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The Banker
Embezzlement, murder, and beautiful women . . . Andy Roark, Vietnam veteran turned private investigator is on the case in this thrilling hardboiled mystery that’s perfect for fans of Robert B. Parker and Jeremiah Healy.
“Fans of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels . . . will be eager to see more of Roark” Publishers Weekly
“Roark is genuinely likeable (not too tough, but not a patsy)” The New York Times
Boston, 1986. Spring in Boston is always a miserable affair, and Andy Roark’s latest case offers nothing to raise his spirits. The ex-military operative turned private investigator has been hired by a bank president to investigate three of his staff. One of them has embezzled over two million dollars – and Brock wants Roark to find out who’s living above their means.
Sounds exciting enough, but after two weeks' tedious surveillance uncovers a grand total of nothing, Roark gives it up as a bad job. Brock needs a forensic accountant on the case, not a PI.
But several weeks later, the bank is held up, and one of Brock’s suspects is murdered by the robber. Is there a connection? Roark can’t see how, but he’s never been a fan of coincidence.
With the case niggling at him, he relaunches an investigation on his own dime. Soon he’s rubbing shoulders with some very shady characters – and trying his best not just to solve the case, but also to come out of it alive.
Written by a US Army veteran and New England police officer, the Andy Roark mystery series will appeal to fans of classic private detective novels, packed with wry humor, unexpected twists and explosive scenes.
“Fans of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels . . . will be eager to see more of Roark” Publishers Weekly
“Roark is genuinely likeable (not too tough, but not a patsy)” The New York Times
Boston, 1986. Spring in Boston is always a miserable affair, and Andy Roark’s latest case offers nothing to raise his spirits. The ex-military operative turned private investigator has been hired by a bank president to investigate three of his staff. One of them has embezzled over two million dollars – and Brock wants Roark to find out who’s living above their means.
Sounds exciting enough, but after two weeks' tedious surveillance uncovers a grand total of nothing, Roark gives it up as a bad job. Brock needs a forensic accountant on the case, not a PI.
But several weeks later, the bank is held up, and one of Brock’s suspects is murdered by the robber. Is there a connection? Roark can’t see how, but he’s never been a fan of coincidence.
With the case niggling at him, he relaunches an investigation on his own dime. Soon he’s rubbing shoulders with some very shady characters – and trying his best not just to solve the case, but also to come out of it alive.
Written by a US Army veteran and New England police officer, the Andy Roark mystery series will appeal to fans of classic private detective novels, packed with wry humor, unexpected twists and explosive scenes.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
19 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Peter Colt
13 books121 followersPeter Colt is currently a police officer in a small New England city where he has worked since 2007. He spent over twenty years in the Army reserve and was deployed to Kosovo in 2000, where he was attached to the Russian Army. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2008. He was fortunate to get to know many Vietnam vets and U.S. Army Special forces soldiers. He lived on Nantucket Island from 1973‑1986. He’s currently working on the next Andy Roark mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 5, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
“The Banker” by Peter Colt plunges readers into the gritty, morally ambiguous world of John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the early 1970s, the novel oozes with atmosphere, capturing the essence of a city grappling with its own identity in a time of societal upheaval.
Colt’s meticulous attention to detail brings Boston to life in a way that is vivid and immersive. The narrative is peppered with authentic references to landmarks and cultural touchstones of the era, offering a rich tapestry that serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s almost a character in itself. As a result, readers feel ensconced in the very fabric of the time and place, making the unfolding drama all the more compelling.
John Harris is a compelling protagonist, marked by complexity and depth. Colt skillfully peels back the layers of Harris's character, revealing a man haunted by his past yet driven by a code of honor that makes him a gripping figure to follow. Harris’s internal struggles and external challenges resonate on a human level, making his journey relatable and enthralling.
The plot of “The Banker” is a well-constructed labyrinth of intrigue and suspense. Colt deftly weaves multiple storylines together, creating a narrative that keeps readers on their toes. The pacing is taut, with each twist and turn meticulously crafted to heighten tension and maintain engagement. Colt’s experience as a detective lends an air of authenticity to the investigative elements of the story, enriching the procedural aspects with credibility and insight.
Colt does not shy away from the grey areas of justice and truth, and through Harris’s eyes, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of the human condition. This introspective layer adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple crime thriller to a profound commentary on the complexities of morality and redemption.
Im“The Banker” is a masterful blend of historical fiction and crime thriller, imbued with rich character development and an authentic sense of place. Peter Colt’s deft storytelling and nuanced approach make this novel a standout in its genre, offering readers a gripping and thought-provoking journey through the dark, conflicted heart of 1970s Boston. Whether you’re a fan of hard-boiled detective tales or historical narratives, “The Banker” is a rewarding read that lingers long after the final page.
“The Banker” by Peter Colt plunges readers into the gritty, morally ambiguous world of John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the early 1970s, the novel oozes with atmosphere, capturing the essence of a city grappling with its own identity in a time of societal upheaval.
Colt’s meticulous attention to detail brings Boston to life in a way that is vivid and immersive. The narrative is peppered with authentic references to landmarks and cultural touchstones of the era, offering a rich tapestry that serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s almost a character in itself. As a result, readers feel ensconced in the very fabric of the time and place, making the unfolding drama all the more compelling.
John Harris is a compelling protagonist, marked by complexity and depth. Colt skillfully peels back the layers of Harris's character, revealing a man haunted by his past yet driven by a code of honor that makes him a gripping figure to follow. Harris’s internal struggles and external challenges resonate on a human level, making his journey relatable and enthralling.
The plot of “The Banker” is a well-constructed labyrinth of intrigue and suspense. Colt deftly weaves multiple storylines together, creating a narrative that keeps readers on their toes. The pacing is taut, with each twist and turn meticulously crafted to heighten tension and maintain engagement. Colt’s experience as a detective lends an air of authenticity to the investigative elements of the story, enriching the procedural aspects with credibility and insight.
Colt does not shy away from the grey areas of justice and truth, and through Harris’s eyes, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of the human condition. This introspective layer adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple crime thriller to a profound commentary on the complexities of morality and redemption.
Im“The Banker” is a masterful blend of historical fiction and crime thriller, imbued with rich character development and an authentic sense of place. Peter Colt’s deft storytelling and nuanced approach make this novel a standout in its genre, offering readers a gripping and thought-provoking journey through the dark, conflicted heart of 1970s Boston. Whether you’re a fan of hard-boiled detective tales or historical narratives, “The Banker” is a rewarding read that lingers long after the final page.
June 22, 2025
Andy Roark Returns
This is the latest in a series about Boston private detective Andy Roark. The series is well worth reading but this can be read as a stand alone. The background. Andy Roark is a private investigator in 1986 Boston. He is a native of South Boston. After high school he enlisted in the Army. He was selected for Special Forces and spent three years in Vietnam as part of the Special Operations Group assigned to clandestine missions. After the war, Roark was a Boston P9ice officer. Then he became a P.I. He is a sole practitioner. He has the usual law enforcement frenemies. He is Spenser like in that his investigative technique is to shake things up and see what happens. A lot of fights and shootouts follow. The author researched the Vietnam special operations war. Roark is troubled by his war experience but by no means dysfunctional. His Vietnam experience is treated respectfully.
He has a tendency to involve himself with femme fatales.
In this outing, Roark is hired by the President of a small bank to investigate a possible embezzlement with three employee suspects. This is definitely out of his wheelhouse…..until murderous gunmen and organized crime figures join the case. There is plenty of action. A new girlfriend. A buddy from the war. Colt’s 1986 Boston is well crafted. There is a lot of action. As a retired law enforcement professional, I don’t look for pinpoint accuracy in this genre. Just plausibility. I enjoy Roark and his world. I’ll continue reading the series. It’s plausible enough and more importantly enjoyable. I recommend the series.
This is the latest in a series about Boston private detective Andy Roark. The series is well worth reading but this can be read as a stand alone. The background. Andy Roark is a private investigator in 1986 Boston. He is a native of South Boston. After high school he enlisted in the Army. He was selected for Special Forces and spent three years in Vietnam as part of the Special Operations Group assigned to clandestine missions. After the war, Roark was a Boston P9ice officer. Then he became a P.I. He is a sole practitioner. He has the usual law enforcement frenemies. He is Spenser like in that his investigative technique is to shake things up and see what happens. A lot of fights and shootouts follow. The author researched the Vietnam special operations war. Roark is troubled by his war experience but by no means dysfunctional. His Vietnam experience is treated respectfully.
He has a tendency to involve himself with femme fatales.
In this outing, Roark is hired by the President of a small bank to investigate a possible embezzlement with three employee suspects. This is definitely out of his wheelhouse…..until murderous gunmen and organized crime figures join the case. There is plenty of action. A new girlfriend. A buddy from the war. Colt’s 1986 Boston is well crafted. There is a lot of action. As a retired law enforcement professional, I don’t look for pinpoint accuracy in this genre. Just plausibility. I enjoy Roark and his world. I’ll continue reading the series. It’s plausible enough and more importantly enjoyable. I recommend the series.
April 1, 2025
Andy Roark is ex-military who has become a private investigator. He has been hired by a bank president as he has discovered someone within the bank has been embezzling money. He gives Roark three employees that could have done it.
Roark spends weeks following the three employees and is bored as he can't find them doing anything suspicious. He decides to write his report and move on to something else.
The same bank gets robbed and one of the suspects gets killed during the robbery. Roark doesn't believe in coincidence so he decides to investigate on his own.
This was an interesting who done it filled with shady characters. The ending was different than what I expected. This is part of series but works as a stand alone. If you like solving crime with a PI you will enjoy this mystery.
Roark spends weeks following the three employees and is bored as he can't find them doing anything suspicious. He decides to write his report and move on to something else.
The same bank gets robbed and one of the suspects gets killed during the robbery. Roark doesn't believe in coincidence so he decides to investigate on his own.
This was an interesting who done it filled with shady characters. The ending was different than what I expected. This is part of series but works as a stand alone. If you like solving crime with a PI you will enjoy this mystery.
February 9, 2025
Thank you very much Peter Colt for a brilliant book.
Couldn't put it down.
John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Knows nothing about Embezzlement but when the bank is robbed and one of the suspects murdered and days later the other suspect killed John Harris as to learn quickly.
A brilliant character the story gives you enough background to understand him.
Cannot wait for more.
Couldn't put it down.
John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Knows nothing about Embezzlement but when the bank is robbed and one of the suspects murdered and days later the other suspect killed John Harris as to learn quickly.
A brilliant character the story gives you enough background to understand him.
Cannot wait for more.
August 14, 2025
Glacially paced with repetitive sequences (e.g. feeding the cat). It contains factual and grammatical errors, too many to count. The title tells you 'whodunnit'. I didn't get past page 50. And because it's published through an English publisher all the dialogue uses the single quote instead of the double quote we are used to in the US. It's a weird oddity to see this while reading a story set in Boston.
Read
August 27, 2025Good series.
September 23, 2025
A lot to like in this book for me - likeable and colorful characters, local Boston color, humor. There were, however, aspects of the plot that didn't entirely make sense to me.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews