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The Erin O'Reilly Mysteries #1
Black Velvet
Erin learned a lot from her partner: stay alert, follow your nose, and once you've got your teeth in them, never let go.
It’s tough working nights with the NYPD. The crime rate is high, the hours are terrible, and forget about a personal life. So when Officer O’Reilly and her K-9 Rolf switch over to the day shift, things are looking up. She’s even able to find time for a new boyfriend.
But when the theft of a priceless painting from the Queens Museum leaves a fellow police officer dead, Erin and her four-legged partner find themselves dealing with dangerous criminals, sleazy art dealers, and obstructive detectives in a race to capture the killers...and just maybe bring closure to a 75-year-old crime.
It’s tough working nights with the NYPD. The crime rate is high, the hours are terrible, and forget about a personal life. So when Officer O’Reilly and her K-9 Rolf switch over to the day shift, things are looking up. She’s even able to find time for a new boyfriend.
But when the theft of a priceless painting from the Queens Museum leaves a fellow police officer dead, Erin and her four-legged partner find themselves dealing with dangerous criminals, sleazy art dealers, and obstructive detectives in a race to capture the killers...and just maybe bring closure to a 75-year-old crime.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2017
1870 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Steven Henry
37 books81 followersSteven Henry is the USA Today bestselling author of the Erin O’Reilly mysteries and the Clarion Chronicles.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 4, 2018
Glancing through a series of suggested books to read, a beautiful German shepherd caught my eye. Reading the synopsis, I learned he is a K-9 dog and his handler is Patrolman Erin O'Reilly of the NYPD. They are working the night shift when the tale begins. Transfer to days Erin visit a bar and meets an art appraiser. He invited her to a major art exhibit. While there, see Erin watched a robbery in progress and becomes involved in attempting to stop it. A follow patrolman is shot and dies in her arms. Erin promised him she would bring the robbers to justice. Erin and Rolf play a major role in finding the gunmen. Erin is suspended as she interfered with the investigation. Will she lose her job and Rolf? I read the book in one setting and started the next book. The story reminded me of the hardcore mysteries of the 80's, only the protagonist is A WOMAN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
December 16, 2017
A good old fashioned crime novel!
This was a very fast read, because the characters were well done, the plot was good, and the writing style easy flowing. Nothing too complicated, just an entertaining cops-and-robbers story. I hope there will be more Erin O’Reilly mysteries in the near future!
This was a very fast read, because the characters were well done, the plot was good, and the writing style easy flowing. Nothing too complicated, just an entertaining cops-and-robbers story. I hope there will be more Erin O’Reilly mysteries in the near future!
November 22, 2023
Good and fun quick read. I can't give everything 5 stars, and while this was a good story, and there was no bits of prose I wanted to copy out to share, just good storytelling, I am left with 4 stars.
I am trying to read all the book one of the mystery + dog series, and this is one. This book is the 24th book one of 57 series I have identified I however don't know where all the lines are drawn on types of fiction books, so traditional mystery, and as in this case, lady cop with a German Shepherd partner trying to find cop killer/art thieves, get lumped together under my shelf for dogs-mystery.
I also noticed it is on Wesley Banks '100 Best Dog Books of All Time' list that he created using an algorithm. This book makes 67 read off of his current list that he hasn't updated since 2022. (it is fun to have different book goals.)
The dog was a good partner, that didn't do too much until helping in a critical moment to bite someone. Here's a line I liked-
'She looked fondly down at Rolf, wondering whether any human partner would have followed her into this mess as willingly.'
Since someone mentioned it, I think there was enough mentions of taking the dog out for potty breaks or exercise to keep it real. Overall, it just felt like a good cop drama episode you would watch on TV that has a dog along for the ride.
I am trying to read all the book one of the mystery + dog series, and this is one. This book is the 24th book one of 57 series I have identified I however don't know where all the lines are drawn on types of fiction books, so traditional mystery, and as in this case, lady cop with a German Shepherd partner trying to find cop killer/art thieves, get lumped together under my shelf for dogs-mystery.
I also noticed it is on Wesley Banks '100 Best Dog Books of All Time' list that he created using an algorithm. This book makes 67 read off of his current list that he hasn't updated since 2022. (it is fun to have different book goals.)
The dog was a good partner, that didn't do too much until helping in a critical moment to bite someone. Here's a line I liked-
'She looked fondly down at Rolf, wondering whether any human partner would have followed her into this mess as willingly.'
Since someone mentioned it, I think there was enough mentions of taking the dog out for potty breaks or exercise to keep it real. Overall, it just felt like a good cop drama episode you would watch on TV that has a dog along for the ride.
June 22, 2023
First I have to tell everyone in here I am a
Absolute Dog 🐶 Lover ! I just love them they are
So cute and cuddly and loveable oh just to let you all
Know I don’t like pit bulls! Now for my review I usually
Don’t read a lot of mysteries but a resident where I worked lent me this one ! I just loved the cover ! His name is Rolf by the way . He is a K-9 and his partner is Erin O Riley! A policewoman who works the Night Shift. But is moved to day shift to investigate a painting that was stolen . Officer O’Riley does not take any bull ! She is my favourite Character along with Rolf of course! And I’m looking forward to reading the
Rest of the series where she actually becomes Detective O’Riley and yes of course Rolf will be there too to solve other mysteries! Woof Woof !
Absolute Dog 🐶 Lover ! I just love them they are
So cute and cuddly and loveable oh just to let you all
Know I don’t like pit bulls! Now for my review I usually
Don’t read a lot of mysteries but a resident where I worked lent me this one ! I just loved the cover ! His name is Rolf by the way . He is a K-9 and his partner is Erin O Riley! A policewoman who works the Night Shift. But is moved to day shift to investigate a painting that was stolen . Officer O’Riley does not take any bull ! She is my favourite Character along with Rolf of course! And I’m looking forward to reading the
Rest of the series where she actually becomes Detective O’Riley and yes of course Rolf will be there too to solve other mysteries! Woof Woof !
February 6, 2020
This was not a great book but it was far better than many I’ve read.
It uses the formula of the main character police officer who refuses to stand down after order to by her superiors. Sometimes this device comes across as worn-out and lame. It didn’t here.
Some of the secondary characters were out of central casting but Henry gives them enough substance to keep them from being cardboard cutouts.
I’ll be back for more.
It uses the formula of the main character police officer who refuses to stand down after order to by her superiors. Sometimes this device comes across as worn-out and lame. It didn’t here.
Some of the secondary characters were out of central casting but Henry gives them enough substance to keep them from being cardboard cutouts.
I’ll be back for more.
December 3, 2018
I enjoyed Black Velvet; I like Erin, the heroine (a dedicated cop--not a detective yet--but she really focuses on solving her cases--and is a little reckless); Rolf, her K-9 partner; and Doctor Schenk, a German with a background that gets him involved in solving the art heist also. I was slightly suspicious of the villain early on, but I wasn't the only one... Satisfying ending.
August 3, 2018
This NYPD police officer and her dog Rolf are switched from night shift to day shift and encounter a art theft during an opening exhibition. The investigation though turned over to detectives, has O'Reilly continuing to follow up on clues in spite of being warned she was not allowed to investigate. After many screw ups by the investigating detectives, she and her dog Rolf finally corner the master mind of the theft. It was a pretty good mystery, really followed through on the development of the characters without giving away the ending.
October 23, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Erin is gun ho about her job, along with her K9. The story is interesting, well written and an enjoyable read. It's also believable right down to her own flaws-makes her human and you can certainly relate to her character.
This was a new author for me, but one I intend to read more.
Read it in one sitting.
This was a new author for me, but one I intend to read more.
Read it in one sitting.
May 23, 2022
This is a clever police-K9 mystery, with a nice collection of suspects and side characters. The dog was great, and participated in a lot of the story (I don't like K9 stories where the dog is not a key player). As the story unfolds, there are enough twists and turns that kept me interested, but it was never confusing, and the resolve was well done.
Looking forward, the books are under 200pp and over $5 each, which is a bit over my threshold. There are many books, so hopefully an omnibus collection will appear in the near future.
Looking forward, the books are under 200pp and over $5 each, which is a bit over my threshold. There are many books, so hopefully an omnibus collection will appear in the near future.
September 14, 2022
Easy read. Not great but also not bad either
February 12, 2024
A great story.
January 29, 2020
Excellent
Loved this book !,looking for book 3. A page Turner. I recommend this series and author. Thanks, Belinda Young from Mississippi
Loved this book !,looking for book 3. A page Turner. I recommend this series and author. Thanks, Belinda Young from Mississippi
February 11, 2018
Good read. If you like John Grisham, David Baldacci, or John Sandford you will like this new author.
His first book was very good for a first attempt. Description were strong. Character were vividly described. He was a bit slow moving into the plot but that is a new author and he needs to come on more strong in the beginning but it was a book I had to have and I plan on buying a hard copy to go with my electronic copy.
I can't wait for the next book "Irish Car Bomb" the female detective is a good role model for any woman.
His first book was very good for a first attempt. Description were strong. Character were vividly described. He was a bit slow moving into the plot but that is a new author and he needs to come on more strong in the beginning but it was a book I had to have and I plan on buying a hard copy to go with my electronic copy.
I can't wait for the next book "Irish Car Bomb" the female detective is a good role model for any woman.
October 5, 2018
This is the first book in the Erin O’Reilly series. It’s my first by the author! I loved all the characters. Erin O’Reilly comes from a family of cops. She’s smart, pretty, strong, independent and she has a k9 for a partner. Erin’s co worker policeman was shot in her presence and he later dies of his injuries. Erin attempts to find the killer despite criticism by fellow policeman. The book has excitement and mystery. It’s enjoyable easy reading. I can’t wait to read book #2.
December 9, 2018
Very good read
August 21, 2018
Very cute cozy "who dunnit" I will certainly read the rest.
September 5, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
A good book about art, thieves, murder and a gutsy beat cop and her K9 partner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A good book about art, thieves, murder and a gutsy beat cop and her K9 partner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 5, 2018
This was a really easy book to read, once I started I didn’t put the book down until I finished. The main character, Erin, is a bit ‘gung-ho’, but it makes for a fast paced story.
December 14, 2020
Had lots of fun reading this! Four stars for an excellent story; believable, compelling characters; plus lots of twists, turns and surprises. Looking forward to more in this series.
November 2, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read in a long time that I can say I truly loved. Interesting and likeable protagonists—an NYPD female officer and her K-9 partner Rolf (who only answers to German commands) and very well written. I can’t recall seeing a single error (and they tend to jump out at me).
It is fast-paced and yet the characters are well developed. Including Erin’s new love interest who doesn’t really quite know what he’s getting himself into when he invites her to an art show at the Queens Museum, during which a priceless painting is stolen and an officer is shot in pursuit of the thieves.
When that officer dies in Erin’s arms, she’s determined to catch his murderers and retrieve the painting, no matter what the cost.
The only thing I didn’t 100% love about this book was it’s title. I thought it was the name of the dog on the cover, but it’s not. It’s a mixed alcoholic drink, Erin’s favorite. The title made more sense when I looked at the rest of the series, as many of the titles are also names of drinks.
Indeed, loved this book so much, I was more than happy to pay full price for Book 2, which is now awaiting my attention in my Kindle. I give Black Velvet 5 fingerprints!
It is fast-paced and yet the characters are well developed. Including Erin’s new love interest who doesn’t really quite know what he’s getting himself into when he invites her to an art show at the Queens Museum, during which a priceless painting is stolen and an officer is shot in pursuit of the thieves.
When that officer dies in Erin’s arms, she’s determined to catch his murderers and retrieve the painting, no matter what the cost.
The only thing I didn’t 100% love about this book was it’s title. I thought it was the name of the dog on the cover, but it’s not. It’s a mixed alcoholic drink, Erin’s favorite. The title made more sense when I looked at the rest of the series, as many of the titles are also names of drinks.
Indeed, loved this book so much, I was more than happy to pay full price for Book 2, which is now awaiting my attention in my Kindle. I give Black Velvet 5 fingerprints!
January 3, 2026
Erin is a beat cop with a canine partner. When she investigates a break in at a uniform shop, it clicks in her mind that the thieves weren't after money. So why break in? Following her instincts, she discovers an art piece that was found after being stolen during World War II. During a date with a new acquaintance to the art opening, the painting is stollen and a cop is shot and killed. Erin knows leaving the investigation up to the bumbling guys assigned the case would result in them getting away with murder and the stolen art. She steps in, but may end up losing her badge due to interference with an ongoing investigation. And her new beau, though he seems perfect, does not seem to be able to handle her cop life and the stress and worry that comes with it.
Interesting first book. I like the main character and would like to read more so will most likely read more in this series.
Interesting first book. I like the main character and would like to read more so will most likely read more in this series.
February 11, 2025
I loved this book. Erin and Rolf's relationship was great and there was plenty of humor throughout the book. I wasn't sure who was behind the mystery but not for lack of suspects. There were plenty of people to suspect, other than Luke, and despite Erin believing the German professor was behind the crime I dismissed him pretty quickly. Everyone else I thought might be and they were all less than stellar people regardless. The German commands were fun to try and learn and Erin trusting Rolf the dog so much that she brought him basically everywhere was sweet. When she thinks she might get canned at the end of the book and is sad Rolf tries to cheer her up by bringing her one of his toys and placing it on her lap. It was also really sweet. A good, interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2022
Black Velvet
I liked the whole book. It was about a woman that was a policewoman who worked in the traffic department. She was attending the museum that had a showing of the art showing of the "Madonna". It was stolen by a gang of blue collar thieves who got shot down, one by one until only one was left! The policewoman was attending the museum and she needed to track down the leads until she solved the case. Kept my attention which showed how good the book was. Very entertaining!
I liked the whole book. It was about a woman that was a policewoman who worked in the traffic department. She was attending the museum that had a showing of the art showing of the "Madonna". It was stolen by a gang of blue collar thieves who got shot down, one by one until only one was left! The policewoman was attending the museum and she needed to track down the leads until she solved the case. Kept my attention which showed how good the book was. Very entertaining!
May 16, 2023
Good book
Great story line! It tells the life of a beat cop who knows that the detectives assigned to the case don't have a single clue to what/where/why of what has gone down with the crime she just witnessed! The cop in her tells her to keep doing her job as she's been trained but she keeps hitting brick walls trying to bust this case wide open! This is not a book to read just before bed! It will get you energized and you'll be too wired to rest as sleep is supposed to do!
Great story line! It tells the life of a beat cop who knows that the detectives assigned to the case don't have a single clue to what/where/why of what has gone down with the crime she just witnessed! The cop in her tells her to keep doing her job as she's been trained but she keeps hitting brick walls trying to bust this case wide open! This is not a book to read just before bed! It will get you energized and you'll be too wired to rest as sleep is supposed to do!
July 15, 2024
History Challenged
Erin & Rolf are partners who become steeped in the art world. There are all kinds of thieves in this world but a piece saved from the Holocaust is prized for many reasons. Erin is there when the heist happens and a fellow cop is shot. She swears an oath to find those responsible, and then follows a dark path to fulfill her promise. But there is much more in store for her and her K9 partner Rolf. Highly Recommend.
AA++
Erin & Rolf are partners who become steeped in the art world. There are all kinds of thieves in this world but a piece saved from the Holocaust is prized for many reasons. Erin is there when the heist happens and a fellow cop is shot. She swears an oath to find those responsible, and then follows a dark path to fulfill her promise. But there is much more in store for her and her K9 partner Rolf. Highly Recommend.
AA++
March 4, 2025
This is the most engaging crime series that I’ve read in years, and I’ve read A LOT of them! If you like well-written, fast-paced, fairly gritty police procedurals with very strong female leads (and an amazing, funny K-9 partner) this is definitely for you… and there are 26 books and counting in the series! That’s music to the ears for people like me who want to follow characters over time in their books. Highly recommended!!!
September 21, 2020
Fast Paced Book
Great characters and storyline. As a fellow German Shepherd owner, I enjoy books that show how intelligent and capable this breed is. Erin is a kick ass police officer who doesn’t back down from a case until she gets the bad guys. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series
Great characters and storyline. As a fellow German Shepherd owner, I enjoy books that show how intelligent and capable this breed is. Erin is a kick ass police officer who doesn’t back down from a case until she gets the bad guys. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series
July 16, 2022
Such a great story that I missed sleep binge reading it!
Loved this well written tale of a gritty New York beat cop and her wonderful canine partner tenaciously doing the right thing in spite of the risk to her career and personal life. Some really interesting secondary characters introduced as well. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!!
Loved this well written tale of a gritty New York beat cop and her wonderful canine partner tenaciously doing the right thing in spite of the risk to her career and personal life. Some really interesting secondary characters introduced as well. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!!
March 15, 2023
Black Velvet by Steven Henry
Just seeing the cover of this book made me want to read it! I am a dog lover and truly love the hero K-9's.
I was not disappointed when reading this great story. I loved the characters and the plot. It kept me pulled in and wondering...who done it?
I highly recommend this book.
Just seeing the cover of this book made me want to read it! I am a dog lover and truly love the hero K-9's.
I was not disappointed when reading this great story. I loved the characters and the plot. It kept me pulled in and wondering...who done it?
I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2023
Erin O'Reilly Mysteries #1
A first for Mr by this author, a really great K-9 mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it and must see if there is a #2. Being the first Erin is still a patrol cop but as she continues with the case she avoids the rules and steps into detectives shoes trying to solve an art theft.
A first for Mr by this author, a really great K-9 mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it and must see if there is a #2. Being the first Erin is still a patrol cop but as she continues with the case she avoids the rules and steps into detectives shoes trying to solve an art theft.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews