What do you think?
Rate this book
Jon Stanton Thrillers #11
Purgatory
Jon Stanton should have been living the good a beautiful fiancé, a successful career, a home in paradise. But his job in Homicide has served up a bad case of insomnia and hallucinations, and just as his body, mind, and spirit are about to break, he begins investigating an intriguing series of merciless murders.
As his condition deteriorates, he refuses to turn the case over to his partner, knowing he couldn’t rest until justice is served. Unfortunately, justice is what the killers believe they’re delivering, and their next delivery comes a little too close for comfort.
As his condition deteriorates, he refuses to turn the case over to his partner, knowing he couldn’t rest until justice is served. Unfortunately, justice is what the killers believe they’re delivering, and their next delivery comes a little too close for comfort.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2017
353 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,093 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 15, 2023
'She hadn't wanted to live anymore. If the mind wills it, the body will follow.'
All of Jon's issues in this book drove me crazy! It was a little too much. I will admit Jon is one complicated character that I didn't like in the beginning, but grew to like towards the middle, and then (Poof) those feelings dissolved in the end.
As for the storyline, it was great! Methos is a wonderful writer with a distinguished ability to captivate the reader all the way to the end! It was a great series!
I noticed there is a book 12 to the series (Shadows), but unfortunately it is impossible to get a hold of.
All of Jon's issues in this book drove me crazy! It was a little too much. I will admit Jon is one complicated character that I didn't like in the beginning, but grew to like towards the middle, and then (Poof) those feelings dissolved in the end.
As for the storyline, it was great! Methos is a wonderful writer with a distinguished ability to captivate the reader all the way to the end! It was a great series!
I noticed there is a book 12 to the series (Shadows), but unfortunately it is impossible to get a hold of.
August 3, 2022
An ok read
I have really enjoyed this series, but I was less than impressed with this story. The case that Jon took over for another detective was intriguing, and definitely the kind of case that he's known for solving. However, most of the book revolved around his mental and physical health problems, which were constantly repeated throughout the entire story. The other issues I had were the constant reminders of his chosen faith (which I have no problem with, except that it really had nothing to do with any of the stories themselves, and didn't need to be brought up constantly), and that there were more details about his insomnia and what he ate and drank throughout the book than there were about the case, characters, and everything else combined. The repetition of it all was just too much.
I wasn't thrilled with the ending, as it seemed to lack any depth, especially as it was the last book of this series.
Although I wasn't happy with this particular book, I did enjoy the rest of this series.
I would definitely recommend this series and outstanding author.
I have really enjoyed this series, but I was less than impressed with this story. The case that Jon took over for another detective was intriguing, and definitely the kind of case that he's known for solving. However, most of the book revolved around his mental and physical health problems, which were constantly repeated throughout the entire story. The other issues I had were the constant reminders of his chosen faith (which I have no problem with, except that it really had nothing to do with any of the stories themselves, and didn't need to be brought up constantly), and that there were more details about his insomnia and what he ate and drank throughout the book than there were about the case, characters, and everything else combined. The repetition of it all was just too much.
I wasn't thrilled with the ending, as it seemed to lack any depth, especially as it was the last book of this series.
Although I wasn't happy with this particular book, I did enjoy the rest of this series.
I would definitely recommend this series and outstanding author.
April 22, 2025
Page turner.
Victor Methos has written another really good page turner. This book, like the rest of the series, had me from the first page. The story was interesting, the characters were interesting and I was engrossed through the whole book. Definitely worth the read.
Victor Methos has written another really good page turner. This book, like the rest of the series, had me from the first page. The story was interesting, the characters were interesting and I was engrossed through the whole book. Definitely worth the read.
December 3, 2025
Dark story
As usual, good read and terrifying example of peoples ability to decide they are righteous. And that allows them to pass judgement on others. Jon Stanton really deserves a break!
As usual, good read and terrifying example of peoples ability to decide they are righteous. And that allows them to pass judgement on others. Jon Stanton really deserves a break!
May 17, 2023
Well, that’s the end of the Jon Stanton series 🥲 I didn’t like this book as much as the others but I always like a good religious nut job villain. I’ll miss Jon and Hanny 💕
February 16, 2020
Have read almost all of Methos books, started with Neon Lawyer and haven’t stopped reading them.
I have to say in this series, Jon Stanton is my least favorite character/ hero. He’s just a bit too complicated. And, this last one (11) was difficult to finish. Not that it wasn’t interesting, not that the writing isn’t good. Jon Stanton is such a troubled and depressing person. The whole sleep deprivation went on too long. No one can carry on that many days without sleep. This comes from a long time insomniac. Will this guy ever find happiness, is he incapable of love? I found myself kind of not liking him and that is not typical for the main character of a Victor Methos book.
I suppose if you’re a fan of Stanton you’ll like the book, if you’ve read up to book ten you may skip this one. Sorry, Victor.
I have to say in this series, Jon Stanton is my least favorite character/ hero. He’s just a bit too complicated. And, this last one (11) was difficult to finish. Not that it wasn’t interesting, not that the writing isn’t good. Jon Stanton is such a troubled and depressing person. The whole sleep deprivation went on too long. No one can carry on that many days without sleep. This comes from a long time insomniac. Will this guy ever find happiness, is he incapable of love? I found myself kind of not liking him and that is not typical for the main character of a Victor Methos book.
I suppose if you’re a fan of Stanton you’ll like the book, if you’ve read up to book ten you may skip this one. Sorry, Victor.
December 29, 2021
So now I have completed the Jon Stanton series and once again I have nothing but praise to offer. But in this one the homicide detective is in precipitous decline - spiritually, psychologically and physically. The job has finally gotten to him. I expected some dramatic upswing conclusion but it became clear halfway through that there was to be no such ending. I have never read such insightful descriptions of the horrific pain a person must feel after a decade of being in and of that job. We Stanton readers always knew he was empathic with the victims and that his self was slowly being ruined by it, but in Purgatory his fall from sanity and health is nearly complete. A brilliant novel full of startling insight. Please read some or all of the series before approaching this one. All would be best. They are all excellent mysteries by a master of the genre.
April 5, 2018
"Stressful Life for Jon Stanton"
Jon Stanton appears to have a perfect life, but his job as a homicide detective has brought him insomnia, hallucinations, and he's weakening. He feels like he's trapped in purgatory. There is now a string of merciless murders, but he refuses to turn the cases over to his partner. He just has to forge on until justice is served. This is an awesome novel, well written by my favorite author Victor Methos, a defense attorney in Utah. Many of his stories are created from cases he's had in court. His novels are always enticing.
Jon Stanton appears to have a perfect life, but his job as a homicide detective has brought him insomnia, hallucinations, and he's weakening. He feels like he's trapped in purgatory. There is now a string of merciless murders, but he refuses to turn the cases over to his partner. He just has to forge on until justice is served. This is an awesome novel, well written by my favorite author Victor Methos, a defense attorney in Utah. Many of his stories are created from cases he's had in court. His novels are always enticing.
March 27, 2020
I realized like half way through this that I have no feelings for Jon Stanton. Like he's a great character and whatnot but I don't love him. Lucas Davenport by John Sandford is pretty much my ideal man and we'd have had an affair if he was real. I have similar feelings about Harry Bosch in Michael Connelly's series but he's a bit too old for me. Jon, not so much.
That doesn't take away from the book though. I really enjoy this series and Jon is an interesting character. Purgatory had an interesting concept, this alone could have lasted a few books.
That doesn't take away from the book though. I really enjoy this series and Jon is an interesting character. Purgatory had an interesting concept, this alone could have lasted a few books.
March 30, 2020
Nicely Written
One reason I really enjoyed this series, and binge-read it, is because the stories, for the most part, are thoughtfully written. I find nothing more distracting than when the story falls apart from poor editing, with typos and misspelling. I cannot concentrate on the story due t to this carelessness.
Worse than that is if the author is slipshod with the details of the story. This author seems like he always reads his own stories and creates an adventure worthy of being read by others.
One reason I really enjoyed this series, and binge-read it, is because the stories, for the most part, are thoughtfully written. I find nothing more distracting than when the story falls apart from poor editing, with typos and misspelling. I cannot concentrate on the story due t to this carelessness.
Worse than that is if the author is slipshod with the details of the story. This author seems like he always reads his own stories and creates an adventure worthy of being read by others.
June 21, 2020
Review of Purgatory
I really enjoyed this book, because the storyline was awesome and the author made you feel like you were in Stanton s shoes. Also the story is very relevant , there is so much greed and so many Ponzi schemes. Stanton is unable to sleep because his subconscious is telling him something is wrong in his life. Unfortunately he almost died finding out and it took a Male Soulmate to make him face the truth which almost destroyed him. Great storyline and very good ending.
I really enjoyed this book, because the storyline was awesome and the author made you feel like you were in Stanton s shoes. Also the story is very relevant , there is so much greed and so many Ponzi schemes. Stanton is unable to sleep because his subconscious is telling him something is wrong in his life. Unfortunately he almost died finding out and it took a Male Soulmate to make him face the truth which almost destroyed him. Great storyline and very good ending.
November 13, 2023
This series started off well, but the further into it the increasing references to Mormonism started to irritate me. Frankly IDGAS for made up religions by American snake oil salesman and the repeated nonsense about drinking coffee and not having sex before marriage seems like the usual brainwashing crap Yanks so love.
A pity, because I quite liked Victor's stories but I divine he has headed down the religious rat hole so that's it for me.
And given his deteriorating mental state, hopefully Jon Stanton won't decide to return from Tokyo!
A pity, because I quite liked Victor's stories but I divine he has headed down the religious rat hole so that's it for me.
And given his deteriorating mental state, hopefully Jon Stanton won't decide to return from Tokyo!
March 14, 2020
jhOmg!
When reading Hythe legal thrillers about Brigham the lawyer, I thought this author was even a better author than John Grisham. After reading the JOn Stanton first several bpoks. , I still considered him an excellent author, but it seemed to just get darker and more depressing with each word. Doesn't this guy Vince Methos have any mercy for his characters or his teaders? Please. Mt Methos,, let us have just a little of a happy ending?
When reading Hythe legal thrillers about Brigham the lawyer, I thought this author was even a better author than John Grisham. After reading the JOn Stanton first several bpoks. , I still considered him an excellent author, but it seemed to just get darker and more depressing with each word. Doesn't this guy Vince Methos have any mercy for his characters or his teaders? Please. Mt Methos,, let us have just a little of a happy ending?
April 21, 2020
Purgatory
This was a perfect ending as it showed Jon Stanton as he was. Running away from himself, yet you know he will return to his work, homicide detective. I wanted him to go away with Julie, but somehow knew he wouldn't. Ending was sad, but one knew it would end in a strange way. Highly recommend this series of books by this fantastic author. Kept me reading the whole series in one week.
This was a perfect ending as it showed Jon Stanton as he was. Running away from himself, yet you know he will return to his work, homicide detective. I wanted him to go away with Julie, but somehow knew he wouldn't. Ending was sad, but one knew it would end in a strange way. Highly recommend this series of books by this fantastic author. Kept me reading the whole series in one week.
January 5, 2023
Oh My Goodness!!
Totally gripping! It was like I was riding shotgun with Jon, and what a ride it was!
And there were some Holy Crap moments!
I am a wee sad that I am now finished with this series. I have really enjoyed getting to know Jon Stanton and his super hectic crazy life.
Victor Methos has made it on my list of favorite authors! I really enjoy his writing and story telling.
Thank you Victor!
Totally gripping! It was like I was riding shotgun with Jon, and what a ride it was!
And there were some Holy Crap moments!
I am a wee sad that I am now finished with this series. I have really enjoyed getting to know Jon Stanton and his super hectic crazy life.
Victor Methos has made it on my list of favorite authors! I really enjoy his writing and story telling.
Thank you Victor!
May 7, 2023
Fantastic series.
Victor Methos is one of my favorite thriller authors. This series kept me turning page after page. I could see Jon Stanton start doing things he normally wouldn't do as of around bk 7. Small stuff by bk 11 major change in him. Starting with insomnia then it just fire balled to the end.
I loved Jon Stanton so much that I hope Victor Methos considers writing more for this series
Victor Methos is one of my favorite thriller authors. This series kept me turning page after page. I could see Jon Stanton start doing things he normally wouldn't do as of around bk 7. Small stuff by bk 11 major change in him. Starting with insomnia then it just fire balled to the end.
I loved Jon Stanton so much that I hope Victor Methos considers writing more for this series
September 13, 2024
Detective Jon Stanton gets caught up in investigating a murderous cult whose leader is bent on righting the wrongs of society by killing the people who have committed evil against others. It was slow-moving as the author delves into the sleep deprivation of Stanton and the resulting hallucinations he experienced, as well as the unlikely participation of Stanton in the cult leader’s seeming objective of freeing Stanton’s mind from darkness.
September 12, 2017
Great read
I am sorry to come to the end of book eleven. I hope there will be more. Compelling read, hard to put down. I hope there are no people in the world like some of the bad guys, if they are I hope we have dedicated police like Jon Stanton to bring them to justice. I think Victor Methos is a great writer. I will read all of his books.
I am sorry to come to the end of book eleven. I hope there will be more. Compelling read, hard to put down. I hope there are no people in the world like some of the bad guys, if they are I hope we have dedicated police like Jon Stanton to bring them to justice. I think Victor Methos is a great writer. I will read all of his books.
April 8, 2020
Jon Stanton
I have only read the author’s 11 books in this series. My wife is sort of mad because I can’t stop reading his books.
They are all page turners but probably only resonate with a vets on type of people. The perfect ending ( if indeed the last of the series) would have had Jon bite a bullet.
I have only read the author’s 11 books in this series. My wife is sort of mad because I can’t stop reading his books.
They are all page turners but probably only resonate with a vets on type of people. The perfect ending ( if indeed the last of the series) would have had Jon bite a bullet.
April 10, 2020
Wow is all i can say!
Just reading this book exhausted me. The stuff that the author puts Jon Stanton in is almost beyond comprehension. You root for him, trying to give him one more bit of energy, while at the same time in your mind demanding him to stop. I hope there is another book after this!
Just reading this book exhausted me. The stuff that the author puts Jon Stanton in is almost beyond comprehension. You root for him, trying to give him one more bit of energy, while at the same time in your mind demanding him to stop. I hope there is another book after this!
April 25, 2020
Purgatory.
I enjoyed the Jon Staton series. There were some books that were just okay but there were others that were really page turners.
Jon was living in his own Purgatory and had his own demons to fight. His job cost him his wife and fiancée. He had to get away but left behind the one thing that would of given him unconditional love.
I enjoyed the Jon Staton series. There were some books that were just okay but there were others that were really page turners.
Jon was living in his own Purgatory and had his own demons to fight. His job cost him his wife and fiancée. He had to get away but left behind the one thing that would of given him unconditional love.
January 18, 2021
Not up to par for Victor Methos
I hate to say this, because I'm a big Jon Stanton fan, and an even bigger Victor Methos fan. The story was contrived, and I literally rolled my eyes at some of the passages. Stanton came off as whiny, and his martyrdom became tiresome. Step it up Methos...don't fall into a trap.
I hate to say this, because I'm a big Jon Stanton fan, and an even bigger Victor Methos fan. The story was contrived, and I literally rolled my eyes at some of the passages. Stanton came off as whiny, and his martyrdom became tiresome. Step it up Methos...don't fall into a trap.
May 4, 2018
I hope another book of the Jon Stanton mysteries will be in the future.
I read each book in this series a nd I couldn't put them down. Powerful and exciting, keeping you guessing to the end.
I read each book in this series a nd I couldn't put them down. Powerful and exciting, keeping you guessing to the end.
June 14, 2018
Amazing
Another awesome book by Victor Methos. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down, which has been the same for all 11 of the Jon Stanton series. Hopefully, there is a #12 in the works.
Another awesome book by Victor Methos. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down, which has been the same for all 11 of the Jon Stanton series. Hopefully, there is a #12 in the works.
November 12, 2019
Methos' books are great. 'Purgatory' was excellent. My only negative is that Jon's sleep deprivation issue played out almost ad nauseum.....it grew tiresome to read about (no pun intended). On the other hand, Methos' writing is so good it practically makes you feel Stanton's pain & frustration.
The ending makes me curious to know if this is the last book in the series.
The ending makes me curious to know if this is the last book in the series.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed reading these 11booked page Turner couldn't put it down thank goodness for the stay at home request gave the time to read rightthrew.
If you like murder mystery these book are for you. Great read good story line and excellent characters. Had me crying
If you like murder mystery these book are for you. Great read good story line and excellent characters. Had me crying
June 17, 2020
Again, please give Jon a break
Man, poor Jon, he is really going through he'll in this story. I feel so bad for him, I am surprised they didn't make the connection in the story about the second victim being related to the first victim. They just left her story out of it.
Man, poor Jon, he is really going through he'll in this story. I feel so bad for him, I am surprised they didn't make the connection in the story about the second victim being related to the first victim. They just left her story out of it.
November 14, 2020
Purgatory
I wonder how someone as damaged as Stanton continues to survive. His life is a mess with a small hope of redemption. The more he seeks happiness the more futile his search.
I wonder how someone as damaged as Stanton continues to survive. His life is a mess with a small hope of redemption. The more he seeks happiness the more futile his search.
June 22, 2021
Good vs Evil
The Jon Stanton series is a mundane and predictable detective series. Even the prolific violence is predictable. However Jon Stanton is a man who constantly tries to define evil and fears he carries it within himself. That characteristic sets this series apart.
The Jon Stanton series is a mundane and predictable detective series. Even the prolific violence is predictable. However Jon Stanton is a man who constantly tries to define evil and fears he carries it within himself. That characteristic sets this series apart.
October 8, 2022
Dark
Not a bad wrap up to this series. There were more weak stories than good ones in this series, a welcome improvement over the previous book.
The author can write some good stories if he applies himself. I guess cows run out of milk from time time too.
Not a bad wrap up to this series. There were more weak stories than good ones in this series, a welcome improvement over the previous book.
The author can write some good stories if he applies himself. I guess cows run out of milk from time time too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews