The Ritualist: A Vince Tanaka Thriller Series

by Adam Roach

Three Victims. Three Days. Every Three Years.

Some killers stop. Some disappear. The dangerous ones evolve.

Detective Vince Tanaka is ready to leave his NYPD career behind for a fresh start with the FBI and his family in San Diego. But when bodies begin appearing in churches across Manhattan again, Vince is pulled back into the cold case that’s haunted him for three The Ritualist.

Vince has pursued the most methodical serial killer New York has ever seen - a predator who turns churches into crime scenes and leaves victims bearing the precise cuts of an autopsy. After the first body is discovered, Vince realizes the case is far more complex than anyone suspected.

When a priest overhears ancient Latin exorcism rites at the first murder scene, Vince realizes this might be more than just a ritualistic killer. As the investigation takes a shocking personal turn, Vince must race to protect not only the next victim but also those closest to him.

In this pulse-pounding debut thriller, Adam Roach crafts a labyrinthine game of cat and mouse where nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous threat might be the one Vince doesn't see coming.

Some demons can't be exorcised. Some nightmares follow you home.

Genres: Thriller

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Crafting twists and chasing shadows is what I love to do. I started writing in the YA Fantasy realm mainly due to writing a book for my son, which is quite the story in itself. But I've always had a passion for thrillers and twists ever since seeing The Usual Suspects when I was a teenager.

I hope you come to find my books are fast paced and leave you on the edge of your seat. I regularly hear comments like, "I was almost late for class", "I didn't want to have to make dinner for my family", "I stayed up way too late telling myself just one more chapter".

If this ends up being you, please let me know! I want to add you to the growing list of those who love chasing shadows!

Reviews

[Kristi Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE RITUALIST by ADAM ROACH! New Author that I pulled from my TBR 😳 OMG! I read this in hours!

The first page YOUR LOCKED IN READERS! A freaking phenomenal read that kept me up HOURS last night. I could not turn this book loose from my hands. Oh hell naw!

This serial killer listens to the ANGEL! His words are TRUTH! NO MERCY! Sadistic scenes, gruesome as the story unfolds every three years!

The authorities are tired but relentless.

Meet Vince and how PERSONAL this is to him!

The plot thickens 😱 acts of murder make the reader cringe, bone chilling to the very end!

THE RITUALIST took my mind to some sordid places and WTH 🤦‍♀️ moments that my own body shivered in fear.

Killers blend in. Omg 😱 they do!

Five ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me EASY!
Awesome characters full of personality and full drive on these fast turning pages!

Adam Roach!!! Incredible!

[Alicia Gines · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ritualistic is a dark, gripping psychological thriller that dives into the chilling world of detectives and serial killers. That premise alone was enough to pull me in, but what kept me hooked was the depth and complexity of the characters. It took a little while to get to know each one, but once I did, I genuinely fell in love with them all—even the villains (in a creepy, "what’s wrong with me?" kind of way).

Adam Roach does a phenomenal job weaving together backstories that make the characters feel real, layered, and memorable. I especially want to shout out the thoughtful and powerful feminist representation throughout the book. I kept expecting certain roles to default to male characters, and was happily surprised by how often strong, capable women were front and center. It was refreshing and so well done.

This book will stick with me for a long time. Roach’s storytelling is bold, inclusive, and utterly compelling. I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

[Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
When a series of gruesome murders shakes New York, each marked by strange religious symbols and silver coins placed over the victims’ eyes, Detective Vince Tanaka is pulled into a chilling investigation that blurs the line between faith, ritual, and madness. As the killings escalate, Tanaka and his partner race to uncover the truth behind the so-called “Ritualist”—a murderer who believes he’s purging demons from his victims. But what begins as a case about obsession and belief soon becomes deeply personal for Vince, forcing him to confront secrets buried in his own past.

Review:
Adam Roach delivers a dark, cinematic thriller. The pacing is relentless—chapters fly by—and the dialogue feels natural, giving the story a lived-in authenticity. Roach handles themes of trauma, faith, and the thin boundary between good and evil with surprising nuance.
Detective Vince Tanaka is a standout lead—flawed, sharp, and believable—and his chemistry with supporting characters like Leo Alvarez keeps the tension grounded. The writing mixes procedural realism with unsettling, almost spiritual horror, creating a thriller that’s both page-turning and thought-provoking.
Fans of dark serial-killer fiction and crime thrillers will find "The Ritualist" impossible to put down. It’s an impressive, chilling start to what promises to be a compelling new series and can hardly wait for the sequel.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nightmares wear a human face.

The Ritualist is a chilling, atmospheric debut that blends procedural grit with sinister, supernatural undertones. Detective Vince Tanaka, on the cusp of leaving his NYPD past behind, is dragged back into a cold case when bodies begin appearing—again. Ritualistic, surgical, and horrifyingly precise. Adam doesn’t just give us a killer—he gives us a myth. With blood-soaked churches, whispers of Latin rites, and a killer who’s waited three years to strike again, this story lures you in and you can’t escape!

The tension is suffocating, the twists unrelenting, and Vince's personal stakes bring a raw emotional edge to the carnage. There is more to come with the cliffhanger of an ending!

[P. Kisatsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC of this book and it was such an amazing read!! Great characters and exciting storyline that kept developing making it hard to put the book down (I finished in 2 days). I hate when I read a thriller and the author ties it up in a neat little bow in a few sentences. Not this one…yes the story was resolved but has me wanting more and more of the main character Vince Tanaka. I hope Adam Roach is hard at work on another Tanaka book!!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. After looking over the synopsis I knew this was something for me. It gives The Alphabet Killer meets The Apostle Fury vibes for sure. And those series are my favorites. I love Vince and Leo throughout this book both characters are relatable and easy to enjoy. The constant niggle is definitely there. This ends with that cliffhanger making you instantly want to grab book 2. Adam we are patiently waiting. Or maybe it is impatiently.... Can't wait for more books by this author.

[Stacey Luster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!
Honestly weeks after reading I was still thinking about the characters, I cant wait for the next book.
I finished this in a day, and couldnt put it down, it flowed nicely, sometimes I have to reread a paragraph to see if I missed anything, or sometimes I just cant get into a book, but this is a fave!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE RITUALIST - Easy to read with interesting storylines and a variety of character points of view set at a good pace. Good dialog, low profanity (thank you, Adam), low-graphic descriptions of violence, and plenty of family and co-workers camaraderie made for a one sitting read. Source: The author. 5*

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading the ARC of this book. It was engaging and suspenseful. I connected with the main characters quickly and there was the perfect amount of build up to the ending of this part of the story. There will clearly be more to come as we are left with a cliffhanger at the end.

[Crystal Preza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the character building in this book and also the main character. The plot was good and different. I also love how the ending left on a cliff hanger but also gave a resolution to this specific story at the same time. I would be interested to read more about the main character’s work as an FBI agent.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced and chilling crime thriller. The story blends intense suspense with smart twists, and the killer’s ritualistic methods are both creepy and fascinating. James Froemel’s narration brings the tension and emotion to life, making it an even more gripping experience. If you enjoy dark mysteries with high stakes and emotional depth, this one’s well worth a listen!

[Mark Nadon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story premise that made for a quick read and left me thinking about the ramifications of violence and the people it impacts around us.

A well-written story with many points of view that adds a wonderful element of being a reader and knowing some of what has happened, while rooting for the protagonist Vince to put it all together. Definitely put your thinking cap on.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read; I usually don’t write reviews but this was a very good book. It grabbed and kept my attention/interest throughout the entire book. Not too gory but descriptive enough to visualize what is happening and very little cursing which I appreciate. Looking forward to the assumed sequel!!

[Michelle Chatres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly engrossed in the haunting world of The Ritualist. Roach's attention to detail and ability to create a gripping atmosphere of suspense is truly impressive. With an engaging protagonist and a chilling plot, this debut thriller is a must-read for fans of the genre.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping thriller! I couldn't put this book down. The chapters were short, and the story was fast paced to keep me reading. I enjoyed the main character, Detective Vince Tanaka, and hope there will be more books in this series soon.

[Jackie Martello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the premise interesting and it was clearly well written. The audiobook was ai (whispersync) which wasn’t terrible, but I recommend buying and reading the book instead of listening to the audiobook. Still, an enjoyable quick story to the beginning of the series.

[Bob Somppi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabs you right away! Hard to put down. Stand alone story with hints of more excitement to come. Nice plot and character depth. See the intro short stories for background. Looking forward to more from Adam

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are great read! Definitely looking forward to more from Mr. Roach. Patiently waiting 🙂

[Andrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. The story was on point and had a few twists. There were a lot of characters to remember, but it worked out in the end. Overall, a wonderful read.

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book quick and easy to read with some good twists.
Don't miss the chance to read a great book.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and well written suspense thriller. I really liked the main character, detective Tanaka and his interactions with his partner. An interesting serial killer thriller.

[Jason Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice quick read, has potential to be good series...

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I read it in a day. I just couldn’t put it down. The story, the characters, the setting, the writing it just flows. One of my favorite’s this year.

[cherie thurner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captures your attention from the start. Filled with unexpected twists and turns. Great characters. Going to read next book in series