The Priest

Vigilante Angels #1

by Billy DeCarlo

If you were going to die, who would you kill?

Tommy is a retired cop and former Marine, with a lot of regret and little time left. In an effort to become a better person, he tries to purge himself of his prejudices while battling his late-stage cancer diagnosis.

He befriends Moses, a fellow patient also seeking redemption for past misdeeds. They share their distaste for those who perpetrate evil upon others, and decide to team up and do something about it.

Their target is a priest who's been accused of child abuse - but Tommy's fight against evil may come closer to home than he imagines.

Genres: Thriller

292 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2017

About the author

Billy DeCarlo is an American author of novels and short stories. He grew up camped out at the corner newsstand, reading as many comic books as he could before the owner would throw him out. He writes out of love and in hope to change the world, or at least a few minds. He still believes there are superheroes, and sees evidence of them sometimes on the news. And villains, lots of villains.

The most rewarding thing a writer can receive is a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads from those who enjoyed the work.

The most constructive thing a writer can receive is a private message with anything that can help to improve his or her work.

I do hope that you sign up for the newsletter at my website so that you hear about future books and other news.

Reviews are the currency of the craft, so if you have enjoyed my books please take the time to review, and if not please send me a private message via one of the below means. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy my books!

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author weaves a very interesting tale of the search for meaning and balance in the lives of the main characters. I found this to be a quick and steady read. The reader should be aware that this is more than just a story of darkness and secrets, as it covers subjects some people might consider to be taboo while others might wish for them to have stayed hidden. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Readers Copy of the book.

[J Alyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little different type of mystery

He is a priest, but he's also a human male. He has needs, you know. The children are so available.
Tommy was a good cop. But he's seen to much. Now he's jaded.
Moses is an ex_con. He`s changed.
They meet in the cancer infusion room, both distrustful of the other, but both wanting to do something to make the world just a little better before they die. ...
I'm buying the sequel.

[Maura Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters and story
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for my honest review.
This book has a very dark story line. Tommy is one minute likeable and the next you just want to smack him upside his head. Mos has seen is share of heartaches but still manages to always to help others. These two men decide to take justice into their own hands. They set out to right a horrible wrong and to meet out justice to a child abusing priest. Really liked the characters. Not my usual story but still enjoyed the book and it kept me engaged. Very well written. Loved the title and the cover. I recommend this book.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark story about crime and those who commit it. It covers a raw story that is taboo to a lot of people and that is child abuse by priests and others. Two people, one of whom is dying in an effort to seek redemption for past deeds try to bring justice. Their quest leads them to more than they imagine. A well written book with lots of emotion and well defined characters. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free Kindle copy from the author, via BookFunnel, and I am voluntarily giving an honest review*

A terminally ill retired police officer meets Moses, a fellow cancer patient. As they don't have long to live, they decide to take revenge vigilante-style on people who have gotten away with crimes. The story was interesting and kept my attention well. There is quite a bit of swearing, and instances of violence and sexual scenes in the book but nothing too graphic. Tommy is definitely an 'anti-hero' as he starts out racist and sexist but has a good character arc. I would definitely check out the next book.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this book. The development of the characters was done well but there were things in the story that I wasn't feeling went well in the story.

I understand why the ex cop became jaded after being on the job for so long and wanted to get justice for victims of heinous crimes. He just didn't go about getting justice in the right manner. I realize there were valid reasons for him becoming a vigilante.

I enjoyed the banter between Tommy and Moses and the group he spent time with for treatment.

I recommend that you read this book even though it wasn't for me. Check it out.

[Aaron Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an advance copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I didn't know what to expect but I gave it a try. I finished it in a day and came away with much more than the basic thriller I was expecting. The book really gets much deeper into the conflict of a life that is nearing its end and the impact it has on the relationships that really matter. It was an easy read but I still walked away feeling impacted by it. I would recommend this book if you are interested in a vigilante type story that also contemplates some deeper subjects as well.

[Richard Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodness, this is a turgid read. It's a poor man's Death Wish and spends far too long describing, in a trite and sentimental way, its chief protagonist's change of heart about, well, everything. It tries hard to be realistic but fails in every way. It reminds me of those ridiculous 80s movies where a C-list actor takes on big-haired, tight-shirted cartoon hoodlums. The dialogue is stilted and unconvincing and the promised payoff is a long time coming and over in a page.

[Kevin Mckone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Piss Off A Dying Man.

What a great read about friendship, family, revenge and dying with dignity. The tone of the story was raw and full of emotions. How a life ending disease brought two, unlikely, men together is amazingly beautiful. For a 289 page novel, a lot happened . Sorry it came to an end.

[TLCH]

Vigilante Angels

Thoughtful story about a retired cop with cancer who befriends another cancer patient and how the friendship helps him grow as a person. His belief system changes a bit and the two plan vengeance on a child molesting priest. Good world and character building. Good plot.

[Judith Sentyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

BELIEVABLE

Mr. DeCarlo, I enjoyed this book immensely!!! This is my first read of your writing. I generally do not finish a book in one day. I loved it! Characters are believable. And I think you made a fine choice for your first target.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story. It was a little dark but still enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read. Something a little different.The story is really about the two guys & their relationship. Sad & thought provoking in places.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two older cancer patients try to solve the problems of the world before they die. In their crosshairs - a child molesting priest. Bitterness, racism, and revenge color this story.