What do you think?
Rate this book
Murder by Half: A Nathan Press Thriller
Live by the code. Die by the code.
Fresh off six months of work-related medical leave and still reeling from a divorce, Providence Police Detective Sergeant Nathan Press receives a cryptic letter from Riley Talbert, a prominent attorney friend, imploring that they meet. Included in Talbert’s message is an ominous Tell no one.
When Talbert fails to show for the meeting and instead washes up dead on a riverbank, Press and his squad of crack detectives are thrust headlong into a murder case that is far bigger than anything they could have ever imagined.
Determined to untangle the knotted clues and solve his friend’s murder, Press unearths the terrible secret at the core of the investigation—a secret that some people will do anything to keep hidden. But if Press is going to expose their evil designs to the light of day and bring Talbert’s killers to justice before more people die, he’ll have to risk more than just his badge. He will have to risk everything, including his life.
Fresh off six months of work-related medical leave and still reeling from a divorce, Providence Police Detective Sergeant Nathan Press receives a cryptic letter from Riley Talbert, a prominent attorney friend, imploring that they meet. Included in Talbert’s message is an ominous Tell no one.
When Talbert fails to show for the meeting and instead washes up dead on a riverbank, Press and his squad of crack detectives are thrust headlong into a murder case that is far bigger than anything they could have ever imagined.
Determined to untangle the knotted clues and solve his friend’s murder, Press unearths the terrible secret at the core of the investigation—a secret that some people will do anything to keep hidden. But if Press is going to expose their evil designs to the light of day and bring Talbert’s killers to justice before more people die, he’ll have to risk more than just his badge. He will have to risk everything, including his life.
- GenresThriller
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2024
7 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Dony Jay
4 books36 followersDONY JAY was born and raised in beautiful south-central Pennsylvania. Whether it was playing baseball with neighborhood kids during the summer months or hockey on a slab of ice in his childhood backyard in winter, he’s always had a passion for sports. Dony excelled at soccer and basketball and played both sports collegiately. He holds a BS degree in criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania. A self-described book addict, Dony possesses an insatiable zeal for the written word—something he largely credits to his faithful prep-school English teachers.
Dony is now a police detective with over 21 years of law-enforcement experience. He has served on a US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and is currently a member of a county-wide Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and his department's forensic unit. Outside the crime-scene tape, he is the author of smart, exciting thrillers with richly drawn characters and plots that pack a punch.
When he's not reading or writing, Dony loves spending time with his family, staying fit, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. He also enjoys the outdoors, great music, and keeping pace with Jovie, his lovable and very active Jack Russell Terrier. Above all, he's a follower of Jesus Christ. He resides in south-central Pennsylvania.
Dony is now a police detective with over 21 years of law-enforcement experience. He has served on a US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and is currently a member of a county-wide Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and his department's forensic unit. Outside the crime-scene tape, he is the author of smart, exciting thrillers with richly drawn characters and plots that pack a punch.
When he's not reading or writing, Dony loves spending time with his family, staying fit, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. He also enjoys the outdoors, great music, and keeping pace with Jovie, his lovable and very active Jack Russell Terrier. Above all, he's a follower of Jesus Christ. He resides in south-central Pennsylvania.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 31, 2024
Dony Jay is the author of WARRIOR SPY and ARTIFACTS OF CONSPIRACY, two novels in the Warrior Spy Thriller Series. These two books introduced me to his considerable talent, where he sends his heroes—led by Special Forces Operator Reagan Rainey—against lethal adversaries in tales of military/espionage, all set against the backdrop of real, personal faith in God. In the Warrior Spy Series, you get it all—joint special ops, fast-paced action, three-letter agency antics, richly-drawn characters, smart dialogue, and an excellent plot that will make you want to finish the story to discover how it all turns out.
I think that when he was working on the Warrior Spy Series, in the back of his mind, Dony was noodling on the idea of writing an adventure a bit closer to home—something he was intimately familiar with, a story that he could draw on from his own personal and professional experiences and background. You see, Dony isn’t just an author, he’s a cop and detective in Pennsylvania, having served on a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and is a current member of a county-wide Child Abduction Response Team, as well as his department’s forensic unit. That being said, he definitely has the chops to pen a compelling police procedural novel. And what a novel it is.
In MURDER BY HALF, Providence Police Detective Sergeant Nathan Press is getting back on his feet after being shot twice and nearly drowning in the Providence River while tussling with a suspect. Not only that, but he’s also recovering from the emotional damage done to him by divorce. But Press is tough and resilient and pulls through with grit and determination. He’s called back on the job when an old friend, Riley Talbert, a high-profile attorney, is found murdered. What follows is an action-packed thriller that pulls no punches.
There’s meat for literary carnivores in this novel. Dony seems to have taken everything he learned in writing the Warrior Spy novels and poured it into MURDER BY HALF. He creates each setting like a good host sets a fine table. Echoing his previous series, characters are built up and are believable. You’ll grow to like the protagonists and likewise despise the bad guys. Every sentence is meticulously put together. The hardware used and the procedures are well-described, and while there are plenty of acronyms and cop-talk, it grounds the story in reality and puts a stamp of authenticity on every page.
Dony also injects real-world faith in the drama, but not in an overtly preachy way. His characters suffer, like real-life people, and are at their core looking for answers. In this faith-driven story, Press discovers what some of those answers are.
No spoilers in this review; but I will comment on the conspiracy at the heart of the story. Dony posits a threat that’s only too real but ignored or denied by the media. Kudos to this author for shining a light on something that all too many ‘journalists’ are happy to ignore—or are at worst, paid and directed to sweep under the rug.
While Dony is self-published, the books have a look that gives them the professional imprint of a major publishing house. The interior formatting is skillfully eye-pleasing, beautifully crafted, and the cover art of all the books is first-rate. Add in that they’re extremely well-written. The prose is top-notch, and I have no doubt that some publicist or literary agency will be shopping Dony’s considerable talents to a big-name publisher in the very near future—if they haven’t already started.
MURDER BY HALF is the first installment in the Nathan Press Thriller series. Having just finished this one, I’m a fan, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter. And there’s more good news; Dony Jay just posted that the third book in the Warrior Spy series, AGENCY AT WAR, is coming this summer.
Bottom line, up front: This is very good. FIVE STARS. If you read ONE book this year, well, then, you’re not reading enough, but if you do, read this one. Looking for an excellent read and a chance to match wits with the detectives in MURDER BY HALF? Then you definitely need to give this a try—along with Dony Jay’s other compelling novels.
I think that when he was working on the Warrior Spy Series, in the back of his mind, Dony was noodling on the idea of writing an adventure a bit closer to home—something he was intimately familiar with, a story that he could draw on from his own personal and professional experiences and background. You see, Dony isn’t just an author, he’s a cop and detective in Pennsylvania, having served on a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and is a current member of a county-wide Child Abduction Response Team, as well as his department’s forensic unit. That being said, he definitely has the chops to pen a compelling police procedural novel. And what a novel it is.
In MURDER BY HALF, Providence Police Detective Sergeant Nathan Press is getting back on his feet after being shot twice and nearly drowning in the Providence River while tussling with a suspect. Not only that, but he’s also recovering from the emotional damage done to him by divorce. But Press is tough and resilient and pulls through with grit and determination. He’s called back on the job when an old friend, Riley Talbert, a high-profile attorney, is found murdered. What follows is an action-packed thriller that pulls no punches.
There’s meat for literary carnivores in this novel. Dony seems to have taken everything he learned in writing the Warrior Spy novels and poured it into MURDER BY HALF. He creates each setting like a good host sets a fine table. Echoing his previous series, characters are built up and are believable. You’ll grow to like the protagonists and likewise despise the bad guys. Every sentence is meticulously put together. The hardware used and the procedures are well-described, and while there are plenty of acronyms and cop-talk, it grounds the story in reality and puts a stamp of authenticity on every page.
Dony also injects real-world faith in the drama, but not in an overtly preachy way. His characters suffer, like real-life people, and are at their core looking for answers. In this faith-driven story, Press discovers what some of those answers are.
No spoilers in this review; but I will comment on the conspiracy at the heart of the story. Dony posits a threat that’s only too real but ignored or denied by the media. Kudos to this author for shining a light on something that all too many ‘journalists’ are happy to ignore—or are at worst, paid and directed to sweep under the rug.
While Dony is self-published, the books have a look that gives them the professional imprint of a major publishing house. The interior formatting is skillfully eye-pleasing, beautifully crafted, and the cover art of all the books is first-rate. Add in that they’re extremely well-written. The prose is top-notch, and I have no doubt that some publicist or literary agency will be shopping Dony’s considerable talents to a big-name publisher in the very near future—if they haven’t already started.
MURDER BY HALF is the first installment in the Nathan Press Thriller series. Having just finished this one, I’m a fan, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter. And there’s more good news; Dony Jay just posted that the third book in the Warrior Spy series, AGENCY AT WAR, is coming this summer.
Bottom line, up front: This is very good. FIVE STARS. If you read ONE book this year, well, then, you’re not reading enough, but if you do, read this one. Looking for an excellent read and a chance to match wits with the detectives in MURDER BY HALF? Then you definitely need to give this a try—along with Dony Jay’s other compelling novels.
October 21, 2024
Jay wrote two really good books back in 2016 and 2017 in his Warrior Spy Series. I was very impressed with his books, and have been hoping he would write more. And he finally has. Plus, there is a third book on the way in the series I mentioned.
The good: Awesome writing. The author is a police detective and has some pretty impressive things he does and is into. That showed in the book. It seemed to me that there was a lot more detail in the procedures and work Nate and his team did than is in your average Christian fiction novel.
The plot was really impressive. I had no idea as to the why and what was going on, but it was fun getting to that point....and then when it was finally revealed....wow. The author had a lot of threads and bad guys that he pulled all together to make a plot that was just awesome.
Nate Press makes a great main character for the book and series. He was easy to like, and was a complex guy with a lot of depth. The book had a lot of other great and likable characters, such as Nate's team, and Seth. The latter becomes a main character, and yes...I know the book is fiction, but still....what an awesome kid, and he becomes the center of everything at one point.
I liked the faith element of the book. Nate struggles with his faith, and that is something I identify more than ever in life. His slight and gradual move back to church also opens up a possible romance, which is a very minor part of the story for those who like to avoid books with a lot of romance.
The bad: Maybe it is because I don't read secular fiction that has all kinds of bad language in, but it is a pet peeve when it pops up in a Christian novel. I am not saying I am some kind of huge influencer, but I always point it out in my reviews no matter how much I like an author, for a few reasons....but one is because I do influence some people to read authors and books - probably not a huge amount - but some - and that is one reason I make mention:
There was one use of hell as an expletive, and 3 uses of mofo by a criminal. I hoped it didn't mean what I assumed, but after Googling it...yeah. So I was disappointed by that. And if it had not been for that, this would be a 5 star review.
That aside, this was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
The good: Awesome writing. The author is a police detective and has some pretty impressive things he does and is into. That showed in the book. It seemed to me that there was a lot more detail in the procedures and work Nate and his team did than is in your average Christian fiction novel.
The plot was really impressive. I had no idea as to the why and what was going on, but it was fun getting to that point....and then when it was finally revealed....wow. The author had a lot of threads and bad guys that he pulled all together to make a plot that was just awesome.
Nate Press makes a great main character for the book and series. He was easy to like, and was a complex guy with a lot of depth. The book had a lot of other great and likable characters, such as Nate's team, and Seth. The latter becomes a main character, and yes...I know the book is fiction, but still....what an awesome kid, and he becomes the center of everything at one point.
I liked the faith element of the book. Nate struggles with his faith, and that is something I identify more than ever in life. His slight and gradual move back to church also opens up a possible romance, which is a very minor part of the story for those who like to avoid books with a lot of romance.
The bad: Maybe it is because I don't read secular fiction that has all kinds of bad language in, but it is a pet peeve when it pops up in a Christian novel. I am not saying I am some kind of huge influencer, but I always point it out in my reviews no matter how much I like an author, for a few reasons....but one is because I do influence some people to read authors and books - probably not a huge amount - but some - and that is one reason I make mention:
There was one use of hell as an expletive, and 3 uses of mofo by a criminal. I hoped it didn't mean what I assumed, but after Googling it...yeah. So I was disappointed by that. And if it had not been for that, this would be a 5 star review.
That aside, this was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 11, 2025
4 of 5 stars
Murder By Half was a welcome addition to the crime thriller genre. The amount of detail Dony Jay put into this book made it so realistic. Although I could have used a few less details in certain areas that came off a little gruesome (but only a couple areas). Nathan Press interested me from the start. The no nonsense detective figured out the mystery at an excellent pace without missing any details that a reader might catch. The reason for the murder felt like it could very possibly have happened with the events of today (no spoilers here). As someone not super into murder mysteries, I actually quite enjoyed this book. There were however a few things hard to follow. Several POVs seemed inconsistent. There were things that another character would think that wasn’t in the particular POV. There were also repeated references to the bad guys being “professionals”. More than five. But that isn’t that big of a deal. This book I would highly recommend. Dony’s expertise as a detective really shows in this book. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Murder By Half was a welcome addition to the crime thriller genre. The amount of detail Dony Jay put into this book made it so realistic. Although I could have used a few less details in certain areas that came off a little gruesome (but only a couple areas). Nathan Press interested me from the start. The no nonsense detective figured out the mystery at an excellent pace without missing any details that a reader might catch. The reason for the murder felt like it could very possibly have happened with the events of today (no spoilers here). As someone not super into murder mysteries, I actually quite enjoyed this book. There were however a few things hard to follow. Several POVs seemed inconsistent. There were things that another character would think that wasn’t in the particular POV. There were also repeated references to the bad guys being “professionals”. More than five. But that isn’t that big of a deal. This book I would highly recommend. Dony’s expertise as a detective really shows in this book. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2025
I have not read a crime thriller this good since WEB Griffin’s The Investigator’s series! Dony Jay applies his decades of law enforcement/detective experience to his exceptional writing talent to craft a masterful story with memorable characters and an eerily relevant conspiracy plot. He drew me in immediately and kept me turning the pages with skillful pacing and narrative. He has an amazing ability to set the scene with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader. A previous reviewer expressed objection to the faith content but I beg to differ. Yes, there is some faith content but it is not preachy nor does it in any way detract from the story. In actuality, it is less than one percent of the story and simply serves as one of many well sewn conflicts/issues the protagonist, Nathan Press, struggles with. I found it relevant and intriguing but in no way should this dissuade skeptics or secular readers from enjoying this outstanding read. I echo author Tosca Lee; “We need more Nathan Press!”
September 10, 2025
Riveting!
Press is one of the good guys. He’s a detective who truly believes in working hard to solve cases, to help people, and bring justice.
A friend has been found after being murdered. Just the afternoon before, Press found a cryptic note in his mailbox from this same friend. Something is definitely “off”.
Press does what he does best and starts to work on the case. Before he knows what happened, his own life is in danger. He has put faith on the back burner for a good while, but visits a friend’s church and it gets him thinking again. He also meets an intriguing woman at the church. Will a possible connection be made?
The mind blowing case is extremely well written and the suspense just keeps building.
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next one!!
Don’t pass this along book up if you suspense intrigues you.
Press is one of the good guys. He’s a detective who truly believes in working hard to solve cases, to help people, and bring justice.
A friend has been found after being murdered. Just the afternoon before, Press found a cryptic note in his mailbox from this same friend. Something is definitely “off”.
Press does what he does best and starts to work on the case. Before he knows what happened, his own life is in danger. He has put faith on the back burner for a good while, but visits a friend’s church and it gets him thinking again. He also meets an intriguing woman at the church. Will a possible connection be made?
The mind blowing case is extremely well written and the suspense just keeps building.
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next one!!
Don’t pass this along book up if you suspense intrigues you.
November 20, 2024
Discovered this on hoopla and needed a filler in between best sellers and it was ok. The plot of a few murders coming together was good and the reason for it not revealed until the later half of the book. I am however not much of a fan of faith being brought into books and wish it was more clear that this was that kind of book before reading it.
I am just not into reading about God etc in a fiction book.
I am just not into reading about God etc in a fiction book.
December 17, 2024
In this book you will read about dangerous people who are willing to kill anyone in their path. Press is an amazing police officer who puts his life in danger to find the guilty people and bring them to justice. Dony Jay will have you flipping through this book waiting to see what happens next. You can’t stop reading this book.
January 18, 2025
Great Storyline
This book kept me entertained and at the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading late into the night. I’ve also read his other books and they’re great.
This book kept me entertained and at the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading late into the night. I’ve also read his other books and they’re great.
March 3, 2025
Incredible.
What a brilliant work of Christian fiction. It is a brilliantly researched thriller and very captivating.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a brilliant work of Christian fiction. It is a brilliantly researched thriller and very captivating.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
August 15, 2025
Excellent Read
Well written clean page turner. Couldn’t put it down! I am Definitely looking forward to more books by Dony Jay.
Well written clean page turner. Couldn’t put it down! I am Definitely looking forward to more books by Dony Jay.
July 8, 2025
4 of 5 stars
Murder By Half was a welcome addition to the crime thriller genre. The amount of detail Dony Jay put into this book made it so realistic. Although I could have used a few less details in certain areas that came off a little gruesome (but only a couple areas). Nathan Press interested me from the start. The no nonsense detective figured out the mystery at an excellent pace without missing any details that a reader might catch. The reason for the murder felt like it could very possibly have happened with the events of today (no spoilers here). As someone not super into murder mysteries, I actually quite enjoyed this book. There were however a few things hard to follow. Several POVs seemed inconsistent. There were things that another character would think that wasn’t in the particular POV. There were also repeated references to the bad guys being “professionals”. More than five. But that isn’t that big of a deal. This book I would highly recommend. Dony’s expertise as a detective really shows in this book. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Murder By Half was a welcome addition to the crime thriller genre. The amount of detail Dony Jay put into this book made it so realistic. Although I could have used a few less details in certain areas that came off a little gruesome (but only a couple areas). Nathan Press interested me from the start. The no nonsense detective figured out the mystery at an excellent pace without missing any details that a reader might catch. The reason for the murder felt like it could very possibly have happened with the events of today (no spoilers here). As someone not super into murder mysteries, I actually quite enjoyed this book. There were however a few things hard to follow. Several POVs seemed inconsistent. There were things that another character would think that wasn’t in the particular POV. There were also repeated references to the bad guys being “professionals”. More than five. But that isn’t that big of a deal. This book I would highly recommend. Dony’s expertise as a detective really shows in this book. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews