After years of chasing murderers, now they're the ones chasing him...
Philadelphia homicide detective Frank Conti thought his biggest challenge would be adjusting to life after the badge. But just one day into retirement, the police storm his home and discover a dead body. In less than twenty-four hours, he's gone from celebrated officer to prime suspect.
To clear his name, Conti must do the one thing he's spent his career excelling at... solving the murder. But the deeper he digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes. Conti soon uncovers a pattern of similar deaths stretching back years. He isn't just hunting a killer, he's walking straight into the middle of a deadly game. Because the murdered woman isn't who she seemed, and her death has attracted the attention of a ruthless Russian crime boss determined to get revenge.
With a rival detective eager to see him fall, a serial killer who's starting to unravel, and the mob closing in, Conti has one chance to prove he's not the murderer... But first he has to stay alive.
Better Off Dead is a fast, darkly funny crime thriller packed with twists, perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen.
William L. Myers, Jr. is a Philadelphia trial lawyer and the author of the best-selling Philadelphia Legal series, as well as the psychological thriller Backstory and his latest crime thriller, Remi Bone. He has tried cases up and down the East Coast and has argued before the United States Supreme Court. He lives outside Philadelphia with his wife, Lisa. Learn more at williamlmyersjr.com.
This is a murder mystery with lots of twists and plenty of darkness in it as the victims are prostitutes and the chief suspect is the newly retired police detective Frank Conti. Conti has to prove his own innocence while he finds a serial killer, takes care of his bartender lady friend who is mentally incapacitated, and he has to figure out the connections between the dead girls and the Russian mob. Sound confusing? Honestly, at first it was with so many subplots that I was drowning in them. But the author did a good job of threading the needle with all of the tie-ins and bringing it all to a satisfying conclusion. The chapters were short and easily readable, although I thought the book was long and meandered somewhat between story lines. The characters were not particularly relatable since I am neither a police officer nor a member of the mob, but they were originally and dynamically portrayed with their flaws visible for all to read about. The division between Conti and his former friend Detective Leland Cavanaugh is explained well but not until almost halfway through the book. Until then, I had to guess why there was such a big rift that Cavanaugh was determined to pin the murders on Conti. I enjoyed the book, thought the pacing was moderate, the mystery a dark noir one that isn’t usually the kind I read, and the twists were well crafted into the story. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via an agent. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
After years of chasing murderers, now they are the ones chasing him, setting the stage for a high-stakes web of secrets, dark comedy, and relentless suspense.
Philadelphia homicide detective Frank Conti thought his biggest challenge would be simply adjusting to life after the badge. But his peace is instantly shattered just one day into retirement when the police storm his home and discover a dead body. In less than twenty-four hours, he goes from being a celebrated officer to the prime suspect in a major homicide investigation.
To clear his name and survive, Conti must do the one thing he has spent his entire career excelling at: solving the murder. But the deeper he digs into the case, the more dangerous the truth becomes. Conti soon uncovers a shifting maze of similar deaths stretching back years, realizing he isn't just hunting a killer; he is walking straight into the middle of a deadly game. Because the murdered woman isn't at all who she seemed, and her death has attracted the attention of a ruthless Russian crime boss determined to get revenge.
With a rival detective eager to see him fall, a serial killer who is starting to completely unravel, and the mob closing in, Conti has exactly one chance to prove his innocence. But first, he has to stay alive.
Better Off Dead is the electric crime thriller packed with twists and turns. It is the perfect read for fans of atmospheric suspense, rich character dynamics, and darkly funny crime dramas with a dangerous edge.
My opinion :
This book is a full-on dark comedy thriller set in the heart of Philadelphia, and it has all the grit and absurdity one could ask for: murder, mob tension, dry sarcasm, and street politics. It is an absolute page turner that starts with an extraordinary cat-and-mouse chase where a retired supercop instantly becomes the prime suspect when a bizarre crime scene lands directly in his home on his very first day of retirement. Enter Frank Conti, who tries to scramble and untangle the mystery to clear his name. But more than a standard police procedural, it’s the chaotic world the author builds, the street-level banter, the dark humour, the mismatched personalities, that make this story shine. From ruthless crime bosses and suspicious detectives to a slightly crazy bar owner, every character adds life and madness to the chase.
This book is an absolute entertainer. It’s witty, full of gritty flair, and the narrative is a treat with its delightful use of sharp dialogue and clever situational irony. I giggled through so many parts; the cosmic bad luck of the premise makes the dark underworld look incredibly chaotic and funny. The killer has an exceptionally interesting plot that keeps you thoroughly invested, playing a brilliant domino effect that throws fresh hooks at you. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the retired cop and Teresa; their clashing energy and snappy banter bring so much sparkle to the page. The author spins an incredibly playful plot around circumstantial evidence and timeline confusion that perfectly captures how easily the truth can be manipulated. There is also a great balance of raw survival instincts tucked into all the drama that adds genuine suspense to the story.
While it’s fun and chaotic in the best ways, the pacing does take on a beautifully detailed slow burn in places. The heavy reliance on rich descriptions made the narrative feel a tad bogged down in the beginning, and there were moments where I found myself wishing the timeline would move a bit faster. Because the core setup is so fascinating and fast-paced, the whodunnit angle wasn’t quite as gripping as a traditional thriller because the clues and motives occasionally lean into absolute nonsense. Even when the big reveal came, I found myself struggling a bit because I expected a few more shocking twists and turns before the final pages, and the humor did sometimes overshadow the serious elements of the crime.
Despite its flaws, this book was such a fun ride. I flew through its pages, smiling and snickering most of the way at the sheer absurdity of the investigation. It’s not the kind of heavy, depressing crime novel that keeps you awake at night feeling devastated, but it’s definitely one that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped right into a witty, fast-paced caper bursting with personality, sarcasm, and heart. If you’re looking for a straightforward, slow-burn traditional mystery, the formatting here might surprise you, but if you want an action-packed legal thriller that keeps the surprises coming right until the end, this one absolutely delivers. William L Myers Jr once again proves that he knows how to blend sharp procedural authenticity with lovable chaos, and this story completely stole my heart. I received a gifted copy of this book, but all opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
He was lauded as a wonderful "Supercop" detective in his retirement. So how did Frank end up in this predicament? How did this woman actually die? And who are all these other people? Keep reading, and you'll see the tale unfold thread by thread.
I wasn’t really sure at first if I’d get into this book, but a few chapters in and I was hooked. A cozy mystery this book is not, but it is very engrossing and skillfully layered. There were several moments where I was surprised by something, and other places where my guess was confirmed. All in all, the suspense kept me going throughout the rest of the novel, the end ties up all the threads, and I do recommend this book if you enjoy mysteries.
A couple of comments: The marketing materials call this “darkly funny;” while there are a few humorous comments, overall I didn’t find it particularly funny. Also, a note on format: I wonder if the print copy would be easier to read, due to some of the scenes that are flashbacks or memories; spacing on the printed page with similar novels is usually a clue, but it isn’t quite as evident in the ebook.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Love Books Tours for a review copy of this book.
This story grabbed me from the very beginning and did not let go until the last page. And what a last few pages it was. This is a new twist on the typical police procedural, and I loved everything about it. It is dark, twisted, cold-blooded, action-packed, and confusing at times. (Hang in there it all gets cleared up pretty quickly.) Smarter people than me may have seen the ending coming, but I didn't. I was totally gobsmacked, as they say, and in the best way. Even in the midst of all the blood and guts, guns, knives, and whatever (remind me not to run into any of these people in a dark alley), Mr. Myers still manages to throw in a few witty, sarcastic remarks. Just enough to break the tension and lighten things up when needed. I hope Mr. Myers plans on making this a long-running series because I enjoyed the time I spent in their world and would love to see what type of trouble Frank and Teresa can get into next. I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
I was so lucky to have received a digital copy of this book from the author and LoveBookTours and it is a fun police crime thriller with a twist. The flow is great with short and exciting chapters making you want to binge the book in just a few short days. The writing is perfect and easy to digest.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book where the police officer is targeted and experiences the other side of the law, just when he wants to settle into retirement. The plot can be quite graphic when explaining the crime scenes but gives excellent detail to the world building to be able to imagine it in your head, which I love. You also get some history of the MMC career in the police as you go along, and how things may not be as they seem from the outside.
I would definitely read more from this author.
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Usually it isn't hard at all to review books without spoilers, but this one is going to be a feat of mental gymnastics. But that is okay! We always enjoy a challenge!!
This was a fast-paced, twisty read from start to finish. But it was also brutal and graphic, so if you're into light thrillers, this one isn't for you. This is more for the SVU girlies who think it's not harsh enough. And those of you who love the new trend of full-page content warnings, because this book could stand one of those. It's intense and absolutely a wild ride, but it's one I would take again.
I enjoyed the main character and hope that it's the start to a series, a grizzled detective who is just really good and accidentally keeps ending up entangled in bad cases is my kind of story. I liked the realistic mental illness representation as well. The author did a good job, even if it did seem a little fantastical at times.
This novel is an absolutely magnificent achievement. Philadelphia is a city very slowly recovering from a huge, violent crime epidemic but William L. Myers Jr. presents a noir-drenched tapestry. This really is a breathtaking read with an extraordinary cat and mouse chase between a sociopathic serial killer, a retired supercop, a slightly crazy bar owner. the FBI and brutal Russian gangland mobsters but the author underscores the darkness with poignancy and compassion, and some superb moments of black humour. At times it's quite difficult to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys but it all adds to the uniqueness of the plot and its setting. The female characters are particularly well drawn and given plenty of scope to show their worth. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I read this so fast the pages are smoking! This was incredibly good!! William certainly knows how to pull a person into a story and keep you nailed to that book!
What starts of as a drink in in a bar turns into a dead body wrapped in clingfilm.....
The characters in this are just fabulous! Frank is truly a supercop and with help from a few unusual places he battles to solve this murder that he (yes he!!) Is accused off.
Theresa is incredibly crazy but a real salt of the earth person - I enjoyed every interaction with her! And then we have Daryna ..... when I say creepy loveable Russian that is exactly what I mean!! Between her and Frank there is not a dull moment in this book!
This was fast-paced and stacked full of twists and revelations that is still making my head spin!! This was well thought out and the writing was just phenomenal!!
Excellent book would recommend a million times! Thriller fans this is a must read!!
This is an American cop story with a difference. The cop is retired and, far from being the investigator, he is the suspect. When a mysterious woman ends up dead and wrapped in cling film in his home, recently retired super cop, Frank, is the obvious suspect. But the actual murderer is confused, because the woman was dead several hours before she walked up to Frank in a bar. The story would have been hard to follow, but fortunately the author unravels one of the mysteries about half way through. It is certainly a different story, with a few twists. I could say it stretches credibility, but it’s also a grim but compelling read.
This story was interesting. It is a multiple perspective, story at times it was a tad hard to follow. But about 200 pages in I finally was able to completely lock in and the story truly picked up and from there it was amazing. Once the story picked up and the plot began to progress it was so hard to put down. Very stressful and high intensity thriller. The best type of crime mystery as far as "Who did it?" If you like that style of book then you will absolutely love this!!! I would recommend to specific readers, like those who annotate the books they read, and those who like to truly be stunned by big reveals and not fully understanding until the end of the journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced romp pitting a decorated detective, serial killer and Russian femme fatale against each other. Alternating between gruesome violence, witty dialogue and, at times, almost slapstick action, the book kept me delightfully off balance and curious to find out what was going to happen next. I’d read Mr. Myers best-selling legal thrillers and wanted to see how he did at writing a crime thriller. The answer is: fabulous. The book left open the possibility of more adventures featuring the protagonist Frank Conti and his brilliant but off-balance ex-lover and foil, Teresa, and I hope I see more books in the future!
The story has all the elements of intrigue – the Russian Mob, the murdered twin, revenge, a kidnapping, the vendetta from a fellow detective and a psychotic episode. There are the strong determined females that are able to cut through the fog to get to the truth before the males which makes the story interesting along with the revenge against evil angle. The story gets a little off track when Frank and Leland decide to work together then return to status quo at the end. From the ending, it seems the author has left open the option for Frank to continue on if and when requested after retirement.
This was quite a good read, very very twisty and at times I was really confused. I was glad I stuck with it. Frank has just retired when a woman he brings home from a bar is immediately found murdered. A detective is really determined to prove Frank is the killer. Frank meanwhile is determined to prove his innocence.
There was involvement here from the Russians and it took me some time to figure out their motivation. I found it hard to put down as I just wanted to see what on earth happened next. We also see things from the side of the killer which was fascinating and the actual reveal at the end was a twist I could never have envisaged. This is sbsolutley riveting and well worth a read.
Wow! What a fantastic thriller! Better Off Dead is action-packed with twists, turns, and laugh out loud moments of dark humor. Add in some Russian mobsters, a serial killer, and complicated relationships (romantic or otherwise), and you have some great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope the ending being written the way it was is leaving an opening for a second book in the series. I like retired Detective Frank Conti a lot and hope to read about him again. Even if not, I will definitely be checking out more of Mr. Myers’ work! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Retired detective Frank Conti knows it is a bad idea to leave a bar with a young woman. But it turns out far worse than he could have expected. He wakes yo find the woman murdered & the police in his apartment. In one day he had gone from "supercop" to prime suspect. The riveting story has many twists, taking in a serial killer & ruthless Russian criminals. Hard to put - and I would really like to see Frank Conti again.
This is a 3.5 for me and perfect for readers who enjoy a heavily police procedural, plot driven narrative. When the body drops the intensity keeps building. I love that our protagonist is a cop who has to race against the department trying to nail him for the crime! The characters are layered and enjoyable to follow as you try to put all the clues together.
Better Off Dead is very readable and enjoyable but I didn't find it as fast paced and thrilling as I expected it to be. Nothing wrong and probably just my mood at the time but I did feel that it was a little lacking at times but couldn't put my finger on what is missing. A bit predictable, I knew what was coming most of the time and knew how it would end by about the middle of the book.
I liked this book, plenty of action. Retired cop Frank Conti suddenly finds himself as the prime suspect in a murder case. It has a bit of everything including a serial killer, the retired cop, the FBI, a likable bar owner and some charming Russian gangsters. Occasionally, I felt the plot lacked a bit of pace, but on the whole a very good read. Thank you for an advance copy.
This was a thought provoking police procedural (sort of). I had to really think about the characters and where they all fit especially in the beginning. It was written in a 'noir' style which really worked I could feel the seediness of some of the descriptions. It took me a while to get into the book but once I did I just had to finish and keep going.
This is a good murder mystery that a time is a little dark as the victims are prostitutes saying that I enjoyed it. I liked the short chapters as it kept me saying just one more, I finished this book in a weekend. What I liked about this book is that it kept you guessing even though the main suspect is a retired policeman , you want more trying to work out who did the murders. Worth a read.
A murderer who thought he was untouchable… I was certainly intrigued with what would play out with Conti, and the reason as to why he was being framed. Conti a recently retired detective must work fast before the police force car rests him and he gets framed for murder. This was a fast pace read for me. I was invested and there were some laughable moments there towards the end with Teresa that I couldn’t help but chuckle. I also enjoyed Daryna and her bodyguards too. I’m eager to see what happens next with the super cop. I’m excited to come along for the next ride.
A very special thanks to the author and Behind the Pages for the gifted copy.
This was an instantly intriguing and captivating read. Interesting storyline, written well and a particularly interesting character in ‘Frank’. Twists and turns galore as well as a few surprises - a really enjoyable read!
This novel by Willian L Myers certainly isn’t the sort of book I would usually read but I’m so glad I did. I was instantly hooked by the storyline however it took me a while to realise who the serial killer was and what his relationship was to Frank. The Russian involvement was brilliant and the dynamics that formed between the Philly Cops and the extremely dangerous Russians was brilliant. It was a brilliant read and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the absolutely brilliant end with the chance of further twists. Thank you Bloodhound for the early copy, I loved it.