What do you think?
Roger Viceroy #1
Give Place to Wrath
Bottom line by BestThrillers.com: A must-read crime thriller about revenge and race relations that is reminiscent of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood.
Detective Roger Viceroy, divisional head of the Midwest Region Special Crimes Unit, awakes one morning to a bombing in a wealthy suburb of Milwaukee. As he and his team dive into the investigation, a mysterious clue launches a manhunt with scant other evidence to point them in the right direction.
Over the coming weeks, the related murders unfold, each with a unique twist and the same clue left behind. Viceroy uncovers one other common thread – a seemingly random association with the small north woods town of Curwood, Wisconsin.
As the death toll mounts, Viceroy has to connect the dots and stop the carnage before it reaches the final target, Governor Kay Spurgeon. Within a crowd of tens of thousands on a clear October day, one man hides. Viceroy must find him.
Detective Roger Viceroy, divisional head of the Midwest Region Special Crimes Unit, awakes one morning to a bombing in a wealthy suburb of Milwaukee. As he and his team dive into the investigation, a mysterious clue launches a manhunt with scant other evidence to point them in the right direction.
Over the coming weeks, the related murders unfold, each with a unique twist and the same clue left behind. Viceroy uncovers one other common thread – a seemingly random association with the small north woods town of Curwood, Wisconsin.
As the death toll mounts, Viceroy has to connect the dots and stop the carnage before it reaches the final target, Governor Kay Spurgeon. Within a crowd of tens of thousands on a clear October day, one man hides. Viceroy must find him.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2017
About the author
Steven C. Harms
2 books72 followersAuthor also writes as Steve Harms
Steve Harms is a retired professional sports business executive with a career spanning over thirty years across the NBA, NFL, and MLB. He published the Roger Viceroy series mystery thriller novels beginning in 2017. The Penny Killer, the newly revised and updated first book in the series, won multiple awards in its debut and will relaunch in fall of 2026. The second revised book, Deadly Cure, will be published in early 2027. A native of Wisconsin, he’s a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He resides in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
Steve Harms is a retired professional sports business executive with a career spanning over thirty years across the NBA, NFL, and MLB. He published the Roger Viceroy series mystery thriller novels beginning in 2017. The Penny Killer, the newly revised and updated first book in the series, won multiple awards in its debut and will relaunch in fall of 2026. The second revised book, Deadly Cure, will be published in early 2027. A native of Wisconsin, he’s a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He resides in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 1, 2018
A must-read crime thriller about revenge and race relations that is reminiscent of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood.
When a bomb kills golf pro Mary Hale and her caddie at the sixth hole Pine Creek Country Club, Milwaukee Detective Roger Viceroy, divisional head of the Midwest Region Special Crimes Unit, is tasked with finding the perpetrator. Was this an act of terror, or an assassination? While investigating the grisly green, Viceroy finds a stray golf ball with a foreboding statement written on it: “Six. Start Counting.”
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
When a bomb kills golf pro Mary Hale and her caddie at the sixth hole Pine Creek Country Club, Milwaukee Detective Roger Viceroy, divisional head of the Midwest Region Special Crimes Unit, is tasked with finding the perpetrator. Was this an act of terror, or an assassination? While investigating the grisly green, Viceroy finds a stray golf ball with a foreboding statement written on it: “Six. Start Counting.”
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
July 19, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which you'll find on www.whisperingstories.com
It kicks off with a bombing on the sixth hole of a golf course in a wealthy part of Milwaukee. Clues are unearthed, a calling card discovered and the possibility of other murders is pretty much guaranteed. The hero cop character is Roger Viceroy who is tasked with connecting all of the dots and hunting down the assassin. He's accompanied by his partner 'Silk' and aided behind the scenes by his pastor friend 'Ox'. Both great names for puns and we're given plenty of them.
There is almost zero depth to any of the characters. Each of the main cast is given a couple of sentences of background but there seems to be no thought invested in character development. For example, 'Silk' is an ex basketball prospect with a 'smooth' jump shot, who's talented outlook was cut short by a gang bullet in the leg. Very unoriginal and so obvious.
Mid way through there is a vile sexual assault scene, which is so poorly written and awkwardly graphic I'm wondering why the author included it. From experience it's usually what you don't read that is most shocking and if you are going to include a rape scene then the writing needs to be top notch. Probably not the best thing to attempt in a debut novel.
Another annoyance was how inept Viceroy turns out to be in the latter stages of the book. When he's reviewing and talking about the latest case news with his colleagues he fails to see the glaringly obvious link between key pieces of evidence. It's the equivalent of attending a pantomime with the crowd shouting 'he's behind you!' at the actors on stage. Realistically he could have had the case solved by page 100.
What starts as a good idea for a storyline with a decent amount of scope for a 300 page crime novel very quickly descends into an amateurish ordeal. If there was a hint of interest in the first two chapters there was definitely zero left at the conclusion of the story.
It kicks off with a bombing on the sixth hole of a golf course in a wealthy part of Milwaukee. Clues are unearthed, a calling card discovered and the possibility of other murders is pretty much guaranteed. The hero cop character is Roger Viceroy who is tasked with connecting all of the dots and hunting down the assassin. He's accompanied by his partner 'Silk' and aided behind the scenes by his pastor friend 'Ox'. Both great names for puns and we're given plenty of them.
There is almost zero depth to any of the characters. Each of the main cast is given a couple of sentences of background but there seems to be no thought invested in character development. For example, 'Silk' is an ex basketball prospect with a 'smooth' jump shot, who's talented outlook was cut short by a gang bullet in the leg. Very unoriginal and so obvious.
Mid way through there is a vile sexual assault scene, which is so poorly written and awkwardly graphic I'm wondering why the author included it. From experience it's usually what you don't read that is most shocking and if you are going to include a rape scene then the writing needs to be top notch. Probably not the best thing to attempt in a debut novel.
Another annoyance was how inept Viceroy turns out to be in the latter stages of the book. When he's reviewing and talking about the latest case news with his colleagues he fails to see the glaringly obvious link between key pieces of evidence. It's the equivalent of attending a pantomime with the crowd shouting 'he's behind you!' at the actors on stage. Realistically he could have had the case solved by page 100.
What starts as a good idea for a storyline with a decent amount of scope for a 300 page crime novel very quickly descends into an amateurish ordeal. If there was a hint of interest in the first two chapters there was definitely zero left at the conclusion of the story.
May 6, 2021
304 pages
5 stars
A bomb has exploded on a posh golf course. It killed a woman who was a very popular golf pro and her caddy. Detective Roger “Preacher” Viceroy and his Sergeants Trevor “Silk” Moreland and Regina are assigned to the high profile case. Wisconsin Governor Kay Spurgeon is an uncompromising woman who gives Viceroy's team carte blanche to capture the bomber before the highly touted music festival to be put on at the end of the month in the state capitol.
Viceroy and another team member Jerry King are waylaid on the way to the office by a man. He is Roy Spurgeon, the governor's husband. He tells them they must look into another murder. Viceroy's case has just taken a turn.
The story in interspersed with flashbacks to an earlier time. These vignettes are crucial to the story line.
As the murders continue, Viceroy suddenly gets hit by inspiration. The team must go to the small city of Curwood – right away. While there, they learn a great deal.
Meanwhile, Roy Spurgeon goes missing.
The connections are made, but the identity of the killer is not yet known.
What follows is a thrill ride. It is time for the governor's festival. Roger and his team are sure she is a target for the killer.
While the identity of the killer and their “accomplice” (although the killer isn't aware of it), do not come as a surprise, the reader is delighted to learn that they have surmised correctly.
This is a remarkable novel. It is well written and plotted. The chapters are short, so the reader cruises along quickly. I now understand the reason for the title of the book. Very good and well put. I was disappointed to see so little information about Silk and Regina's backgrounds. Perhaps in future novels. I like to learn a little about main characters' backgrounds. I appreciated the information about Debbie and Pastor Oxenhaus. They were interesting and welcome minor distractions.
I want to thank NetGalley and Suspense Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this most excellent book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
5 stars
A bomb has exploded on a posh golf course. It killed a woman who was a very popular golf pro and her caddy. Detective Roger “Preacher” Viceroy and his Sergeants Trevor “Silk” Moreland and Regina are assigned to the high profile case. Wisconsin Governor Kay Spurgeon is an uncompromising woman who gives Viceroy's team carte blanche to capture the bomber before the highly touted music festival to be put on at the end of the month in the state capitol.
Viceroy and another team member Jerry King are waylaid on the way to the office by a man. He is Roy Spurgeon, the governor's husband. He tells them they must look into another murder. Viceroy's case has just taken a turn.
The story in interspersed with flashbacks to an earlier time. These vignettes are crucial to the story line.
As the murders continue, Viceroy suddenly gets hit by inspiration. The team must go to the small city of Curwood – right away. While there, they learn a great deal.
Meanwhile, Roy Spurgeon goes missing.
The connections are made, but the identity of the killer is not yet known.
What follows is a thrill ride. It is time for the governor's festival. Roger and his team are sure she is a target for the killer.
While the identity of the killer and their “accomplice” (although the killer isn't aware of it), do not come as a surprise, the reader is delighted to learn that they have surmised correctly.
This is a remarkable novel. It is well written and plotted. The chapters are short, so the reader cruises along quickly. I now understand the reason for the title of the book. Very good and well put. I was disappointed to see so little information about Silk and Regina's backgrounds. Perhaps in future novels. I like to learn a little about main characters' backgrounds. I appreciated the information about Debbie and Pastor Oxenhaus. They were interesting and welcome minor distractions.
I want to thank NetGalley and Suspense Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this most excellent book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 18, 2018
MY REVIEW FOR READERS' FAVORITE
Give Place to Wrath by Steven C Harms tells the story of a police investigative team crossing state borders in the United States on the trail of what they come to realize is a serial killer. All the murdered victims are women and their demise is closely followed by the suicides of their respective husbands. Each body is found with a number, each death is staged and gives countdown clues beginning with number six, the wife killed on a golf course in a massive explosion. The story is told from the point of view of the police team headed up by Roger Viceroy, who has demons of his failed marriage to contend with, and from the point of view of the killer himself. There is a Christian theme running throughout the book, Viceroy’s best friend is a local pastor whose church he attends.
I enjoyed reading Give Place to Wrath by Steven C Harms for several reasons. The characters were well drawn, I could picture them very clearly. The writing flowed easily which is very important for me as a reader. I also liked the realism. So often the main police chief has a lightning moment and solves the crime by connecting the dots and announcing the name of the killer. While Roger Viceroy looks for what he calls ‘molecules’ the whole team are involved in the investigation and while the reader is slowly given the answers, it’s ‘Silk’ the African American on the team who discovers the basic information which joins those molecules. The killer too sends them direct clues yet is smart enough to stay several jumps ahead. I also loved the intricate murders themselves, cleverly staged, each with a particular message as the countdown from six to one continues. The actions that begin the path to revenging the initial death several years before in 1982 knit together so well and towards the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. A well-edited book, fun to read and I shall look for more from this author.
Give Place to Wrath by Steven C Harms tells the story of a police investigative team crossing state borders in the United States on the trail of what they come to realize is a serial killer. All the murdered victims are women and their demise is closely followed by the suicides of their respective husbands. Each body is found with a number, each death is staged and gives countdown clues beginning with number six, the wife killed on a golf course in a massive explosion. The story is told from the point of view of the police team headed up by Roger Viceroy, who has demons of his failed marriage to contend with, and from the point of view of the killer himself. There is a Christian theme running throughout the book, Viceroy’s best friend is a local pastor whose church he attends.
I enjoyed reading Give Place to Wrath by Steven C Harms for several reasons. The characters were well drawn, I could picture them very clearly. The writing flowed easily which is very important for me as a reader. I also liked the realism. So often the main police chief has a lightning moment and solves the crime by connecting the dots and announcing the name of the killer. While Roger Viceroy looks for what he calls ‘molecules’ the whole team are involved in the investigation and while the reader is slowly given the answers, it’s ‘Silk’ the African American on the team who discovers the basic information which joins those molecules. The killer too sends them direct clues yet is smart enough to stay several jumps ahead. I also loved the intricate murders themselves, cleverly staged, each with a particular message as the countdown from six to one continues. The actions that begin the path to revenging the initial death several years before in 1982 knit together so well and towards the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. A well-edited book, fun to read and I shall look for more from this author.
September 20, 2018
I met harms at Kerrytown Bookfest. There were so many local authors I walked by and for some reason stopped at Harms' booth. I am glad that I did. Despite the fact that they're Packers fans:) he writes a really good suspenseful "who done it" novel. I enjoyed the characters, the midwest setting (Go Bears!) and the intense story. The ending definitely left a to be continued that I'll be looking for in the future!
August 21, 2026
The Penny Killer is a fast paced, suspenseful thriller told through multiple POVs that hooked me from the very first chapter!
I really enjoyed following the investigation and uncovering the mystery piece by piece. The author did a fantastic job building the tension and keeping me guessing as the story unfolded.
Atmospheric, intriguing, and filled with suspense, this was the kind of thriller that kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen next. I couldn’t put it down!
If you’re a fan of twisty investigations and atmospheric thrillers, definitely add The Penny Killer to your TBR!
I received a complimentary review copy from Steve Harms. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed following the investigation and uncovering the mystery piece by piece. The author did a fantastic job building the tension and keeping me guessing as the story unfolded.
Atmospheric, intriguing, and filled with suspense, this was the kind of thriller that kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen next. I couldn’t put it down!
If you’re a fan of twisty investigations and atmospheric thrillers, definitely add The Penny Killer to your TBR!
I received a complimentary review copy from Steve Harms. All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2017
A classic murder mystery puzzle with great characters
I really enjoyed this book and hope the author will write another mystery for detective Viceroy to solve! The characters were very likeable and easy to relate to. The plot was complex and it was hard to put the book down. I felt like a mouse in a maze chasing the cheese as the author gives you just enough clues to keep you thinking you ALMOST have it figured out. The writing style is easy to follow - would definitely recommend!
I really enjoyed this book and hope the author will write another mystery for detective Viceroy to solve! The characters were very likeable and easy to relate to. The plot was complex and it was hard to put the book down. I felt like a mouse in a maze chasing the cheese as the author gives you just enough clues to keep you thinking you ALMOST have it figured out. The writing style is easy to follow - would definitely recommend!
October 11, 2018
Whenever I get the chance to read a debut author’s work, I always feel a mix of excitement because you honestly never know what to expect. The same was definitely true for Give Place to Wrath. With this being Steven Harms’ debut work, I was obviously unfamiliar with his writing. Before reading the novel for myself, I looked over some reviews online and noticed the overwhelming praise that Give Place to Wrath has received from readers. As I began to indulge myself in the novel, I could see that the praise was well-warranted.
The story is kicked off by a deadly bombing and it doesn’t relent. Give Place to Wrath fits into the mystery/thriller genre perfectly. Detective Viceroy (what a cool last name) comes across as the stereotypical detective protagonist that readers of the genre love. I connected with the book for quite a few reasons. The characters were well written and I appreciate the depth the author put into the characters. The writing itself had a strong flow to it, which helps draw the reader into the story and keeps them engaged.
Another aspect I appreciated was the story’s realism. It wasn’t like the cliche Hollywood film where the detective has a “eureka” moment and suddenly solves the crime and identifies the culprit. Instead, the entire team seems to be involved in solving the crime rather than being sidelined.
The mystery is solved gradually rather than at one moment as the reader is slowly given clues as to what’s going on. While Viceroy discovers the clues (or “molecules” as he calls them), it’s the team that connects the dots at the end. Finding balance between the protagonist and supporting characters is never easy, and Steven Harms does it very well here.
I also enjoyed the antagonist, the killer in this story. He is smart enough to be a realistic foil to Viceroy and is able to stay a few steps ahead for most of the story. There are two timelines in this story, one is the present and the other from a few decades ago. At first, these timelines seem like 2 different stories, but they both tie in by the end.
This is a rare mystery book that is a true page-turner, even to the seasoned readers of the genre. It’s well-edited and an engaging read that makes this a fantastic read. One thing I will say is that this story is not for the faint of heart due to some scenes and circumstances that arise in the story. Some minor criticism of the book is that there are parts of the story where Viceroy may come across as a little more inept than he should be. However, it isn’t enough to be a major distraction from the story. As an author, you don’t want your protagonist to be too perfect to where they can figure everything out at a moment’s notice.
I look forward to future adventures featuring Detective Viceroy!
The story is kicked off by a deadly bombing and it doesn’t relent. Give Place to Wrath fits into the mystery/thriller genre perfectly. Detective Viceroy (what a cool last name) comes across as the stereotypical detective protagonist that readers of the genre love. I connected with the book for quite a few reasons. The characters were well written and I appreciate the depth the author put into the characters. The writing itself had a strong flow to it, which helps draw the reader into the story and keeps them engaged.
Another aspect I appreciated was the story’s realism. It wasn’t like the cliche Hollywood film where the detective has a “eureka” moment and suddenly solves the crime and identifies the culprit. Instead, the entire team seems to be involved in solving the crime rather than being sidelined.
The mystery is solved gradually rather than at one moment as the reader is slowly given clues as to what’s going on. While Viceroy discovers the clues (or “molecules” as he calls them), it’s the team that connects the dots at the end. Finding balance between the protagonist and supporting characters is never easy, and Steven Harms does it very well here.
I also enjoyed the antagonist, the killer in this story. He is smart enough to be a realistic foil to Viceroy and is able to stay a few steps ahead for most of the story. There are two timelines in this story, one is the present and the other from a few decades ago. At first, these timelines seem like 2 different stories, but they both tie in by the end.
This is a rare mystery book that is a true page-turner, even to the seasoned readers of the genre. It’s well-edited and an engaging read that makes this a fantastic read. One thing I will say is that this story is not for the faint of heart due to some scenes and circumstances that arise in the story. Some minor criticism of the book is that there are parts of the story where Viceroy may come across as a little more inept than he should be. However, it isn’t enough to be a major distraction from the story. As an author, you don’t want your protagonist to be too perfect to where they can figure everything out at a moment’s notice.
I look forward to future adventures featuring Detective Viceroy!
July 20, 2021
A solid mystery with some food for thought…
Give Place to Wrath is the first in the short two-book (for now, at least) Roger Viceroy series by Steven C Harms. Wrath was a finalist for a couple of awards when it first came out in 2018, and it has recently been re-issued thanks to a new publisher. And although some of the publicity for the book seems to categorize it as a crime thriller, I found it to be more of a police procedural, with exciting and tense moments for sure, but with strong investigative work that truly carried the story.
From the very first death, courtesy of an exploding hole at a ritzy and exclusive golf course, I enjoyed following along with Viceroy and his crew as they pursued clues throughout the upper Midwest. Although the crime scenes were mostly quite different, a couple of common elements helped the team realize fairly early on that they were on the track of a serial killer. And, of course, their legwork (and brains) eventually helped them figure out the who and why of the murders – leading to a final chaotic chase scene at the inaugural Badger Fest festival. To me, the only classic thriller-ish element was that the governor of Wisconsin, who was deeply committed to Badger Fest, was one of the potential victims, which created some extra tension along the way.
In Wrath, Harms also tackles the difficult subject of discrimination on the dual bases of race and religion, primarily through periodic flashbacks that also help the reader keep up with (or even be just a little bit ahead of) Viceroy’s investigation. In spite of the hints along the way, though, there were a couple of unresolved twists that kept me guessing – and reading – until the end.
All-in-all, Give Place to Wrath was a smooth read and an engaging mystery – I ended up finishing it in only a couple of sessions. I do try to fight “star-flation” a bit by not handing out very many five-star reviews, which means that my four-star review is a solid “read-this-book” recommendation. And I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series. One warning: Harms does a nice job of dealing with the race/religion subject matter, but there is one rather violent flashback scene that, although well written, does keep Wrath (in my opinion) from being a suitable book for younger readers. And finally, my thanks to the author, Suspense Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy.
Give Place to Wrath is the first in the short two-book (for now, at least) Roger Viceroy series by Steven C Harms. Wrath was a finalist for a couple of awards when it first came out in 2018, and it has recently been re-issued thanks to a new publisher. And although some of the publicity for the book seems to categorize it as a crime thriller, I found it to be more of a police procedural, with exciting and tense moments for sure, but with strong investigative work that truly carried the story.
From the very first death, courtesy of an exploding hole at a ritzy and exclusive golf course, I enjoyed following along with Viceroy and his crew as they pursued clues throughout the upper Midwest. Although the crime scenes were mostly quite different, a couple of common elements helped the team realize fairly early on that they were on the track of a serial killer. And, of course, their legwork (and brains) eventually helped them figure out the who and why of the murders – leading to a final chaotic chase scene at the inaugural Badger Fest festival. To me, the only classic thriller-ish element was that the governor of Wisconsin, who was deeply committed to Badger Fest, was one of the potential victims, which created some extra tension along the way.
In Wrath, Harms also tackles the difficult subject of discrimination on the dual bases of race and religion, primarily through periodic flashbacks that also help the reader keep up with (or even be just a little bit ahead of) Viceroy’s investigation. In spite of the hints along the way, though, there were a couple of unresolved twists that kept me guessing – and reading – until the end.
All-in-all, Give Place to Wrath was a smooth read and an engaging mystery – I ended up finishing it in only a couple of sessions. I do try to fight “star-flation” a bit by not handing out very many five-star reviews, which means that my four-star review is a solid “read-this-book” recommendation. And I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series. One warning: Harms does a nice job of dealing with the race/religion subject matter, but there is one rather violent flashback scene that, although well written, does keep Wrath (in my opinion) from being a suitable book for younger readers. And finally, my thanks to the author, Suspense Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy.
February 1, 2022
The most wonderful thing about books is that if you need to set one aside to deal with life's distractions and interruptions, it'll still be there, waiting patiently, for your return.
Such was the case with this book for me. To tell you that I was able to pick it up again after several months of neglect is a strong endorsement for the author. The details were still vibrant in my imagination, and I was able to re-engage with the story without re-reading past pages. The author planted vivid memory triggers that were easy to recall.
I enjoyed this mystery. The characters were tenacious, and some of the twists and turns were quite unexpected. Mr. Harms worked well to connect dots I didn't know existed, and still leave me on the edge of my seat in a few pivotal spots. However, I found many of the chapters to be heavy on "info dumps". I would have enjoyed the book more if there were fewer long passages of description and more direct action and dialogue to move the scenes forward.
An interesting element of this book was the author's ability to mix a Christian message inside a police procedural thriller. I don't think I've encountered this mix of genres before, and the end result was an engaging "whodunit" with a morality often disregarded in this genre. Mr. Harms did well to meld the two styles, while offering enough edge to keep my attention through to the end. There were a few dangling details in the last few pages, which leaves me expecting a sequel. If there is, I'll certainly pick it up.
Such was the case with this book for me. To tell you that I was able to pick it up again after several months of neglect is a strong endorsement for the author. The details were still vibrant in my imagination, and I was able to re-engage with the story without re-reading past pages. The author planted vivid memory triggers that were easy to recall.
I enjoyed this mystery. The characters were tenacious, and some of the twists and turns were quite unexpected. Mr. Harms worked well to connect dots I didn't know existed, and still leave me on the edge of my seat in a few pivotal spots. However, I found many of the chapters to be heavy on "info dumps". I would have enjoyed the book more if there were fewer long passages of description and more direct action and dialogue to move the scenes forward.
An interesting element of this book was the author's ability to mix a Christian message inside a police procedural thriller. I don't think I've encountered this mix of genres before, and the end result was an engaging "whodunit" with a morality often disregarded in this genre. Mr. Harms did well to meld the two styles, while offering enough edge to keep my attention through to the end. There were a few dangling details in the last few pages, which leaves me expecting a sequel. If there is, I'll certainly pick it up.
September 14, 2026
🩸 Some books are disturbing … and then there’s THE PENNY KILLER by Steve Harms. 🩸🔪
📖 This book is a dark, chilling crime thriller following Detective Roger Viceroy as he races to uncover the truth behind a disturbing serial killer and the secrets surrounding the case. Told across more than one time period, the story slowly pieces together a haunting mystery that kept me turning the pages.
This was a well-written, dark and disturbing thriller that is PERFECT for this time of year. 👻🍂 If you're looking for something creepy, suspenseful, and definitely NOT for the faint of heart, add this one to your TBR!
⚠️ PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! There are MANY, and they should be taken seriously. This book goes into some very dark places.
🔪 Serial Killer 🕵️ Detective Mystery ⏳ Multiple Timelines 🖤 Dark Thriller 😱 Psychological Suspense 🧩 Mystery & Secrets 👻 Creepy Fall Read 🔥 Slow-Building Suspense
I really enjoyed how the different time periods came together and how the mystery unfolded. Roger Viceroy is a character I definitely want to spend more time with!
A huge thank you to Steve Harms for sending me an early copy before publication. ❤️📚 I’m excited to dive into the second already-published book in the Roger Viceroy series and see where this character’s story goes next!
🎃 Release Day is TODAY! 🎃 If dark crime thrillers and serial-killer mysteries are your thing, this might be your next spooky-season read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
☠️QOTD- Which trope is your favorite from the list? Or what is one trigger warning that you will not read?
#ThePennyKiller #SteveHarms #RogerViceroy #ReleaseDay #BookReview
📖 This book is a dark, chilling crime thriller following Detective Roger Viceroy as he races to uncover the truth behind a disturbing serial killer and the secrets surrounding the case. Told across more than one time period, the story slowly pieces together a haunting mystery that kept me turning the pages.
This was a well-written, dark and disturbing thriller that is PERFECT for this time of year. 👻🍂 If you're looking for something creepy, suspenseful, and definitely NOT for the faint of heart, add this one to your TBR!
⚠️ PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING! There are MANY, and they should be taken seriously. This book goes into some very dark places.
🔪 Serial Killer 🕵️ Detective Mystery ⏳ Multiple Timelines 🖤 Dark Thriller 😱 Psychological Suspense 🧩 Mystery & Secrets 👻 Creepy Fall Read 🔥 Slow-Building Suspense
I really enjoyed how the different time periods came together and how the mystery unfolded. Roger Viceroy is a character I definitely want to spend more time with!
A huge thank you to Steve Harms for sending me an early copy before publication. ❤️📚 I’m excited to dive into the second already-published book in the Roger Viceroy series and see where this character’s story goes next!
🎃 Release Day is TODAY! 🎃 If dark crime thrillers and serial-killer mysteries are your thing, this might be your next spooky-season read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
☠️QOTD- Which trope is your favorite from the list? Or what is one trigger warning that you will not read?
#ThePennyKiller #SteveHarms #RogerViceroy #ReleaseDay #BookReview
April 8, 2026
Give Place to Wrath is a solid, straightforward crime thriller that focuses on investigation and mounting tension rather than flashy twists. The story kicks off with a strong hook, the bombing, and keeps things moving as more crimes unfold, each tied together by a mysterious clue that slowly builds intrigue.
Detective Roger Viceroy is a steady, experienced lead. He’s not overly dramatic, which actually works in the book’s favor, it makes the investigation feel more grounded and procedural. As the case expands and the body count rises, there’s a growing sense of urgency, especially with the looming threat against the governor.
What I liked most was how the mystery develops piece by piece. The connection to the small town adds an extra layer, and it keeps you guessing about how everything fits together. It’s not overly complex, but it’s engaging enough to keep you invested.
At times, I found myself wanting a bit more depth in the characters or sharper twists, but the story still delivers a satisfying, steady build.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy classic detective style thrillers with a focus on unraveling a case step by step. It’s a reliable, easy to follow mystery that keeps you turning pages to see how it all connects.
Detective Roger Viceroy is a steady, experienced lead. He’s not overly dramatic, which actually works in the book’s favor, it makes the investigation feel more grounded and procedural. As the case expands and the body count rises, there’s a growing sense of urgency, especially with the looming threat against the governor.
What I liked most was how the mystery develops piece by piece. The connection to the small town adds an extra layer, and it keeps you guessing about how everything fits together. It’s not overly complex, but it’s engaging enough to keep you invested.
At times, I found myself wanting a bit more depth in the characters or sharper twists, but the story still delivers a satisfying, steady build.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy classic detective style thrillers with a focus on unraveling a case step by step. It’s a reliable, easy to follow mystery that keeps you turning pages to see how it all connects.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Summary:
📘Detective Roger Viceroy is called to the scene of a bombing on a golf course. A friend of the governor who was the intended victim has died along with several others. The Governor wants Roger on the case, but as the investigation continues, more people are killed who are connected to the governor. Roger is running out of time because the governor may be next.
My Thoughts:
💭This is a fast-paced murder mystery. Roger is relentless as the bodies pile up. The clues do not make sense, and Roger and his team are always behind the killer. I enjoyed the investigation part of this book. The story is told with multiple POVs, including the killers and an unknown person from the past. The murders are not overly graphic until chapter 25. If you don't want the graphic detail, you could skip the chapter, and you will get the overview later. The dual timeline will keep you hooked on the story. I wanted to know how the past and the present were connected. I really enjoyed the investigative work of Roger and his team. The case was interesting and heartbreaking. There are many cruel people in this story and in the real world. The reason I enjoyed the story was that it highlights how cruelty can have far-reaching consequences. There is a message in the book that is worth hearing!
📘Detective Roger Viceroy is called to the scene of a bombing on a golf course. A friend of the governor who was the intended victim has died along with several others. The Governor wants Roger on the case, but as the investigation continues, more people are killed who are connected to the governor. Roger is running out of time because the governor may be next.
My Thoughts:
💭This is a fast-paced murder mystery. Roger is relentless as the bodies pile up. The clues do not make sense, and Roger and his team are always behind the killer. I enjoyed the investigation part of this book. The story is told with multiple POVs, including the killers and an unknown person from the past. The murders are not overly graphic until chapter 25. If you don't want the graphic detail, you could skip the chapter, and you will get the overview later. The dual timeline will keep you hooked on the story. I wanted to know how the past and the present were connected. I really enjoyed the investigative work of Roger and his team. The case was interesting and heartbreaking. There are many cruel people in this story and in the real world. The reason I enjoyed the story was that it highlights how cruelty can have far-reaching consequences. There is a message in the book that is worth hearing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Penny Killer by Steve Harms is a dark revenge thriller built around a six-to-one countdown, and that structure was easily the strongest part of the book for me.
I really enjoyed the way the numbered clues, the 1982 pennies, and the connections between each murder gradually revealed a much larger story rooted in the past. The deeper the investigation went, the more satisfying it became to see those pieces start clicking into place.
This one does tackle some very heavy material, including racism, sexual violence, buried crimes, and revenge. A few scenes were more graphic and prolonged than I personally needed, and there were also some investigative discoveries that felt a little too convenient.
Even with those drawbacks, I thought the mystery architecture was clever, the penny symbolism was memorable, and the final reveals tied everything together in a satisfying way.
The countdown’s where this thriller really works.
Thank you so much to Steve Harms and Bone Chilling Books for the opportunity to read this ARC early through their influencer program.
Publishes September 15, 2026.
I really enjoyed the way the numbered clues, the 1982 pennies, and the connections between each murder gradually revealed a much larger story rooted in the past. The deeper the investigation went, the more satisfying it became to see those pieces start clicking into place.
This one does tackle some very heavy material, including racism, sexual violence, buried crimes, and revenge. A few scenes were more graphic and prolonged than I personally needed, and there were also some investigative discoveries that felt a little too convenient.
Even with those drawbacks, I thought the mystery architecture was clever, the penny symbolism was memorable, and the final reveals tied everything together in a satisfying way.
The countdown’s where this thriller really works.
Thank you so much to Steve Harms and Bone Chilling Books for the opportunity to read this ARC early through their influencer program.
Publishes September 15, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Penny Killer is a fantastic example of an exciting procedural where you get twists and turns plus the legal side of investigations. 4⭐️ for the first book in the series! I love a dual timeline that reveals a little bit of history pertaining to the present crime like breadcrumbs throughout the current crime spree. Readers won’t know how the puzzle comes together until Harms is ready for you to add the final piece.
Detective Roger Viceroy and his special team are called by the governor to take over a murder scene at a local golf course. Clues left here are baffling, but following them leads the team into a full-blown serial killer search. Viceroy is battling the clock to save any future victims he can while he digs through a small town past trying to determine what is happening and why.
I will give trigger warnings regarding characters facing extreme racism and SA. Some descriptions of the murders are quite gruesome, but the story is solid and intricate on its own. I will definitely be reading any sequels that come out - Viceroy has a lot going on personally and professionally. 4⭐️ - add this to your TBR.
Detective Roger Viceroy and his special team are called by the governor to take over a murder scene at a local golf course. Clues left here are baffling, but following them leads the team into a full-blown serial killer search. Viceroy is battling the clock to save any future victims he can while he digs through a small town past trying to determine what is happening and why.
I will give trigger warnings regarding characters facing extreme racism and SA. Some descriptions of the murders are quite gruesome, but the story is solid and intricate on its own. I will definitely be reading any sequels that come out - Viceroy has a lot going on personally and professionally. 4⭐️ - add this to your TBR.
Review of advance copy
The story follows Detective Roger Viceroy as he investigates a deadly string of murders connected by a cryptic clue penny, and an unexpected link to a quiet Wisconsin town. With each victim bringing the killer closer to a final high-profile target, the race to uncover the truth becomes increasingly urgent.
The mystery keeps you invested with its series of interconnected murders and intriguing clues. The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, offering enough twists to maintain curiosity without becoming overly complicated.
Detective Viceroy is a capable lead, and the small-town connection adds an interesting aspect to the case. While the suspense is effective, parts of the story feel slower than expected, and some reveals don't land with the impact they promise.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its cinematic storytelling. It often feels less like reading a traditional novel and more like watching a crime drama unfold scene by scene. I would absolutely love to see this adapted into a TV series, as its visual storytelling seem perfectly suited for the screen.
The mystery keeps you invested with its series of interconnected murders and intriguing clues. The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, offering enough twists to maintain curiosity without becoming overly complicated.
Detective Viceroy is a capable lead, and the small-town connection adds an interesting aspect to the case. While the suspense is effective, parts of the story feel slower than expected, and some reveals don't land with the impact they promise.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its cinematic storytelling. It often feels less like reading a traditional novel and more like watching a crime drama unfold scene by scene. I would absolutely love to see this adapted into a TV series, as its visual storytelling seem perfectly suited for the screen.
Did Not Finish
August 9, 2026I won’t give a star rating since this was a DNF for me at 48%. I was given an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. While there were some aspects of this book I enjoyed, the heavy Christian themes and references were a turn off for me as I am not religious. What finally did it for me was the graphic but poorly written sexual assault scene. It came out of nowhere and the description of the woman victim was clearly written from the male gaze “smiles and cuts open her pajama top, exposing her beautifully rounded nipples and perfectly formed breasts”. As a woman reading this it felt gross, (not in the way a thriller or even a horror book is supposed to make you uncomfortable but want to keep reading) in the way that living real life in a misogynistic society makes you feel. I get enough of that in real life why would I want to read a book written that way?
This book would likely be enjoyed by a population that is straight, white, male with “good Christian values” but aside from being white, I am not of those things.
This book would likely be enjoyed by a population that is straight, white, male with “good Christian values” but aside from being white, I am not of those things.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Penny Killer is a solid serial killer novel, starting a new series featuring Roger Viceroy, who leads a small team concentrating on high profile cases in the American mid west.
The team is brought in after a bombing on a golf course. They quickly find the killer's calling cards and begin to link other cases. But what ties them together? The investigation is detailed and painstaking, and at times vital connections appear not to be made. In a twin timeline the reader comes to know the story that led to the killing spree, and its connection to the family of the Governor of Wisconsin.
The mix of police procedural and politics proves interesting and there is plenty of action, with some parts of the plot described in particularly graphic detail. On the down side, the characters feel a little thin, although that can be rectified as the series develops. There is also a large religious sub plot, which becomes tedious and only takes attention away from the main story arc.
Overall this is a well plotted novel and sets the scene for an interesting series.
The team is brought in after a bombing on a golf course. They quickly find the killer's calling cards and begin to link other cases. But what ties them together? The investigation is detailed and painstaking, and at times vital connections appear not to be made. In a twin timeline the reader comes to know the story that led to the killing spree, and its connection to the family of the Governor of Wisconsin.
The mix of police procedural and politics proves interesting and there is plenty of action, with some parts of the plot described in particularly graphic detail. On the down side, the characters feel a little thin, although that can be rectified as the series develops. There is also a large religious sub plot, which becomes tedious and only takes attention away from the main story arc.
Overall this is a well plotted novel and sets the scene for an interesting series.
Review of advance copy
This was such an intriguing mystery because it takes something buried in a town’s past and slowly turns it into a very real and dangerous present-day threat. The discovery of the old video was a great way to uncover the truth and set everything in motion.
I especially liked Detective Roger Viceroy following the trail while the Penny Killer was carrying out his own version of justice. The story does a good job of making you wonder how far the killer will go and who is actually connected to the original crime.
The fact that the investigation eventually reaches the governor and the highest levels of power made the story feel much bigger than a simple murder mystery. There are secrets, revenge, buried hatred, and a race to uncover the truth before it is too late.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere and the idea of a decades-old crime coming back to haunt an entire town. A gripping mystery with plenty of tension and a strong setup for Roger Viceroy’s next case.
I especially liked Detective Roger Viceroy following the trail while the Penny Killer was carrying out his own version of justice. The story does a good job of making you wonder how far the killer will go and who is actually connected to the original crime.
The fact that the investigation eventually reaches the governor and the highest levels of power made the story feel much bigger than a simple murder mystery. There are secrets, revenge, buried hatred, and a race to uncover the truth before it is too late.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere and the idea of a decades-old crime coming back to haunt an entire town. A gripping mystery with plenty of tension and a strong setup for Roger Viceroy’s next case.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was gifted a copy of this eARC - all opinions are my own. Thanks to the author!
4 stars
This is a traditional murder mystery led by a detective. In this case, our detective is Roger Viceroy who works for a special arm of law enforcement answering directly to the Governor of Wisconsin. Our story starts with a bomb and quickly turns into a race against time when a serial killer is targeting the wives of a specific group of men. Viceroy must piece together what the connection is between the victims and their killer and how that will directly impact the Governor.
If you like a fast-paced, quick novel following law enforcement tracking a serial killer, then this is a good option for you!
4 stars
This is a traditional murder mystery led by a detective. In this case, our detective is Roger Viceroy who works for a special arm of law enforcement answering directly to the Governor of Wisconsin. Our story starts with a bomb and quickly turns into a race against time when a serial killer is targeting the wives of a specific group of men. Viceroy must piece together what the connection is between the victims and their killer and how that will directly impact the Governor.
If you like a fast-paced, quick novel following law enforcement tracking a serial killer, then this is a good option for you!
August 30, 2026
Thank you, Bookstragrammer Bonechilling Book, for the opportunity and for the ARC! 🖤📚
I really enjoyed this book! It took me a little while to understand the chapters set in the past, but once everything started to click, I had a pretty good idea of where the story was going.
I do wish I could have gotten to know the characters and their dynamics a little more. The ending also felt a bit rushed for me, and I found myself expecting a little more from it.
That being said, none of that stopped me from wanting to keep reading and enjoying the story. Overall, this was an intriguing read that kept me turning the pages!
I really enjoyed this book! It took me a little while to understand the chapters set in the past, but once everything started to click, I had a pretty good idea of where the story was going.
I do wish I could have gotten to know the characters and their dynamics a little more. The ending also felt a bit rushed for me, and I found myself expecting a little more from it.
That being said, none of that stopped me from wanting to keep reading and enjoying the story. Overall, this was an intriguing read that kept me turning the pages!
November 24, 2018
I don't read this genre often, but I was drawn by the Wisconsin connection. I couldn't put it down, but I was also sickened by the violence in the service of a plot involving revenge. But that's a murder mystery for you. Typical of this genre is also a smart detective surrounded by his loyal officers, who inevitably solve the crime. I felt the Christian connection was added on, and am guessing this will be developed in further books in the "Roger Viceroy Novel" series.
March 27, 2022
Well thought-out and suspenseful read! Characters are well developed, and their interaction seems genuine. Great element of suspense as Harms weaves details around occurrences and history of his small town setting. I couldn’t put it down; wanted to get answers to my questions! Great twist and conclusion.
Review of advance copy
✨3.5
What you will get in this book ✨
📍Wisconsin
🚓 Police Procedural
🔪 Revenge
💨 Short Fast Chapters
🔄 Dual timeline (Then & Now)
🗣️ Multiple POV
📖 243 pages
My Thoughts 💭
I was drawn to this book because it takes place in Wisconsin, my home state. I really enjoy reading stories that take place in my state, as I feel that extra connection to the story.
This story is a police procedural and revenge story. I thought the overall plot was very interesting. The pacing was quick and the chapters were short leading to a quick read. Throughout flashback chapters, the reader learns the past events that lead to the current events. As the past events were revealed, I did not find any of the twist reveals very surprising, but this did not impact my enjoyment of the overall story.
Overall I liked the story. There were a few things about the main character that I didn’t connect with that prevented me from loving the story.
Check this one out if you like police procedural thrillers and let me know your thoughts.
Trigger warnings: Hate Crime, Sexual Assault scene (I will admit I was not a fan of some of the wording in this particular scene)
Thank you to the publisher, author, and @bonechillingbooks for providing the gifted book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What you will get in this book ✨
📍Wisconsin
🚓 Police Procedural
🔪 Revenge
💨 Short Fast Chapters
🔄 Dual timeline (Then & Now)
🗣️ Multiple POV
📖 243 pages
My Thoughts 💭
I was drawn to this book because it takes place in Wisconsin, my home state. I really enjoy reading stories that take place in my state, as I feel that extra connection to the story.
This story is a police procedural and revenge story. I thought the overall plot was very interesting. The pacing was quick and the chapters were short leading to a quick read. Throughout flashback chapters, the reader learns the past events that lead to the current events. As the past events were revealed, I did not find any of the twist reveals very surprising, but this did not impact my enjoyment of the overall story.
Overall I liked the story. There were a few things about the main character that I didn’t connect with that prevented me from loving the story.
Check this one out if you like police procedural thrillers and let me know your thoughts.
Trigger warnings: Hate Crime, Sexual Assault scene (I will admit I was not a fan of some of the wording in this particular scene)
Thank you to the publisher, author, and @bonechillingbooks for providing the gifted book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 18, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the first published book of author Steven C. Harms. Riveting, gripping, suspenseful, entertaining and a well written story. The characters had such personality and were so interesting, I could not put it down. Looking forward to future books. Well done!
July 27, 2018
An enjoyable novel with great twists and turns. The plot unfolds slowly and contains some surprises. Character is believable, and whole plot made for an afternoon of reading that was worth it. Hope to see more from this new author.
July 7, 2021
Steven C. Harms pulled no punches in Give Place to Wrath. Fast-paced prose, harrowing subject matter, and well-executed suspense kept the pages flying. My favorite aspect of this book was how Roger and his team worked together. Roger didn’t overshadow them. I thought that helped this story stand apart from many others in the genre. Most mystery thrillers I’ve read center around a single genius detective/investigator who sometimes has a bright partner. While I still enjoy such thrillers, it was nice that Give Place to Wrath broke from that trope.
The inclusion of Roger’s faith was interesting because it gave the work a distinct tone and, in my opinion, enhanced the plot. I liked that the author confronted racial and religious bigotry, drawing attention to those issues. I had my suspicions about where the investigation would lead, but the author kept me second-guessing myself until the end. Give Place to Wrath was a highly emotional, stunning debut novel by Steven C. Harms. I highly recommend it to anyone on the hunt for their next mystery thriller. This is one series I'm definitely going to keep my eye on.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This is an adult book that contains violence, including a scene of sexual assault, mild gore, and profanity.
The inclusion of Roger’s faith was interesting because it gave the work a distinct tone and, in my opinion, enhanced the plot. I liked that the author confronted racial and religious bigotry, drawing attention to those issues. I had my suspicions about where the investigation would lead, but the author kept me second-guessing myself until the end. Give Place to Wrath was a highly emotional, stunning debut novel by Steven C. Harms. I highly recommend it to anyone on the hunt for their next mystery thriller. This is one series I'm definitely going to keep my eye on.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This is an adult book that contains violence, including a scene of sexual assault, mild gore, and profanity.
October 17, 2021
The past comes back to haunt you...
In this introduction to Roger Viceroy, we find him embroiled in a series of murders. At first glance, there is no connection - different methods of killings and no common link. But upon closer inspection, it seems the sins of the past have caught up with them.
Great writing, fantastic pacing, and a satisfying twist. Definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to PICT for a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
In this introduction to Roger Viceroy, we find him embroiled in a series of murders. At first glance, there is no connection - different methods of killings and no common link. But upon closer inspection, it seems the sins of the past have caught up with them.
Great writing, fantastic pacing, and a satisfying twist. Definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to PICT for a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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