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Agent Hank Rawlings #1
Drained
A known serial killer is once again taking lives in Chicago. Bodies drained of blood are being strewn across the city. For former Tampa homicide sergeant, Hank Rawlings, tracking down the man responsible for the killings becomes his first assignment at his new position, agent in the FBI's homicide division of the serial crimes unit. Almost before the ink dries on the new job's acceptance papers, Hank finds himself in Chicago, knee-deep in an investigation with a mounting body count. While every lead brings him and his partner closer to the killer, the one that puts them directly in front of him threatens them most.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
3384 people are currently reading
2466 people want to read
About the author
E.H. Reinhard
46 books181 followersE.H. Reinhard is the author of over twenty novels in the crime fiction and police procedural genres. Residing in sunny Tampa Florida, when not putting pen to paper, or more accurately, keys to keyboard writing his next novel, Reinhard is an avid fisherman and a general enjoyer of everything outdoors.
To see what he's been up to lately, you can find him on social media, or can contact him directly using the contact form at: http://ehreinhard.com.
Find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ehreinhardau...
To see what he's been up to lately, you can find him on social media, or can contact him directly using the contact form at: http://ehreinhard.com.
Find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ehreinhardau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
March 31, 2016
The author spends too much time describing the minutiae of the setting. Instead of telling what's in the hotel minibar or what every character is wearing, he could create a more fast paced gripping story by putting greater effort into moving the plot along. He repeats conversations verbatim even though the reader just read them. I hoped the ending would make up for reading through such dull text but it didn't.
July 12, 2017
This was another Kindle freebie, I think. Read through the entire book during a sick day. I quickly got into the story and didn’t want to stop, although if the author described someone “thumbing” the elevator button one more time, I might have given up. Characters were mostly flat with the potential for more development that went nowhere. Writing dwelt on seemingly unnecessary details, like the protagonist’s first day on the job that I doubted would ever end.
January 4, 2016
Drained and Deranged
Though I am quickly becoming a fan of E.H. Reinhard, I'm thinking I just might take a break and hang with either a lighter genre or author or both for a while. This author is beginning to remind me of Stephen King, the Master of twisted fear, the differences only in genre. Reinhard is quite a colorful artist at subjects on psychotic behavior. Though this is where I can live as an avid reader, don't get me wrong, I am just amazed at how many ways one person can create death at the hands of a psychopath. I often wonder if books like this give the criminal minds at large out there fuel for their fire? Certainly a legitimate question! Even with all that said, I highly recommend this read and this author, but be warned, not for the faint of heart!!!!!
Though I am quickly becoming a fan of E.H. Reinhard, I'm thinking I just might take a break and hang with either a lighter genre or author or both for a while. This author is beginning to remind me of Stephen King, the Master of twisted fear, the differences only in genre. Reinhard is quite a colorful artist at subjects on psychotic behavior. Though this is where I can live as an avid reader, don't get me wrong, I am just amazed at how many ways one person can create death at the hands of a psychopath. I often wonder if books like this give the criminal minds at large out there fuel for their fire? Certainly a legitimate question! Even with all that said, I highly recommend this read and this author, but be warned, not for the faint of heart!!!!!
February 15, 2024
5 stars audio
4.5 stars story
4.5 stars story
August 9, 2019
Book #1, in the Agent Hank Rawlings Series of FBI Thrillers
In a few words what we are getting into reading “Drained”
“A known serial killer is once again taking lives in Chicago. Bodies drained of blood are being strewn across the city. “
Sounds macabre, indeed it was.
Although this is your regular, fast-paced, crime fiction it also has its own interesting elements. I love how the story takes the catch me if you can approach and plays a tight cat and mouse game from start to finish. The story moves along at the steady pace, not particularly gore filled but enough to make you cringe at times. Oh yes, I kept turning pages and fast so wanting to know how long it would take Hank Rawlings, the protagonist, before he was able to put the squeeze on the serial killer. The action is play by play and very detailed. Some may say too much action spelled out can be tedious, I agree to some degree but it helps us to understand the good guys, the arrogance of the bad guy and the lifestyle of the victims.
For a FBI thriller, it was a very easy read with lots of exciting scenarios, several twists and turns not a dull moment throughout most of all we find a great set of characters to keep track of. The author’s ability to twist fear drives the story and makes it engaging. Well-done
In a few words what we are getting into reading “Drained”
“A known serial killer is once again taking lives in Chicago. Bodies drained of blood are being strewn across the city. “
Sounds macabre, indeed it was.
Although this is your regular, fast-paced, crime fiction it also has its own interesting elements. I love how the story takes the catch me if you can approach and plays a tight cat and mouse game from start to finish. The story moves along at the steady pace, not particularly gore filled but enough to make you cringe at times. Oh yes, I kept turning pages and fast so wanting to know how long it would take Hank Rawlings, the protagonist, before he was able to put the squeeze on the serial killer. The action is play by play and very detailed. Some may say too much action spelled out can be tedious, I agree to some degree but it helps us to understand the good guys, the arrogance of the bad guy and the lifestyle of the victims.
For a FBI thriller, it was a very easy read with lots of exciting scenarios, several twists and turns not a dull moment throughout most of all we find a great set of characters to keep track of. The author’s ability to twist fear drives the story and makes it engaging. Well-done
January 13, 2016
'Drained' was one of those books that once I started reading it, I didn't put it down. The storyline was well thought out and well crafted. Full of mystery, thrilling scenes, suspense and humor. The characters were a great cast of personalities. Hank definitely proved himself as a top notch agent. He made an awesome lead. Beth was a great partner. The banter between Hank and Beth was humorous. The way the story played out was incredibly smooth on the Agents part. We knew from the beginning who the sicko was, but what let up to the ending was still full of surprises. I can't wait to read more of 'An Agent Hank Rawlings FBI Thriller' series. A must read.
May 18, 2018
I’ve never read a book by this author before and honestly I’m not sure I’m going to read the next in the series.
For me this book felt like it was missing something. It was very descriptive almost too much, how many times do I need to hear how they entered and elevator and ‘thumbed’ the button to go down??? I’m also not sure what value the constant phone conversations with his wife had? For an FBI agent, he sounds like he needs to grow a backbone from what comes across as a controlling wife. I found it a little weird that they’ve been married for 20 years but are only now trying to have kids when they’re in their 40’s - just didn’t seem real to me.
The most thrilling scene was where Agent Harper had gone to the suspects house which was the penultimate scene really. Other than that I struggled the whole way through to read this book, I just found it a little boring.
For me this book felt like it was missing something. It was very descriptive almost too much, how many times do I need to hear how they entered and elevator and ‘thumbed’ the button to go down??? I’m also not sure what value the constant phone conversations with his wife had? For an FBI agent, he sounds like he needs to grow a backbone from what comes across as a controlling wife. I found it a little weird that they’ve been married for 20 years but are only now trying to have kids when they’re in their 40’s - just didn’t seem real to me.
The most thrilling scene was where Agent Harper had gone to the suspects house which was the penultimate scene really. Other than that I struggled the whole way through to read this book, I just found it a little boring.
own-tbr
January 16, 2017Freebie today over @ Amazon US.
December 28, 2017
Maybe I’m getting too old for the very graphic serial killer books. I don’t remember it bothering me so much when I was younger. This was a very average book. I didn’t really get to “know” the protagonist, Hank Rawlings much at all. Since I enjoy books in a series I am going to try book 2.
February 23, 2023
Poorly developed characters with stilted writing like a police procedural.
April 30, 2018
Hank Rawlings has just started working in a special FBI serial killer unit. He and his partner are sent to the Chicago area because women’s bodies were turning up completely drained of blood. The novel is a procedural and the protagonists are likable. Their interaction with suspects is formulaic, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is entertaining and quick reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
Good story
I like the characters as well as the well developed story line.. It was an interesting read with some tense moments.
I like the characters as well as the well developed story line.. It was an interesting read with some tense moments.
May 16, 2019
Detailed
Lots of specific details, but it doesn't slow you down. Good pace, characters, and plot. I really enjoyed this book!
Lots of specific details, but it doesn't slow you down. Good pace, characters, and plot. I really enjoyed this book!
December 18, 2025
3.5 stars
June 20, 2017
I actually like Hank's character better than Kane's in the other series. Sttill, this opening salvo in Hank's own story leaps ahead to a conclusion without me really feeling like the agents deserved it just yet. The villain is a good one but he gets caught a little too easily IMHO. Will be reading more of Hank.
January 28, 2020
Good book
It was a good read however the author is very descriptive which made it longer to read and lost interest
It was a good read however the author is very descriptive which made it longer to read and lost interest
December 6, 2015
"Drained" is the first of two books in author E. H. Reinhard's Hank Rawlings series. Rawlings is a break out character from the author's Carl Kane series set in Tampa. Hank has just Left Florida for Virginia to further his career working for the FBI. Hank's wife also works for the DEA. So move to Virginia area is good for both. Meanwhile, in Chicago a second female body turns up in a dumpster completely drained of blood. The FBI fears that a long dormant serial killer has returned. This serial killer had been dormant for eight long years. The two dead women killed like this alert FBI Supervisory Special Agent Art Ball who assigns Hank his first case. Partnered with veteran FBI agent Beth Harper the hunt in on for this killer. Harper is from the Chicago area so she's very familiar with the area. It had been eight years since last striking when he'd killed three women this same way. With this newest body he's now murdered two since returning. Hank and Beth are alarmed that both murdered women had used an on line dating service recently. "Classified-OD" run by Brett Bailor is the dating serviced used. Bailor is a shifty character. He's very wealthy, however is always behind on alimony and child support payments. His ex-wife continually must have her lawyer involved for payments. Bailor has very expensive tastes for his lifestyle. Along with local Chicago agent Andrews the team never seems to get any answers out of Bailor. Bailor routinely leave his company for the day and just disappears. Rookie Rawlings and Harper make a pretty good team despite the large gap in their ages. A very quick reading story, this one had some good intrigue as well. The characters were well developed and were provided with hard hitting dialog. This is the first book I've read by author E. H. Reinhard. It was such an enjoyable read I've already started the first book in his Carl Kane series. Easily five stars out of a possible five stars for "Drained". Check this one out. It's a good story.
November 30, 2015
"Entertained not drained"
A very good start to a new series. I liked the characterisation. The story was fast-paced and rang true throughout. Even the serial killer had a unique method of dispatching his victims. It was a book I could rattle through in a couple of hours and enjoy. My only criticism. which made this a 4* instead of a 5* was the extra layer of detail. Is it really necessary to itemize every step involved in taking a lift to the forty-fourth floor; or what was on each desk and the specific layout when we arrived? I would have used a lighter brush and let the reader paint the picture themselves, but hey, if the rest of the series is this good why worry?
A very good start to a new series. I liked the characterisation. The story was fast-paced and rang true throughout. Even the serial killer had a unique method of dispatching his victims. It was a book I could rattle through in a couple of hours and enjoy. My only criticism. which made this a 4* instead of a 5* was the extra layer of detail. Is it really necessary to itemize every step involved in taking a lift to the forty-fourth floor; or what was on each desk and the specific layout when we arrived? I would have used a lighter brush and let the reader paint the picture themselves, but hey, if the rest of the series is this good why worry?
March 5, 2019
This first title in the Agent Hank Rawlings reads like an episode of Criminal Minds. I love a good mystery, ( and this one is good), but just a little too gory for my taste. Readers know from the beginning who is responsible for the murders since some of the story is told through his eyes. The motivation behind the killer's actions, however, is never revealed although there are a few glimpses into a painful childhood.
March 23, 2019
2.5ish. It was okay. I might try another in the series because I think the author has potential to make his writing richer. Too descriptive like a lot of other people are saying. Actions and statements that are obvious and logical do not need to be described in detail. Feels like filler. No explanation for the killer and why he was doing this is a little annoying but things don't have to be gift wrapped.
August 23, 2016
Ex homicide sergeant, now FBI, Hank Rawlings, and his partner Beth Harper are assigned to tracking and finding a serial killer who is now active in Chicago after a break of some years. The story gives quite a detailed account of the procedures and actions these agents do to try and find the killer.
I liked the characters and the story, and will look out for the next in the series
I liked the characters and the story, and will look out for the next in the series
February 27, 2016
Thriller, but!
Like to read stories that keeps the suspense of who till the end. I want to keep guessing. But with this book you'll know who, only suspense is how he was going to be found. Good characters, detailed descriptions of them and places, felt like just to fill pages.
Like to read stories that keeps the suspense of who till the end. I want to keep guessing. But with this book you'll know who, only suspense is how he was going to be found. Good characters, detailed descriptions of them and places, felt like just to fill pages.
November 7, 2015
Love all his books. Can't wait for the next
September 12, 2016
Good book. First book I have read by Reinhardt. Will be reading more by him.
December 11, 2016
Not the best writing or character development but I did enjoy the plot.
May 27, 2018
Decent story, but way too many details - ‘and then I pushed the button and was buzzed in, so I walked over to the door and turned the knob’ type details. Excruciating.
December 31, 2018
Brett (aka John) finally invited Rebecca over for dinner/drink.
Things turned from good to worse.
He had put Rohypnol in her food.
FBI SA Hank Rawlings (Chicago, homicide, Sergeant Tampa PD homicide former) has joined the team & was introduced to: FBI SAC Art Ball, FBI SAC Beth Harper (32, homicide), Jim Robinson (A/A, 60+records, paperwork, travel, warrants, etc.), Lewis Phillips (25+, twin, tech), Marcus Phillips (25+, twin, tech), Bill (field agent), & Scott Mathews (field agent).
SK 138 case file: a decomposed female body had been found in a dumpster.
There are 13 other victims besides her.
More murder cases: Jasmine Thomas, Kennedy Taylor (daughter/sister), & Angela Wormack.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper were following Officer Murray & Officer Nelson to the crime scene.
Officer Nelson (30+, Chicago PD) & Officer Murray (25+, Chicago PD Chicago PD) were already at the crime scene.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper went to see Mark Green (Cook County night shift ME), was also there.
Mr. Brett Bailor (aka Rick) stopped by & picked Monica Whickham up.
The ole forgot my wallet, we will have to stop by my place & get it excuse.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper met FBI SA Nick Freeman (forensics), FBI SA Andrews, & FBI SA Frank Toms at the next crime scene.
Rebecca Wright (city public works office) is the latest victim.
Then it was Monica Whickham.
Will the mass murders be solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written FBI thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great FBI thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Things turned from good to worse.
He had put Rohypnol in her food.
FBI SA Hank Rawlings (Chicago, homicide, Sergeant Tampa PD homicide former) has joined the team & was introduced to: FBI SAC Art Ball, FBI SAC Beth Harper (32, homicide), Jim Robinson (A/A, 60+records, paperwork, travel, warrants, etc.), Lewis Phillips (25+, twin, tech), Marcus Phillips (25+, twin, tech), Bill (field agent), & Scott Mathews (field agent).
SK 138 case file: a decomposed female body had been found in a dumpster.
There are 13 other victims besides her.
More murder cases: Jasmine Thomas, Kennedy Taylor (daughter/sister), & Angela Wormack.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper were following Officer Murray & Officer Nelson to the crime scene.
Officer Nelson (30+, Chicago PD) & Officer Murray (25+, Chicago PD Chicago PD) were already at the crime scene.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper went to see Mark Green (Cook County night shift ME), was also there.
Mr. Brett Bailor (aka Rick) stopped by & picked Monica Whickham up.
The ole forgot my wallet, we will have to stop by my place & get it excuse.
FBI SA Rawlings & FBI SAC Harper met FBI SA Nick Freeman (forensics), FBI SA Andrews, & FBI SA Frank Toms at the next crime scene.
Rebecca Wright (city public works office) is the latest victim.
Then it was Monica Whickham.
Will the mass murders be solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written FBI thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great FBI thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 29, 2018
Drained, by E.H. Reinhard is the first installment in a series featuring Hank Rawlings, who was the sidekick in the author's earlier series featuring Carl Kane of the Tampa police. Rawlings has moved to Virginia with his bossy wife to work in the serial homicide division of the FBI. The character of Rawlings is only slightly more developed here than in the earlier books. His chief characteristic is that he is submissive and faithful toward his wife.
The story itself follows Rawlings’ first FBI assignment, to help with a serial killer case in Chicago. Rawlings is dispatched along with a younger and pretty female agent to work the case, but despite numerous opportunities there is no sexual tension between Hank and agent Beth Harper.
The case involves a killer who has been stalking young women for decades. He is careful and wealthy and we see the killer's side of the story through first person narrative. So, the only question is whether the FBI agents will be able to catch him or whether he is clever enough to get away with his murders.
The writing is crisp, although often tending towards excessive description to fill in for a lack of complexity in the narrative. The details of the investigation are laid out in detail as the feds close in on the killer. There are a few points where you wonder how the local feds could have overlooked obvious evidence and leads before the duo from Manassas showed up, but the main issue is that the killer gets careless and screws up what should have been a harder case to crack. In the end the climax comes very quickly and a little too easily.
The book is a quick read and it is engaging as we wonder how the killer will get caught, but there is not that much suspense in the end and the novel has the feeling of the opening act rather than the featured performer. The author pushes the story along with fine prose but the characters never really have much depth. It is like a nice crime episode of a TV series that you don't know for sure whether you will tune in for next week, but ultimately it is entertaining.
I think I will tune in for the next installment, to see if this Hank Rawlings guy is someone I want to care about or not. Judgment is reserved.
The story itself follows Rawlings’ first FBI assignment, to help with a serial killer case in Chicago. Rawlings is dispatched along with a younger and pretty female agent to work the case, but despite numerous opportunities there is no sexual tension between Hank and agent Beth Harper.
The case involves a killer who has been stalking young women for decades. He is careful and wealthy and we see the killer's side of the story through first person narrative. So, the only question is whether the FBI agents will be able to catch him or whether he is clever enough to get away with his murders.
The writing is crisp, although often tending towards excessive description to fill in for a lack of complexity in the narrative. The details of the investigation are laid out in detail as the feds close in on the killer. There are a few points where you wonder how the local feds could have overlooked obvious evidence and leads before the duo from Manassas showed up, but the main issue is that the killer gets careless and screws up what should have been a harder case to crack. In the end the climax comes very quickly and a little too easily.
The book is a quick read and it is engaging as we wonder how the killer will get caught, but there is not that much suspense in the end and the novel has the feeling of the opening act rather than the featured performer. The author pushes the story along with fine prose but the characters never really have much depth. It is like a nice crime episode of a TV series that you don't know for sure whether you will tune in for next week, but ultimately it is entertaining.
I think I will tune in for the next installment, to see if this Hank Rawlings guy is someone I want to care about or not. Judgment is reserved.
March 25, 2020
The storyline was good it just had a little bit too much nonessential descriptions for me. The author went into way too much detail in just a normal scene such as at the office. Have not read any of this author's previous books so didn't know that this was a spinoff character. Author doesn't seem to develop the character of Hank's partner very much. For a tough cop Hank also has a bit of a strange relationship with his wife as she seems to be the controlling member of the family. Willing to try another in this series.
The story starts off with Hank Rawlings moving from Tampa to Virginia and going to work for the FBI. He gets some ribbing from others at the office on his first day and is immediately plunged into a case of a serial killer in Chicago. He heads to Chicago with his partner and they meet up with local agents and begin looking into the killings. The killer owns a tech company and meets women thru personal ads then wine and dines them, drugs them and drains them of all blood before disposing of their bodies. He is seems to be a fairly intelligent pscyho and they have to dig into a lot of small details trying to find him. They end up at his company which causes the killer a great deal of concern and is his undoing. He keeps trying to lead them astray which seems to actually make him more suspicious. Would have preferred a slightly different ending.
The story starts off with Hank Rawlings moving from Tampa to Virginia and going to work for the FBI. He gets some ribbing from others at the office on his first day and is immediately plunged into a case of a serial killer in Chicago. He heads to Chicago with his partner and they meet up with local agents and begin looking into the killings. The killer owns a tech company and meets women thru personal ads then wine and dines them, drugs them and drains them of all blood before disposing of their bodies. He is seems to be a fairly intelligent pscyho and they have to dig into a lot of small details trying to find him. They end up at his company which causes the killer a great deal of concern and is his undoing. He keeps trying to lead them astray which seems to actually make him more suspicious. Would have preferred a slightly different ending.
April 15, 2022
E.H. Reinhard is the new master of the police procedural thrillers. He has four series in print — the Lieutenant Kane, Dedicated To Death Series, the Lieutenant Kane Cases series, the Agent Rawlings Series, and the Lieutenant Harrington Series. There are some twenty plus books in these series and every one of them I have read has been nonstop, roller-coaster thrill rides from the first page to the last. Adrenalin rushes that kept me glued to the edge of my seat. Page burner that kept me turning the pages to discover how they would end.
Drain Book 1 in the Agent Hank Rawlings, FBI Thriller Series, begins differently than most of the novels about serial killers that I’ve ever read. Different in that we know from the very beginning who the serial killer is. That unique approach taken by Reinhard is what hooked me on this story. What kept me reading was my need to see how newly minted Special Agent Hank Rawling and his partner, Beth Harper, would discover who the killer was. The way this story ends will leave you breathless. If you only read one thriller this year, it has to be Drained.
Drain Book 1 in the Agent Hank Rawlings, FBI Thriller Series, begins differently than most of the novels about serial killers that I’ve ever read. Different in that we know from the very beginning who the serial killer is. That unique approach taken by Reinhard is what hooked me on this story. What kept me reading was my need to see how newly minted Special Agent Hank Rawling and his partner, Beth Harper, would discover who the killer was. The way this story ends will leave you breathless. If you only read one thriller this year, it has to be Drained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews