What do you think?
Rate this book
Nine Seconds
Was the monstrous figure from Staten Island's past locked away, or is the true terror still walking free among them?
Dive into the gripping pages of "Nine Seconds," a thriller that resurrects the terror of an old serial attacker on Staten Island. It’s a cold case. But a decade after being dismissed and gaslighted by the police and her own family, Davina Speers finds herself grappling with the haunting memories of her attack by the notorious New Cropsey. Her life, a turbulent journey through addiction, prostitution, and homelessness, takes a sharp turn when her childhood friend, Joy Sheridan, dies under mysterious circumstances labeled as suicide.
Now clean, sober, and rebuilding her life as a martial arts instructor and college student, Davina's world is shattered by Joy's death and a string of chilling attacks echoing the past. Convinced that the original Rosebank Strangler was never caught, Davina embarks on a harrowing quest for justice. Her investigation lures her into the dark corridors of Staten Island's elite, where she uncovers a web of corruption involving the island's most influential figures - a banker, a politician, a police inspector, a fire commissioner, and more.
As Davina delves deeper, she confronts a sinister plot that threatens to upend the lives of many, revealing secrets buried deep within the 'Forgotten Borough.' With each twist and turn, "Nine Seconds" keeps you on the edge of your seat, leading to a heart-pounding finale that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers like "The Informationist" by Taylor Stevens, "The Late Show" by Michael Connelly, and "UNSUB" by Meg Gardiner, this novel is a must-read for those who love a story that skillfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and raw emotion.
Will Davina untangle the web of lies and bring the true criminal to justice, or will the shadows of Staten Island's past consume her?
Find out in "Nine Seconds," where every moment counts in a race against time and evil.
Dive into the gripping pages of "Nine Seconds," a thriller that resurrects the terror of an old serial attacker on Staten Island. It’s a cold case. But a decade after being dismissed and gaslighted by the police and her own family, Davina Speers finds herself grappling with the haunting memories of her attack by the notorious New Cropsey. Her life, a turbulent journey through addiction, prostitution, and homelessness, takes a sharp turn when her childhood friend, Joy Sheridan, dies under mysterious circumstances labeled as suicide.
Now clean, sober, and rebuilding her life as a martial arts instructor and college student, Davina's world is shattered by Joy's death and a string of chilling attacks echoing the past. Convinced that the original Rosebank Strangler was never caught, Davina embarks on a harrowing quest for justice. Her investigation lures her into the dark corridors of Staten Island's elite, where she uncovers a web of corruption involving the island's most influential figures - a banker, a politician, a police inspector, a fire commissioner, and more.
As Davina delves deeper, she confronts a sinister plot that threatens to upend the lives of many, revealing secrets buried deep within the 'Forgotten Borough.' With each twist and turn, "Nine Seconds" keeps you on the edge of your seat, leading to a heart-pounding finale that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers like "The Informationist" by Taylor Stevens, "The Late Show" by Michael Connelly, and "UNSUB" by Meg Gardiner, this novel is a must-read for those who love a story that skillfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and raw emotion.
Will Davina untangle the web of lies and bring the true criminal to justice, or will the shadows of Staten Island's past consume her?
Find out in "Nine Seconds," where every moment counts in a race against time and evil.
- GenresEbooks
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
53 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 24, 2025
This was a dark and intense thriller that tackles some sensitive themes. It is well written and very detailed, which made some of the scenes feel very real and powerful. There are some truly horrible characters, and not all of them get the comeuppance they deserve!
I like Davina. She was flawed and damaged from the childhood trauma she suffered, but she was also caring, determined, and fearless! She was a great character, and I was really rooting for her to get the ending she deserved.
The prologue sets up the book, and you know you are in for a dark crime thriller. The pacing of the main story starts slow, but the tension ramps up, and the steaks get higher as the story goes on. Davina wants to find out what happened to her 10 years ago, especially as there seems to be a copycat. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become, and more than one person wants to see her downfall.
The twists and turns keep coming, and the ending was unexpected!
I think fans of dark and twisted thrillers will enjoy this one, but if you are a person who finds some subjects difficult, check the trigger warnings.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
I like Davina. She was flawed and damaged from the childhood trauma she suffered, but she was also caring, determined, and fearless! She was a great character, and I was really rooting for her to get the ending she deserved.
The prologue sets up the book, and you know you are in for a dark crime thriller. The pacing of the main story starts slow, but the tension ramps up, and the steaks get higher as the story goes on. Davina wants to find out what happened to her 10 years ago, especially as there seems to be a copycat. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become, and more than one person wants to see her downfall.
The twists and turns keep coming, and the ending was unexpected!
I think fans of dark and twisted thrillers will enjoy this one, but if you are a person who finds some subjects difficult, check the trigger warnings.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
May 14, 2024
Guess Who
Son of Cropsey or copy cat? Delving into the past to learn the truth about the horrible things done to her as a twelve year old girl brought her closer to death than when the attack first occurred. Definitely a horrible experience but one that needed to be investigated as an adult and finally put to rest. In all honesty I couldn’t believe that the truth was as convoluted as it seemed.
Son of Cropsey or copy cat? Delving into the past to learn the truth about the horrible things done to her as a twelve year old girl brought her closer to death than when the attack first occurred. Definitely a horrible experience but one that needed to be investigated as an adult and finally put to rest. In all honesty I couldn’t believe that the truth was as convoluted as it seemed.
September 1, 2025
Queue music from 🎵"Nara (Theme to Cold Case)"🎵 by E.S. Posthumus
Friends, Nine Seconds was so riveting, I sometimes realized I was holding my breath! As a big TV crime junkie (think all the Law and Orders, NYPD shows, etc), this book was right up my alley! The tension and suspense are palpable in this novel, the dialogue on point, the research impeccable. The pace was a wee bit wonky, attributed at times to the extensive cast of characters (over 30!), but raced towards an ending that had me speechless.
What I really enjoyed most is that it not only played to my love of thriller/ mystery/ suspense/ action genres, it also encompassed A LOT of the history of Staten Island, the kind of history only natives of the Rock really know. I felt like I was on a private tour of Staten Island as deFilippo described the various iconic sites like the SI Castle, the Farm Colony, Willowbrook. Plus, many a time have I crossed the Verrazano when visiting family on Long Island; however, now I will be looking to Ft. Wadsworth with a new appreciation, and looking for more iconic landmarks as I make the trek.
As I was chatting with fellow tour members we agreed that we could see this optioned for the screen. I may be showing my age, but Robert Davi and perhaps a Walhberg might be queued in my cast. Now to figure out who'll play the flawed yet fearless (bad@$$) FMC Davina Speers and the rest of the cast as I sleep with one eye open! If you like psychological suspense and dark thrillers, this is one book you don't want to miss!
Many thanks to @vincentdefilippo and @lovebookstours for my gifted physical copy of the novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Friends, Nine Seconds was so riveting, I sometimes realized I was holding my breath! As a big TV crime junkie (think all the Law and Orders, NYPD shows, etc), this book was right up my alley! The tension and suspense are palpable in this novel, the dialogue on point, the research impeccable. The pace was a wee bit wonky, attributed at times to the extensive cast of characters (over 30!), but raced towards an ending that had me speechless.
What I really enjoyed most is that it not only played to my love of thriller/ mystery/ suspense/ action genres, it also encompassed A LOT of the history of Staten Island, the kind of history only natives of the Rock really know. I felt like I was on a private tour of Staten Island as deFilippo described the various iconic sites like the SI Castle, the Farm Colony, Willowbrook. Plus, many a time have I crossed the Verrazano when visiting family on Long Island; however, now I will be looking to Ft. Wadsworth with a new appreciation, and looking for more iconic landmarks as I make the trek.
As I was chatting with fellow tour members we agreed that we could see this optioned for the screen. I may be showing my age, but Robert Davi and perhaps a Walhberg might be queued in my cast. Now to figure out who'll play the flawed yet fearless (bad@$$) FMC Davina Speers and the rest of the cast as I sleep with one eye open! If you like psychological suspense and dark thrillers, this is one book you don't want to miss!
Many thanks to @vincentdefilippo and @lovebookstours for my gifted physical copy of the novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2025
The mix of suspense, emotion, and mystery kept me turning the pages. It’s intense, but in a way that made me want to keep reading just to see what would happen next.
The story follows Davina, who’s been through a lot, trauma, addiction, and a long fight to rebuild her life. She’s strong and determined.
When her childhood friend dies under suspicious circumstances, Davina starts digging into the past, convinced that a serial attacker from past was never caught. What she uncovers is much bigger than she imagined.
I liked how the book explored not just the mystery, but also deeper themes like justice, survival, and how one moment can change everything. Davina not perfect, but she is brave.
There were plenty of twists, tension builds slowly, and by the time things start to unravel, I was completely hooked.
The story follows Davina, who’s been through a lot, trauma, addiction, and a long fight to rebuild her life. She’s strong and determined.
When her childhood friend dies under suspicious circumstances, Davina starts digging into the past, convinced that a serial attacker from past was never caught. What she uncovers is much bigger than she imagined.
I liked how the book explored not just the mystery, but also deeper themes like justice, survival, and how one moment can change everything. Davina not perfect, but she is brave.
There were plenty of twists, tension builds slowly, and by the time things start to unravel, I was completely hooked.
August 22, 2025
I am super proud of myself for taking the time to read and review this book. Beforehand I was stuck in my ways of just reading historical fiction but I am really proud of myself for branching out my interests and discovering this book! I for one was very impressed with the storyline and the direction it went. It will filled with so much excitement and adventure.
Davina was a very interesting to get to know. With all the trauma that occurred in her past you think it would have driven her to the edge. However, she was able to recognize her destructive behavior and work on herself. I admired that she was able to make a difference to those around her. Very seldom do we see these kind of stories happen in real life but when they do happen they are very inspirational.
Davina was a very interesting to get to know. With all the trauma that occurred in her past you think it would have driven her to the edge. However, she was able to recognize her destructive behavior and work on herself. I admired that she was able to make a difference to those around her. Very seldom do we see these kind of stories happen in real life but when they do happen they are very inspirational.
August 21, 2025
Oh my goodness what a ride this book was!
First off the cover is stunning it looks dark and creepy and reading the blurb I just knew it was a book I’d love.
The book follows Davina who is rebuilding her life after past traumas, it’s full of emotion as Davina struggles with the death of her friend plus trying to overcome her past.
A book that’s chilling as Davina looks into new attacks that are similar to hers, a real page turner full of suspense and tension.
Lots of twists along the way plus trying to work out who to trust made for an excellent thrilling read.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
First off the cover is stunning it looks dark and creepy and reading the blurb I just knew it was a book I’d love.
The book follows Davina who is rebuilding her life after past traumas, it’s full of emotion as Davina struggles with the death of her friend plus trying to overcome her past.
A book that’s chilling as Davina looks into new attacks that are similar to hers, a real page turner full of suspense and tension.
Lots of twists along the way plus trying to work out who to trust made for an excellent thrilling read.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
August 20, 2025
I really felt for Davina as she grappled with her past experiences, mixed with the nightmares and loss of her childhood best friend.
I admit I found this book hard in places because the author made it feel so real, causing me to have very strong, angry feelings towards some of the characters.
I wish I was as brave as Davina as she searches for the truth, even though it puts her in so much danger!
I really enjoyed the gritty old fashioned private eye "film noir" feel that the writing gave for me.
I admit I found this book hard in places because the author made it feel so real, causing me to have very strong, angry feelings towards some of the characters.
I wish I was as brave as Davina as she searches for the truth, even though it puts her in so much danger!
I really enjoyed the gritty old fashioned private eye "film noir" feel that the writing gave for me.
August 23, 2025
"Getting off the streets, rehab, cleaning up my life. I don't want to see anyone from my past."
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is one of my top favorite genres, and I had been waiting to get my hands on such a read for a long time. Trust me, these thrillers with psychological elements make you go crazy. This is one of those genres where I forget to eat and sleep on time.
Davina's character is ultimately shaped. I loved the way it's designed. The twists and turns will bring you to the edge of your seats. If you are not reading this, you are surely missing out on something.
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is one of my top favorite genres, and I had been waiting to get my hands on such a read for a long time. Trust me, these thrillers with psychological elements make you go crazy. This is one of those genres where I forget to eat and sleep on time.
Davina's character is ultimately shaped. I loved the way it's designed. The twists and turns will bring you to the edge of your seats. If you are not reading this, you are surely missing out on something.
August 18, 2025
Nine Seconds by Vincent deFilippo.
This was a good read. I liked the cover of this book. That's why I signed up. I loved the bridge with the moon. This is a new author for me. I wasn't sure who the killer was. There were a few suspects. I did like some of the characters. Davina was my favourite. I read this in a few days. I liked the writing style and the story. The ending did surprise me. I didn't expect that.
This was a good read. I liked the cover of this book. That's why I signed up. I loved the bridge with the moon. This is a new author for me. I wasn't sure who the killer was. There were a few suspects. I did like some of the characters. Davina was my favourite. I read this in a few days. I liked the writing style and the story. The ending did surprise me. I didn't expect that.
September 7, 2025
Keeps you guessing
This was a great read. I loved the characters and the plot was interesting. It seemed a little "slow" at times, but overall held my interest. I can usually figure out the end but I didn't with this book! It definitely had me guessing until the end.
This was a great read. I loved the characters and the plot was interesting. It seemed a little "slow" at times, but overall held my interest. I can usually figure out the end but I didn't with this book! It definitely had me guessing until the end.
April 19, 2024
Full of surprises
I loved the characters and the twists where you didn't know who to believe. Full of suspense and some sad parts. A surprising ending. Very good.
I loved the characters and the twists where you didn't know who to believe. Full of suspense and some sad parts. A surprising ending. Very good.
September 24, 2024
Good story
Gripping story. Far fetched in places. Too many characters. Everyone a suspect. Same old same old. Ho hum ho hum
Gripping story. Far fetched in places. Too many characters. Everyone a suspect. Same old same old. Ho hum ho hum
August 27, 2025
This was a new author for me and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
First of all I liked the cover, it was mysterious and intriguing. The prologue made it even more intriguing. There was a lot happening with a lot of loose threads. I was worried they wouldn’t pull together but they did!!
This deals with some quite complex and difficult issues, but it done in quite a decent way.
I ended up just being suspicious of every male in the story 😂😂 I thought I had it worked out quite early on, was proud of myself only for there to be a shock twist at the end. It’s always good when there’s a shock twist and you never expected it 💁🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
I’ll definitely be reading more of this author
First of all I liked the cover, it was mysterious and intriguing. The prologue made it even more intriguing. There was a lot happening with a lot of loose threads. I was worried they wouldn’t pull together but they did!!
This deals with some quite complex and difficult issues, but it done in quite a decent way.
I ended up just being suspicious of every male in the story 😂😂 I thought I had it worked out quite early on, was proud of myself only for there to be a shock twist at the end. It’s always good when there’s a shock twist and you never expected it 💁🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
I’ll definitely be reading more of this author
September 10, 2025
This is another new author to me and I was really drawn to this but the gorgeous moon on the cover!
The scene itself looked a little creepy and without reading the blurb, I wondered if this might end up a little paranormal?
It doesn't, but we do get a brilliantly tense and exciting thriller read that had me on the edge of my seat.
After her own attack years ago, Davina has lived with the trauma ever since.
Now her childhood friend has committed suicide - or so they say, but Davina is certain that her attacker is back and she's determined to seek the truth!
I did find this a little slow to start, but this was short-lived and once I settled into it, I was hooked to the end and unable to put this one down.
The writing style makes this feel so realistic and as such, makes for a tough read in places. But this does mean that there was a lot of emotions through the book.
This had me on edge, rooting for Davina and also actually hating some of the characters.
Davina was a great character to explore and I think her past, both the attack and her subsequent struggles, gave her the motivation and bravery to demand answers.
This was a twisty and exciting read and I'd love to read more by this author in the future.
The scene itself looked a little creepy and without reading the blurb, I wondered if this might end up a little paranormal?
It doesn't, but we do get a brilliantly tense and exciting thriller read that had me on the edge of my seat.
After her own attack years ago, Davina has lived with the trauma ever since.
Now her childhood friend has committed suicide - or so they say, but Davina is certain that her attacker is back and she's determined to seek the truth!
I did find this a little slow to start, but this was short-lived and once I settled into it, I was hooked to the end and unable to put this one down.
The writing style makes this feel so realistic and as such, makes for a tough read in places. But this does mean that there was a lot of emotions through the book.
This had me on edge, rooting for Davina and also actually hating some of the characters.
Davina was a great character to explore and I think her past, both the attack and her subsequent struggles, gave her the motivation and bravery to demand answers.
This was a twisty and exciting read and I'd love to read more by this author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews