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Detective Pete Nazareth #1
Widow-Taker
A serial killer is taking the lives of widows in the New York City area, and Detective Pete Nazareth is on the case. The "Rosebud Killer" is the most dangerous criminal that Nazareth and his team have ever faced, and they continually find themselves one step behind this intelligent, seemingly mild-mannered murderer.
The hunt takes them from small, peaceful towns in Pennsylvania and Maryland to the brownstone mansions of New York City's Upper East Side. No widow is safe from a madman who believes he is doing God's will, and the pressure is on Nazareth to bring the guy to justice.
The hunt takes them from small, peaceful towns in Pennsylvania and Maryland to the brownstone mansions of New York City's Upper East Side. No widow is safe from a madman who believes he is doing God's will, and the pressure is on Nazareth to bring the guy to justice.
- GenresMystery
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2015
149 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
R.H. Johnson
32 books48 followers Author Russ Johnson has written twenty-nine novels in a variety of genres. The books are works of fiction, but they have a ring of authenticity derived in part from his military, private-sector, and consulting experiences.
He lives in Kennebunk, Maine, and Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
You can learn more about Russ's upcoming books at www.authorrhjohnson.com.
He lives in Kennebunk, Maine, and Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
You can learn more about Russ's upcoming books at www.authorrhjohnson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 25, 2015
Was hooked within the first few pages of Widow-Taker. I read a lot of books by James Patterson and this ranks right up there with them. Will without a doubt continue to read all future books by R.H. Johnson, and I will be urging friends of mine who enjoy this genre to read Widow-Taker as well. I highly recommend this book.
November 22, 2015
First mystery novel by Mr. Johnson and an excellent read. Lots of fun for those familiar with the NYC area. Johnson's attention to detail is meticulous. With today's actual headlines featuring misguided individuals and groups killing in the name of their particular religious beliefs, the lead villain rings an all too familiar refrain. Tough to put down through the last page.
February 7, 2017
I can't believe this book got so many 5 star reviews. I seem to be well and truly a minority of one but blunt as always - here we go! You can abuse me if you like, I'm not thin skinned.
For me, there is little to recommend this book. A guy in his fifties is going around killing elderly widows. We learn all this very early in the book. There is no mystery. The killer is a sanctimonious, self righteous twat who thinks he's very clever (original huh)? The police investigation is tedious and slow.
There is no character development. We know little about the main police protagonists. We know little about the victims, they are just like props so we (I at least) didn't care about them. We learn nothing of interest about the killer or his motives or rationale. There is no ticking time bomb. There are no twists. Are you getting the picture? Dull, dull, dull.
For me, there is little to recommend this book. A guy in his fifties is going around killing elderly widows. We learn all this very early in the book. There is no mystery. The killer is a sanctimonious, self righteous twat who thinks he's very clever (original huh)? The police investigation is tedious and slow.
There is no character development. We know little about the main police protagonists. We know little about the victims, they are just like props so we (I at least) didn't care about them. We learn nothing of interest about the killer or his motives or rationale. There is no ticking time bomb. There are no twists. Are you getting the picture? Dull, dull, dull.
November 19, 2015
Loved this book!!! It was difficult to put Widow Taker down. Fantastic attention to detail and extremely well-written. This book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Anyone who loves a great crime book will not be disappointed!
December 2, 2015
Enjoyed reading each page. Kept my attention and I was eager to finish. I loved the ending with the killer meeting someone equal to his talent. Character development was right on. Felt as if the author was inside the mind of each of his characters. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 28, 2015
This is an intelligently written crime novel. The descriptions make you feel as if you are part of the action. You are able to get inside the head of a serial killer and almost feel sympathetic towards him. A real page turner! Highly recommended!
September 28, 2018
R.H. Johnson does a terrific job in this book, as well as in the series, by giving each of the characters a distinct voice that emits emotion, excitement, empathy and other "e" words that don't come to mind right now. I enjoyed the fact that the book(s) in the series were generally short and maintained a true "page turner" interest in reading. The plots were not overly complicated with tons of extraneous characters to muddy the basic story line. Fight scenes were over quickly as I imagine is true that this sort of hand-to-hand, up close combat would be. Descriptions of the locale brought me back to times when the city was visited either with family or on business trips. I look forward to completing the last few books in the Pete Nazareth series.
March 3, 2017
WIDOW-TAKER
I am so happy I tried an author I didn't know. Almost didn't buy this but it was .99 cents. Best dollar I ever spent. A great book I couldn't put it down. Love the story from both sides. Just bought the next two!
I am so happy I tried an author I didn't know. Almost didn't buy this but it was .99 cents. Best dollar I ever spent. A great book I couldn't put it down. Love the story from both sides. Just bought the next two!
November 25, 2015
Excellent read from start to finish. Nicely paced thriller that reveals the mind of a killer who believes he's doing God's work. The "kill for God" notion is hardly unusual these days, unfortunately, and the book does a fine job of carrying that thread throughout the action. Keeps you turning until the end. Some excellent surprises along the way to keep you on your toes. Well-written book, first in a series. I'm looking forward to #2.
August 29, 2016
Well worth the time for anyone who enjoys crime novels.
I've been having a run of bad luck with my fiction choices of late, but the previous reviews of this novel convinced me to give it a try.
Not a conventional mystery, the killer is revealed to us early in the story, but the mystery is in how the police will catch him.
Very well done. I'll be reading everything I can find by this author.
I've been having a run of bad luck with my fiction choices of late, but the previous reviews of this novel convinced me to give it a try.
Not a conventional mystery, the killer is revealed to us early in the story, but the mystery is in how the police will catch him.
Very well done. I'll be reading everything I can find by this author.
October 1, 2016
Interesting take on a murder thriller
I liked this book until the last chapter. The detectives never really solved the case. Instead a hunch on very flimsy evidence leads them on a chase that ends on a weird and unsatisfying note. No way the CSI team that goes into the killer's apartment after the fact doesn't find that painting. The story had such promise. Instead the ending feels overly rushed.
I liked this book until the last chapter. The detectives never really solved the case. Instead a hunch on very flimsy evidence leads them on a chase that ends on a weird and unsatisfying note. No way the CSI team that goes into the killer's apartment after the fact doesn't find that painting. The story had such promise. Instead the ending feels overly rushed.
August 29, 2016
very good
March 20, 2023
Murder as Good Deed
A mild mannered killer targets widows. An ambitious detective is determined to catch him.
Pretty good novel. Narration alternates between the cops and the killer. Not the most suspenseful but decent resolution. Having lived in the Catskills I enjoyed the inclusion of Elkenvilke.
A mild mannered killer targets widows. An ambitious detective is determined to catch him.
Pretty good novel. Narration alternates between the cops and the killer. Not the most suspenseful but decent resolution. Having lived in the Catskills I enjoyed the inclusion of Elkenvilke.
November 29, 2019
Really great
This was a great story. It was really good that story went back and forth between the detectives and the killer. It made exceptional interesting to get the killer point of view.
This was a great story. It was really good that story went back and forth between the detectives and the killer. It made exceptional interesting to get the killer point of view.
June 10, 2017
Good read
Good detective novel. Likeable characters. Very well written. A page Turner! Look forward to more books by RH Johnson. Xxxxxxxxx
Good detective novel. Likeable characters. Very well written. A page Turner! Look forward to more books by RH Johnson. Xxxxxxxxx
March 13, 2018
Another great book. There is a man killing widows. He believes he is freeing them to be able to join their deceased husbands. His problem is he is very arrogant. Thinks he will never get caught.
May 12, 2018
Unbelievable how one man can behave.
The author of this story has a fantastic imagination I could hardly bear to put this down it just never gives up.
The author of this story has a fantastic imagination I could hardly bear to put this down it just never gives up.
March 28, 2019
Cleverly crafted story
Really enjoyed this book with murders from two perspectives . The characters were well later out and the twists at the end were unexpected.
Really enjoyed this book with murders from two perspectives . The characters were well later out and the twists at the end were unexpected.
July 15, 2016
WIDOW-TAKER BY R.H.JOHNSON
I recieved this book from goodreads in exchange for a review. Fast paced read told by two people: The detective & the perpetrator. Det. Pete Nazareth is on the trail of a serial killer who thinks he's doing God's work by putting widows out of their misery. So the question is asked serial killer, or angel of mercy? Insane or Sane? That is Not what Det Nazareth wants to know. He wants to know who this guy is and how to catch him before the body count goes further up. From the backroads of Pennsylvania to the streets of New York this is series well worth your time!
I recieved this book from goodreads in exchange for a review. Fast paced read told by two people: The detective & the perpetrator. Det. Pete Nazareth is on the trail of a serial killer who thinks he's doing God's work by putting widows out of their misery. So the question is asked serial killer, or angel of mercy? Insane or Sane? That is Not what Det Nazareth wants to know. He wants to know who this guy is and how to catch him before the body count goes further up. From the backroads of Pennsylvania to the streets of New York this is series well worth your time!
March 2, 2022
Widows Beware!
This first novel in the Nazareth and Gimble series is simply outstanding. R.H. Johnson takes the reader on a nightmarish journey with Pete and Tara seeking the killer of numerous widows. Time is of the essence to find the killer before he gets to eliminate his next victim. The author keeps his readers attention with numerous twists and turns as each page unfolds.
I highly recommend this and the entire Nazareth series.
This first novel in the Nazareth and Gimble series is simply outstanding. R.H. Johnson takes the reader on a nightmarish journey with Pete and Tara seeking the killer of numerous widows. Time is of the essence to find the killer before he gets to eliminate his next victim. The author keeps his readers attention with numerous twists and turns as each page unfolds.
I highly recommend this and the entire Nazareth series.
June 14, 2020
Great Introduction
This book introduces NYPD detectives Pete Nazareth and Tara Gimble. Nazareth's partner is unfortunately gunned down and he is then partnered with Gimble. They are on the hunt of a serial killer who murders elderly widows. This was an exciting book and I look forward to reading more about the two hotshot detectives.
This book introduces NYPD detectives Pete Nazareth and Tara Gimble. Nazareth's partner is unfortunately gunned down and he is then partnered with Gimble. They are on the hunt of a serial killer who murders elderly widows. This was an exciting book and I look forward to reading more about the two hotshot detectives.
October 1, 2016
WHEN I FIRST STARTED READING I COULDN’T SEE HOW THEY WOULD EVER CATCH THE KILLER, WITH NO CLUES LEFT BEHIND. THE KILLER IS A SUPER SMART SOB WHICH MADE HIM HARD TO CATCH. THE STORY LINE WASN’T BAD BUT IT WAS A BIT ON THE SLOW SIDE. ;0
3 ½ *stars REALLY.
3 ½ *stars REALLY.
August 28, 2016
Not bad
Rather interesting premise but too many coincidences leading to the killer. An easy and entertaining read nonetheless. Characters are well defined and credible.
Rather interesting premise but too many coincidences leading to the killer. An easy and entertaining read nonetheless. Characters are well defined and credible.
December 19, 2016
This book made me furious. I don't want to spoil it but the CSI and insurance investigator of the culprit must have been on drugs. Annoying and frustrating.
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June 6, 2018Not finish
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews