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The Erin O'Reilly Mysteries #29
Blackjack
Every action has consequences
When a young man is found outside a tattoo parlor with his skull crushed, not even the NYPD cares very much. The victim, a violent street thug and accused murderer, won’t be missed. But after a second man is slain, Detective Erin O’Reilly becomes concerned. Dangerous men who have evaded the law are being killed by a shadowy avenger.
Erin and her squad are faced with an unusual adversary; a killer determined to kill only bad guys. But when a man appoints himself judge, jury, and executioner, he has to be stopped. Erin, her K-9 Rolf, and the Major Crimes unit buckle down to the unpleasant task of bringing in a suspect who genuinely believes he’s doing the right thing.
Law, justice, and revenge collide as Erin’s team track their quarry from the streets of Hell’s Kitchen to the marble hallways of New York’s courts. Erin will have to confront not only a self-righteous murderer, but her own sense of right and wrong. And meanwhile, in the background, an old enemy is maneuvering to bring his own brand of street justice crashing down on Erin herself.
When a young man is found outside a tattoo parlor with his skull crushed, not even the NYPD cares very much. The victim, a violent street thug and accused murderer, won’t be missed. But after a second man is slain, Detective Erin O’Reilly becomes concerned. Dangerous men who have evaded the law are being killed by a shadowy avenger.
Erin and her squad are faced with an unusual adversary; a killer determined to kill only bad guys. But when a man appoints himself judge, jury, and executioner, he has to be stopped. Erin, her K-9 Rolf, and the Major Crimes unit buckle down to the unpleasant task of bringing in a suspect who genuinely believes he’s doing the right thing.
Law, justice, and revenge collide as Erin’s team track their quarry from the streets of Hell’s Kitchen to the marble hallways of New York’s courts. Erin will have to confront not only a self-righteous murderer, but her own sense of right and wrong. And meanwhile, in the background, an old enemy is maneuvering to bring his own brand of street justice crashing down on Erin herself.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
About the author
Steven Henry
38 books85 followersSteven Henry is the USA Today bestselling author of the Erin O’Reilly mysteries and the Clarion Chronicles.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 30, 2026
Blackjacks and Black Jacks!
Somebody is killing murdeeous felons who are released on technicalities by juries and judges. These felons are killed by being hit in the back of the head with a sock full of ball bearings, otherwise known as a blackjack. The vigilante's calling card is a black jack, either a club or spade, from a deck of cards. The NYPD finds the unlikely suspect:killer, and arrests him. Then, Erin's life is threatened when someone tries to run her over with a car. When that doesn't kill Erin, someone else tries to kill Erin, someone hired to get the job done. The murderer for hire, apologizes by telling Erin that "It's not personal, just a job." What will Erin do to stay alive? I gave this book a five star rating, even though there were a couple of script errors about Rolf in chapters 18 and 19.
Somebody is killing murdeeous felons who are released on technicalities by juries and judges. These felons are killed by being hit in the back of the head with a sock full of ball bearings, otherwise known as a blackjack. The vigilante's calling card is a black jack, either a club or spade, from a deck of cards. The NYPD finds the unlikely suspect:killer, and arrests him. Then, Erin's life is threatened when someone tries to run her over with a car. When that doesn't kill Erin, someone else tries to kill Erin, someone hired to get the job done. The murderer for hire, apologizes by telling Erin that "It's not personal, just a job." What will Erin do to stay alive? I gave this book a five star rating, even though there were a couple of script errors about Rolf in chapters 18 and 19.
October 6, 2025
Another can't-put-it-down page turner in the Erin O'Reilly saga
Steven Henry is digging deeper into Erin's psyche in Blackjack. Her struggles with where the line is and how or when to cross it are at the forefront of the newest tale of Erin's and Rolf's NYPD work, as they search for a killer who enacts his own form of vigilante street justice.
When the time comes for Erin to face this timeless dilemma head-on, she faces off with more than a killer as she struggles to separate good from evil; she stares into the depths of her own soul.
Eagerly anticipating the release of Erin's next (and last?) look into the highlights and struggles of The Job!
Steven Henry is digging deeper into Erin's psyche in Blackjack. Her struggles with where the line is and how or when to cross it are at the forefront of the newest tale of Erin's and Rolf's NYPD work, as they search for a killer who enacts his own form of vigilante street justice.
When the time comes for Erin to face this timeless dilemma head-on, she faces off with more than a killer as she struggles to separate good from evil; she stares into the depths of her own soul.
Eagerly anticipating the release of Erin's next (and last?) look into the highlights and struggles of The Job!
June 11, 2026
This was another great continuation of the series with only one book left to go. This book explores the question of when the legal system fails causing Erin to wonder about street justice. Richie is also setting himself up to be a serious threat next book. This book actually had two bad guys which I thought was interesting. Both were using Blackjack as their calling card (either physically like Vern does or by name like McGraw) which was interesting (also learned some lore about cards apparently while reading this). We get some more information on Webb's life which I liked seeing because I like Webb as a character. Ian also got his first round as an actual firefighter in this book which was great. Also the issues surrounding Sean and his wife may finally be getting resolved (way back in book 13/15 Shelly gets involved with Corkey which nearly wrecks Shelly and Sean's marriage) so I will glad to see that get taken care of since it felt like it just kept getting dragged out. Shelly and Erin were doing some wedding planning for the wedding which was sweet. I wonder if we will get to see said wedding in the final book because Caryle says it is like five months out at the end of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
Another GREAT O'REILLY Mystery!!
Once again, Erin O'Reilly solves an ongoing crime spree. As always Rolf is a major player, this time more than ever. Do not start if you have a limited reading time.
Once again, Erin O'Reilly solves an ongoing crime spree. As always Rolf is a major player, this time more than ever. Do not start if you have a limited reading time.
October 1, 2025
ANOTHER WINNER!!!
ROTFLMBO I loved wack-a-mole! Intense as well a spell binding! Way to go Mr. Henry!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!
ROTFLMBO I loved wack-a-mole! Intense as well a spell binding! Way to go Mr. Henry!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!
November 1, 2025
This might be my second favorite book in this series. There are situations in which the reader gets to see our favorite characters in very real danger like they were in "Frostbite", my favorite in the series. I did note there was an error with Rolf. Did anyone else catch that? Rolf is at the vet but there are two sentences that describe him at the hospital with Erin and her brother. I can't believe the editor missed that.
Overall a great read. I am looking forward to the next book.
Overall a great read. I am looking forward to the next book.
July 21, 2026
Sorry to see this series coming to an end, once more book to go. I have been binge reading these, usually finishing them in one sitting. The storylines are compelling and Erin seems to be like a Timex watch, takes a beating and keeps on ticking. There is just the right amount of mystery and good interaction between the characters.
October 6, 2025
Great read!
Erin is such a great character! After so long, all the people are so familiar, yet the new ones bring their own magic to the saga! I love Rolf’s perspectives and the scenes where he is rewarded! Thoroughly enjoyable!!
Erin is such a great character! After so long, all the people are so familiar, yet the new ones bring their own magic to the saga! I love Rolf’s perspectives and the scenes where he is rewarded! Thoroughly enjoyable!!
October 6, 2025
Sleepwalking.
For a pretty exciting crime series, this episode is a snooze. Seems the author took a time out. Hope #30 will be better.
For a pretty exciting crime series, this episode is a snooze. Seems the author took a time out. Hope #30 will be better.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews