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Rhode Island : Serial Killer
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country.
When the mind of a devious criminal is roaming the state, it takes the persistence of a Block Island resident to capture the attention of the East Greenwich Detective Division.
During a funeral on the mainland, Valerie Phelan, at age eight, observes an unknown individual burying a large black bag, which, even at a young age, she perceives as a body bag. Valerie documents her findings and monitors ongoing developments through newspaper articles.
When the killer’s identity is revealed, complex relationships and emotional difficulties arise for the Phelan family, but it brings together two of the killer’s siblings after years of being separated.
Every fifth chapter provides direct insights from the killer, presenting a detailed account of their background and the motivations underlying each act as the narrative unfolds.
When the mind of a devious criminal is roaming the state, it takes the persistence of a Block Island resident to capture the attention of the East Greenwich Detective Division.
During a funeral on the mainland, Valerie Phelan, at age eight, observes an unknown individual burying a large black bag, which, even at a young age, she perceives as a body bag. Valerie documents her findings and monitors ongoing developments through newspaper articles.
When the killer’s identity is revealed, complex relationships and emotional difficulties arise for the Phelan family, but it brings together two of the killer’s siblings after years of being separated.
Every fifth chapter provides direct insights from the killer, presenting a detailed account of their background and the motivations underlying each act as the narrative unfolds.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 31, 2026
The Making of a Detective
I couldn't put down Rhode Island Serial Killer. There's something about Valerie's journey that gets under your skin - maybe it's because she was just ten years old when everything changed in her life, and a new path unlocked, when she witnessed something no kid should ever see. But Valerie wasn’t broken by it, or scared. Instead, she found a spark within herself, a detective side that refused to be silenced.
I loved all the characters in this book. It truly is an introduction, a making of a detective.
The serial killer’s memoir in first person voice was a treat, I found myself rushing to get to the memoirs. They worked as an incentive and reward. Every night I wouldn't put it down until I read at least one chapter of killer’s memoir.
The killer made me feel emotions I did not expect I would do. Feeling sorry for the killer was never my thing, but Nancy J made it happen.
It is a well written story. All the characters are likeable. Not just mystery, but the relationships between the characters make it as much interesting.
I looked forward to Valerie’s conversations with Grandpa, and the police officers. Characters like Henry and Elliot were a delight.
And Valerie’s dedication to solving the crime, keeping records of everything like hard evidence while focusing on her studies was impressive.
Looking forward to read the next installment in the series.
I couldn't put down Rhode Island Serial Killer. There's something about Valerie's journey that gets under your skin - maybe it's because she was just ten years old when everything changed in her life, and a new path unlocked, when she witnessed something no kid should ever see. But Valerie wasn’t broken by it, or scared. Instead, she found a spark within herself, a detective side that refused to be silenced.
I loved all the characters in this book. It truly is an introduction, a making of a detective.
The serial killer’s memoir in first person voice was a treat, I found myself rushing to get to the memoirs. They worked as an incentive and reward. Every night I wouldn't put it down until I read at least one chapter of killer’s memoir.
The killer made me feel emotions I did not expect I would do. Feeling sorry for the killer was never my thing, but Nancy J made it happen.
It is a well written story. All the characters are likeable. Not just mystery, but the relationships between the characters make it as much interesting.
I looked forward to Valerie’s conversations with Grandpa, and the police officers. Characters like Henry and Elliot were a delight.
And Valerie’s dedication to solving the crime, keeping records of everything like hard evidence while focusing on her studies was impressive.
Looking forward to read the next installment in the series.
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February 24, 2026Wow - this book is exceptionally great - kept me glued all the way through. The characters are amazing, especially Valerie. And they caught the bad 'guy'. HIGHLY recommended.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews