Too Many Bridges: A Radic & Mulroy Mystery

by Bill Gormley

An eyewitness to a murder calls the Pittsburgh police from one of the city’s 446 bridges, then disappears. To solve the case, the police must find the bridge. But where to start? Detective Branko Radic and Officer Kathleen Mulroy seek help from a nun, a professor, a mechanic, and a tattoo artist. They learn of a family feud, a business in trouble, some sketchy Harry Potter merchandise, and a missing young woman. If only they can find the right bridge, they might be able to put it all together.

But sometimes, a case is like a funhouse mirror at an amusement park. You have to adjust to the distortions in order to perceive the truth.

Genres: Fiction, Crime

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Patti Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this mystery because it takes place in and around the Pittsburgh, PA. I loved the references to Kennywood, Primant'is, Pirates, major bridges, local colleges and hospitals, as well as Harry Potter. Good development of characters.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Bill Gormley’s Too Many Bridges is a captivating mystery that plunges readers into the heart of Pittsburgh’s labyrinthine network of bridges. This debut novel in the Radic & Mulroy series is a clever and engaging whodunit that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

This story begins with a dramatic phone call to the Pittsburgh police: an eyewitness to a murder reports the crime from one of the city’s 446 bridges, then vanishes without a trace. Detectives Branko Radic and Kathleen Mulroy are tasked with the daunting challenge of identifying the correct bridge to solve the case. Their investigation leads them to a diverse group of individuals, including a nun, a professor, a mechanic, and a tattoo artist.

Gormley excels in character development, particularly with his protagonists. Detective Branko Radic is a seasoned investigator with a sharp mind and a dry sense of humor, while Officer Kathleen Mulroy brings a fresh perspective and tenacity to the team. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. The interactions between Radic and Mulroy are a highlight, showcasing their growing partnership and mutual respect.

Gormley’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a strong sense of place that brings Pittsburgh to life. His descriptions of the city’s iconic bridges and the atmospheric settings add a layer of authenticity to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with suspense building steadily as the detectives navigate the twists and turns of the investigation. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, reflecting the complexities of the characters and their relationships.

Too Many Bridges explores themes of trust, deception, and the impact of past secrets on the present. It delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how personal histories and hidden motives can shape individuals’ actions. The novel also highlights the importance of community and the interconnectedness of people’s lives, much like the bridges that span Pittsburgh’s rivers.

Too Many Bridges is a compelling and well-crafted mystery that marks a promising start to the Radic & Mulroy series. Bill Gormley’s ability to blend intricate plotting with rich character development makes this book a standout in the genre. Fans of police procedurals and atmospheric mysteries will find much to enjoy in this engaging tale.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries, strong character dynamics, and a vivid sense of place. Too Many Bridges is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and intriguing detective series.

[Jamie Barringer (Ravenmount) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does indeed remind me of Ed McBain novels, but perhaps with more actual female characters. In this novel an anonymous tip is called in about a murder, but with very little information and no body. By the time the body comes into play, this book settles into a more satisfying pace and is pretty well done. What kept this book from being 5 stars for me was down to editing, most likely. The story wanders off on tangents a lot until the body shows up, and again after the case is resolved the book goes wandering off on over-long tangents when it feels like it ought to be wrapping up. I usually enjoy crime novels with nerdy tangents so I am not sure, offhand, what makes them work in other books, but in this novel they need editing. There are quite a few sections of dialogue that feel tediously long and the chapter with the entire newspaper article wrapping up the case was boring- I just read the whole story and do not need such a thorough recap at that point. That article could be a useful insert for a future novel though, maybe opening book 2 with the detective reading it or something. Anyway, not a bad book at all, needs editing, and for me a 4-star decent enough crime novel as is. I do hope this author continues his series.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a bad attitude going into this book. It was a gift and not one I would have chosen myself. I am not a regular mystery reader and I read the author's brother's novel and didn't really care for it. However, I did enjoy Too Many Bridges. It was not perfect, but the story kept me engaged.

Detective Branko Radic and Officer Kathleen Mulroy team up to solve a murder which starts with a phone call from an unidentified source from under one of Pittsburgh's 400+ bridges. The narrative features many Pittsburgh landmarks and the author generally throws in some Pittsburgh history (which may not interest non-Pittsburgh readers). Throughout the invesigation the team encounters and sometimes solicits help from a nun, a professor, a school bus driver, and a tattoo artist, among others. While there are a number of twists and turns, I had the perpetrator pegged fairly early on. Also, some of the characters and their thoughts seemed superfluous. I did appreciate that there was not excessive violence.

The cover implies that this may be a series, "A Radic and Mulroy Mystery", but I doubt that I will read more.

I noted what I think is a mistake/poor editing. Throughout, a trip to Bahamas is referenced, but on page 141, it becomes Bermuda.

[Helaine Mario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Gormley’s debut novel hits the ground running with a murder under a bridge and doesn’t let up. Compelling, smart, emotional and insightful, this mystery checks all the boxes. When the homeless witness disappears, Detective Branko Radic and his partner Kathleen Mulroy must search for answers in Pittsburgh, a city of over 400 bridges. What sets this story apart, for me, is Gormley’s great empathy for the city’s homeless population. As one character says, “Too many murders are hard on the soul.” This story and these characters will resonate with you, and leave you wanting a sequel.

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read by Professor Gormley

I enjoyed the story and the characters in this novel. I especially enjoyed learning
about Pittsburgh, its neighborhoods, and its many bridges and parks. As a Greek-American and who has relatives with the last name, Papadopoulos, it was fun seeing my culture represented. Demetri reminded me of my grandfather, an immigrant who found the America Dream. I highly recommend this book!

[James Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted police procedural that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The story features a compelling cast of well-developed characters, led by Branko Radic and his partner, Kathleen Mulroy—everyday people with relatable flaws, grit, and an unrelenting determination that makes you root for them every step of the way. I’m looking forward to Bill Gormley’s next book in this series.

[Karen Schnakenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting because set in Pittsburgh, where I have lived for a number of years. Somewhat interesting plot and basic characters but the writing is not as polished as it could be, particularly the way exposition about the setting and characters is handled.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery. It was really fun reading a story that included so many Pittsburgh references. Gormley did a great job of including detail and history without straying too far from the storyline.

[Evelyn Sander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Pittsburgh a number of times, so it was a fun throw back to some of the sights. There were a few flaws, the most egregious of which was getting Dumbledore’s first name wrong (in a book about Harry Potter fanatics this is unforgivable!) but overall a fun read!

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Really captures Pittsburgh!

[Robert F. Sterner · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Pittsburgh book. For those who know the area, the book has many factual details of the region. Enjoyed the story line and characters.

[Jay! M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, plot & mystery; however it was too simple. Almost in a YA way.