters are well-developed, realistic and have a complexity of personality that adds fuel to this high-powered story. Frank Quinn, the head of Quinn and Associates Investigations (Q&A) is highly intelligent, obsessive and persevering; intent on bringing killers to justice but keeping a loose foot on legalities. I loved the witty use of Q& A as an acronym for Frank Quinn's Company because he's tough and relentless in the question and answer department of a crime. Pearl Kasner 's not only his diligent, brave and clever partner but Frank's lover. Similarly Officer Nancy Weaver feels a strong loyalty to Frank in her role as the NYPD liaison to his company. She's tenacious, resilient and smart, but has a reputation for having an overactive sex drive.
Of the other colourful personalities in this gripping story Minnie Miner is the double-crossing, ambitious, aggressive yet charming talk show host; Dr. Julius Nift, the insensitive and irritating medical examiner; and Dwayne Aiken the abused fourteen year old who hides his sadistic egotism under a tactile, attentive and charming facade.
The story is riveting from the first page to the last and I recommend it to those that love a compelling and totally enthralling crime thriller.
June 19, 2015
The many other reviews of this book tell a lot about it, so I’ll just comment that I found it to be a really superior contemporary American crime thriller, which is actually only an occasional reading genre for me. I generally prefer mysteries set in past times – perhaps because of the possibilities for additional perspective. It’s hard to think that deeply about our present because we’re right in the middle of it. I suppose that I’ve been disappointed by contemporary crime thrillers that just seem to lack something & miss what should have been their opportunities for success. I’m glad that a friend gave me Frenzy. It worked for me where others have failed.
While enjoying this book, it occurred to me that a less skillful author would have easily upset the balance that John Lutz maintained so well throughout: balance between alternating story lines, the investigators a people with personal lives versus them as investigators per se, the view through the eyes of the criminal without sympathizing or excusing, the hidden treasure motif, the family secrets, the essential New York angle (could this have been any other city?), the numerous cliff-hangers that the author pulled off so well. Yes, this was a long book –quite long for a crime thriller – but not padded – that really keeps the reader going.
While enjoying this book, it occurred to me that a less skillful author would have easily upset the balance that John Lutz maintained so well throughout: balance between alternating story lines, the investigators a people with personal lives versus them as investigators per se, the view through the eyes of the criminal without sympathizing or excusing, the hidden treasure motif, the family secrets, the essential New York angle (could this have been any other city?), the numerous cliff-hangers that the author pulled off so well. Yes, this was a long book –quite long for a crime thriller – but not padded – that really keeps the reader going.
December 24, 2014
*Goodreads First Reads advanced copy*
For the most part I found Frenzy to be a well written thriller. The pace of the story and the storyline in general were wonderful. I did find a few annoyances though.
First the killer in the story seemed to go against his nature at several points in the story. This allows various characters to survive. This leads to a subsequent annoyance in the story.
Two of the characters in the book seem to miraculously survive (though I really did want them to survive). The fact that one of them was able to respond almost as nothing happened after having been tortured and then trapped within the trunk of a car almost to the point of death seemed highly inconceivable.
That was followed up by another character, having had her throat severed, being able to minutes later shoot the killer in the head and then walk over to the main character as if nothing was wrong.
Overall I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers. Just be aware there will be some implausible moments.
For the most part I found Frenzy to be a well written thriller. The pace of the story and the storyline in general were wonderful. I did find a few annoyances though.
First the killer in the story seemed to go against his nature at several points in the story. This allows various characters to survive. This leads to a subsequent annoyance in the story.
Two of the characters in the book seem to miraculously survive (though I really did want them to survive). The fact that one of them was able to respond almost as nothing happened after having been tortured and then trapped within the trunk of a car almost to the point of death seemed highly inconceivable.
That was followed up by another character, having had her throat severed, being able to minutes later shoot the killer in the head and then walk over to the main character as if nothing was wrong.
Overall I did enjoy the story and would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers. Just be aware there will be some implausible moments.
June 16, 2015
PB/Thriller: It was okay. The novel is book nine in the series. I've read none of the others, but it was easy to get the gist of how everyone related to each other and their personality traits. While Quinn, our hero, is a good guy with a honorable moral compass, it was hard to know him since the book is in third person.
The novel is two and a half stories. The story of the mystery item, the escalation of a serial killer, and the present day murder mystery. They all gel together for an interesting story. However, it seemed like there were a lot of fillers on behavior or events of minor characters that were not necessary to the main story.
I liked the two female characters, Pearl and Weaver, the best.
The novel is two and a half stories. The story of the mystery item, the escalation of a serial killer, and the present day murder mystery. They all gel together for an interesting story. However, it seemed like there were a lot of fillers on behavior or events of minor characters that were not necessary to the main story.
I liked the two female characters, Pearl and Weaver, the best.
October 24, 2014
I won this amazing book, from one of my favourite authors, here on Goodreads. I read the prequel, Carnage, on my Kobo first. Wow! What an amazing book! John Lutz is an amazing author! I loved this book from the first page to the last. Frank Quinn is back! This killer, D.O.A., not only is a serial killer, but he also has another "reason" for killing some. I won't reveal anything, but run to the book store, library or ebook site and buy this book. Thank you so much to Goodreads, and to John Lutz for allowing me to escape once again. : )
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews