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The Good Collar: A Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Thriller Book 1
What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?
In the gritty streets of Milwaukee, Sergeant Michael Quinn is a dedicated cop trying to do right by the city and his family. His world is shattered when his pregnant wife, Maggie, is brutally murdered, leaving Quinn on the brink of despair. Quinn struggles with grief, attempting to drown his sorrows in booze. His thirst for vengeance cannot be quenched. He finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of justice and retribution.
Quinn is on the brink of being fired when he's unexpectedly appointed as the police chaplain to save his pension. This unlikely position brings him closer to George Thomas, the revered chaplain known for his unwavering support of the force. But behind George’s benevolent facade lies a dark he is a meticulous serial killer who targets criminals who slip through the cracks of the justice system.
Mentored by George, Quinn is drawn into a shadowy world where the lines between justice and vengeance blur. Under George’s guidance, he learns the art of vigilantism, targeting those who evade the law while hunting down the men responsible for Maggie’s death. As Quinn delves deeper into this dual life, he must confront his own morality and the true cost of vengeance.
Will Michael Quinn survive his quest for revenge? Or will he perish attempting to administer it?
In the gritty streets of Milwaukee, Sergeant Michael Quinn is a dedicated cop trying to do right by the city and his family. His world is shattered when his pregnant wife, Maggie, is brutally murdered, leaving Quinn on the brink of despair. Quinn struggles with grief, attempting to drown his sorrows in booze. His thirst for vengeance cannot be quenched. He finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of justice and retribution.
Quinn is on the brink of being fired when he's unexpectedly appointed as the police chaplain to save his pension. This unlikely position brings him closer to George Thomas, the revered chaplain known for his unwavering support of the force. But behind George’s benevolent facade lies a dark he is a meticulous serial killer who targets criminals who slip through the cracks of the justice system.
Mentored by George, Quinn is drawn into a shadowy world where the lines between justice and vengeance blur. Under George’s guidance, he learns the art of vigilantism, targeting those who evade the law while hunting down the men responsible for Maggie’s death. As Quinn delves deeper into this dual life, he must confront his own morality and the true cost of vengeance.
Will Michael Quinn survive his quest for revenge? Or will he perish attempting to administer it?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
16 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Patrick O'Donnell
60 books28 followersPatrick O’Donnell is the product of two young Irish immigrants. He was born and spent his early childhood in the great city of Chicago.
He lives with his wife, kids, and 3 dogs. O’Donnell has published self-help books under different pen names and made Amazon’s “Best Sellers List.” Hobbies include physical fitness, travel, riding motorcycles, and shenanigans.
He lives with his wife, kids, and 3 dogs. O’Donnell has published self-help books under different pen names and made Amazon’s “Best Sellers List.” Hobbies include physical fitness, travel, riding motorcycles, and shenanigans.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 20, 2025
The "Good Collar" introduces to us the character of Michael Quinn, a veteran detective with a good life. Things change dramatically and tragically for him, and it leads to a spiral which takes him darkly into grief and despair. Channeling this grief is hard for him, and we are there for his descent.
Unlike Mr. O'Donnell's other wonderful police drama series "Brew City Blues", which follows a police officer form the first day, we are introduced to Quinn in the middle of his successful career. The experience is already there when we start, but the author still successfully introduces Quinn and reveals his character as he moves along in the story. Mr. O'Donnell has had a career in police work, and that is obvious in how he brings the character into the story and infuses it with "been there, done that" authenticity. The way in which Quinn is treated by his department and public is authentic, making the story more believable.
I found that the story moves along at a quick pace and was a quick read - not because of it being simple, but in how the author made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next to Quinn. Along the way I found myself saying "No, don't do it - bad move" as the main character made decisions. Quinn is then drawn into a world that he did not know was there, which makes me look forward to the next books to enter into that world, too.
If you like police fiction, read this book. If you want to start reading police fiction, read this book,
Even if you are not in law enforcement the themes are those that anyone and can appreciate. It is the beginning of Quinn's "heroes journey", and I now want to read the next book to follow along with Quinn's journey. It looks like it will be interesting, if the first book is any indication.
Unlike Mr. O'Donnell's other wonderful police drama series "Brew City Blues", which follows a police officer form the first day, we are introduced to Quinn in the middle of his successful career. The experience is already there when we start, but the author still successfully introduces Quinn and reveals his character as he moves along in the story. Mr. O'Donnell has had a career in police work, and that is obvious in how he brings the character into the story and infuses it with "been there, done that" authenticity. The way in which Quinn is treated by his department and public is authentic, making the story more believable.
I found that the story moves along at a quick pace and was a quick read - not because of it being simple, but in how the author made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next to Quinn. Along the way I found myself saying "No, don't do it - bad move" as the main character made decisions. Quinn is then drawn into a world that he did not know was there, which makes me look forward to the next books to enter into that world, too.
If you like police fiction, read this book. If you want to start reading police fiction, read this book,
Even if you are not in law enforcement the themes are those that anyone and can appreciate. It is the beginning of Quinn's "heroes journey", and I now want to read the next book to follow along with Quinn's journey. It looks like it will be interesting, if the first book is any indication.
January 22, 2025
Revenge is a dish best served with...a side of justice.
I couldn't put this book down. From its first pages to the last, the story and characters grab you and don't let go. This latest novel by Patrick O'Donnell is his best yet. And why? Because who hasn't thought about what you would do in the same situation as the main character? Who wouldn't do the same for their loved ones and their own sense of justice? This novel has great writing, characters and character development, and twists and turns you won't see coming. How do you follow up on such a great read? I'm betting author Patrick O'Donnell will show us.
I couldn't put this book down. From its first pages to the last, the story and characters grab you and don't let go. This latest novel by Patrick O'Donnell is his best yet. And why? Because who hasn't thought about what you would do in the same situation as the main character? Who wouldn't do the same for their loved ones and their own sense of justice? This novel has great writing, characters and character development, and twists and turns you won't see coming. How do you follow up on such a great read? I'm betting author Patrick O'Donnell will show us.
December 31, 2024
A page turner with a twist !
I’ve very much enjoyed Patrick O’Donnell’s previous books, and was particularly looking forward to reading The Good Collar, the first book in the brand new Vigilante Justice series.
The reader is quickly introduced to the main character, Sergeant Michael Quinn, a hardworking and dedicated police officer that works on the mean streets of Milwaukee. He’s happily married to the lovely Maggie, and life seems to be going well.
Maggie and Michael have a wonderful evening at a restaurant in the city, and
he is overjoyed to discover that Maggie is pregnant, and that he will become a father.
Things take a tragic turn when the couple are brutally attacked when walking back to their car. Michael does all he can to defend them, and manages to kill four of the six assailants. Sadly Maggie is murdered. Michael’s in a bad way and his injuries are critical, which leaves him in a coma, that lasts for several weeks.
When he eventually wakes up, his physical injuries are healing, but finding out that Maggie and his unborn child are both dead, fuels an immense desire for revenge, and he does all in his power to get back to work. Despite having a good family network, close colleagues and the professional services of Dr Emily Hemlock, the psychiatrist and George the police chaplain by his side, Michael is struggling with the immense grief, and terrible guilt, that he wasn’t able to save his beloved Maggie. He is not coping well, and drowns his sorrows in alcohol and making questionable decisions. Neither of which is helping him when it comes to the internal investigation of the incident, where he as a police officer had to use deadly force to defend himself and Maggie. Michael’s at rock-bottom and is about to be fired when George, the police chaplain takes him under his wing, but all isn’t as it seems.
O’Donnell cleverly throws us headfirst into the worst scenario possible, the tragic death of a loved one, politics on the police force, and the main characters thirst for vengeance drives the story forward. I enjoyed the different characters, of course Michael Quinn, but also the portrayal of Dr Emily Hemlock as well as George the police chaplain. O’Donnell is a terrific story teller and his background in law enforcement makes his voice authentic. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Well done for writing a superb page turner, with a terrific and unexpected twist !!
I’ve very much enjoyed Patrick O’Donnell’s previous books, and was particularly looking forward to reading The Good Collar, the first book in the brand new Vigilante Justice series.
The reader is quickly introduced to the main character, Sergeant Michael Quinn, a hardworking and dedicated police officer that works on the mean streets of Milwaukee. He’s happily married to the lovely Maggie, and life seems to be going well.
Maggie and Michael have a wonderful evening at a restaurant in the city, and
he is overjoyed to discover that Maggie is pregnant, and that he will become a father.
Things take a tragic turn when the couple are brutally attacked when walking back to their car. Michael does all he can to defend them, and manages to kill four of the six assailants. Sadly Maggie is murdered. Michael’s in a bad way and his injuries are critical, which leaves him in a coma, that lasts for several weeks.
When he eventually wakes up, his physical injuries are healing, but finding out that Maggie and his unborn child are both dead, fuels an immense desire for revenge, and he does all in his power to get back to work. Despite having a good family network, close colleagues and the professional services of Dr Emily Hemlock, the psychiatrist and George the police chaplain by his side, Michael is struggling with the immense grief, and terrible guilt, that he wasn’t able to save his beloved Maggie. He is not coping well, and drowns his sorrows in alcohol and making questionable decisions. Neither of which is helping him when it comes to the internal investigation of the incident, where he as a police officer had to use deadly force to defend himself and Maggie. Michael’s at rock-bottom and is about to be fired when George, the police chaplain takes him under his wing, but all isn’t as it seems.
O’Donnell cleverly throws us headfirst into the worst scenario possible, the tragic death of a loved one, politics on the police force, and the main characters thirst for vengeance drives the story forward. I enjoyed the different characters, of course Michael Quinn, but also the portrayal of Dr Emily Hemlock as well as George the police chaplain. O’Donnell is a terrific story teller and his background in law enforcement makes his voice authentic. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Well done for writing a superb page turner, with a terrific and unexpected twist !!
January 17, 2025
THE GOOD COLLAR, written by retired Milwaukee police Sergeant Patrick O’Donnell was a gripping and intense read. With a fascinating premise, O’Donnell wove together a dark, hard-boiled mystery. There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
THE GOOD COLLAR gives a unique perspective through the eyes of the protagonist, Sargeant Michael Quinn. We meet Quinn on the night his beloved pregnant wife dies and his world turns upside down. But what does vengeance and justice really look like? The answer comes from an unlikely character who’s both a hero and villain. Michael Quinn will be faced with a decision that will change his life forever as he realizes justice for his wife may not happen the way he thought.
Touching, but also realistic, THE GOOD COLLAR is for anyone who enjoys fast paced crime fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series and seeing where justice takes Michael Quinn next. I was given an ARC for a fair and honest review.
THE GOOD COLLAR gives a unique perspective through the eyes of the protagonist, Sargeant Michael Quinn. We meet Quinn on the night his beloved pregnant wife dies and his world turns upside down. But what does vengeance and justice really look like? The answer comes from an unlikely character who’s both a hero and villain. Michael Quinn will be faced with a decision that will change his life forever as he realizes justice for his wife may not happen the way he thought.
Touching, but also realistic, THE GOOD COLLAR is for anyone who enjoys fast paced crime fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series and seeing where justice takes Michael Quinn next. I was given an ARC for a fair and honest review.
December 23, 2024
The good collar is based on the age old tale of loss and revenge. The author takes us into a world he knows well - the police descriptions are very detailed and reads as authentic. The main story takes a while to get going, I do wish we got to the good stuff sooner. There are also some side stories that would’ve been great to dive deeper into. I love a big character gallery - and this book has plenty of interesting characters! I’m hoping all these people and stories get their fair shake in the next few books. All in all, a great story - I just wish we got more of it!
(ARC copy)
(ARC copy)
January 7, 2025
The best crime books are those written by law enforcement men and women who work the dangerous streets every day of their career. Patrick O'Donnell's book is filled with authentic rich detail including characters, surroundings and emotions. Even the small nuances within the story add heavy doses of reality to the story. It only took a few chapters to realize that this was going to be a book I couldn't put down until the end. You won't be disappointed.
March 19, 2025
Sergeant Quinn’s world is turned upside down when tragedy hits his perfect world. A night that started with joy turned into tragedy in a dark alley. Fighting for his life. This book grabs you right from page 1. From heart ache to revenging the killers. Quinn’s emotional roller coaster takes you through heart ache to bewilderment, as he discovers someone he knows is a killer. The author’s knowledge of law enforcement brings you into the world of the department. An engaging and easy read.
February 21, 2025
I'm always a sucker for a good vigilante thriller, especially by someone who has worked the job AND can write - the two don't always go together, unfortunately. I've read several reviews that have mentioned Dexter and I think the comparison is valid. That and The Equalizer but, of course, more cerebral. Recommended.
November 7, 2025
From the first chapter, The Good Collar had me hooked. Patrick O’Donnell takes you deep into the mind of a broken man fighting for justice when the system fails. The raw emotion, moral tension, and explosive action make this a standout in the vigilante thriller genre. Michael Quinn is a complex, unforgettable character.
November 7, 2025
This book is gritty, emotional, and unflinchingly real. Quinn’s pain is palpable, and his transformation from a grieving husband to a morally torn vigilante is brilliantly written. The twist involving the chaplain blew my mind. If you love stories about justice served off the record, this one’s for you.
March 1, 2025
more
We need more Michael Quinn’s in this world. Fantastic read. Thank You for writing it. Just don’t let him get caught in the next one.
We need more Michael Quinn’s in this world. Fantastic read. Thank You for writing it. Just don’t let him get caught in the next one.
June 7, 2025
Scary 😨
The latter parts of the story were frightening. For someone to go through what Michael did and then decide to do what he did is frightening to me as a reader.
The latter parts of the story were frightening. For someone to go through what Michael did and then decide to do what he did is frightening to me as a reader.
August 31, 2025
This was a good read with well-developed plot and characters. Will watch for the next one in the series when it comes out.
August 9, 2025
I understand that Mr. O'Donnell is a Subject Matter Expert on law enforcement, so I am cutting him some slack on the rating, but I do have the following issues (which would normally lower my rating):
1) I think the amount of pages spent on Quinn's drinking/ill-fated decisions are excessive. I have a hard time buying that a seasoned, respected police officer (who would have a long history of making sound judgement calls) would actually make some of these choices, even in times of intense grief. I also think that cops with drinking problems are now overdone in novels, movies, and television.
2) The "Mercedes Benz/Lopez" character and what happens with her seemed far-fetched and misplaced. I am intentionally being vague due to spoiler concerns.
3) I could have used less "Boyo" and "Papi", both of which also seemed excessive. Two of the characters use these words so much that they rapidly become overly stereotypical.
1) I think the amount of pages spent on Quinn's drinking/ill-fated decisions are excessive. I have a hard time buying that a seasoned, respected police officer (who would have a long history of making sound judgement calls) would actually make some of these choices, even in times of intense grief. I also think that cops with drinking problems are now overdone in novels, movies, and television.
2) The "Mercedes Benz/Lopez" character and what happens with her seemed far-fetched and misplaced. I am intentionally being vague due to spoiler concerns.
3) I could have used less "Boyo" and "Papi", both of which also seemed excessive. Two of the characters use these words so much that they rapidly become overly stereotypical.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews