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Widows Cove: A Rob Ragusa Thriller

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A Deadly Game in the Heart of a Historic Where Shadows Whisper Secrets and Every Corner Holds a Clue.

 

In the echoing alleys of New Bedford, a city steeped in history and immortalized by Herman Melville's "Moby Dick", a sinister plot begins to unravel. A fire, not just any fire, but one that consumes a commercial scalloper, draws the attention of the world. But as the ashes settle, a crew member's absence ignites a spark of suspicion that quickly turns into a blazing investigation.

 

Enter Rob Ragusa, a seasoned detective from the Boston FBI Field Office. But for Rob, this is no ordinary assignment. The heart of the mystery, Widows Cove, is a tavern he knows all too well. Thirty years ago, its walls echoed with the chords of his rock band. Now, it's a key piece in a puzzle that threatens to shatter his world.

 

Navigating a city transformed by time, where old haunts have given way to new-age elegance, Rob finds an unlikely ally in Steve Poole, the tavern's bartender. Steve's vast knowledge of the waterfront and its shadowy figures unravels a massive drug smuggling operation. But the deeper they delve, the murkier the waters become.

 

Dive into a thrilling tale where the line between the past and present blurs, where romance kindles amidst danger, and where every twist and turn takes you closer to the heart of a city that still whispers tales of its glorious past. This isn't just a murder mystery; it's a journey through time, love, and the very soul of New Bedford.

 

For fans of gripping narratives and intricately woven plots, this book promises to keep you on the edge, guessing till the very end. The game is afoot, and in New Bedford, everyone's a player. Will you uncover the secrets of the cove?

Paul Rooney, a debut author, holds a PhD in Psychology and runs a private psychotherapy practice in New Bedford, Massachusetts. His rich insights into human behavior and his connection to New Bedford's history vividly come alive in his writing. Residing in Wareham, Massachusetts, Paul is surrounded by his loving family - wife, two children, two stepchildren, five grandchildren, and a loyal dog, Rory. His maiden novel, Widows A Rob Ragusa Thriller, mirrors his passion for storytelling, psychology, and his city's legacy.

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

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Paul Rooney

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5 stars
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24 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
89 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2024
Great story and enjoyed all the MA/New England references, especially since I know Steve Poole from the Narrows. Hope there will be another assignment that detective Ragusa must handle.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
173 reviews
September 1, 2024
I read this for Massachusetts library challenge: September: A debut book by a Massachusetts author .

The story took place in New Bedford, MA , and many surrounding towns and landmarks. That was interesting to me living in this area. The story itself was just alright but I will read the next book too.
18 reviews
December 17, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised with this first-time author’s story. I loved all of the local references and the plot is really good. I gave it three stars because the first and third person were confusing as they switched at weird times, and the proofreading could use some help, but I’d definitely recommend it. Very nice first effort.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
106 reviews
February 25, 2025
FBI agent starts investigating a seemingly straight forward case fishing boat kitchen fire that sunk the boat and one crew member missing. It turned out to be a lot more complicated involving multiple cities and people.. Kept me very interested and guessing what was really going on. It was interesting reading about places I am familiar with, such as; New Bedford, Hyannis, Boston.
31 reviews
November 16, 2024
I found the book advertised in a Restaurent in Mattapoisett, MA when returning from a trip. I wrote the name in my phone notes to find later. A very enjoyable book. Wish the author had second book to read
8 reviews
May 1, 2024
Needs a new editor. The grammar needs work as does some spelling. Otherwise good story.
Profile Image for Marsh.
195 reviews
July 1, 2024
Good story but needs a better editor. 3.5 stars
The story had so many twists and turns my head was spinning. Some of the bad guys became good guys, and some of the good guys end up being the bad guys. Most of the time I thought author was conducting restaurant reviews for his buddies… Antonio’s, Mikes, Kelly’s Roast Beef, Continental, Kowloon Restaurants other times he detoured and side tracked with local trivia?!?!
2 reviews
April 21, 2025
Rooney is a great storyteller but some details were redundant. I loved all of the local references since I am from the area. Overall worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews