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The Window Washer
On Friday, Nick Grant is an ordinary guy, with a good job, a wife he loves, and an adorable eight-year-old son. On Saturday, his wife is dead, his son is in critical condition, and there is an unidentified body in the basement.Wracked with torment and guilt, he retreats to a rental house he owns in “The Bottoms,” a crime-ridden slum in Columbus, Ohio, where he falls into a life of drugs and alcohol.A chance encounter with a young woman who shares her deadly secret sucks Grant into a vortex of criminal activity where he becomes an unwitting player in a dangerous game of chance in a battle between the underworld and law enforcement at the highest levels.What follows is an intricate tale of greed, corruption, deception, and murder.From the "The Window Washer starts like a house afire, literally, and maintains its momentum right down to the final sentence. Not only does Eric Rill tell a compelling action tale that could be ripped from today’s headlines, but he also writes with great insight and does not look the other way when one of his characters must cope with unendurable grief if he is to survive.And that grief does not stop the action, but rather acts as a catalyst for Nick Grant tries to help a young woman professing to be a bookkeeper and is inadvertently pulled into a world peopled by the mob, crooked businessmen, cops, and self-serving politicians, putting his own safety and freedom at risk. "Even after years of editing, I couldn’t stop reading The Window Washer until I had read it all the way through. Eric Rill’s fans will not be disappointed by this fast-paced, absorbing story."— Sharon Nettles, editor
- GenresCrime
248 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2018
A tragic story.
Nicks wife and 8 year old son is killed in a fire. A house fire.
This has been my nightmare, I have seen a family in a house fire a few years ago with the father getting badly hurt. Its been my fear ever since.
Nick just cannot cope without his wife who he loved dearly and his son and turns to substances that periodically make him feel like he can cope [or rather, numb the pain] drugs and drink, then therapy.
His job is cleaning windows.
One day while he is window washing he sees something that is significant to his wife and sons death. This starts him off on an investigation.
There were so many characters in this book that I did find it confusing, I really had to concentrate.
The plot was good, but just too many people in the mix.
My thanks to Avante Press via Net Galley for my copy
March 15, 2024
Well...
This book reminded me of a crime soap opera. I didn't connect with any of the characters, the most interesting part of the book is at the beginning. Towards the end I felt like I somehow missed a few chapters, because huh?? When did THAT happen?
hmm.
It's more 2.5, but I'll give it a 3 .
This book reminded me of a crime soap opera. I didn't connect with any of the characters, the most interesting part of the book is at the beginning. Towards the end I felt like I somehow missed a few chapters, because huh?? When did THAT happen?
hmm.
It's more 2.5, but I'll give it a 3 .
July 25, 2016
Nick Grant is a normal guy with a wife and 8 year old daughter, happily married until the worst happens when he looses his wife and son in a house fire. Nick then turns to drugs and alcohol to cope and for therapy changes his job to that of a window washer. Guilty and tormented he moves to a rental property that he owns in "The Bottoms" where he tries to block everything out. It is while he is window washing that Nick sees something he is not meant to see, this then leads to the truth of what happened to his wife and son. The book starts out with a bang and kept my attention throughout, the only thing that I would say was there were so many characters to take note of I was not always sure of who these people were. A very engaging plot and a satisfying ending, if you like political thrillers you will enjoy this. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
Nick Grant's wife dies in a fire at his Dad's house and his son Billy dies in hospital a few days later as a result of his injuries. Nick then gets addicted to drugs which he took to get over his loss. He manages to get clean and gets a job as a window washer. What he sees one day leads to murder, crime & corruption
I would like to thank Net Galley, Avante press & author Eric Rill for ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would like to thank Net Galley, Avante press & author Eric Rill for ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 13, 2016
"Look, you had some bad luck-I mean what with your wife and kid dying, " Rosa said. "I'm sorry for that." "I'm doing fine," Nick said quickly. " You ain't doin fine washing frigging windows when you was running a hotel like the Crown." " Let's leave my personal life out of this, Detective." ......
Nick Grant's life has taken a horrible turn. While their home was being renovated, Nick and his wife, Marcy and 8 year old Billy were staying with Nicks dad. Two days later a house fire claims the lives of Nicks family and there is an unidentified body in the basement. Arson is suspected. Who would do such a thing and why? Or was it a tragic accident that Nick will have to live with? Nick leaves the life he knew to take up a life of drugs and alcohol. Staying in a rental house he owns in a bad neighborhood over run with crime.
Maggie Parks is an FBI agent working on a case of corruption, money laundering and other illegal activities involving the Pascale mob family and Lawrence Grant, Nicks' dad. She's found her a credible source, but at what cost? Is this behind the fire that took Nicks family?
Large cast of characters, woven into a tale of greed and murder. The innocent pay the price though. Can Nick pull it all together or will the grief overtake his life once and for all? He takes a job as a window washer to try to give himself something to do, besides using crack cocaine and alcohol. Nick meets Angela while washing windows at an apartment building. In turn it drags Nick into the middle of a dangerous mess between the mob and law enforcement. It's hard to tell who the good guys are.
As the story unfolds though it is carefully unraveled and the truth revealed. It will lead some to places they'd rather not be going, like witness protection or early retirement. Can Nick start over? Steady pace and a interesting story line. I think it was more about the criminal element than a story straight about Nick and his grief. I still enjoyed this story of the workings of organized crime and the victims they left as collateral damage.
Thank you Netgalley and Avante Press
Nick Grant's life has taken a horrible turn. While their home was being renovated, Nick and his wife, Marcy and 8 year old Billy were staying with Nicks dad. Two days later a house fire claims the lives of Nicks family and there is an unidentified body in the basement. Arson is suspected. Who would do such a thing and why? Or was it a tragic accident that Nick will have to live with? Nick leaves the life he knew to take up a life of drugs and alcohol. Staying in a rental house he owns in a bad neighborhood over run with crime.
Maggie Parks is an FBI agent working on a case of corruption, money laundering and other illegal activities involving the Pascale mob family and Lawrence Grant, Nicks' dad. She's found her a credible source, but at what cost? Is this behind the fire that took Nicks family?
Large cast of characters, woven into a tale of greed and murder. The innocent pay the price though. Can Nick pull it all together or will the grief overtake his life once and for all? He takes a job as a window washer to try to give himself something to do, besides using crack cocaine and alcohol. Nick meets Angela while washing windows at an apartment building. In turn it drags Nick into the middle of a dangerous mess between the mob and law enforcement. It's hard to tell who the good guys are.
As the story unfolds though it is carefully unraveled and the truth revealed. It will lead some to places they'd rather not be going, like witness protection or early retirement. Can Nick start over? Steady pace and a interesting story line. I think it was more about the criminal element than a story straight about Nick and his grief. I still enjoyed this story of the workings of organized crime and the victims they left as collateral damage.
Thank you Netgalley and Avante Press
August 15, 2016
Thank you Net Gallery for the opportunity to read the Window Washer. Nick Grant lost everything in one day - his wife, child, home - to a terrible tragedy. He finds himself lost and inconsolable until he get a job as a window washer, and all hell breaks lose.
This story has everything, criminals, cops, and a sympathetic character who is unsuspectingly thrown into a story. There are a lot of characters in this book, so you have to keep up which can be confusing in the beginning. It all comes together at the end. good read.
This story has everything, criminals, cops, and a sympathetic character who is unsuspectingly thrown into a story. There are a lot of characters in this book, so you have to keep up which can be confusing in the beginning. It all comes together at the end. good read.
November 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of mob boss crimes with police corruption. I wish I could say something about the main characters but there were a few. Nick the window washer starts the book off with a tragedy followed by some crazy turns in his life events.
February 24, 2016
This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for the honest review.
At the beginning, it took me a bit to be able to connect to the story. The beginning lacked a raw emotion, especially the fact that Nick Grant lost his wife and son to the fire. But the scenes where he went out of his mind when he found out his son didn't survive right after he exchanged a few words with his son before he leave for his appointment. That was a heart-wrecking moment. Just picture this, the son woke up, saying he wanted his mommy and mentioned that his tummy hurt badly. Not the skin, but the inside. When I read that part, I knew something was up. An internal bleeding, maybe? Organ failure, maybe? Anything was possible and before we knew it, he was gone. That was really emotional scene for me to read, especially when I read that while I was at work. I literally could feel my eyes becoming watery.
As the story went on, it was exactly what I'd predicted how Nick Grant would react to his life. He turned to alcohol and drug, trying to forget the emotions he felt toward his wife and son. I was grateful that Nick woke up and force himself to get a help. That was when things got so complicated for his own life. So many things were happening at once. It all started as his "temporary" job as the window washer. He witnessed things he did not suppose to, but it was unavoidable.
The story didn't concentrate on Nick, though. It spread out so much that I was having a bit difficult time trying to be more emotional connected to the novel. I did understand the reason why the author chose to have multiple characters' point of view. In some sense, it was necessary. It helped me to see the whole picture the author was trying to tell us. I could describe much more in details, but I definitely would end up spoiling the storylines. It does have mystery and suspense. There were certain scenes I didn't see it coming. Like who the mystery woman really was.
As mention in the blurb: What follows is an intricate tale of greed, corruption, deception, and murder. That was all the truth. It was exactly what the novel was all about. It was an enjoyable read, but I think the ending could do better. It ended on a bit of weak side in my opinion. There were no emotions that I could feel when I read the last few pages of the novel.
It was a book I can easily recommend you to give it a shot, after all, I gave it a 4 star out of 5. :)
At the beginning, it took me a bit to be able to connect to the story. The beginning lacked a raw emotion, especially the fact that Nick Grant lost his wife and son to the fire. But the scenes where he went out of his mind when he found out his son didn't survive right after he exchanged a few words with his son before he leave for his appointment. That was a heart-wrecking moment. Just picture this, the son woke up, saying he wanted his mommy and mentioned that his tummy hurt badly. Not the skin, but the inside. When I read that part, I knew something was up. An internal bleeding, maybe? Organ failure, maybe? Anything was possible and before we knew it, he was gone. That was really emotional scene for me to read, especially when I read that while I was at work. I literally could feel my eyes becoming watery.
As the story went on, it was exactly what I'd predicted how Nick Grant would react to his life. He turned to alcohol and drug, trying to forget the emotions he felt toward his wife and son. I was grateful that Nick woke up and force himself to get a help. That was when things got so complicated for his own life. So many things were happening at once. It all started as his "temporary" job as the window washer. He witnessed things he did not suppose to, but it was unavoidable.
The story didn't concentrate on Nick, though. It spread out so much that I was having a bit difficult time trying to be more emotional connected to the novel. I did understand the reason why the author chose to have multiple characters' point of view. In some sense, it was necessary. It helped me to see the whole picture the author was trying to tell us. I could describe much more in details, but I definitely would end up spoiling the storylines. It does have mystery and suspense. There were certain scenes I didn't see it coming. Like who the mystery woman really was.
As mention in the blurb: What follows is an intricate tale of greed, corruption, deception, and murder. That was all the truth. It was exactly what the novel was all about. It was an enjoyable read, but I think the ending could do better. It ended on a bit of weak side in my opinion. There were no emotions that I could feel when I read the last few pages of the novel.
It was a book I can easily recommend you to give it a shot, after all, I gave it a 4 star out of 5. :)
April 11, 2016
This book had a lot of potential from the outset. Nick Grant loses his wife and son in a house fire which turns out to be arson. He turns to drink and drugs to try and cope with the loss and goes from being a hotel manager to a window washer as a type of therapy. Whilst window washing he witnesses a crime and the novel is about the intricacies of gang crime in Ohio.
For me, the focus needed to be a little more on how Nick's life had changed after he lost his family. Also, the political side of things took up too much word space rather than the lives of the characters involved, some of which I had a feeling I would have really grown to like if there was more focus on them.
Nick's involvement in the crime was also a little flimsy, and he didn't seem to have much depth, just because his life throughout the book seems to be like a connect the dots. This leads to this, leads to this without any real insight into the character himself.
I found it quite hard to stay focused on what was happening, probably because there were so many names popping up without being told who they really were, what they did or how they were thinking or feeling.
A good premise for a book but in my honest opinion, it would have benefited from a bit more character development rather than just focussing on how all the characters were involved. I like the characters to speak for themselves, to reflect what's happening in their actions and behaviour rather than being fed explanations.
However, if you like more political thrillers than crime, then this book could be worth a read for you.
For me, the focus needed to be a little more on how Nick's life had changed after he lost his family. Also, the political side of things took up too much word space rather than the lives of the characters involved, some of which I had a feeling I would have really grown to like if there was more focus on them.
Nick's involvement in the crime was also a little flimsy, and he didn't seem to have much depth, just because his life throughout the book seems to be like a connect the dots. This leads to this, leads to this without any real insight into the character himself.
I found it quite hard to stay focused on what was happening, probably because there were so many names popping up without being told who they really were, what they did or how they were thinking or feeling.
A good premise for a book but in my honest opinion, it would have benefited from a bit more character development rather than just focussing on how all the characters were involved. I like the characters to speak for themselves, to reflect what's happening in their actions and behaviour rather than being fed explanations.
However, if you like more political thrillers than crime, then this book could be worth a read for you.
April 25, 2016
Nick Grant has hit bottom. His wife and son were in his house as it burned to the ground, and the police found a body in the basement. Though his son initially survived the injuries, he soon succumbs. And the fire could be arson, or could have been set off by his wife smoking in the basement. But whose body is it? Nick leaves his job managing a swanky hotel and moves to "the Bottoms", a crime-filled area of Columbus, Ohio. He becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol, preferring to blur the pain of his existence. But his father never stops trying to get him to go back to his old job. After he seeks therapy and stops using, Nick gets a menial job as a window washer. There, he becomes witness to something he shouldn't. And the truth about what happened the night his family died is finally revealed.
Although the first part of the book will grab you by the throat (the narrative of Nick's wife and son and the fire), I had a really hard time with the rest of the story. The story didn't flow in a way that was easy to read; it seemed to jump around in too many directions for me to follow easily. There were several areas that were almost too hard to believe (I'm very cynical, but found some character's behavior really hard to swallow.) I believe the author had a great story to tell, he just didn't tell it exactly right. But if the reader can hang in there and get to the end, the payoff is there. Recommended with reservations.
Thanks to Avante Press via Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although the first part of the book will grab you by the throat (the narrative of Nick's wife and son and the fire), I had a really hard time with the rest of the story. The story didn't flow in a way that was easy to read; it seemed to jump around in too many directions for me to follow easily. There were several areas that were almost too hard to believe (I'm very cynical, but found some character's behavior really hard to swallow.) I believe the author had a great story to tell, he just didn't tell it exactly right. But if the reader can hang in there and get to the end, the payoff is there. Recommended with reservations.
Thanks to Avante Press via Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
Nick Grant's wife and son have been killed in a fire in his father's house. As one would expect, Nick's life has fallen apart and he turns to drugs to make himself feel better. After a while he decides to sort his life out again and, as part of that process, gets a job as a window washer which gives him the time alone he needs to sort out his feelings. One day, Nick sees something through a window that he shouldn't and all of a sudden his life is turned upside down all over again.
I need to say straightaway that I didn't really like this book. The bit about Nick, the accident and it's aftermath take up most of the blurb, but actually the book isn't really about any of that at all; it's more of a gangster/mob story with an enormous cast of very confusing characters. If you like that sort of book, then I expect you'll really like this as it certainly goes along at breakneck speed and is full or action. Personally, it isn't my kind of book at all since there is really no chance to get to know any of them or, sadly to care about what happens to them really which makes it a hard read for me as I much prefer to be emotionally involved with the characters, even if I don't like them!
I found the story rather superficial, probably because of this, and although it was perfectly well done, it just wasn't really for me. If all the novels by Eric Rill are of this ilk, he is clearly not an author I would be looking to in the future.
I need to say straightaway that I didn't really like this book. The bit about Nick, the accident and it's aftermath take up most of the blurb, but actually the book isn't really about any of that at all; it's more of a gangster/mob story with an enormous cast of very confusing characters. If you like that sort of book, then I expect you'll really like this as it certainly goes along at breakneck speed and is full or action. Personally, it isn't my kind of book at all since there is really no chance to get to know any of them or, sadly to care about what happens to them really which makes it a hard read for me as I much prefer to be emotionally involved with the characters, even if I don't like them!
I found the story rather superficial, probably because of this, and although it was perfectly well done, it just wasn't really for me. If all the novels by Eric Rill are of this ilk, he is clearly not an author I would be looking to in the future.
April 4, 2016
At first I found this book very hard to get into and to make sense of what was happening. There appeared to be too many characters and it was hard to keep them straight. However after a few chapters it became easier to follow.
Nick Grant's father, unbeknownst to Nick, is involved in money laundering and his house is set on fire. Unfortunately Nick's wife and son die as a result. Nick falls to pieces and becomes a drug addict. In order to take control of his life he takes a job as a window cleaner where he meets Angela who is a detective working undercover for the money launderers.
It was like reading an old time gangster vs gumshoe novel; I did expect 'Sam Spade' to appear and I quite liked that aspect of the book.
This is not my usual type of mystery novel but for someone who enjoys these kind of detective novel I think they would enjoy it.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Avante press & author Eric Rill for ARC in exchange for an honest review
Nick Grant's father, unbeknownst to Nick, is involved in money laundering and his house is set on fire. Unfortunately Nick's wife and son die as a result. Nick falls to pieces and becomes a drug addict. In order to take control of his life he takes a job as a window cleaner where he meets Angela who is a detective working undercover for the money launderers.
It was like reading an old time gangster vs gumshoe novel; I did expect 'Sam Spade' to appear and I quite liked that aspect of the book.
This is not my usual type of mystery novel but for someone who enjoys these kind of detective novel I think they would enjoy it.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Avante press & author Eric Rill for ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 7, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley to review.
Nick Grant is the son of a man who owns a chain of hotels. One night Nick comes home from his job of managing one of his father's hotels to his house in flames and his family dead. Unable to cope Nick's life goes downhill and he begins to drink and do drugs. Cleaning himself up he gets a job as a window washer and witnesses strange events that get him involved in something dangerous. This is a story of corruption, mobsters and those trying to stop it without getting swept up into it all.
The book for me was slow and the characters not really developed so I did not get a great feel for them. I felt like some of the story was missing when I got to the the end and was surprisingly dissatisfied and wondering if I skipped some pages. Overall I was disappointed.
Nick Grant is the son of a man who owns a chain of hotels. One night Nick comes home from his job of managing one of his father's hotels to his house in flames and his family dead. Unable to cope Nick's life goes downhill and he begins to drink and do drugs. Cleaning himself up he gets a job as a window washer and witnesses strange events that get him involved in something dangerous. This is a story of corruption, mobsters and those trying to stop it without getting swept up into it all.
The book for me was slow and the characters not really developed so I did not get a great feel for them. I felt like some of the story was missing when I got to the the end and was surprisingly dissatisfied and wondering if I skipped some pages. Overall I was disappointed.
August 30, 2016
A cast of characters seemingly as normal as the people who surround you on a daily basis. Yet some with a secret life, mob ties, and this in Columbus Ohio. Some of it in Cleveland, couple of the last places one would figure this to happen. In reality these people are everywhere and every town has it section of the down and out and the criminal element. The very nature of the characters in this well plotted story brings the realization this could be happening just down the street from your house. As I am married into an Italian family the names of the characters are real names of people I have known, associated with or been aware of. This just gives the story an air of authenticity as if based on real people, real events and not just a figment of the writer’s creativity. Hope to see more from this author.
June 8, 2016
This book was downloaded through Netgalley.com and I thank them for the opportunity to read it. This book has it all, tragedy, suspense, murder, the Mafia, corrupt police, political corruption, romance - what more could you ask for. This was a real page turner, especially during the final chapters. I recommend this book to anyone who likes thriller, suspense and mysteries.
July 29, 2016
While not the best book I've read this year (and I don't mean that as a bad thing), The Window Washer is still a good book. Well paced with good character development. It jumps around a little bit in a few spots to give you the back story. Might not be the first one I'd recommend for a summer read, but it's still worth checking out.
June 6, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
The story reads like a 1940's hard boiled detective novel. None of the characters were relatable, and the story just dragged on. Wasn't worth the time.
The story reads like a 1940's hard boiled detective novel. None of the characters were relatable, and the story just dragged on. Wasn't worth the time.
September 1, 2016
A complex story of Mafia, drug barons, FBI and other law enforcement agencies, the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing and innocents caught in its wake. The characters were good and the situations interesting. The conclusion was dramatic and unexpected.
June 6, 2016
I can't really rate this since I couldn't finish it. Too many characters I didn't care about and no obvious plot movement. Just a bunch of talking heads
April 12, 2016
Sadly this novel just didn't hold my interest. The writing style is to basic for me. Without heart. I didn't care about any of the characters nor the plot.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews