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Carson Ryder #12
The Apostle
From the bestselling author of Her Last Scream, a chilling tale of ritual murder and corruption, featuring Detective Carson Ryder.
The Reverend Honus Schrum, a nationally renowned minister and owner of a broadcasting empire, tells the media he has come home to Key West to die. Meanwhile, Detective Carson Ryder is investigating the ritualistic murders of young women with chequered pasts, discovering the killings have religious overtones.
Simultaneously, a newly retired Harry Nautilus takes a job as a driver/bodyguard for Richard Owsley, an ambitious pastor in Mobile. They come to Florida, where Owsley meets with Schrum and is enlisted to complete a special and mysterious ‘project’ Schrum has promised a billionaire benefactor.
As Carson digs deeper into the murders, Harry, interest piqued by all the hush-hush goings-on of his new employer, begins to covertly investigate the strange project. Their independent investigations begin to converge, and Carson and Harry uncover a horrifying connection between the cases…
The Reverend Honus Schrum, a nationally renowned minister and owner of a broadcasting empire, tells the media he has come home to Key West to die. Meanwhile, Detective Carson Ryder is investigating the ritualistic murders of young women with chequered pasts, discovering the killings have religious overtones.
Simultaneously, a newly retired Harry Nautilus takes a job as a driver/bodyguard for Richard Owsley, an ambitious pastor in Mobile. They come to Florida, where Owsley meets with Schrum and is enlisted to complete a special and mysterious ‘project’ Schrum has promised a billionaire benefactor.
As Carson digs deeper into the murders, Harry, interest piqued by all the hush-hush goings-on of his new employer, begins to covertly investigate the strange project. Their independent investigations begin to converge, and Carson and Harry uncover a horrifying connection between the cases…
432 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2014
18 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 12, 2015
When I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway I didn’t realise it was the 12th in a series. That didn’t really matter too much in relation to the story as although there were a number of characters with a shared and complex history that was explained, but in a nice way, that wouldn’t make anybody who had read the other books roll their eyes and mutter “Oh come on, I already know this “.
The story has two separate strands to it. Detective Carson Ryder is investigating a string of bizarre and brutal murders on young women. Meanwhile, his ex partner, retired cop Harry Nautilus is just starting a new job as driver to an evangelist preacher.
There is a real feel of religious mania running throughout both strands of the story. Carson’s killer is a religious fanatic and Harry soon gets the feeling that his new employer is involved in something strange, something that piques his interest and makes him want to know more.
It is a very intriguing read, especially as the links between the two halves of the book start to make themselves known, and it did keep my interest to the end. However, there is a third element to the book which runs alongside the main strands right until the end. A local woman has been murdered which is taking up most of the local police’s manpower leaving Carson pretty much on his own, apart from a young rookie policewoman Holly Belafonte to assist him. That part was wrapped up by telling and not showing, and I would have liked to have seen how that was resolved for myself. Whilst the story itself is a pretty good one, the characters didn’t really grab me as much as I would have liked. In particular, I found Holly’s very correct and businesslike manner really got on my nerves after a while.
The story has two separate strands to it. Detective Carson Ryder is investigating a string of bizarre and brutal murders on young women. Meanwhile, his ex partner, retired cop Harry Nautilus is just starting a new job as driver to an evangelist preacher.
There is a real feel of religious mania running throughout both strands of the story. Carson’s killer is a religious fanatic and Harry soon gets the feeling that his new employer is involved in something strange, something that piques his interest and makes him want to know more.
It is a very intriguing read, especially as the links between the two halves of the book start to make themselves known, and it did keep my interest to the end. However, there is a third element to the book which runs alongside the main strands right until the end. A local woman has been murdered which is taking up most of the local police’s manpower leaving Carson pretty much on his own, apart from a young rookie policewoman Holly Belafonte to assist him. That part was wrapped up by telling and not showing, and I would have liked to have seen how that was resolved for myself. Whilst the story itself is a pretty good one, the characters didn’t really grab me as much as I would have liked. In particular, I found Holly’s very correct and businesslike manner really got on my nerves after a while.
December 13, 2017
I really do like this series by Jack Kerley and was pleased to have caught up so I can go straight onto the newest release and Book number 13 entitled The Death File. In this latest release Carson is faced with a murder investigation that features some weird religious overtones. The absolute BEST part about this book is that we see the return of Harry Nautilus. Harry was Carson's old partner but has now retired and has taken a job working as a driver to TV pastor Richard Owsley and his family.
Carson's help this book comes in the form of Holly Belafonte, a young female originally from Bermuda. I really liked her and think she made a great team member along with Carson. I also love the fact that we see the return of Carson's brother Jeremy. I have to be honest and say that as much as I really enjoyed this latest book the religious stuff really irritated after a while, but that's just a personal thing I think.
What Carson and Harry soon realise is that there is a definite overlap with their jobs and before you know it they are both back side by side trying to layer back the secrets that form part of this weird circle of religious personalities. I really liked the daughter of pastor Richard Owsley, Rebecca. She and Harry made a prety good partnership! Overall a good read but frankly that was more down to the characters. I'm now really looking forward to the next book!
Carson's help this book comes in the form of Holly Belafonte, a young female originally from Bermuda. I really liked her and think she made a great team member along with Carson. I also love the fact that we see the return of Carson's brother Jeremy. I have to be honest and say that as much as I really enjoyed this latest book the religious stuff really irritated after a while, but that's just a personal thing I think.
What Carson and Harry soon realise is that there is a definite overlap with their jobs and before you know it they are both back side by side trying to layer back the secrets that form part of this weird circle of religious personalities. I really liked the daughter of pastor Richard Owsley, Rebecca. She and Harry made a prety good partnership! Overall a good read but frankly that was more down to the characters. I'm now really looking forward to the next book!
October 24, 2015
The Apostle – Will Ryder Crack The Message?
The Apostle is the twelfth in the Carson Ryder series and like all the previous books you do not really need to read them in order. Jack Kerley has really created a likeable detective whose observations and insight really bring the character to life. At the same time the bad guy or bad guys are fully developed so we get some depth and complexity about them so you can see that it is not going to be an easy case.
Carson Ryder is a senior detective in the Florida Center of Law Enforcement, part of the Florida’s state police, and he usually gets the twisted cases that are harder to investigate. When he arrives back at work after some time back in Alabama with his old partner, Harry Nautilus, who has just retired, he is given a case and no back up. All his colleagues are helping the Miami-Dade Police Department in the investigation of a murder of one of their own, the murder of Roberta Menendez. When he asks for help he is sent a young officer from MDPD, Holly Belafonte a person who sounds British but is from Bermuda.
Meanwhile Harry Nautilus has started as a driver for the TV pastor Richard Owsley and his family, which places him in some interesting situations. At the same time his interest is really aroused when Pastor Owsley is asked to go to Florida and meet with Rev Amos Schrum the Pastor of the Crown of Glory Network, even more so when Owsley is asked to work at their theme park Hallelujah Jubilee park. Some things just do not add up and his old investigator senses are up.
Ryder and Belafonte are finding that very little is known about two bodies that have been burnt and covered in some sort of blanket, and there are no seemingly connections. It is when they finally discover what the connection is then becomes a race against time to find a possible victim, and where that victim may or may not live and the work that they do.
As the pace picks up we are able to see what and how the perpetrator carries out their crimes and why and what their possible motivation may be. At the same time we see the narration of Ryder as he works out what really is the weirdness of this crime and who they may need to find, criminal and victim. At the same time the Crown of Glory Network keeps appearing with its assorted characters, who seem to have a rather seedier side than projected to the believers.
I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters that Kerley has created and you certainly do not need to have read the previous outings. This is a fantastic stand alone book in the Carson Ryder series.
The Apostle is the twelfth in the Carson Ryder series and like all the previous books you do not really need to read them in order. Jack Kerley has really created a likeable detective whose observations and insight really bring the character to life. At the same time the bad guy or bad guys are fully developed so we get some depth and complexity about them so you can see that it is not going to be an easy case.
Carson Ryder is a senior detective in the Florida Center of Law Enforcement, part of the Florida’s state police, and he usually gets the twisted cases that are harder to investigate. When he arrives back at work after some time back in Alabama with his old partner, Harry Nautilus, who has just retired, he is given a case and no back up. All his colleagues are helping the Miami-Dade Police Department in the investigation of a murder of one of their own, the murder of Roberta Menendez. When he asks for help he is sent a young officer from MDPD, Holly Belafonte a person who sounds British but is from Bermuda.
Meanwhile Harry Nautilus has started as a driver for the TV pastor Richard Owsley and his family, which places him in some interesting situations. At the same time his interest is really aroused when Pastor Owsley is asked to go to Florida and meet with Rev Amos Schrum the Pastor of the Crown of Glory Network, even more so when Owsley is asked to work at their theme park Hallelujah Jubilee park. Some things just do not add up and his old investigator senses are up.
Ryder and Belafonte are finding that very little is known about two bodies that have been burnt and covered in some sort of blanket, and there are no seemingly connections. It is when they finally discover what the connection is then becomes a race against time to find a possible victim, and where that victim may or may not live and the work that they do.
As the pace picks up we are able to see what and how the perpetrator carries out their crimes and why and what their possible motivation may be. At the same time we see the narration of Ryder as he works out what really is the weirdness of this crime and who they may need to find, criminal and victim. At the same time the Crown of Glory Network keeps appearing with its assorted characters, who seem to have a rather seedier side than projected to the believers.
I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters that Kerley has created and you certainly do not need to have read the previous outings. This is a fantastic stand alone book in the Carson Ryder series.
February 25, 2025
According to Goodreads I had read this book in 2019 and rated it 4/5 but I can’t for the life of me remember reading it before, anyway that said, this was another really good story from Jack Kerley.
Harry Nautilus is now retired and finds himself with a very well paid job as Chauffeur to a radio Pastor and his family. Carson Ryder doesn’t like working alone and he is joined by a young female officer, Holly Belafonte (a thoroughly likeable character, who I hope to see more of in the future) who at first seems a bit naive, but she has a hidden grit and astuteness that gradually impresses Carson, she is from Barbados and is proud of it.
Young prostitutes are being found burned to death, but with other injuries that suggest they might have also been stoned. Are they looking for a religious fanatic?
Harry’s Pastor Owsley becomes involved with a pleasure park that devotes itself to the bible and relives and re-enacts scenes and events from the scriptures, attracting thousands of people and worshippers. The park is run by the self glorified reverend Schrum and his cronies who are only intent on making money, but they also have hidden agenda. Can the murders and the Hallelujah Park be linked?
Carson Ryder’s cases always have a darkness to them which attracts you to keep on reading. This is once again well written, cleverly plotted but the end seemed to lack some intensity which was a little disappointing, so the rating was true 4/5.
Harry Nautilus is now retired and finds himself with a very well paid job as Chauffeur to a radio Pastor and his family. Carson Ryder doesn’t like working alone and he is joined by a young female officer, Holly Belafonte (a thoroughly likeable character, who I hope to see more of in the future) who at first seems a bit naive, but she has a hidden grit and astuteness that gradually impresses Carson, she is from Barbados and is proud of it.
Young prostitutes are being found burned to death, but with other injuries that suggest they might have also been stoned. Are they looking for a religious fanatic?
Harry’s Pastor Owsley becomes involved with a pleasure park that devotes itself to the bible and relives and re-enacts scenes and events from the scriptures, attracting thousands of people and worshippers. The park is run by the self glorified reverend Schrum and his cronies who are only intent on making money, but they also have hidden agenda. Can the murders and the Hallelujah Park be linked?
Carson Ryder’s cases always have a darkness to them which attracts you to keep on reading. This is once again well written, cleverly plotted but the end seemed to lack some intensity which was a little disappointing, so the rating was true 4/5.
June 16, 2018
What a way to kick start my 2015 reading challenge!!!
Mr. Kerley once again proves that he can write a book that keeps the reader on the edge.
Mr. Kerley gives the reader an insight into modern perspectives of religion from making profits to using it as a justification for an idividual's actions in this book where a religious man and members of his group use religion to their own purposes.
Though Jeremy is in this book,Harry returns and is reunited with Carson snd hopefully for more than one book...
Harry has found a job as driver for a pastor and his family for some extra money for his retirement, what he doesn't know that it will take him from Mobile to Florida and into Carson's investigation into the murders of three women.
I always enjoy reading Mr. Kerley's work. This is the writer who introduced me to crime fiction and everytime I read his books I am never left disappointed. This is book twelve and its is griping and edgy as book one. I cannot wait for the next one.
An Abbie recommendation =]
Mr. Kerley once again proves that he can write a book that keeps the reader on the edge.
Mr. Kerley gives the reader an insight into modern perspectives of religion from making profits to using it as a justification for an idividual's actions in this book where a religious man and members of his group use religion to their own purposes.
Though Jeremy is in this book,Harry returns and is reunited with Carson snd hopefully for more than one book...
Harry has found a job as driver for a pastor and his family for some extra money for his retirement, what he doesn't know that it will take him from Mobile to Florida and into Carson's investigation into the murders of three women.
I always enjoy reading Mr. Kerley's work. This is the writer who introduced me to crime fiction and everytime I read his books I am never left disappointed. This is book twelve and its is griping and edgy as book one. I cannot wait for the next one.
An Abbie recommendation =]
February 9, 2015
The book spent too much time on the religious aspect of the story, and it was almost as if the murder cases that Carson Ryder was investigated were a side story until the very end of the book. The fact that Carson didn't know what his best friend and ex partner Harry Nautilus was involved in felt implausible. Not Jack Kerley's best book, get back to the old formula of Ryder and Nautilus back in Mobile, not Florida
April 4, 2021
Once again I've been tempted by a bargain on Bookbub.
This book is book 12 in the Carson Ryder series. I didn't let the fact that I haven't read its predecessors put me off. There's enough back history given to make that irrelevant.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more of the series.
This book is book 12 in the Carson Ryder series. I didn't let the fact that I haven't read its predecessors put me off. There's enough back history given to make that irrelevant.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more of the series.
May 7, 2017
Twelve book in Carson Ryder series but third since the detective moved to Miami, Florida. And I enjoyed it again. Great writing, great characters, “great” psychopaths with twisted minds. The only minus was a little bit too much of “religion true believers” but it may only be my view as I have never been into it. On the other hand, they made a perfect background for the whole story. Waiting for part no.13 and going to start reading No.1.
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed the last book I read by this author and this one was OK, but it was not quite as good. I am getting a bit sick of reading about gruesomely murdered women. Also, the religious side of the plot became rather boring. I do like the two main characters, however, so will probably read more in the series at a later date.
July 7, 2019
Not the best of the series but still readable.
Read
September 29, 2019It's a yikes from me
September 15, 2020
Enjoyed this one was a bit gruesome in places but didn't distract from the story.
January 30, 2022
both frightening and thrilling at the same time
July 29, 2022
This one did not tickle my fancy that much as the rest of the series. But Carson is still one of my favourite characters.
March 4, 2024
Lajityypissään odotukset lunastava kirja. Löytyi hotellin kirjahyllystä ja piti otteessaan hyvin myös auringossa altaalla. Loppu vähän juostu.
January 25, 2016
The Apostle is another tale of murder and mayhem in Florida with Carson Ryder and his friends doing the investigation. Carson, a State detective, is asked to investigate the murder of a prostitute on behalf of the Miami Dade police department who have no free resources as all their detectives are hunting a cop killer. Meanwhile Carson's ex partner Harry Nautilus has retired for the Mobile police department and is driving for a local preacher, Richard Owsley when he is asked to accompany the preacher to Florida. Serendipity? Of course not, good plotting.
The Apostle is an exciting read with a great plot, a few tense moments and likeable characters. I don't know if Mr Kerley is bang on the money with his portrayal of televangelism and its venality but he certainly confirmed all my prejudices and it makes for good reading. I like the portrayal of Rebecca Owsley - a smart teenager trying to kick over the traces of her religious upbringing - as she rang true. I also like Holly Belafonte, a rookie cop from Bermuda and the only officer MDPD can spare to help Carson in his investigation. I suspect she is on the Aperger's scale as she seems to take things literally, doesn't have much sense of humour initially and is scarily smart but she certainly grows on you and is a welcome addition to Carson's team. I was a bit disappointed in the Carson/Harry dynamic which is rather muted and doesn't have the same level of banter as previous novels but that's down to circumstances. Jeremy makes the odd appearance but I think Mr Kerley missed an opportunity to make more of his character when he lives next door to some of the action.
I enjoyed The Apostle and think it is a good read but I don't think it's one of the stronger novels in the series as I prefer the ones where Carson and Harry work side by side - there's always plenty of action and some good dialogue.
The Apostle is an exciting read with a great plot, a few tense moments and likeable characters. I don't know if Mr Kerley is bang on the money with his portrayal of televangelism and its venality but he certainly confirmed all my prejudices and it makes for good reading. I like the portrayal of Rebecca Owsley - a smart teenager trying to kick over the traces of her religious upbringing - as she rang true. I also like Holly Belafonte, a rookie cop from Bermuda and the only officer MDPD can spare to help Carson in his investigation. I suspect she is on the Aperger's scale as she seems to take things literally, doesn't have much sense of humour initially and is scarily smart but she certainly grows on you and is a welcome addition to Carson's team. I was a bit disappointed in the Carson/Harry dynamic which is rather muted and doesn't have the same level of banter as previous novels but that's down to circumstances. Jeremy makes the odd appearance but I think Mr Kerley missed an opportunity to make more of his character when he lives next door to some of the action.
I enjoyed The Apostle and think it is a good read but I don't think it's one of the stronger novels in the series as I prefer the ones where Carson and Harry work side by side - there's always plenty of action and some good dialogue.
February 16, 2015
One of my favourite series, liked that Harry was back, liked the new character, Holly, not enough Of the brother. The ending was just stupid, sorry it just was, but the story was great. I'm sure there could have been another way to get Harry back without a giant "building" storyline. And then let's just wrap up the background story with a neat bow. Last few chapters sucked, but everything else was great! It was like he got tired of writing and decided well let's just finish the fastest way possible. I could go on with the flaws but would be spoiling it. It is a really good read just the ending was poor. That said, looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2016
3.25 stars
Another enjoyable installment in the series.
I really enjoy these mysteries, I never have any idea whatsoever as to what is going on but I don't feel like these are the types of books where you are supposed to be able to figure out for yourself what is going on.
Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy the ending to this particular installment. Parts of it I found very hard to believe.
I really enjoyed Holly as a character and I hope we get to see more of her in the future.
I'm also really excited by the possible hints at a return of an old favourite to a more substantial role in the series.
Another enjoyable installment in the series.
I really enjoy these mysteries, I never have any idea whatsoever as to what is going on but I don't feel like these are the types of books where you are supposed to be able to figure out for yourself what is going on.
Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy the ending to this particular installment. Parts of it I found very hard to believe.
I really enjoyed Holly as a character and I hope we get to see more of her in the future.
I'm also really excited by the possible hints at a return of an old favourite to a more substantial role in the series.
February 16, 2016
I think I'd have appreciated it more and would possibly have given it 3.5, if I'd read it instead of listening to the audio book, as the narrator just wasn't up to the job.
In addition, the story wasn't helped by the incredible secondary plot involving religitions sect's secret plan; while there was a need to include them to support the theme of the perpetrator's religious insanity, it was just too far-fetched for me.
In addition, the story wasn't helped by the incredible secondary plot involving religitions sect's secret plan; while there was a need to include them to support the theme of the perpetrator's religious insanity, it was just too far-fetched for me.
April 1, 2015
Couldn't finished this novel I'm afraid.
There were reels of characters, all the same - basically - and yet no developing connections between them. There were events, sure, some gruesome, some just day to day events but there was no emotion, no urgency and, again, no development.
I reached the self-imposed 100 page limit and I was happy to close the covers.
There were reels of characters, all the same - basically - and yet no developing connections between them. There were events, sure, some gruesome, some just day to day events but there was no emotion, no urgency and, again, no development.
I reached the self-imposed 100 page limit and I was happy to close the covers.
February 15, 2016
Young women from the fringes of society are being bludgeoned and burnt alive. Carson Ryder is asked to investigate. He's partnered up with a young woman originally from Bermuda who irritates him at first but he soon respects her work ethic. This was the 12th installment in the Ryder series and it shows no sign of slowing down. Very enjoyable and I whizzed through it in no time at all.
February 3, 2016
All the way through the book, make me want to punch the priests in this book...all priests are liars..
My favorite motto : never trust a person who said that he/she is God representative on this earth.
The story is quite predictable, yet don't seem to explain the madness of some of the character.
Yet, it still is the one of the best Jack Kerley books.
My favorite motto : never trust a person who said that he/she is God representative on this earth.
The story is quite predictable, yet don't seem to explain the madness of some of the character.
Yet, it still is the one of the best Jack Kerley books.
December 25, 2014
Jack kerley is one of the few writers who manages to pull off a long running series without destroying a good thing by over doing it. After the last few let downs with later books in a series, this was such a relief.
January 23, 2015
really liked this book in the end to begin with I wasn't sure? and found it a bit lacking. but JA managed to pull it back around in the end and give us a great gripping story as always. I'm so so so pleased that harry is back. I've missed him and his duo with Carson. can't wait for the next book!
January 2, 2015
Love this series. Another good chapter.
January 6, 2015
Almost read, have too many other good books I want to read to bother trying to finish this. I just don't care about the characters. I hate saying that about Carson and Harry :-(
January 12, 2015
Brilliant, really enjoyed this book. Superb writing.
January 19, 2015
Enjoyed this one. Nice easy read.
February 5, 2015
I absolutely love the author and the Carson Ryder Books. Fast-pace and chilling. Having said that - this book was a bit weaker as the previous ones but still really good.
February 10, 2015
Not as good as some of his others and a rather silly ending in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews