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Night #6
Chill of Night
When the Justice Killer wreaks havoc in New York City, targeting jurors who found accused killers "not guilty," former homicide detective Artemis Beam is forced out of retirement when the NYPD needs his help in finding this madman by any means necessary. Original.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
58 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
John Lutz
234 books300 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 1, 2022
“You’ve got a reputation for bending the rules, even the law …”
The justice system doesn’t always get it right. Sometimes, even when a defendant’s guilt is more obvious than the nose on Cyrano de Bergerac’s face, the system slips up and a defendant goes free – scot free, laughing all the way home, and shaking their heads in wonder at a system that screwed up so badly! But one grieving father, whose son’s rapist and murderer was one of the lucky killers who walked away from court a free man, is having none of it. He’s taking the law into his own hands and handing out his own vigilante form of revenge justice. Systematically killing the foreperson of juries that handed down these mistaken “innocent” verdicts, his signature is a red “J” left behind with each victim. The media calls him the “Justice Killer”.
Calling Detective Artemis Beam out of retirement to fight fire with fire seems appropriate.
”You’ve got a reputation for bending the rules, even the law, in the interest of seeing justice done. And as you’re already retired and more or less don’t give a shit, you’ll bend whatever you have to in order to nail this letter J scumbag.”
CHILL OF NIGHT is a high-speed one-on-one police procedural thriller – police detective vs serial killer, hunter vs prey, man vs man – and, from first page to last, it’s a successful, gripping, thoroughly entertaining page turner. And … wait for that final reveal … it’s a jaw-dropper that precious few and far between readers will ever see coming. John Lutz can count me a fan and I’ll happily read more of his work given the chance. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
The justice system doesn’t always get it right. Sometimes, even when a defendant’s guilt is more obvious than the nose on Cyrano de Bergerac’s face, the system slips up and a defendant goes free – scot free, laughing all the way home, and shaking their heads in wonder at a system that screwed up so badly! But one grieving father, whose son’s rapist and murderer was one of the lucky killers who walked away from court a free man, is having none of it. He’s taking the law into his own hands and handing out his own vigilante form of revenge justice. Systematically killing the foreperson of juries that handed down these mistaken “innocent” verdicts, his signature is a red “J” left behind with each victim. The media calls him the “Justice Killer”.
Calling Detective Artemis Beam out of retirement to fight fire with fire seems appropriate.
”You’ve got a reputation for bending the rules, even the law, in the interest of seeing justice done. And as you’re already retired and more or less don’t give a shit, you’ll bend whatever you have to in order to nail this letter J scumbag.”
CHILL OF NIGHT is a high-speed one-on-one police procedural thriller – police detective vs serial killer, hunter vs prey, man vs man – and, from first page to last, it’s a successful, gripping, thoroughly entertaining page turner. And … wait for that final reveal … it’s a jaw-dropper that precious few and far between readers will ever see coming. John Lutz can count me a fan and I’ll happily read more of his work given the chance. Definitely recommended.
Paul Weiss
February 28, 2010
This was a great book that grasps you right from the start. Highly recommended!
Publisher's Summary
There's a twisted serial killer stalking the streets of New York City, dealing his own perverse version of justice. He kills swiftly and silently, leaving his calling card: a red J on the bodies of his prey. His victims have one thing in common: they've all been jurors in the city's most infamous cases; cases in which the killer was found not guilty. Overnight, the Justice Killer has the city in a stranglehold. And there's only one man who has a shot at finding him.
Homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation hunting down serial killers. After getting shot by an armed robber, and stepping on the wrong toes in the NYPD, he's been retired. The city needs him now, and finding the killer is his chance to get back into the life he loves. As the body count climbs and the city's legal system fails, the Justice Killer thinks he's outsmarted the cops. But Beam isn't officially a cop anymore...and he doesn't have to play by the rules.
Publisher's Summary
There's a twisted serial killer stalking the streets of New York City, dealing his own perverse version of justice. He kills swiftly and silently, leaving his calling card: a red J on the bodies of his prey. His victims have one thing in common: they've all been jurors in the city's most infamous cases; cases in which the killer was found not guilty. Overnight, the Justice Killer has the city in a stranglehold. And there's only one man who has a shot at finding him.
Homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation hunting down serial killers. After getting shot by an armed robber, and stepping on the wrong toes in the NYPD, he's been retired. The city needs him now, and finding the killer is his chance to get back into the life he loves. As the body count climbs and the city's legal system fails, the Justice Killer thinks he's outsmarted the cops. But Beam isn't officially a cop anymore...and he doesn't have to play by the rules.
July 23, 2014
I had never read anything by John Lutz and got this book from the library. I loved this book and had no idea who the Justice Killer was until the very end of the book. This is a really good murder/detective novel. I will be reading more of his books.
March 11, 2016
I enjoyed it. I like crime/cop books though. Will read more of this author.
September 16, 2021
Clearly a 5 Star Rating, WOW what an ENDING*****
February 21, 2023
Not bad but not unpredictable. Definitely could’ve been a lot shorter than it was 💀
September 8, 2014
I bought this used paperback book at a Literacy Luncheon and forgot about it until I was looking for something to read one day. It was an okay thriller, but didn't quite live up to the hype on the cover. According to the cover "John Lutz is one of the masters" and "John Lutz knows to make you shiver." I'm not big on books that make you shiver and this one certainly did not do it for me.
The premise of the book is that there is a serial killer stalking New York City. He calls himself the Justice Killer because he begins by killing the foreperson of juries who allowed killers to go free when they should have been found guilty. Then he starts killing other jury members and finally the freed killers themselves.
Recently retired homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation hunting down serial killers so he is called out of retirement to find this killer. I haven't read John Lutz before but I assume Beam is a continuing character. Harry Bosch he is not. Neither he nor any of his team members make much effort to track down the killer other than showing up at the crime scenes and interviewing possible witnesses.
I guess I have read too many of Michael Connelly's books to be fooled by this author. I knew who the killer was the first time he was introduced into the story. This book really dragged. We had killing after killing with the police standing around talking. This was a 478-page paperback that could have been wrapped up in 300 pages.
There are a couple of love stories in the book, but they are not handled well. Beam is enamored of a woman who hates him at the beginning of the book. The scene where she finally succumbs to his charms doesn't ring true. One of Beam's detectives is a woman named Nell Corey. Her love story at the end of the book didn't make sense at all.
This author is alright for a beach read, but there are too many detective story writers who are a lot better.
The premise of the book is that there is a serial killer stalking New York City. He calls himself the Justice Killer because he begins by killing the foreperson of juries who allowed killers to go free when they should have been found guilty. Then he starts killing other jury members and finally the freed killers themselves.
Recently retired homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation hunting down serial killers so he is called out of retirement to find this killer. I haven't read John Lutz before but I assume Beam is a continuing character. Harry Bosch he is not. Neither he nor any of his team members make much effort to track down the killer other than showing up at the crime scenes and interviewing possible witnesses.
I guess I have read too many of Michael Connelly's books to be fooled by this author. I knew who the killer was the first time he was introduced into the story. This book really dragged. We had killing after killing with the police standing around talking. This was a 478-page paperback that could have been wrapped up in 300 pages.
There are a couple of love stories in the book, but they are not handled well. Beam is enamored of a woman who hates him at the beginning of the book. The scene where she finally succumbs to his charms doesn't ring true. One of Beam's detectives is a woman named Nell Corey. Her love story at the end of the book didn't make sense at all.
This author is alright for a beach read, but there are too many detective story writers who are a lot better.
November 6, 2020
Another absolute favourite of my library! I received the book originally from my 8th grade english teacher, who has since passed. She said it was her favourite book and wanted to share such a great piece with another person who could truly appreciate the literature. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking this genre, the thrill and anticipation the book builds is so unique!
December 21, 2021
Oh the thrill of finding a new author! Especially one who already has written books I haven't read yet and who writes such a great story. Chill of Night had it all - intricate and sharp plot, sympathetic and excellent characters, and a snappy voice for the telling of the tale. I'm jazzed.
December 13, 2022
First read of Lutz; I liked the story pretty well and the characters were good. The end was a little implausible to me and came at the very end. I did appreciate the epilogue section tying up some story lines.
May 12, 2023
Initially I wanted to give this book a two star, then gradually it became a three. By around page 100ish I was really enjoying it and ended the book with a 4. It was really hard to get into the story but I’m glad I kept reading. The ending was okay.
September 24, 2017
good serial killer book
July 19, 2019
This book was pretty much the same as the previous book in this series, except with different characters. It was entertaining, and you'll need to carve out some time when starting this one.
September 17, 2019
It was okay - nothing over or under what you would expect. A fairly good read with not surprises as much as the author tried.
September 28, 2020
Good story/well written
April 28, 2021
This was a moderately interesting crime story. Entertaining a a beach read.
April 23, 2023
Overall a good book but I can’t say I was over the moon for it. If it’s there then sure take the read but I wouldn’t go out of your way.
January 4, 2025
The justice killer is going after jurors
August 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I was interested in all of the characters and was surprised to find out who the Justice Killer was. This was definitely my favorite book in this series.
August 22, 2025
I liked this murder story. Kept me interested right to the end
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September 21, 2012 From Publishers Weekly
Against the backdrop of a terrorized city, Lutz delivers a solid thriller with typical skill and style. Ex-NYPD homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation by running down serial killers. Now retired—in part because of a gunshot wound, in part his disrespect for the police hierarchy—Beam morosely deals with the inactivity of retirement, tragically complicated by the recent suicide of his wife. When Deputy Chief Andy da Vinci asks for his help in catching a serial murderer dubbed the Justice Killer—each of his victims at one time served as foreman on a jury that acquitted an "obviously" guilty defendant—Beam is lured back to the fold. As the adversary stays one step ahead of the investigation, Beam's team get the feeling that the Justice Killer may be looking to add them to his growing list of victims. Though it's a familiar setup, Lutz breathes fresh life into this genre piece by keeping the suspense high and populating his story with a collection of unique characters that resonate with the reader, making this one an ideal beach read. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
There's a twisted serial killer stalking the streets of New York City, dealing his own perverse version of justice. He kills swiftly and silently, leaving his calling card - a red "J" - on the bodies of his prey. His victims have one thing in common: they've all been jurors in the city's most infamous cases - cases in which the killer was found "not guilty." Overnight, the Justice Killer has the city in a stranglehold. And there's only one man who has a shot at finding him. Homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation hunting down serial killers. After getting shot by an armed robber - and stepping on the wrong toes in the NYPD - he's been retired. The city needs him now, and finding the killer is his chance to get back into the life he loves. As the body count climbs and the city's legal system fails, the Justice Killer thinks he's outsmarted the cops. But Beam isn't officially a cop anymore...and he doesn't have to play by the rules.
Read
February 24, 2017
From Publishers Weekly
Against the backdrop of a terrorized city, Lutz delivers a solid thriller with typical skill and style. Ex-NYPD homicide detective Artemis Beam made his reputation by running down serial killers. Now retired—in part because of a gunshot wound, in part his disrespect for the police hierarchy—Beam morosely deals with the inactivity of retirement, tragically complicated by the recent suicide of his wife. When Deputy Chief Andy da Vinci asks for his help in catching a serial murderer dubbed the Justice Killer—each of his victims at one time served as foreman on a jury that acquitted an "obviously" guilty defendant—Beam is lured back to the fold. As the adversary stays one step ahead of the investigation, Beam's team get the feeling that the Justice Killer may be looking to add them to his growing list of victims. Though it's a familiar setup, Lutz breathes fresh life into this genre piece by keeping the suspense high and populating his story with a collection of unique characters that resonate with the reader, making this one an ideal beach read. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"Lutz is one of the masters of the police novel." -- Ridley Pearson
October 11, 2008
After suffering from gun shot wound which ultimately led to his retirement, Artemis Beam is called back into the line of duty when the “Justice Killer” has the city of New York in a stranglehold. Taking justice into his own hands, this particular serial killer targets jury forepersons whom he blames for acquitting defendants that are “obviously” guilty. The investigation becomes even more complicated as the killer’s range of victims widen. Beam and his trio of mismatched detectives must find the killer before he sets his sights on one of them.
As a plot that has been widely explored, this book did not have much new to offer. However, what did keep my interest is the number of characters and the side storylines that went with them. This enabled the reader to get a deeper glimpse of the supporting characters. Although some might find this type of writing distracting, it really made me focus on the individual storylines and try to piece together the pertinent information to the mystery. It also made for a wide range of suspects.
Admittedly, the book was a bit too long and I found myself quite ready for the end.
As a plot that has been widely explored, this book did not have much new to offer. However, what did keep my interest is the number of characters and the side storylines that went with them. This enabled the reader to get a deeper glimpse of the supporting characters. Although some might find this type of writing distracting, it really made me focus on the individual storylines and try to piece together the pertinent information to the mystery. It also made for a wide range of suspects.
Admittedly, the book was a bit too long and I found myself quite ready for the end.
December 26, 2008
Another good read from John Lutz. I often expect his books to be part of each other but I think the only thing they have in common is major serial killers. (Although, I could be wrong as I never seem to read two of the "Night" series close to each other and could be forgetting the major players.)
I never would have guessed the serial killer in this one in a million years. They kept it quite well hidden with lost od clues leading to other characters. The little synopsis at the end saying what happened in the character's lives was nicely done with just enough information to think everything is all over.
I never would have guessed the serial killer in this one in a million years. They kept it quite well hidden with lost od clues leading to other characters. The little synopsis at the end saying what happened in the character's lives was nicely done with just enough information to think everything is all over.
September 11, 2011
Good - not great. I admit to sneaking a peek to see who did it....but when I finished I realized that there was not one iota of a hint in the whole book that this person was the perpetrator. It's like the author just pulled it out of his butt.
And then, there is a question at the end of another murder which this person may or may not have committed.
I like my mysteries tied up with a pretty bow and handed to me at the very end. If I miss "who done it"....then my bad. But, for heaven's sake please give me a chance to guess it with a clue here or there.
And then, there is a question at the end of another murder which this person may or may not have committed.
I like my mysteries tied up with a pretty bow and handed to me at the very end. If I miss "who done it"....then my bad. But, for heaven's sake please give me a chance to guess it with a clue here or there.
May 24, 2009
I've been reading so much sci-fi and young adult fiction lately. To shake things up, I picked up a handful of thrillers yesterday. Once upon a time they were my preference.
So hey this is a good one. I kept going back and forth between who the killer was. In the end I was wrong, which I actually like. Nothing bothers me more in a book than a too-easy-to-solve mystery. Yanno?
So hey this is a good one. I kept going back and forth between who the killer was. In the end I was wrong, which I actually like. Nothing bothers me more in a book than a too-easy-to-solve mystery. Yanno?
August 15, 2015
Grizzled retired cop brought back into the fold for one last case, a serial killer who is on the loose killing those who have perverted or escaped the legal system. Nothing new or mind blowing here, but well written -if not a little cliche- characters with great pacing. Kept me interested and involved in the mystery until the very end.
December 11, 2009
Lutz' 'night' series are formulaic to the point of repetition: retired nypd detective is rehired by nypd to track a serial killer (I'm sure that happens with great regularity in NY), but they are rippin' yarns.
August 4, 2010
Basically his books are all the same- retired policeman brought out of retirement to solve a serial killer crime in NYC. I don't know why he changes the main character and doesn't stick to the same one. They are always good however since I enjoy serial killer books!
February 6, 2014
Audio book: This is the type of detective novel I love: lots of interesting characters confronting personal challenges and a double twist at the end with a bit of happy ending romance. Scot Brick is an outstanding narrator.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews