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Brad Frame #1
Unforgiving Shadows
Brad Frame lived a serene but aimless existence on Philadelphia’s Main Line until his mother and sister were kidnapped and murdered. The tragedy transformed his life. After helping the police catch their killers, and with the aid of his mentor, Philadelphia Detective Nick Argostino, Brad opened his own private detective agency vowing to help bring justice to others whose lives had been turned upside down.
UNFORGIVING SHADOWS opens eleven years later when Brad is invited to the execution by lethal injection of Frank Wilkie, one of two men responsible for the death of his mother and sister. Thinking that Wilkie might have something to say, Brad reluctantly attends. Wilkie remains silent, but as Brad exits the prison the chaplain races after him, thrusting the condemned man’s Bible into his hands.
Within hours another man is anxious to get his hands on Wilkie’s Bible, and Brad suspects the motivation could involve the still-missing ransom money. But as the reason becomes clear, Brad’s world is once again turned upside down. Aided by his associate, Sharon Porter, Brad unravels an eleven-year-old mystery that casts new suspicion on family, neighbors and business associates alike.
Also included is a preview chapter of TRANSPLANTED DEATH, the next Brad Frame Mystery.
UNFORGIVING SHADOWS opens eleven years later when Brad is invited to the execution by lethal injection of Frank Wilkie, one of two men responsible for the death of his mother and sister. Thinking that Wilkie might have something to say, Brad reluctantly attends. Wilkie remains silent, but as Brad exits the prison the chaplain races after him, thrusting the condemned man’s Bible into his hands.
Within hours another man is anxious to get his hands on Wilkie’s Bible, and Brad suspects the motivation could involve the still-missing ransom money. But as the reason becomes clear, Brad’s world is once again turned upside down. Aided by his associate, Sharon Porter, Brad unravels an eleven-year-old mystery that casts new suspicion on family, neighbors and business associates alike.
Also included is a preview chapter of TRANSPLANTED DEATH, the next Brad Frame Mystery.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2005
491 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Ray Flynt
18 books21 followersRay Flynt is the author of two mystery series:
The first features private detective Brad Frame. Based in Bryn Mawr, PA, Brad led an aimless life until his mother and sister were kidnapped and murdered. After helping to solve their crime Brad joined forces with Philadelphia police detective Nick Argostino to bring justice to the lives of others.
In his second series, Ryan Caldwell, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is pursuing a career in journalism.
Ray retired from a diverse career in criminal justice, education, the arts and human services.
He is a member of Mystery Writers of America and active with their Florida Chapter. In addition to mystery writing, Ray has written and performs a one-man play based on the life of Ben Franklin. He is also a life member of the Florida Witers Association.
The first features private detective Brad Frame. Based in Bryn Mawr, PA, Brad led an aimless life until his mother and sister were kidnapped and murdered. After helping to solve their crime Brad joined forces with Philadelphia police detective Nick Argostino to bring justice to the lives of others.
In his second series, Ryan Caldwell, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is pursuing a career in journalism.
Ray retired from a diverse career in criminal justice, education, the arts and human services.
He is a member of Mystery Writers of America and active with their Florida Chapter. In addition to mystery writing, Ray has written and performs a one-man play based on the life of Ben Franklin. He is also a life member of the Florida Witers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 20, 2012
Unforgiving Shadows is the first of the Brad Frame mysteries by Ray Flynt. I found this book to be fast-paced and full of suspense. Flynt has a gift with language and it allows the story to progress with pace. The setting is well developed as are the characters. With enough twists to engage the reader, I found this book to be a solid read.
January 13, 2018
I never quite got a handle on Sharon’s role in this book. Brad refers to her as his associate, his right arm, and family; he listens to her opinions and ideas, and talks about the two of them having survived some hairy situations and become a good team, yet she acts more like his servant than his partner, almost waiting on him hand and foot.
Having lived my whole life in Pennsylvania, including 5 years in Philly, I was especially alert for accuracy in Flynt’s writing about the state and city. He generally got it right. One slip-up I noticed was calling a prison Rockview (the correct name) through most of the book then Rockville toward the end. And there were a lot of extraneous commas placed between verbs and their adverbs.
I suspected the guilty party early and had my suspicions confirmed, but not the reason behind it although I did have an inkling.
This was a good enough story that I’d like to read more of Brad Frame’s adventures.
Having lived my whole life in Pennsylvania, including 5 years in Philly, I was especially alert for accuracy in Flynt’s writing about the state and city. He generally got it right. One slip-up I noticed was calling a prison Rockview (the correct name) through most of the book then Rockville toward the end. And there were a lot of extraneous commas placed between verbs and their adverbs.
I suspected the guilty party early and had my suspicions confirmed, but not the reason behind it although I did have an inkling.
This was a good enough story that I’d like to read more of Brad Frame’s adventures.
April 6, 2019
A man Frank Wilkie who kidnapped his mother and sister then murdered them. Now was to be executed, and wanted Brad to be one of the witness at that time. Others said it would bring closure for him. As he was leaving the grounds the chaplain approached saying the prisoner wanted him to have his Bible. With an outcry of emotion, saying he leaves me with a religious memento, the Bible, what was Wilkie trying to do, to him now.
Getting home, found Sharon waiting for him. She was the right arm in his detective agency, and a hugger. Telling her to make note of the one words that had been written in the Bible. She found eighteen, what do they mean.
Eleven years, the ransom money was never found, was this clues.
Good soldi story, fast moving, and clear dialog of what Brad is thinking. As they work to unravel this, his world as he has known it also unravels.
Good story good characters, looking forward to reading the others
Getting home, found Sharon waiting for him. She was the right arm in his detective agency, and a hugger. Telling her to make note of the one words that had been written in the Bible. She found eighteen, what do they mean.
Eleven years, the ransom money was never found, was this clues.
Good soldi story, fast moving, and clear dialog of what Brad is thinking. As they work to unravel this, his world as he has known it also unravels.
Good story good characters, looking forward to reading the others
January 19, 2019
A Who-Done-It with an Ending I couldn't Guess
Brad witnesses the execution of the man responsible for the kidnapping and deaths of his mother and sister over a decade ago. A bible with handwritten notes, a list of scriptures (believed tied to the notes), and a stashed $500,000 ransom asks more questions than supplies answers.
Mr Flynt wrote a captivating story with twists and turns that kept me guessing up to the end. A story so intriguing, I had to read in one sitting. Riveted, I am looking for the next in this series. Highly recommended for readers who like to put their detective hats on when they trad, too...you won't be disappointed.
Brad witnesses the execution of the man responsible for the kidnapping and deaths of his mother and sister over a decade ago. A bible with handwritten notes, a list of scriptures (believed tied to the notes), and a stashed $500,000 ransom asks more questions than supplies answers.
Mr Flynt wrote a captivating story with twists and turns that kept me guessing up to the end. A story so intriguing, I had to read in one sitting. Riveted, I am looking for the next in this series. Highly recommended for readers who like to put their detective hats on when they trad, too...you won't be disappointed.
August 2, 2020
I liked it! Don't get me wrong ~ I did like it and will continue to read this series . . . . just not immediately. I like the way Mr Flynt writes; the characters are well-drawn, the story was quite good ~ but why not 5-stars? ~ because I was able to read a couple of books *after* this one; 5-star books pull me in to the next book without being able to take a breath ~ if it's a 5-star book, I'm downloading and reading the next one as I turn the page to finish the first one and immediately begin reading the next one. I like Brad Frame, but I can revisit when I'm ready; I'm not compelled to read #2 immediately.
January 24, 2018
Another great read by Ray Flynt. Brad is dealing with his Dad's death. He finally learns the shocking truth as to who was behind the kidnapping and murder of his Mother and sister years ago and why. The story is so well written, you just have to keep turning the pages. There's another twist at the end, helps you understand why these 2 brothers are so different. There's also a beginning of a romance for Brad. Betrayal so close to home, murders to keep a well hidden secret. Well worth the read.
January 14, 2019
Execution
This series opener begins with an execution. One of the two men who kidnapped and killed Brad Frame's mother and sister years earlier has invited Brad to his execution. Afterward, the chaplain, at the deceased murderer's instruction, gives Brad the Bible carried into the chamber. And the mystery begins.
The story provides background and develops the characters and the world the Frames live in. The mystery evolves throughout the book and comes to a surprising conclusion. I'm looking forward to book two.
This series opener begins with an execution. One of the two men who kidnapped and killed Brad Frame's mother and sister years earlier has invited Brad to his execution. Afterward, the chaplain, at the deceased murderer's instruction, gives Brad the Bible carried into the chamber. And the mystery begins.
The story provides background and develops the characters and the world the Frames live in. The mystery evolves throughout the book and comes to a surprising conclusion. I'm looking forward to book two.
July 20, 2018
I very much enjoyed his book. Does keep you wondering who did it. The best part is before I finish , I have an idea who did it. And it is a surprise. Hope to read many more of his books.
Because I enjoyed the book. Had a good plot in it. And I will read more when I come across them. Thanks
Because I enjoyed the book. Had a good plot in it. And I will read more when I come across them. Thanks
February 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It has so many twists and turns that kept me quite entertained. I loved the plot and discovering who the real killer was. There were so many clues and issues in this story. It makes you think of the death penalty and what your views on the matter are too. I love the main characters. I want to read more from this author.
April 1, 2021
This is the first in the Brad Frame mystery series, and it is a good start to the series. The author is a good terse writer who carefully lays his clues for the alert reader to follow. I enjoyed the book, but I enjoy solving mysteries as long as the writer is fair about leaving clues. Mr. Flynt is.
September 8, 2017
Unforgiving Shadows
A great and very interesting mystery story. I loved it!. Through the words and adventure of this book it is very obvious of the outstanding taken in writing Ray Flynt is.
A great and very interesting mystery story. I loved it!. Through the words and adventure of this book it is very obvious of the outstanding taken in writing Ray Flynt is.
June 25, 2018
Unforgiving Shadows
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters were interesting and well written. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.m
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters were interesting and well written. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.m
December 21, 2018
This is first in a series, and the first time for me with this author. I thought it was a pretty well put together mystery and the writing is solid without egregious editing errors. It sets a pretty fast pace, and I enjoyed it enough to download the second in the series to see how it develops.
December 9, 2019
Unforgiving Shadows
Brad Frame has a chance to reopen the murder of his mother and his sister,plenty of suspects including his brother Andrew,very fast read and I thought a surprise ending.This was book one and I will be ordering book two.
Brad Frame has a chance to reopen the murder of his mother and his sister,plenty of suspects including his brother Andrew,very fast read and I thought a surprise ending.This was book one and I will be ordering book two.
August 21, 2017
Good
this book is one that shows how one man refused to give up on investigating the horrible murders of his mother and sister.
this book is one that shows how one man refused to give up on investigating the horrible murders of his mother and sister.
September 21, 2017
Good interesting story. a little more interesting for me as it was based near where i grew up.
john
john
July 4, 2018
Good read. Interesting characters.
I enjoyed the book, especially the main characters, and will read more by this author. I am looking forward to reading the entire Frame Series.
I enjoyed the book, especially the main characters, and will read more by this author. I am looking forward to reading the entire Frame Series.
July 29, 2018
Enjoyed the story.
Interesting story that kept me guessing about what would happen next. I enjoyed the characters and the interactions. Look forward what comes next.
Interesting story that kept me guessing about what would happen next. I enjoyed the characters and the interactions. Look forward what comes next.
August 18, 2018
I love Ray Flynt’s Brad Frame series. This was another page turner. I highly recommend it.
August 28, 2018
Detective Thriller
This first book in a detective series hit a home run. The plot and character- development are spot-on. Best of all--the editing is superb.
This first book in a detective series hit a home run. The plot and character- development are spot-on. Best of all--the editing is superb.
January 10, 2019
Pretty good read. I didn’t start suspecting the killer until nearly the end. Decent writing style.
April 8, 2019
A very quick read with lots of action and suspense AND of course murders!
January 14, 2020
First book of Ray Flynt's that I have read. Enjoyed the book and looking forward to more. Smooth tracking and kept me captivated through out.
May 7, 2020
The first but, definitely not the last, I will read by this author.
I enjoyed the characters and their interaction, as well as the detective work.
I enjoyed the characters and their interaction, as well as the detective work.
September 5, 2020
Can You Guess Who Done It?
I was enthralled they the entire book. But, I never would have guessed who was responsible for the dirty deed!
I was enthralled they the entire book. But, I never would have guessed who was responsible for the dirty deed!
July 26, 2021
Great story plot. Realistic characters. I will definitely read the next book.
May 29, 2022
WOW, had to keep reading to get to the end, great book!
August 6, 2024
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest. I would recommend it to people that enjoy mysteries. It is a quick read.
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest. I would recommend it to people that enjoy mysteries. It is a quick read.
January 28, 2019
loved the philadelphia area detail; liked the storyline; details and characters are wonderful.
July 13, 2019
This is the first book l have read by this author. I really enjoyed it. Brad Frame goes to the execution of the man who killed his mother and sister, hoping to get closure. Instead the dying man leaves him a cryptic message, leading him on a trail to find the man really behind it. It was a fast read and I really enjoyed the characters. It kept me guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews