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Johnny-Boy
In the newest entry in the Edgar-nominated series, a serial killer stalks the streets of a depressed Rust Belt town on the cusp of revitalization.
Johnny-Boy is a killer. He lives for the thrill of the hunt, the stalking of human prey. Fittingly, he works as a hitman but always finds time for extracurricular activity on the side. When a new assignment sends him to Baxter, a depressed Rust Belt town experiencing a chaotic upheaval at the dawn of a new economic beginning, Johnny-Boy plans to keep things professional. But when he realizes that the streets are awash with drug activity, small-time mobsters, and loads of transitory laborers in town to construct a new car plant, Johnny-Boy sees an opportunity to have a little fun while he’s there. . . .The work of cleaning up a town of lowlifes and criminals is a never-ending slog for Delia Mariola, Chief of Detectives. But when a young teenager—nearly the same age as her own son—is found tortured to death, the stakes suddenly feel higher than ever. Delia brings her best detective, Blanche Weber, onto the case and together they set out to discover who the killer is and what he’s doing in this town. But having two female detectives lead the case seems to rub a certain segment of the locals the wrong way, especially when one of the women is a hothead, the other is a lesbian, and both have risen to the top due to their excellent and uncompromising work as detectives. As they watch the streets in an effort to catch a killer, Delia and Blanche must also watch their own backs for attacks from within.The fourth installment in the saga of Delia Mariola and her hard-bitten town of Baxter, Johnny-Boy is a tough, gritty crime novel with an unforgettable queer heroine at its center.
Johnny-Boy is a killer. He lives for the thrill of the hunt, the stalking of human prey. Fittingly, he works as a hitman but always finds time for extracurricular activity on the side. When a new assignment sends him to Baxter, a depressed Rust Belt town experiencing a chaotic upheaval at the dawn of a new economic beginning, Johnny-Boy plans to keep things professional. But when he realizes that the streets are awash with drug activity, small-time mobsters, and loads of transitory laborers in town to construct a new car plant, Johnny-Boy sees an opportunity to have a little fun while he’s there. . . .The work of cleaning up a town of lowlifes and criminals is a never-ending slog for Delia Mariola, Chief of Detectives. But when a young teenager—nearly the same age as her own son—is found tortured to death, the stakes suddenly feel higher than ever. Delia brings her best detective, Blanche Weber, onto the case and together they set out to discover who the killer is and what he’s doing in this town. But having two female detectives lead the case seems to rub a certain segment of the locals the wrong way, especially when one of the women is a hothead, the other is a lesbian, and both have risen to the top due to their excellent and uncompromising work as detectives. As they watch the streets in an effort to catch a killer, Delia and Blanche must also watch their own backs for attacks from within.The fourth installment in the saga of Delia Mariola and her hard-bitten town of Baxter, Johnny-Boy is a tough, gritty crime novel with an unforgettable queer heroine at its center.
- GenresMystery Thriller
360 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2024
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 7, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Johnny-Boy by A. F. Carter is a gripping addition to the Delia Mariola series, plunging readers into the dark and gritty world of a Rust Belt town on the brink of change. This fourth installment continues to showcase Carter’s talent for crafting intense, character-driven narratives that linger long after the final page.
Set in the economically depressed town of Baxter, Johnny-Boy introduces us to a chilling new antagonist. His presence casts a long shadow over the town, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension and fear. Carter’s portrayal of Johnny-Boy is terrifying and fascinating, offering a deep dive into the psyche of a remorseless killer.
Delia’s personal and professional struggles are depicted with nuance and empathy, adding layers of complexity to her character. Her interactions with Johnny-Boy are fraught with danger and suspense, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
Carter’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the bleakness of Baxter while also highlighting the flickers of hope and humanity that persist in its residents. The town itself is almost a character, its decaying infrastructure and struggling populace reflecting the broader themes of decline and renewal. The setting provides a stark backdrop for the unfolding drama, enhancing the novel’s gritty realism.
The plot of Johnny-Boy is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Carter skillfully balances action with introspection, allowing for moments of quiet tension that build to explosive climaxes. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses its grip on the reader’s attention.
Carter explores moral ambiguity by delving into the gray areas of right and wrong, challenging readers to question their own perceptions of justice and retribution. This thematic depth adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple tale of good versus evil.
Johnny-Boy is a compelling and thought-provoking entry in the Delia Mariola series. A. F. Carter has crafted a dark, atmospheric thriller that is both chilling and deeply human. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime follower, Johnny-Boy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Johnny-Boy by A. F. Carter is a gripping addition to the Delia Mariola series, plunging readers into the dark and gritty world of a Rust Belt town on the brink of change. This fourth installment continues to showcase Carter’s talent for crafting intense, character-driven narratives that linger long after the final page.
Set in the economically depressed town of Baxter, Johnny-Boy introduces us to a chilling new antagonist. His presence casts a long shadow over the town, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension and fear. Carter’s portrayal of Johnny-Boy is terrifying and fascinating, offering a deep dive into the psyche of a remorseless killer.
Delia’s personal and professional struggles are depicted with nuance and empathy, adding layers of complexity to her character. Her interactions with Johnny-Boy are fraught with danger and suspense, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
Carter’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the bleakness of Baxter while also highlighting the flickers of hope and humanity that persist in its residents. The town itself is almost a character, its decaying infrastructure and struggling populace reflecting the broader themes of decline and renewal. The setting provides a stark backdrop for the unfolding drama, enhancing the novel’s gritty realism.
The plot of Johnny-Boy is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Carter skillfully balances action with introspection, allowing for moments of quiet tension that build to explosive climaxes. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses its grip on the reader’s attention.
Carter explores moral ambiguity by delving into the gray areas of right and wrong, challenging readers to question their own perceptions of justice and retribution. This thematic depth adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple tale of good versus evil.
Johnny-Boy is a compelling and thought-provoking entry in the Delia Mariola series. A. F. Carter has crafted a dark, atmospheric thriller that is both chilling and deeply human. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime follower, Johnny-Boy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
November 2, 2024
Johnny-Boy by super-talented crime writer A.F. Carter is another superior entry into his scary, violent, and realistic Baxter novels. Baxter is an imaginary rust-belt town struggling to recover as a new auto plant is being constructed, bringing with it jobs, drugs, sex workers, and overall malaise.
Johnny Boy is unoriginal, a hitman with a job(s) to do. And he excels at it. You do not want to meet him, period. But the beauty of the writer's prose is that you meet Johnny, nonetheless. He is the center of the wheel that drives this terrifying but realistic story because you realize that the world is filled with Johnny Boys.
Delia Mariola is the C of D, a.k.a. the Chief of Detectives in Baxter. Her interactions with Johnny are fraught with danger and unbearable tension. Good versus evil. The writer portrays grey areas of life, justice, and crime realistically, making this novel memorable, scary, and thought-provoking—a 100 percent winner.
Johnny Boy is unoriginal, a hitman with a job(s) to do. And he excels at it. You do not want to meet him, period. But the beauty of the writer's prose is that you meet Johnny, nonetheless. He is the center of the wheel that drives this terrifying but realistic story because you realize that the world is filled with Johnny Boys.
Delia Mariola is the C of D, a.k.a. the Chief of Detectives in Baxter. Her interactions with Johnny are fraught with danger and unbearable tension. Good versus evil. The writer portrays grey areas of life, justice, and crime realistically, making this novel memorable, scary, and thought-provoking—a 100 percent winner.
November 21, 2024
A serial killer and police corruption disturb the chaotic situation in Baxter and Delia is in the middle of all of it. Another decent episode in Delia’s life.
Carter writes with a bit of a snark, which is fine, but the reader of this book takes the snark way over the top. Snarky when a serial killer is doing his worst? Only this reader can do it, but why?
Carter writes with a bit of a snark, which is fine, but the reader of this book takes the snark way over the top. Snarky when a serial killer is doing his worst? Only this reader can do it, but why?
October 12, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
I found this to be a fast paced book once I got into the story line. Understanding that I haven’t read the previous books in the series it still was enjoyable as a stand alone. The corruption storyline bored me even if it will play a role in the future, the other detective felt unnecessary in the overall plot of the story.
I wish the ending was a little more eventful. While I appreciated the killers POV I also felt like it could’ve been just as impactful without his side of the story since he does die in the end.
Overall it was a good crime novel.
**thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
I found this to be a fast paced book once I got into the story line. Understanding that I haven’t read the previous books in the series it still was enjoyable as a stand alone. The corruption storyline bored me even if it will play a role in the future, the other detective felt unnecessary in the overall plot of the story.
I wish the ending was a little more eventful. While I appreciated the killers POV I also felt like it could’ve been just as impactful without his side of the story since he does die in the end.
Overall it was a good crime novel.
**thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Johnny Boy must be one the most evil characters in literature. There is nothing good about him. He will definitely sicken you. The series gets better by better by each book. Mr. Carter is an exceptional author. Remember you must read this series. Those who desire to read this book hurry up.
November 23, 2024
Really good books in this series
April 24, 2025
Detectives Mariola and Weber hunt for a serial killer who is also in Baxter acting as a hitman. Really enjoyable story.
May 16, 2025
Good suspense. plan to read other books in series. The book stood alone and wasn't dependent on previous books.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews