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Epitaph
Experience a heart-pumping and thrilling tale of suspense!
Originally published in THRILLER (2006),edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson.
In this dark Thriller Short, bestselling writer J. A. Konrath brings Phineas Trout, one of his supporting characters, to the forefront in a hardboiled, tongue-in-cheek adventure reminiscent of the best of Mickey Spillane. What motivates a man to kill for money? Are things like morality and dignity involved? And, most important of all, what is Phineas Trout loading into the shells of that modified Mossberg shotgun?
Don’t miss any of these exciting Thriller Shorts:
James Penney’s New Identity by Lee Child Operation Northwoods by James Grippando Epitaph by J. A. Konrath The Face in the Window by Heather Graham Kowalski’s in Love by James Rollins The Hunt for Dmitri by Gayle Lynds Disfigured by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer The Abelard Sanction by David Morrell Falling by Chris Mooney Success of a Mission by Dennis Lynds The Portal by John Lescroart and M. J. Rose The Double Dealer by David Liss Dirty Weather by Gregg Hurwitz Spirit Walker by David Dun At the Drop of a Hat by Denise Hamilton The Other Side of the Mirror by Eric Van Lustbader Man Catch by Christopher Rice Goodnight, Sweet Mother by Alex Kava Sacrificial Lion by Grant Blackwood Interlude at Duane’s by F. Paul Wilson The Powder Monkey by Ted Bell Surviving Toronto by M. Diane Vogt Assassins by Christopher Reich The Athens Solution by Brad Thor Diplomatic Constraints by Raelynn Hillhouse Kill Zone by Robert Liparulo The Devils’ Due by Steve Berry The Tuesday Club by Katherine Neville Gone Fishing by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Originally published in THRILLER (2006),edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson.
In this dark Thriller Short, bestselling writer J. A. Konrath brings Phineas Trout, one of his supporting characters, to the forefront in a hardboiled, tongue-in-cheek adventure reminiscent of the best of Mickey Spillane. What motivates a man to kill for money? Are things like morality and dignity involved? And, most important of all, what is Phineas Trout loading into the shells of that modified Mossberg shotgun?
Don’t miss any of these exciting Thriller Shorts:
James Penney’s New Identity by Lee Child Operation Northwoods by James Grippando Epitaph by J. A. Konrath The Face in the Window by Heather Graham Kowalski’s in Love by James Rollins The Hunt for Dmitri by Gayle Lynds Disfigured by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer The Abelard Sanction by David Morrell Falling by Chris Mooney Success of a Mission by Dennis Lynds The Portal by John Lescroart and M. J. Rose The Double Dealer by David Liss Dirty Weather by Gregg Hurwitz Spirit Walker by David Dun At the Drop of a Hat by Denise Hamilton The Other Side of the Mirror by Eric Van Lustbader Man Catch by Christopher Rice Goodnight, Sweet Mother by Alex Kava Sacrificial Lion by Grant Blackwood Interlude at Duane’s by F. Paul Wilson The Powder Monkey by Ted Bell Surviving Toronto by M. Diane Vogt Assassins by Christopher Reich The Athens Solution by Brad Thor Diplomatic Constraints by Raelynn Hillhouse Kill Zone by Robert Liparulo The Devils’ Due by Steve Berry The Tuesday Club by Katherine Neville Gone Fishing by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
- GenresThrillerShort Stories
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
23 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
198 books3,014 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 29, 2020
This is the first story for Phineas Troutt. I loved it. This is way before he is with Jack. He avenges the death of a Chinese girl. 3 Latin Kings raped and killed a Chinese girl and Phin is hired by her father to take them out. Phin breaks into their apartment and takes out several including the 3 guys who killed the girl. The 3 guys that did it were all killed with the ashes of the Chinese girl. Very cool story.
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May 19, 2020Although a superb addition to the Phin stories, but... WAY TOO SHORT!!! Typical Phin- ultra-rough exterior but the heart of gold with an amazing moral compass for setting things right (TRUE JUSTICE!!)
As always when Konrath puta Phin to work, there's ALWAYS super action so this one didn't fail at this, and, of course, what would be a Phin tale without dark humor and sarcasm? Neither is absent here and makes Phin Phin! Quite enjoyable
As always when Konrath puta Phin to work, there's ALWAYS super action so this one didn't fail at this, and, of course, what would be a Phin tale without dark humor and sarcasm? Neither is absent here and makes Phin Phin! Quite enjoyable
June 16, 2018
Konrat h Story
Good story. I have read better Konrat h before.. This was not his best. Reminder me of old Mickey Spillage stuff.
Good story. I have read better Konrat h before.. This was not his best. Reminder me of old Mickey Spillage stuff.
July 20, 2018
Hard core!
Serious revenge killings. Somehow you always want Phin to come out on top. A tough mofo you don't want to mess with.
Serious revenge killings. Somehow you always want Phin to come out on top. A tough mofo you don't want to mess with.
March 31, 2020
A very short story, but still an entertaining read. A good break before I return to books 4 - 6 in the Jack Daniels series.
April 25, 2020
Bad Bad Phineas Troutt
Somebody do you wrong. Hire Phineas Troutt and tell him what you want done. He will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Somebody do you wrong. Hire Phineas Troutt and tell him what you want done. He will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
December 18, 2021
I always enjoy a good Phin tale.
January 10, 2026
Epitaph
Good
Liked it but a little too gross for me. Pace was really good. From past books always like this character.
Good
Liked it but a little too gross for me. Pace was really good. From past books always like this character.
January 11, 2018
First discovered Phineas Troutt in a bar playing pool with Det. Jack Daniels. In Konrath style this is dark, violent and a little sad.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews