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McRyan Mystery #1
The St. Paul Conspiracy
The morning after Halloween the city of St. Paul awakens to find that a serial killer terrorizing the blue-collar working women of University Avenue has struck for the fifth time. The citizens of St. Paul are on edge.
For thirty-two-year-old fourth-generation St. Paul Homicide Detective Michael McKenzie "Mac" McRyan, his day was going to be less stressful. Not working the serial killer case, his day would involve paper work, coffee, and maybe even an early trip to the pub. Then his cell phone tells him his day is about to change. A body has been found in a high-end condominium between Summit and Grand Avenues; and it's not just anyone.
"Your day just got worse," Mac tells his captain.
The victim is Claire Daniels, the Twin Cities' most prominent political and investigative reporter.
With the Daniels murder on top of the latest serial killer attack, the political and media pressure on the St. Paul Police Department only builds and places Mac in the middle of a dangerous and high-stakes murder investigation that will ultimately have national political and security implications.
The fans of John Sandford, David Baldacci and Vince Flynn will enjoy this fast-moving story of murder, greed, and treason, the cast of colorful characters, and its setting in and around historic St. Paul, Minnesota.
334 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
2153 people are currently reading
3296 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stelljes
43 books763 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
May 25, 2017
The St. Paul Conspiracy is the second book I have read in Roger Stelljes McRyan Mystery Series. In The St. Paul Conspiracy the readers will follow a rollercoaster ride with Detective Michael McKenzie McRyan while he is involved in two investigations. Readers of St. Paul Conspiracy will also follow the blossoming romance between Detective Michael McKenzie McRyan and Assistant District Attorney Sally Kennedy. Also, the readers will be shocked with the conclusion of this book.
Readers of St. Paul Conspiracy will learn about the told on law enforcement officers when an investigation is not going to well. Reading St. Paul Conspiracy I learn about what Pubs did in The USA to bypass the Prohibition Laws.
I am so pleased that I found the McRyan Mystery Series by Roger Stelljes. The way Roger Stelljes portrays his main character Detective Michael McKenzie McRyan so the readers can relate to him. Also, the other characters are more believable this allows the readers of St. Paul Conspiracy to become more involved with the story.
I recommend this book
Readers of St. Paul Conspiracy will learn about the told on law enforcement officers when an investigation is not going to well. Reading St. Paul Conspiracy I learn about what Pubs did in The USA to bypass the Prohibition Laws.
I am so pleased that I found the McRyan Mystery Series by Roger Stelljes. The way Roger Stelljes portrays his main character Detective Michael McKenzie McRyan so the readers can relate to him. Also, the other characters are more believable this allows the readers of St. Paul Conspiracy to become more involved with the story.
I recommend this book
June 27, 2014
Detective Mike "Mac" McRyan leads a team investigating serial murder in St. Paul Minnesota. McRyan is a young, third generation cop/lawyer who carries the book by the strength of his personality, leadership and investigative prowess. I liked this book mainly because I liked McRyan and his friends. They work hard trying to catch a serial killer by day and drink beer and chase women in a cop bar at night. "Work hard/play hard" works for me or I should say, it used to. Anyway, the guys soon realize one of the victims did not fit the serial killer profile and the investigation expands exponentially leading to a conspiracy involving a a beautiful news reporter, a US Senator, the CFO of a major corporation and a special operations type working in the shadows.
McRyan reminded me of John Sanford's Lucas Davenport in a variety of ways; both Minnesotans, college hockey players, sharp senses of humor, non-political, tough, smart and determined. I can see them both discussing a difficult case over a few cold ones at McRyan's family pub in St. Paul..........Ed
McRyan reminded me of John Sanford's Lucas Davenport in a variety of ways; both Minnesotans, college hockey players, sharp senses of humor, non-political, tough, smart and determined. I can see them both discussing a difficult case over a few cold ones at McRyan's family pub in St. Paul..........Ed
January 20, 2023
What a thrilling read😳
Ok I gushed on the first book but now I’m gushing even more , this book is nothing like the first one you can tell the book was well thought I’m so loving the series, I’m definitely continuing
The story 5
Detective work 5
The twists and turns 100000 😂🤭(Dramatic I know 😂😂)
5+++ stars
Ok I gushed on the first book but now I’m gushing even more , this book is nothing like the first one you can tell the book was well thought I’m so loving the series, I’m definitely continuing
The story 5
Detective work 5
The twists and turns 100000 😂🤭(Dramatic I know 😂😂)
5+++ stars
June 17, 2017
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; JUNE 16, 2017
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
The Narration: I had put off listening to this I bought it because I didn't like Johnny Peppers but hoped I'd be able to tolerate him in time. Luckily now, 2 years after I bought the audiobook, I was able to tweak his voice using Audacity and the slight change (just deepening the pitch) was sufficient for me to tolerate his voice. Expression-wise, I agree with Trisha R's review - Peppers is emotionless much of the time.
The Story: This was close to 5 stars for me!
It did start off a bit lame because I wasn't at all impressed with the police investigation and McRyan's belief they had enough evidence to charge the senator for the murder of Daniels. I obviously did not agree (based on my experience as a police procedural fan, of course, not as a criminal lawyer 
) so I did get a tad annoyed with the cops and wondered if they were going to be so dumb and annoying throughout the book.
There was a fair bit of repetition - as in McRyan telling himself several times, that something wasn't right, that he was missing something and I was thinking, yeah, a good editor and a good narrator.
But that said, I still enjoyed this book very much. I found it a great mix of police investigation (even if McRyan isn't all that smart) and action. Without giving away too much, what appears to be a serial killer at work turns out to be more complex. I liked that.
Really wish the audio producers had chosen a different narrator because Peppers narrates the entire series and I bought all 5 books.
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
The Narration: I had put off listening to this I bought it because I didn't like Johnny Peppers but hoped I'd be able to tolerate him in time. Luckily now, 2 years after I bought the audiobook, I was able to tweak his voice using Audacity and the slight change (just deepening the pitch) was sufficient for me to tolerate his voice. Expression-wise, I agree with Trisha R's review - Peppers is emotionless much of the time.
The Story: This was close to 5 stars for me!
It did start off a bit lame because I wasn't at all impressed with the police investigation and McRyan's belief they had enough evidence to charge the senator for the murder of Daniels. I obviously did not agree (based on my experience as a police procedural fan, of course, not as a criminal lawyer ) so I did get a tad annoyed with the cops and wondered if they were going to be so dumb and annoying throughout the book.There was a fair bit of repetition - as in McRyan telling himself several times, that something wasn't right, that he was missing something and I was thinking, yeah, a good editor and a good narrator.
But that said, I still enjoyed this book very much. I found it a great mix of police investigation (even if McRyan isn't all that smart) and action. Without giving away too much, what appears to be a serial killer at work turns out to be more complex. I liked that.
Really wish the audio producers had chosen a different narrator because Peppers narrates the entire series and I bought all 5 books.
November 17, 2020
Just OK..
Let me start by saying this didn’t have to be 340 pages. It was so repetitive it was ridiculous. In a matter of 3 or 4 pages he repeated 3 times what evidence they had against the senator. If they’d been talking to some that was mentally challenged I might be able to see it but they were talking to THE senator, someone fairly intelligent. And they all ate and drank a whole lot. That was unnecessary, describing everything they ate from every restaurant they went to and what they drank at every bar and pizza at home and what they wanted on it. Really? Who cares? It causes skimming and that’s always a bad thing.
This author must really be from the Twin Cities or he has a great map. There were so many routes with every street name they took when following the suspect. Could have been a good murder/suspense if there hadn’t been so much unnecessary BS. It was based on finding a serial killer at the same time looking for whoever killed a popular investigative reporter. Actually, there were a few killings that were eventually intertwined. And, actually, I don’t ever remember one cop with a gun in his hand or a gun even mentioned until about 95% of the book. Not a shoot-‘um-up at all. It was a decent book but there was too much skimming for me, too much filler. I can’t see myself reading anymore from this author.
There was a very slight romance in this but no sex whatsoever, a fade-to-black at about 39% but nothing more, maybe a kiss or two.
There was swearing and the F-bomb was used 52 times.
As to the narrator: One reviewer said this, “reader doesn't seem to create interest... Monotone!” And that’s exactly right. He does great voices, mostly, except Riley’s voice was horrible, but Johnny Peppers is so boring when he reads. No emotion whatsoever. He didn’t laugh, whisper (and there are times when you HAVE to whisper or the book just sounds really stupid), yell, grumble, mutter, NOTHING! WTH kind of narrator is that? And, how did he ever get 4 and 5 star reviews. I would have to pass on this narrator in the future.
Let me start by saying this didn’t have to be 340 pages. It was so repetitive it was ridiculous. In a matter of 3 or 4 pages he repeated 3 times what evidence they had against the senator. If they’d been talking to some that was mentally challenged I might be able to see it but they were talking to THE senator, someone fairly intelligent. And they all ate and drank a whole lot. That was unnecessary, describing everything they ate from every restaurant they went to and what they drank at every bar and pizza at home and what they wanted on it. Really? Who cares? It causes skimming and that’s always a bad thing.
This author must really be from the Twin Cities or he has a great map. There were so many routes with every street name they took when following the suspect. Could have been a good murder/suspense if there hadn’t been so much unnecessary BS. It was based on finding a serial killer at the same time looking for whoever killed a popular investigative reporter. Actually, there were a few killings that were eventually intertwined. And, actually, I don’t ever remember one cop with a gun in his hand or a gun even mentioned until about 95% of the book. Not a shoot-‘um-up at all. It was a decent book but there was too much skimming for me, too much filler. I can’t see myself reading anymore from this author.
There was a very slight romance in this but no sex whatsoever, a fade-to-black at about 39% but nothing more, maybe a kiss or two.
There was swearing and the F-bomb was used 52 times.
As to the narrator: One reviewer said this, “reader doesn't seem to create interest... Monotone!” And that’s exactly right. He does great voices, mostly, except Riley’s voice was horrible, but Johnny Peppers is so boring when he reads. No emotion whatsoever. He didn’t laugh, whisper (and there are times when you HAVE to whisper or the book just sounds really stupid), yell, grumble, mutter, NOTHING! WTH kind of narrator is that? And, how did he ever get 4 and 5 star reviews. I would have to pass on this narrator in the future.
June 1, 2022
Even though I read the second book in McRyan series, Deadly Stillwater, first a long while ago, my library didn’t have The St Paul Conspiracy until now, and now I am all caught up on all the characters. I discovered Roger while looking for local authors in the Twin Cities, and I am so glad I discovered Mr Stelljes. This was an excellent Police procedural, filled with murder, national conspiracy, and some police corruption. McRyan is one very smart detective and he’ll stick to solving a case even when he’s threatened to back off. He believes the guilty should be caught and charged, not let go because of politics and money. I liked getting caught up with how Mac and Sally met and start of their budding romance.
November 13, 2010
This was a good conspiracy novel by an MN writer so it was fun to visualize all of the places in MN as I was reading it. It was his first book and he is working on the 2nd book now which features some of the same characters. My book club met him and he is a really down to earth guy.
April 4, 2024
Back in the mid 70's I worked in the Twin Cities from time to time, remember a crisp evening with bitter cold weather, looking out from a skywalk connecting some buildings downtown to see snow piled 8 feet high on each side of the street. Made me thankful for that style of architecture and the parking garage connections and this book has a great sense of place that brought those memories back.
Could have used some tighter editing but the story moved along with some interesting twists and turns. Well done, easy read.
Could have used some tighter editing but the story moved along with some interesting twists and turns. Well done, easy read.
March 2, 2013
This was the debut effort by Stelljes, and I could tell. I don't know who edited this book before publication, but there were several grammar and spelling errors I noticed on casual reading. And those errors are like roaches--if my unobservant self noticed a few, you just know that there were a million hiding in the walls of that book.
My main issue with the book is the fact that Stelljes violates the rule of "Show don't tell" with constant omniscient descriptions of what characters were thinking. Actually, Stellje did a lot of both, too much showing and too much telling. More show and tell in the few hours spent reading this book than a whole year of primary school. I also hated the introductory background given for each character as they appeared in the book, it really slogged the pace and felt like expository writing. I laughed out loud when I got to this line on page 157 "The reading was tedious." Yep. I hate chapter titles that are excerpted sentences from the chapter. Don't do that.
The plot itself was fairly cliche, and about as predictable as an atomic clock. I don't understand why the novel was constructed so that we knew right away that a Senator was innocent and a black ops group was behind it (okay, a killer with the code name Viper? Really? Is this G.I. Joe or like a book for adults?). It would have been better to leave that open, to have the reader believe what the police believed at first and allow, you know, some mystery into a detective novel. Also, I find it really hard to believe that homicide detectives wouldn't question the fact that a victim of a serial killer didn't fit the profile of other victims. And no one really seemed upset or even curious when a suspect was clearly assassinated while in police custody. Assassinated with a sniper rifle...
I enjoyed the the familiar setting of St. Paul and the restaurants, cafes, and bars with altered names. It was fun figuring out what is what. Mardi Gras on Grand must be Dixie's...and so on.
Anyway, I did finish the book, which says something. I'll give this guy another chance with the hope that his chops improve with practice. I have read serial novels by really good authors that were one off clunkers, so maybe...
My main issue with the book is the fact that Stelljes violates the rule of "Show don't tell" with constant omniscient descriptions of what characters were thinking. Actually, Stellje did a lot of both, too much showing and too much telling. More show and tell in the few hours spent reading this book than a whole year of primary school. I also hated the introductory background given for each character as they appeared in the book, it really slogged the pace and felt like expository writing. I laughed out loud when I got to this line on page 157 "The reading was tedious." Yep. I hate chapter titles that are excerpted sentences from the chapter. Don't do that.
The plot itself was fairly cliche, and about as predictable as an atomic clock. I don't understand why the novel was constructed so that we knew right away that a Senator was innocent and a black ops group was behind it (okay, a killer with the code name Viper? Really? Is this G.I. Joe or like a book for adults?). It would have been better to leave that open, to have the reader believe what the police believed at first and allow, you know, some mystery into a detective novel. Also, I find it really hard to believe that homicide detectives wouldn't question the fact that a victim of a serial killer didn't fit the profile of other victims. And no one really seemed upset or even curious when a suspect was clearly assassinated while in police custody. Assassinated with a sniper rifle...
I enjoyed the the familiar setting of St. Paul and the restaurants, cafes, and bars with altered names. It was fun figuring out what is what. Mardi Gras on Grand must be Dixie's...and so on.
Anyway, I did finish the book, which says something. I'll give this guy another chance with the hope that his chops improve with practice. I have read serial novels by really good authors that were one off clunkers, so maybe...
September 1, 2021
This was a good police procedural featuring a likable Detective, Mac McRyan. He begins by finding the killer of a local TV personality, followed by working on a serial killer case. Eventually, Mac's superior intuition leads the team to a massive conspiracy and cover-up. The story was fun and quick to read. I found the portrayal of nearly every female as breathtakingly beautiful hard to believe and really quite sexist. I will likely read more in the series, but mainly only when I'm looking for 'light' entertainment.
July 15, 2025
As a Minnesotan who has worked in St Paul, it was fun to visualize the different locations and buildings in the story. It was pretty fast paced and fun to read.
The only issue I have is with the swearing. Not sure how anyone thinks that this enhances the story line, for me it’s a distraction. My husband was a beloved and well respected sheriff in Minnesota and I never heard him use language like that.
Also I noticed that you used MVR record, which is redundant since MVR stands for Motor Vehicle Record. Maybe spell it out the first time with parentheses around MVR? I ran these at one time in my career.
And VIN number is redundant in the same way since the abbreviation stands for Vehicle Identification Number. A law enforcement person would know this.
The only issue I have is with the swearing. Not sure how anyone thinks that this enhances the story line, for me it’s a distraction. My husband was a beloved and well respected sheriff in Minnesota and I never heard him use language like that.
Also I noticed that you used MVR record, which is redundant since MVR stands for Motor Vehicle Record. Maybe spell it out the first time with parentheses around MVR? I ran these at one time in my career.
And VIN number is redundant in the same way since the abbreviation stands for Vehicle Identification Number. A law enforcement person would know this.
July 9, 2018
A great procedural
McRyan is a St. Paul Detective. He and his partner are called in when a local television reporter is found murdered. At the same time, his co-workers are looking for a serial killer. The investigations lead to more murders, one that appears to be a suicide, treasonous activities and ultimately the evidence leads to a group of former espionage agents. It is well written and will grab the reader’s interest. All in all, a great procedural. Thanks to the Author and Publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
McRyan is a St. Paul Detective. He and his partner are called in when a local television reporter is found murdered. At the same time, his co-workers are looking for a serial killer. The investigations lead to more murders, one that appears to be a suicide, treasonous activities and ultimately the evidence leads to a group of former espionage agents. It is well written and will grab the reader’s interest. All in all, a great procedural. Thanks to the Author and Publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
January 21, 2019
Eh. Debut police detective novel, but the clues seemed to fly out of the dialogue (or copious inner thoughts) leaving the ending only halfway surprising. Might spark interest to those who live in St. Paul, Minnesota, as it’s confined (quite narrowly) there.
August 14, 2020
Excellent book
Well written. The pace of the book is great. No wasted side story lines that don't pertain to the main plot.
Well written. The pace of the book is great. No wasted side story lines that don't pertain to the main plot.
October 3, 2015
I think it is no secret that I am attracted to books related to military, police, government types, and mysteries of all kinds. This book has most all of those characteristics and I really wished I'd read it sooner.
This is a combination of Police Procedural and Mystery/Thriller with a touch of Political Intrigue and Romance.
'Mac' is one of the members of the fourth generation of the McRyan clan to grace the St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department. 'Mac' came to being a policeman in a round about way, his brains and his athleticism got him through undergraduate and graduate school with high honors and a law degree. All of his knowledge, the things that he learned from family, school, and police training will be needed as a politically sensitive case is dropped in his proverbial lap. Will he be able to live up to his father's legacy or are there forces at work trying to keep him from doing just that?
I loved the way that the author showed both sides of the crime - one side was from the criminals perspective - the other the way the police saw it. I also loved how all the pieces of the puzzle finally came into place for the big picture but not until towards the end.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to mild to moderate graphic violence (some of a sexual nature), adult language, and some intimate sexual situations.
This is a combination of Police Procedural and Mystery/Thriller with a touch of Political Intrigue and Romance.
'Mac' is one of the members of the fourth generation of the McRyan clan to grace the St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department. 'Mac' came to being a policeman in a round about way, his brains and his athleticism got him through undergraduate and graduate school with high honors and a law degree. All of his knowledge, the things that he learned from family, school, and police training will be needed as a politically sensitive case is dropped in his proverbial lap. Will he be able to live up to his father's legacy or are there forces at work trying to keep him from doing just that?
I loved the way that the author showed both sides of the crime - one side was from the criminals perspective - the other the way the police saw it. I also loved how all the pieces of the puzzle finally came into place for the big picture but not until towards the end.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to mild to moderate graphic violence (some of a sexual nature), adult language, and some intimate sexual situations.
November 11, 2018
WOW! Roger Stelljies has created a slam dunk winner in his Mac McRyan series! The storylines are not only unique and interesting, but also intriguing if not enthralling! The pacing is spot on; suspense builds steadily and there are absolutely no dull moments! The dynamic, well rounded, multi-dimensional characters drive the plot and make this series stand apart from other police procedural thrillers. It is always a mark of good author craftsmanship to develop characters with whom readers are engaged.
I recommend this series to fans of criminal suspense, police procedurals. If you like this genre, you will find a winner in this series! I always await each new installment! Start at the beginning of the series to appreciate how the characters change and develop.
I recommend this series to fans of criminal suspense, police procedurals. If you like this genre, you will find a winner in this series! I always await each new installment! Start at the beginning of the series to appreciate how the characters change and develop.
May 11, 2017
This book is absolute garbage. To call it a hackneyed string of cliches is an insult to all hackneyed strings of cliches. There is nothing original in this entire mess of a story. It reads like a blind person trying to describe what a police procedural TV show looks like, with vague St. Paul streets and locations thrown in at random.
Hard Boiled but sensitive third generation cop with a JD breaks a murder and a serial killer on his first week as lead detective and then realizes that it was all a corporate conspiracy, and only he can discover the secret that has eluded the ex government spooks for weeks while on a ski trip...
Save yourself the pain of this novel, because the ending is just plain ridiculous.
Hard Boiled but sensitive third generation cop with a JD breaks a murder and a serial killer on his first week as lead detective and then realizes that it was all a corporate conspiracy, and only he can discover the secret that has eluded the ex government spooks for weeks while on a ski trip...
Save yourself the pain of this novel, because the ending is just plain ridiculous.
May 30, 2014
A very good police procedural novel with a bit of conspiracy thrown in for good measure.
"Mac" McRyan (think early Lucas Davenport without the Porche) is a detective with the St. Paul Police Department. The novel starts with McRyan investigating the murder of a local TV personality. As these things go with novels, Mac's case soon merges with another active murder investigation.
I found Stelljes' work to be every bit as good as Sandford's Prey series. He's just not a household name like Sandford.
"Mac" McRyan (think early Lucas Davenport without the Porche) is a detective with the St. Paul Police Department. The novel starts with McRyan investigating the murder of a local TV personality. As these things go with novels, Mac's case soon merges with another active murder investigation.
I found Stelljes' work to be every bit as good as Sandford's Prey series. He's just not a household name like Sandford.
April 25, 2016
a good read but, not really my style.
I had a hard time connecting to the characters and it was a little slow. This was his first book so maybe I'll cut him a little slack.
What I really enjoyed though is the location, my hometown of Saint Paul MN. it's always fun to read about your old stomping grounds.
St. Paul homicide detective "Mac" Michael McRyan has a serial killer on the loose on his turf and he and his cop buddies race the clock and the bad guys to find him. What they find instead is a big money conspiracy they must take down with out getting killed in the process.
I had a hard time connecting to the characters and it was a little slow. This was his first book so maybe I'll cut him a little slack.
What I really enjoyed though is the location, my hometown of Saint Paul MN. it's always fun to read about your old stomping grounds.
St. Paul homicide detective "Mac" Michael McRyan has a serial killer on the loose on his turf and he and his cop buddies race the clock and the bad guys to find him. What they find instead is a big money conspiracy they must take down with out getting killed in the process.
October 24, 2011
This is the first book in the McRyan mystery series. I originally read it in hardcover and then again on the Kindle. I love the chapter titles because it adds an extra element to looking to see how they relate to the chapter and where they are located in the chapter. This is an action packed series with gritty cop characters and a small twist of romance. I've also read his second book and I can't wait until there is more available on Kindle - Great read!!!
October 24, 2011
This is the first book in the McRyan mystery series. It is a fast paced mystery thriller with a bit of romance mixed in. I'm hoping this author throws a bit more romance into his future books. I loved the chapter titles. It was fun to see how they related to the story and where they were in the chapter. I originally read this in hardcover and now it is on Amazon for 99 cents -- great read!
May 10, 2012
Was a good, quick read on the kindle. Reminded me of lots of places I knew back in MN so that was a big selling point... so much so that I actually bought the second book with these characters by this author.
December 31, 2011
Really enjoyed this book. I had read the second book in the series first. Hope there are more.
July 8, 2018
Dieses Buch ist im Grunde genommen ein Action Film. In der ersten Szene bringt ein Profi-Killer eine Reporterin um, von der seine Auftraggeber vermuteten, dass sie belastende Akten zu etwas namens Cross hatte. Er und seine Crew versuchen diese Mord zu vertuschen, indem sie ihn dem Liebhaber der Reporterin, einem US Senator in die Schuhe schieben. Gleichzeitig hat die Crew eine andere Frau, die als Finanzvorstand einer bedeutenden Firma arbeitete ebenfalls getötet und diesen Mord als Tat eines Serienmörders kaschiert.
Unser Held, McRyan, der Teil einer Cop-Familie ist und außerdem sein Anwaltsstudium summa cum laude abgeschlossen hat, bevor er sich nach dem Tod seiner Cousins im Dienst entschloss, doch Polizist zu werden, wird auf den Fall angesetzt.
Das Buch schildert die Ereignisse abwechselnd auf Sicht von McRyan wie er der Verschwörung immer näher kommt und der Crew, die immer weiter mordet, um dies zu verhindern. Dabei wird überdeutlich, dass der Autor einen Kinofilm vor Augen hatte, denn einige Szenen bieten sogar schnelle Wechsel zwischen den Parteien, um die Action zu steigern.
Da es ein Action-Film ist, muss man auch über einige Lächerlichkeiten hinwegsehen. Die Wunderwaffe Bildbearbeitung hat wieder ihren Auftritt, wobei ich da ehrlich gesagt schon schlimmeres gesehen habe.
Eine Sache, die aber definitiv erwähnen muss, ist die Sache mit dem Serienkiller. Unabhängig davon wie intelligent es ist als Trittbrettfahrer eines Serienkillers aufzutreten, insbesondre wenn das Opfer so gar nicht in das Täterprofil passen möchte, gab es eine Sache, die mich wirklich störte. Als die Polizei dank McRyans Bemühungen kurz davor ist, den Serienkiller zu fassen, beschließt die Crew ihn zu töten, um zu verschleiern, dass das eine Opfer nicht von ihm ist. Wiederum stellt sich die Frage, warum die Möglichkeit, dass der Täter gefasst wird, nicht vorher bedacht wurde. Zuerst will die Crew ihn in einer öffentlichen Toilette töten. Da aber einer der Polizisten zufällig hinein kommt, weil er diesen Ort selbst aufsuchen muss, müssen sie den Abschlag abbrechen. Stattdessen bringen sie ihn dann Tage später auf dem Weg zum Gericht mit einem Scharfschützen um. Warum die Crew nicht einfach am nächsten Tag es noch einmal in der Toilette probiert hat? Wahrscheinlich weil das nicht so spannend ist.
Wie gesagt: das Buch ist ein Action-Film. Sehr unterhaltsam, aber man sollte das Ganze teilweise nicht so genau hinterfragen. Natürlich müssen die „Bösen“ Fehler machen, damit unser Held sie fangen kann. Aber gegen Ende waren diese Fehler teilweise schon sehr ungeschickt. Nicht etwas, was man von Profis erwartet.
Unser Held, McRyan, der Teil einer Cop-Familie ist und außerdem sein Anwaltsstudium summa cum laude abgeschlossen hat, bevor er sich nach dem Tod seiner Cousins im Dienst entschloss, doch Polizist zu werden, wird auf den Fall angesetzt.
Das Buch schildert die Ereignisse abwechselnd auf Sicht von McRyan wie er der Verschwörung immer näher kommt und der Crew, die immer weiter mordet, um dies zu verhindern. Dabei wird überdeutlich, dass der Autor einen Kinofilm vor Augen hatte, denn einige Szenen bieten sogar schnelle Wechsel zwischen den Parteien, um die Action zu steigern.
Da es ein Action-Film ist, muss man auch über einige Lächerlichkeiten hinwegsehen. Die Wunderwaffe Bildbearbeitung hat wieder ihren Auftritt, wobei ich da ehrlich gesagt schon schlimmeres gesehen habe.
Eine Sache, die aber definitiv erwähnen muss, ist die Sache mit dem Serienkiller. Unabhängig davon wie intelligent es ist als Trittbrettfahrer eines Serienkillers aufzutreten, insbesondre wenn das Opfer so gar nicht in das Täterprofil passen möchte, gab es eine Sache, die mich wirklich störte. Als die Polizei dank McRyans Bemühungen kurz davor ist, den Serienkiller zu fassen, beschließt die Crew ihn zu töten, um zu verschleiern, dass das eine Opfer nicht von ihm ist. Wiederum stellt sich die Frage, warum die Möglichkeit, dass der Täter gefasst wird, nicht vorher bedacht wurde. Zuerst will die Crew ihn in einer öffentlichen Toilette töten. Da aber einer der Polizisten zufällig hinein kommt, weil er diesen Ort selbst aufsuchen muss, müssen sie den Abschlag abbrechen. Stattdessen bringen sie ihn dann Tage später auf dem Weg zum Gericht mit einem Scharfschützen um. Warum die Crew nicht einfach am nächsten Tag es noch einmal in der Toilette probiert hat? Wahrscheinlich weil das nicht so spannend ist.
Wie gesagt: das Buch ist ein Action-Film. Sehr unterhaltsam, aber man sollte das Ganze teilweise nicht so genau hinterfragen. Natürlich müssen die „Bösen“ Fehler machen, damit unser Held sie fangen kann. Aber gegen Ende waren diese Fehler teilweise schon sehr ungeschickt. Nicht etwas, was man von Profis erwartet.
July 24, 2017
I really enjoy Stelljes writing style, his characters and the Minnesota locale of his stories - and I really love Mac McRyan - I mean he's a big, ruggedly handsome guy, a devoted 4th generation cop with a summa cum laude law degree and a man of means by virtue of wise investments - what's not to love? He's backed up by his Minnesota "boyos" Riley, "Rock"Rockford, and Dick Lich and they are allowed by their police chief to run right up to the edge of vigilante justice, which I love but also which Mac knows can jeopardize any case that is taken to the DA.
In this offering there is a very clever assassin who murders a beautiful and brilliant TV reporter on the cusp of moving up to the network in DC and who is having an affair with a Minnesota Senator - there is a parallel storyline of a serial killer who leaves a smiley face balloon as his calling card on the bodies of his working class victims whom he scatters in the Twin Cities areas. Toss in one body of an executive that doesn't fit the serial killer profile and the plot thickens - this is a story of intrigue, greed and cold blooded murder - several of which are by a mysterious assassin and are designed to cover up a deeper political plot... do the serial killings and these other murders have a tie in? Are they independent? What could possibly be the motivation behind killing a talking head journalist? Mac with his usual pit bull style sinks his teeth in and will not let go until he finds answers and the journey to those answers if full of tight plot twists and nasty characters you will love to hate.
I'd like to give this five stars but am still waiting on better character development from Stelljes - Mac? What's his back story? His boyos? what makes them tick? Hot blooded Sally? I'd love to know about her. But a great plot, very believable dialogue, details on the Minnesota setting, twists a plenty are enough to salvage 4 stars for this great mystery/suspense outing.
In this offering there is a very clever assassin who murders a beautiful and brilliant TV reporter on the cusp of moving up to the network in DC and who is having an affair with a Minnesota Senator - there is a parallel storyline of a serial killer who leaves a smiley face balloon as his calling card on the bodies of his working class victims whom he scatters in the Twin Cities areas. Toss in one body of an executive that doesn't fit the serial killer profile and the plot thickens - this is a story of intrigue, greed and cold blooded murder - several of which are by a mysterious assassin and are designed to cover up a deeper political plot... do the serial killings and these other murders have a tie in? Are they independent? What could possibly be the motivation behind killing a talking head journalist? Mac with his usual pit bull style sinks his teeth in and will not let go until he finds answers and the journey to those answers if full of tight plot twists and nasty characters you will love to hate.
I'd like to give this five stars but am still waiting on better character development from Stelljes - Mac? What's his back story? His boyos? what makes them tick? Hot blooded Sally? I'd love to know about her. But a great plot, very believable dialogue, details on the Minnesota setting, twists a plenty are enough to salvage 4 stars for this great mystery/suspense outing.
July 11, 2019
Predictable and slow moving
This book is a police procedural, and that is not one of my favorite genres. I especially don't like cop stories like this one, in which there are no bad cops and no dumb cops. I find that to be completely unrealistic. I bought this book because it was recommended by Mike Faricy, my favorite pulp fiction author. I guess I hoped the book would be a humorous portrayal of a private investigator-- like Faricy's Dev Haskell stories. But that was not to be. The only thing Stelljes and Faricy have in common is that St Paul, Minnesota is their favorite location. Possibly, St Paul is one of those rare locations in the US that has no corrupt cops. Or more likely, Stelljes is one of those many writers who believes that If he panders to the Patrolman's Benevolent Association, he will be more likely to land a big movie or TV contract. Another problem with this book is that Stelljes repeats all the action sequences from the point of view of the detectives and of the bad guys. Of course, that doubles the size of the book and halves the pace. Also, though the book is nominally a mystery, we are told whodunit early on, with only the names of the perpetrators hidden until later. Furthermore, because of the author's love affair with cops, there is no mystery about who leaked information from the police department. It couldn't be a cop, so it had to be a DA.
This book is a police procedural, and that is not one of my favorite genres. I especially don't like cop stories like this one, in which there are no bad cops and no dumb cops. I find that to be completely unrealistic. I bought this book because it was recommended by Mike Faricy, my favorite pulp fiction author. I guess I hoped the book would be a humorous portrayal of a private investigator-- like Faricy's Dev Haskell stories. But that was not to be. The only thing Stelljes and Faricy have in common is that St Paul, Minnesota is their favorite location. Possibly, St Paul is one of those rare locations in the US that has no corrupt cops. Or more likely, Stelljes is one of those many writers who believes that If he panders to the Patrolman's Benevolent Association, he will be more likely to land a big movie or TV contract. Another problem with this book is that Stelljes repeats all the action sequences from the point of view of the detectives and of the bad guys. Of course, that doubles the size of the book and halves the pace. Also, though the book is nominally a mystery, we are told whodunit early on, with only the names of the perpetrators hidden until later. Furthermore, because of the author's love affair with cops, there is no mystery about who leaked information from the police department. It couldn't be a cop, so it had to be a DA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2018
A little murder, a little conspiracy, a little romance, a little family business. What's the family business? Law enforcement with a side of saloon-keeping. Move on; nothing to see here.<--The Big Lie! All the ingredients for a big screen blockbuster pouring out of my speakers. Yes, I'm hooked on the McRyan series and have been enjoying the heck out of the AUDIO boxset of the first 3 novels. I've read a number of the tales out of order and they each stand alone so the later volumes include references to previous cases with pertinent relationship and background data. Thus there is a familiarity with the concept of the story but I can revel in the details as they are revealed.
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
July 18, 2018
As the Twin Cities' most prominent political and investigative reporter Clair Daniels reported the news... now she was the news.
Thirty-two-year-old, fourth-generation St. Paul Homicide Detective "Mac" McRyan thought his day was going to be less stressful. The day would involve paper work, coffee, and maybe even an early trip to the pub. Then his cell phone rings...
A body has been found in a high-end condominium between Summit and Grand Avenues; and it's not just anyone. With the Daniels brutal murder on top of the latest serial killer attack, the political and media pressure on the police department only builds and places Mac in the middle of a dangerous and high-stakes murder investigation that will ultimately have national political and security implications.
Predictable with suspects. Interesting quick read.
Thirty-two-year-old, fourth-generation St. Paul Homicide Detective "Mac" McRyan thought his day was going to be less stressful. The day would involve paper work, coffee, and maybe even an early trip to the pub. Then his cell phone rings...
A body has been found in a high-end condominium between Summit and Grand Avenues; and it's not just anyone. With the Daniels brutal murder on top of the latest serial killer attack, the political and media pressure on the police department only builds and places Mac in the middle of a dangerous and high-stakes murder investigation that will ultimately have national political and security implications.
Predictable with suspects. Interesting quick read.
August 18, 2018
I admit to being a sucker for mystery/detective/thrillers with a background of the West or Minnesota, to regions I hold special fondest for. When I spotted this book, I had to give it a try. It was promoted as something for fans for Sandford's Davenport novels. This wasn't quite that, but it was close enough.
The story is about a young St. Paul police detective assigned to a murder case involving a well-known TV reporter. That case was quickly solved by he and his partner. They are assigned to assist in a serial killer case, which is also solved. Nothing is as it seems, however. These cases are tied and discovering how they are tied becomes a more difficult and dangerous affair than either of the case by the themselves.
This was the first in a series and was enjoyable. I am looking forward to the second book in the series.
The story is about a young St. Paul police detective assigned to a murder case involving a well-known TV reporter. That case was quickly solved by he and his partner. They are assigned to assist in a serial killer case, which is also solved. Nothing is as it seems, however. These cases are tied and discovering how they are tied becomes a more difficult and dangerous affair than either of the case by the themselves.
This was the first in a series and was enjoyable. I am looking forward to the second book in the series.
October 4, 2020
3.75 stars
I think it's mostly my own taste of gritty gripping crime that kept me from giving this book 4 stars.
The St. Paul Conspiracy was not a bad read just too slow, too long and not so dark or as complicated as I expected.
The first half of the investigation was kind of intentionally half hearted and lacked thrilling elements, in my opinion. The second half was better.....much better though still slow it kicked up enough for my anticipation to grow. However, I still think the investigation could be more exciting. I also switched from reading to listening to audible but the narrator was as much even pace in narrating as the book so there was no help there either. Well, I will pick up the next book sometimes in the future just to see if there's any development since the series has pretty good rating but not soon, though.
I think it's mostly my own taste of gritty gripping crime that kept me from giving this book 4 stars.
The St. Paul Conspiracy was not a bad read just too slow, too long and not so dark or as complicated as I expected.
The first half of the investigation was kind of intentionally half hearted and lacked thrilling elements, in my opinion. The second half was better.....much better though still slow it kicked up enough for my anticipation to grow. However, I still think the investigation could be more exciting. I also switched from reading to listening to audible but the narrator was as much even pace in narrating as the book so there was no help there either. Well, I will pick up the next book sometimes in the future just to see if there's any development since the series has pretty good rating but not soon, though.
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