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Deadly Passion
Two women dead: One a twenty-year-old cold case, the other brutally fresh. Both had their lives cut short and their hearts cut from their body.
PI Tony Razzolito, working for his favorite pro bono client, can’t seem to stop second guessing the results of the police’s original investigation as he works to put the pieces together to solve the twenty-year-old murder.
And now, as the cops are deep into trying to figure out who committed the new crime, the clues appear to keep leading back to the same suspects from the cold case. And to make matters worse, Tony keeps finding himself stepping on the toes of the seasoned homicide detective who was never able to solve the original murder the first time around.
---This is book two in The Razzman Files – A Tony Razzolito PI Story series---
PI Tony Razzolito, working for his favorite pro bono client, can’t seem to stop second guessing the results of the police’s original investigation as he works to put the pieces together to solve the twenty-year-old murder.
And now, as the cops are deep into trying to figure out who committed the new crime, the clues appear to keep leading back to the same suspects from the cold case. And to make matters worse, Tony keeps finding himself stepping on the toes of the seasoned homicide detective who was never able to solve the original murder the first time around.
---This is book two in The Razzman Files – A Tony Razzolito PI Story series---
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 12, 2020
Tony has a perfect mystery to solve as the plot has been built intelligently around the intriguing characters. The story has the right mix of light moments and the dark revenge in it and balances out very well. Enjoyed it.
February 24, 2019
What ultimately drives one human being to murder another? To take away everything they are and will ever be. To snuff out a life which once shone bright with hope and dreams. In the majority of cases it has to do with some form of emotional investment. The power of emotions such as love and hate can be exceptionally strong. Be that as it may, it is a cruel and evil deed which society has no mercy for. The powers that be will hunt down such vicious killers with every resource they have at their disposal. However, what happens when that is not enough? When a murderer evades capture and punishment for their crime and continues to kill? This is the point in time when the best of the best become involved...and ensure justice is served. In the novel Deadly Passion by author Joe Congel, we get to see this very same scenario unfold. If you like your murder mysteries peppered with intense human emotions, betrayal and ingenious sleuths... then this novel will provide what you seek!
The story revolves around the brutal slaying of two women. They were both butchered in exactly the same fashion- stabbed to death with their hearts cut out from their body. The puzzling matter however is that the two murders happened 20 years apart from one another. The first case was never solved. Could a sadistic killer who escaped justice the first time around be back in business? Enter Private Investigator Tony Razzolito. He is the cream of the crop when it comes to gumshoe detectives, and has been brought onboard for this case by the police brass themselves. Of course, this does not sit well with the original homicide detective who was unable to solve this senseless murder decades ago. Forced to work together, the two must put their differences aside and stop a sadistic killer before they strike again.
To write out the plot for a great detective/murder mystery is no easy feat. It must contain a number of key elements to be believable and thus successful. For instance, there have to be victims, suspects, puzzles, clues and a number of breathtaking twists and turns. All of this needs to be presented in a way in which the reader becomes a virtual participant in the process. They are solving the crime alongside their favorite detective! When this all comes together you end up with true reader engagement. This is exactly the case with Deadly Passion. The theme of love and revenge is brilliantly supported by exciting and edge-of-your seat story events. The reader becomes emotionally involved in the process which in turn is exceptionally powerful in creating a captivated reading audience.
While the plot of this novel is beautifully written, I do believe it essentially remains a character-driven story. There are a number of significant players in this tale who develop and grow in great detail. From Razzolito and Scott to Cahill and Havens. We get to learn more about the variety of characters, and what drives them, with each passing page. Once again the reader becomes emotionally invested and interconnected with them and their particular plight. What's more, by utilizing his unique writing style and point of view, the author allows us insight into the minds of victims and villain. Engagement at its best!
Overall, I loved this novel. While the story events are intelligent and intricate, it remains easy to read. This is due to the smooth writing and crisp dialogue which seamlessly flows from page to page. If you are in the mood for a classic and enthralling murder mystery... this is the book for you! Undeniably a true page turner.
5 out of 5 Shocking Stars for this one! *****
The story revolves around the brutal slaying of two women. They were both butchered in exactly the same fashion- stabbed to death with their hearts cut out from their body. The puzzling matter however is that the two murders happened 20 years apart from one another. The first case was never solved. Could a sadistic killer who escaped justice the first time around be back in business? Enter Private Investigator Tony Razzolito. He is the cream of the crop when it comes to gumshoe detectives, and has been brought onboard for this case by the police brass themselves. Of course, this does not sit well with the original homicide detective who was unable to solve this senseless murder decades ago. Forced to work together, the two must put their differences aside and stop a sadistic killer before they strike again.
To write out the plot for a great detective/murder mystery is no easy feat. It must contain a number of key elements to be believable and thus successful. For instance, there have to be victims, suspects, puzzles, clues and a number of breathtaking twists and turns. All of this needs to be presented in a way in which the reader becomes a virtual participant in the process. They are solving the crime alongside their favorite detective! When this all comes together you end up with true reader engagement. This is exactly the case with Deadly Passion. The theme of love and revenge is brilliantly supported by exciting and edge-of-your seat story events. The reader becomes emotionally involved in the process which in turn is exceptionally powerful in creating a captivated reading audience.
While the plot of this novel is beautifully written, I do believe it essentially remains a character-driven story. There are a number of significant players in this tale who develop and grow in great detail. From Razzolito and Scott to Cahill and Havens. We get to learn more about the variety of characters, and what drives them, with each passing page. Once again the reader becomes emotionally invested and interconnected with them and their particular plight. What's more, by utilizing his unique writing style and point of view, the author allows us insight into the minds of victims and villain. Engagement at its best!
Overall, I loved this novel. While the story events are intelligent and intricate, it remains easy to read. This is due to the smooth writing and crisp dialogue which seamlessly flows from page to page. If you are in the mood for a classic and enthralling murder mystery... this is the book for you! Undeniably a true page turner.
5 out of 5 Shocking Stars for this one! *****
June 27, 2019
Deadly Passion by Joe Congel- This is the third book I've read by Joe Congel and have to say it did not disappoint. I enjoy the easy flow of words Joe sets to paper, the well-thought-out plot, and the creativity with which he delivers in his stories.
Tony Razzolito, a Private Investigator, works at McHenry Investigative Services in Charlotte NC. He is a character anyone can connect with. He is real, a bit snarky at times, and dives headlong into his work and goes after answers with bulldog tenacity. Called by Rita O'Conner, Captain of the 23rd precinct at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, to assist in the grizzly murders of two young woman, one a cold case, Tony begins to comb through the past reports and suspects.
Congel knows how to weave suspense and tension into his stories and as his character Razzolito begins his investigation, you'll find yourself trying to guess who committed the murders. And just when you think you have it figured out, he makes an unexpected twist.
The book is engaging and held my interest from the first page to the last and I'm looking forward to reading more of Joe Congel's suspense-filled novels. If you are looking for a gripping murder mystery, I highly recommend you pick up Deadly Passion, it will not let you down.
Tony Razzolito, a Private Investigator, works at McHenry Investigative Services in Charlotte NC. He is a character anyone can connect with. He is real, a bit snarky at times, and dives headlong into his work and goes after answers with bulldog tenacity. Called by Rita O'Conner, Captain of the 23rd precinct at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, to assist in the grizzly murders of two young woman, one a cold case, Tony begins to comb through the past reports and suspects.
Congel knows how to weave suspense and tension into his stories and as his character Razzolito begins his investigation, you'll find yourself trying to guess who committed the murders. And just when you think you have it figured out, he makes an unexpected twist.
The book is engaging and held my interest from the first page to the last and I'm looking forward to reading more of Joe Congel's suspense-filled novels. If you are looking for a gripping murder mystery, I highly recommend you pick up Deadly Passion, it will not let you down.
April 30, 2019
A gruesome murder rekindles an investigation into a similar cold case from years before, bringing dashed dreams and broken hearts to light. P.I. Tony Razzolitto is brought in to assist in uncovering fresh clues, but when the lead detective is unreceptive to his involvement, will their clashes cloud their judgement, letting a killer run free once again?
Author Joe Congel gives us a chilling journey through the past and present as we meet the friends and families of the victims. Not all is as it seems, and it's up to Tony and his reluctant colleagues to untangle the webs of truths and lies that have been buried for so long, unearthing a madness that wouldn't subside.
This is a thrilling, suspense filled mystery, with many twists and turns to keep your jaws dropping and guessing 'til the end. Great narrative with engaging characters draw you into their world, as they make their way through life's ups and downs. Survival is at stake, with an ending I didn't see coming! I'm so glad to have found another intriguing series--I'll be back for more!
Author Joe Congel gives us a chilling journey through the past and present as we meet the friends and families of the victims. Not all is as it seems, and it's up to Tony and his reluctant colleagues to untangle the webs of truths and lies that have been buried for so long, unearthing a madness that wouldn't subside.
This is a thrilling, suspense filled mystery, with many twists and turns to keep your jaws dropping and guessing 'til the end. Great narrative with engaging characters draw you into their world, as they make their way through life's ups and downs. Survival is at stake, with an ending I didn't see coming! I'm so glad to have found another intriguing series--I'll be back for more!
August 5, 2020
The Razzman just keeps getting better, earning his place in Private Detective crime fiction. It's one thing to be a writer whose name is recognized, and quite another to create a character whose name may end up with greater recognition, much in the line of Holmes, Pendergast, and Bill Hodges.
Rather than a personal story of growth wherein Tony pushes himself into the investigation of his wife's murder, here we see a man who knows his worth tackling a twenty year old cold case.
Almost as interesting as the procedural elements is the interplay between Razz and the original investigating officer. This character drama is the strength of the story, and a place where Congel shines.
I won't give away the plot or the surprises; it's up to you to discover and enjoy them for yourself.
If you like a good old-fashioned PI yarn told with a modern sensibility, this is one not to miss!
Rather than a personal story of growth wherein Tony pushes himself into the investigation of his wife's murder, here we see a man who knows his worth tackling a twenty year old cold case.
Almost as interesting as the procedural elements is the interplay between Razz and the original investigating officer. This character drama is the strength of the story, and a place where Congel shines.
I won't give away the plot or the surprises; it's up to you to discover and enjoy them for yourself.
If you like a good old-fashioned PI yarn told with a modern sensibility, this is one not to miss!
November 8, 2019
Five stars for Joe Congel’s Deadly Passion, the latest addition to the Razzman Files.
Using just enough procedural, Congel updates the gumshoe detective genre, modernizing the technology, while preserving the gritty noir.
Gruff but ethical, private investigator Tony Razzolito is a practicing contradiction—his hardboiled approach to bringing bad guys to justice is offset by his care and compassion for those he loves. Both traits invigorate and complicate Deadly Passion:
When Jennifer Peters’ mutilated body is found, P.I. Tony Razzolito is drawn into a twenty-year-old unsolved murder case. As in Stacy Valentine’s homicide two decades prior, the new victim’s heart has been cut from her chest.
Much to the dismay of Karen, Tony’s current girlfriend, the request for assistance comes from Rita O’Connor, captain of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s 23rd precinct, and Tony’s former lover. Complicating matters on a professional level, Razzolito’s business partner, Scott, is fighting clinical-strength depression in the aftermath of his father’s death.
Forced to work together at Rita’s behest, tempers flare between the Razzman and John Cahill, the veteran detective originally assigned to Stacy Valentine’s unsolved case. While Cahill works the Peters case, Tony focuses on the suspects and persons of interest in the Valentine killing. In the course of his investigations, Razzolito interviews the people closest to Stacy at the time of her murder. Forming his own opinions, Tony openly questions Cahill’s handling of the Valentine case.
Adding to his doubt, the P.I. discovers something previously missed in the case notes kept by Cahill’s now-deceased partner.
Multiple characters fall as the action heats up with no resolution in sight, but an unexpected climax answers all the questions.
Using just enough procedural, Congel updates the gumshoe detective genre, modernizing the technology, while preserving the gritty noir.
Gruff but ethical, private investigator Tony Razzolito is a practicing contradiction—his hardboiled approach to bringing bad guys to justice is offset by his care and compassion for those he loves. Both traits invigorate and complicate Deadly Passion:
When Jennifer Peters’ mutilated body is found, P.I. Tony Razzolito is drawn into a twenty-year-old unsolved murder case. As in Stacy Valentine’s homicide two decades prior, the new victim’s heart has been cut from her chest.
Much to the dismay of Karen, Tony’s current girlfriend, the request for assistance comes from Rita O’Connor, captain of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s 23rd precinct, and Tony’s former lover. Complicating matters on a professional level, Razzolito’s business partner, Scott, is fighting clinical-strength depression in the aftermath of his father’s death.
Forced to work together at Rita’s behest, tempers flare between the Razzman and John Cahill, the veteran detective originally assigned to Stacy Valentine’s unsolved case. While Cahill works the Peters case, Tony focuses on the suspects and persons of interest in the Valentine killing. In the course of his investigations, Razzolito interviews the people closest to Stacy at the time of her murder. Forming his own opinions, Tony openly questions Cahill’s handling of the Valentine case.
Adding to his doubt, the P.I. discovers something previously missed in the case notes kept by Cahill’s now-deceased partner.
Multiple characters fall as the action heats up with no resolution in sight, but an unexpected climax answers all the questions.
October 10, 2020
Another amazing story from author Joe Congel. This isn't the first story I've read from the Razzman files...I enjoyed them all. What I like about these stories are the characters...you know Tony, he's real. This time he's looking into a cold case as a favor to the local police chief, Rita. Bodies keep piling up. There's conflict with the lead detective, Cahill, and the author keeps you in suspense as to 'who done it?'
There's even a twist at the end...that I didn't see coming.
An enjoyable read.
There's even a twist at the end...that I didn't see coming.
An enjoyable read.
June 1, 2020
The more I read about Tony Razzolito, the more I seem to like him. He’s definitely on par with some of the great detectives that Dean Koontz has written over the years. It’s also interesting to see how the author has grown technically and stylistically between book 1 and book 2. Keep writing great stories!
August 14, 2023
This is the second in his series and his writing has definitely improved. Strong character development, excelleng pacing and it's that "I just have to read one more chapter" type of book. It's also a good length for this type of story, doesn't drag on or get off track. Some interesting twists as well that I did not see coming, much to my ego's disappointment. Great series so far!
October 22, 2020
Deadly Passion is a fast-paced crime fiction story. Although this is the second book in a series, it reads just a s well as a stand-alone story, which is how I approached it. The book has a small but strong cast of characters, with all of the main protagonists well written with distinctive personality and depth. The characters also have their own subplots, helping them feel more fleshed out and relatable.
The book is well written and edited which makes it easy to read and follow. Congel has a gritty, down to earth writing style which I enjoyed.
The main plot is well thought out, with Congel dropping subtle clues as to the ultimate outcome on the way through. The story jumps between two different time zone in a seamless way which helps add to the overall suspense. By the end, the purpose of the book is complete, and the major plot theme is wrapped up in a satisfying way.
While I enjoyed this book, I doubt I will be purchasing the sequel. The plot and characters are good, but I did not find the experience of reading it as immersive as I would like, and I doubt will occupy my mind for long after I publish this review. Overall, I have given Deadly Passion 3 stars; an easy read but not quite my cup of tea.
The book is well written and edited which makes it easy to read and follow. Congel has a gritty, down to earth writing style which I enjoyed.
The main plot is well thought out, with Congel dropping subtle clues as to the ultimate outcome on the way through. The story jumps between two different time zone in a seamless way which helps add to the overall suspense. By the end, the purpose of the book is complete, and the major plot theme is wrapped up in a satisfying way.
While I enjoyed this book, I doubt I will be purchasing the sequel. The plot and characters are good, but I did not find the experience of reading it as immersive as I would like, and I doubt will occupy my mind for long after I publish this review. Overall, I have given Deadly Passion 3 stars; an easy read but not quite my cup of tea.
September 25, 2024
Just as good
Wish this book was longer but what is in it is just as good as book one! Totally different, writing is really good, flows great and shocking whodunit in the end! On to book 3!!!
Wish this book was longer but what is in it is just as good as book one! Totally different, writing is really good, flows great and shocking whodunit in the end! On to book 3!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews