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The Devil's Chaplain
"A riveting story that hinges on clues so elusive that the tension is exquisite." - Midwest Book Review Disillusioned with her corporate legal career, attorney Charlotte Ambler volunteers to handle the final appeal of Christopher Ritter, a Florida death row inmate whose execution is imminent. Ritter had been a prominent biologist before being convicted ten years earlier for the brutal murder of a prostitute. He denies killing the woman but is tormented by guilt for other, secret transgressions. The only appeal he will allow is to prove that he is innocent—a kind of appeal which is almost impossible to win. Ritter claims he was framed by a shadowy figure named Craft, but as Charlotte studies the evidence she concludes that Ritter is a dangerous psychopath who should not go free. Then a piece of evidence turns up that confirms a key part of his story. Pursuing her investigation, she is thwarted by hidden forces that seem determined to see him executed. In a race against the clock, she searches for the elusive Craft and finds herself in the cross-hairs of a psychopathic killer. THE DEVIL’S CHAPLAIN is a gripping tale of deception and self-deception, betrayal and violence, in which lawyer and client find common ground in their quest for justice and human values. "Brilliant... A highly entertaining mystery with a heroine as compelling as she is gutsy." -- Ken Bruen
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2018
50 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hartman
17 books45 followersBruce Hartman has worked as a pianist, bookseller and attorney. The author of twelve novels, he divides his time between Pennsylvania and Colorado. He has been writing fiction for many years.
Bruce Hartman's first western, LEGEND OF LOST BASIN, was published in September 2024. Kirkus Reviews called it, "A riveting addition to the Western genre... Skillful storytelling and rich characterizations make this a must-read for fans of Westerns or those who just like good storytelling.," The book aims to transcend the western genre into the area of literary fiction. It was Finalist for the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America for Best Traditional Western Novel in 2025. It was also awarded the Peacemaker Award by Western Fictioneers for Best First Western Novel.
His second western to be published was THE DIVIDE, the second book in the Lost West Trilogy.
Prior to those westerns, his most recent book was THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE'S LAST CASE, the third and final book of the Philosphical Detective Trilogy. The previous books are THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE, published in 2014, and THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE RETURNS, published in 2020. All three novels feature the iconic Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges wrestling with an extraordinary series of crimes and the equally baffling conundrums of literature and philosophy, including Zeno's paradoxes, the mind/body problem, and the mysteries of destiny, memory, personal identity and artistic creation. Kirkus Reviews called THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE "a suspenseful, pitch-perfect novel.. an intelligent, original detective novel." Midwest Book Review rated THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE RETURNS as "...highly recommended for classic detective story enthusiasts who look for complexity and intellectual challenges in their characters and stories."
Bruce Hartman's previous book, PAROLE, is a crime thriller in the tradition of Elmore Leonard about an unlikely pair of parolees from San Quentin struggling against the odds to recover their lives and fortunes in L.A. If it were a movie, it would probably be classified as an action/comedy/thriller. It has recently become available as an audiobook on Audible.
His first novel, PERFECTLY HEALTHY MAN DROPS DEAD, won the Salvo Press Mystery Novel Award and was published by Salvo Press in 2008. In 2018 it was reissued by Swallow Tail Press in a revised Tenth Anniversary Edition (both paperback and ebook).
Bruce Hartman's second book, THE RULES OF DREAMING, published by Swallow Tail Press in 2013, was awarded Kirkus Star for Books of Exceptional Merit. Kirkus Reviews called it "a mind-bending marriage of ambitious literary theory and classic murder mystery" and selected it as one of its "Top 100 Indie Books of 2013." Another mystery, THE MUSE OF VIOLENCE, was also published in 2013.
Bruce Hartman's seventh novel, POTLATCH: A Comedy, is a satirical comedy set in Philadelphia. Readers' Favorite Book Reviews called it "one of the most amusing reads ever to be published."
POTLATCH is the second entry in a projected trilogy which began with A BUTTERFLY IN PHILADELPHIA. Readers' Favorite Book Reviews called BUTTERFLY "one of the strange comic masterpieces that you're quite lucky to run across once in a very great while."
POTLATCH followed another comic novel, BIG DATA IS WATCHING YOU!, a satirical techno-dystopia set in a future in which the all-powerful force of Big Data rules humanity through the Internet of Things and the corporate power of the FANGs. It is the story of how one defiant customer foils the conspiracy to delete humanity from Google Earth. A slightly revised version of this book has also been published under the title, I AM NOT A ROBOT!
Bruce Hartman's eighth novel, a legal thriller entitled THE DEVIL'S CHAPLAIN, was published in 2018. This book tells the story of a young attorney, Charlotte Ambler, who volunteers to represent a death row inmate, a once-prominent biologist named Christopher Ritter,
Bruce Hartman's first western, LEGEND OF LOST BASIN, was published in September 2024. Kirkus Reviews called it, "A riveting addition to the Western genre... Skillful storytelling and rich characterizations make this a must-read for fans of Westerns or those who just like good storytelling.," The book aims to transcend the western genre into the area of literary fiction. It was Finalist for the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America for Best Traditional Western Novel in 2025. It was also awarded the Peacemaker Award by Western Fictioneers for Best First Western Novel.
His second western to be published was THE DIVIDE, the second book in the Lost West Trilogy.
Prior to those westerns, his most recent book was THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE'S LAST CASE, the third and final book of the Philosphical Detective Trilogy. The previous books are THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE, published in 2014, and THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE RETURNS, published in 2020. All three novels feature the iconic Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges wrestling with an extraordinary series of crimes and the equally baffling conundrums of literature and philosophy, including Zeno's paradoxes, the mind/body problem, and the mysteries of destiny, memory, personal identity and artistic creation. Kirkus Reviews called THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE "a suspenseful, pitch-perfect novel.. an intelligent, original detective novel." Midwest Book Review rated THE PHILOSOPHICAL DETECTIVE RETURNS as "...highly recommended for classic detective story enthusiasts who look for complexity and intellectual challenges in their characters and stories."
Bruce Hartman's previous book, PAROLE, is a crime thriller in the tradition of Elmore Leonard about an unlikely pair of parolees from San Quentin struggling against the odds to recover their lives and fortunes in L.A. If it were a movie, it would probably be classified as an action/comedy/thriller. It has recently become available as an audiobook on Audible.
His first novel, PERFECTLY HEALTHY MAN DROPS DEAD, won the Salvo Press Mystery Novel Award and was published by Salvo Press in 2008. In 2018 it was reissued by Swallow Tail Press in a revised Tenth Anniversary Edition (both paperback and ebook).
Bruce Hartman's second book, THE RULES OF DREAMING, published by Swallow Tail Press in 2013, was awarded Kirkus Star for Books of Exceptional Merit. Kirkus Reviews called it "a mind-bending marriage of ambitious literary theory and classic murder mystery" and selected it as one of its "Top 100 Indie Books of 2013." Another mystery, THE MUSE OF VIOLENCE, was also published in 2013.
Bruce Hartman's seventh novel, POTLATCH: A Comedy, is a satirical comedy set in Philadelphia. Readers' Favorite Book Reviews called it "one of the most amusing reads ever to be published."
POTLATCH is the second entry in a projected trilogy which began with A BUTTERFLY IN PHILADELPHIA. Readers' Favorite Book Reviews called BUTTERFLY "one of the strange comic masterpieces that you're quite lucky to run across once in a very great while."
POTLATCH followed another comic novel, BIG DATA IS WATCHING YOU!, a satirical techno-dystopia set in a future in which the all-powerful force of Big Data rules humanity through the Internet of Things and the corporate power of the FANGs. It is the story of how one defiant customer foils the conspiracy to delete humanity from Google Earth. A slightly revised version of this book has also been published under the title, I AM NOT A ROBOT!
Bruce Hartman's eighth novel, a legal thriller entitled THE DEVIL'S CHAPLAIN, was published in 2018. This book tells the story of a young attorney, Charlotte Ambler, who volunteers to represent a death row inmate, a once-prominent biologist named Christopher Ritter,
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 24, 2018
"HOPE YOU GUESS MY NAME"
Oh, no, I thought, when the new Bruce Hartman book arrived. Adore his humorous books but what would I want with a story that seemed stifling in its subject matter: law, Darwin, genetics, Florida Corrections, and cheating hearts? But I do like philosophy so decided to wade through. Should have known that it would taste like a fine, creamy goulash, seasoned with the spiciest hints of humor, peppered with nihilism, a grating of delicate philosophy, a drizzle of dramatis personae, and a barely audible Rolling Stones soundtrack of "Sympathy for the Devil" (as one character says, "I've been around longer than you have"). Like all of Hartman's books, this is a non-putdownable novel, a jack-in-the-box-gotcha thriller. And, as I clicked my Kindle closed at the end, I thought, can't wait for his next book...
July 29, 2018
Despite finding the main character, Chris Ritter, a thoroughly unpleasant and unlikable character, this was a most enjoyable listen. Not only that, despite my best intentions, I ended up warming to Chris, and by the end of the book, genuinely felt that he had a chance at a normal life. Of course, therein lies the genius of the book, I totally believed in the character. All the players in this tale were believable, and I found I cared about them very much. I worried for Charlotte, despised 'Billy-Bub and Bubba' and even Teague. Neal Arango, narrating, did an excellent job, with a number of different characters to voice, and most of them male, he succeeded in making each person distinctive, no mean feat. Mr Arango certainly added to the enjoyment of the book. This is my first book by author Bruce Hartman, but it certainly won't be last. A good job done by everyone involved in this Audible production.
August 4, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"To look the truth in the eye and not blink."
Ten years ago, Chris Ritter was tried, found guilty and sentenced to death for the brutal torture and killing of Helene Vargas, a prostitute with whom he had been having an affair for several years. It had taken the jury only two hours to convict him. Appeals had been made and lost. Now his time had run out and he was to die from lethal injection in just fifteen days. He still claimed he was innocent of the crime for which he was about to be killed.
Nobody believed him. Not his wife, now divorced from him and remarried, not his old and dearest friends, not even the lawyer who had conducted his defence. A new lawyer, Charlotte, was sent to assess if a last minute appeal should be pursued given that a stay of execution could save him from the death penalty - the Florida law was likely to change within a few months. But Chris was not interested in a postponement, only in his being cleared: actual innocence - which, even if proven would not automatically save him. And his story was ridiculous ...
The Devil's Chaplain is an excellent book in so many ways. Well written and presented, the story alternates between Chris' first person recollections of the events preceding the murder as well as his own musings on his own beliefs and the other people with whom he has contact in the prison, and the ongoing visits of Charlotte both to see Chris and any others who might in any way shine a light on what had happened ten years before. As the date of execution comes ever closer, there is a countdown which grows ever more rapid as hat day approaches, adding real tension to the story. Because as unlikable as the prisoner is, and without knowing what is true and if he was, in fact, innocent or guilty, it is hard not to be drawn into the race to save Chris' life, even if only for a few more weeks.
But in addition to being a tension filled detective story, the reader is also given so much extra to think about - the workings of the law and justice system, a belief in good and evil, the theories of evolution, of religion, and the nature of man, all seamlessly slipped into the text.
The book is very well performed by Neal Arango, who not only takes on the persona of Chris Ritter himself, but also reads the text with calm clarity, well paced and modulated, as well as also breathing extra life into the other characters with distinctive voicings. So good, he disappeared, leaving only the book to speak for itself.
I was extremely fortunate in being freely gifted, at my request, a complimentary copy of The Devil's Chaplain, by the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It is not perfect,for me the ending seemed a little rushed, but the book held me, mesmerised, throughout, not knowing until the very last pages, the, dare I say it? truth behind the murder. With such a perfect pairing of author and narrator, this is a book I can warmly recommend to everyone. Excellent.
"To look the truth in the eye and not blink."
Ten years ago, Chris Ritter was tried, found guilty and sentenced to death for the brutal torture and killing of Helene Vargas, a prostitute with whom he had been having an affair for several years. It had taken the jury only two hours to convict him. Appeals had been made and lost. Now his time had run out and he was to die from lethal injection in just fifteen days. He still claimed he was innocent of the crime for which he was about to be killed.
Nobody believed him. Not his wife, now divorced from him and remarried, not his old and dearest friends, not even the lawyer who had conducted his defence. A new lawyer, Charlotte, was sent to assess if a last minute appeal should be pursued given that a stay of execution could save him from the death penalty - the Florida law was likely to change within a few months. But Chris was not interested in a postponement, only in his being cleared: actual innocence - which, even if proven would not automatically save him. And his story was ridiculous ...
The Devil's Chaplain is an excellent book in so many ways. Well written and presented, the story alternates between Chris' first person recollections of the events preceding the murder as well as his own musings on his own beliefs and the other people with whom he has contact in the prison, and the ongoing visits of Charlotte both to see Chris and any others who might in any way shine a light on what had happened ten years before. As the date of execution comes ever closer, there is a countdown which grows ever more rapid as hat day approaches, adding real tension to the story. Because as unlikable as the prisoner is, and without knowing what is true and if he was, in fact, innocent or guilty, it is hard not to be drawn into the race to save Chris' life, even if only for a few more weeks.
But in addition to being a tension filled detective story, the reader is also given so much extra to think about - the workings of the law and justice system, a belief in good and evil, the theories of evolution, of religion, and the nature of man, all seamlessly slipped into the text.
The book is very well performed by Neal Arango, who not only takes on the persona of Chris Ritter himself, but also reads the text with calm clarity, well paced and modulated, as well as also breathing extra life into the other characters with distinctive voicings. So good, he disappeared, leaving only the book to speak for itself.
I was extremely fortunate in being freely gifted, at my request, a complimentary copy of The Devil's Chaplain, by the rights holder via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It is not perfect,for me the ending seemed a little rushed, but the book held me, mesmerised, throughout, not knowing until the very last pages, the, dare I say it? truth behind the murder. With such a perfect pairing of author and narrator, this is a book I can warmly recommend to everyone. Excellent.
August 17, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
I love legal thriller books. And when the story revolves around such complex characters in such messy situations as this book, it becomes unputdownable for me. Bruce Hartman has written a gritty story that had be hooked from the beginning. It's full of suspense and doesn't let you guess what's going to happen next. It forces you to think about life and existence of good n evil and our dealings with them. It was intense.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Neal Arango was a good match for the content. He brought the characters to life and kept me captivated throughout.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
I love legal thriller books. And when the story revolves around such complex characters in such messy situations as this book, it becomes unputdownable for me. Bruce Hartman has written a gritty story that had be hooked from the beginning. It's full of suspense and doesn't let you guess what's going to happen next. It forces you to think about life and existence of good n evil and our dealings with them. It was intense.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by Neal Arango was a good match for the content. He brought the characters to life and kept me captivated throughout.
August 23, 2018
I loved this book! The characters are well developed, the story detailed and intriguing, I was hooked from the first page and I wasn't let go until the book ended. Just when I thought I had everything figured out a new twist would occur that changed something important. The planning this book must have taken is impressive.
Beautifully written the story, the story pulled me in and held me emotionally captive, I felt for and with the lead characters.
The narration is well done, the delivery was dynamic and well paced, I liked the character voices, they were clear and distinct, however Charlotte's voice doesn't match the authors description of it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Beautifully written the story, the story pulled me in and held me emotionally captive, I felt for and with the lead characters.
The narration is well done, the delivery was dynamic and well paced, I liked the character voices, they were clear and distinct, however Charlotte's voice doesn't match the authors description of it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
September 4, 2018
This was absolutely delightful. I enjoyed all the surprise twists and turns. I have rarely enjoyed a book with such a profoundly unsympathetic protagonist, but even with Ritter's undesirable character traits, you still find yourself pulling for him throughout. Charlotte's sweet nature and straightforward presentation provides a nice contrast to Chris's acerbic character, but she does feel a bit flat/naive to me (hence the 4-stars instead of 5). The story went on longer than I anticipated, but since the plot kept shifting and new information kept arising, it never felt as though it dragged. Highly recommend.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
April 30, 2020
Such great potential. This is the type of book I normally would love. However...
If you read any of Woody Allen's old books such as "Getting Even" or "Without Feathers" you would have laughed hard at the pseudo-intellectual philosophical references and themes. He wrote those plots very well. However, those same references and themes were written into this book, but not in a funny way. The author was serious about it. It didn't work well here.
The plot of the story about the condemned man was the author's tool to discuss philosophical theories. And it is no wonder how messed up the lives of his characters were if they believed in this and if this were the topic of so many of their conversations.
The book bored me.
If you read any of Woody Allen's old books such as "Getting Even" or "Without Feathers" you would have laughed hard at the pseudo-intellectual philosophical references and themes. He wrote those plots very well. However, those same references and themes were written into this book, but not in a funny way. The author was serious about it. It didn't work well here.
The plot of the story about the condemned man was the author's tool to discuss philosophical theories. And it is no wonder how messed up the lives of his characters were if they believed in this and if this were the topic of so many of their conversations.
The book bored me.
September 2, 2018
Great story! Very suspenseful and filled with twists & turns, it kept my interest throughout. I'm really into forensic psychology and psychiatry and these types of stories are so interesting, getting into their mind to try and figure them out. That's why I LOVE Stephen King, no one can get into someone's head better than he.
Thought this book was awesome, really enjoyed both writing/story and narration, and would definitely read/listen to more from both in the future, really good stuff! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Thought this book was awesome, really enjoyed both writing/story and narration, and would definitely read/listen to more from both in the future, really good stuff! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 3, 2020
Excellent read
I thought this book got off to a slow start and was giving it one last chance. I didnt want to read your typical lawyer getting the innocent prisoner off at the last minute. And it definitely wasn't that type of book at all. Characters were well drawn, dialogue flowed and the suspense built until at the end, it was one surprise after another. Couldn't put it down.
I thought this book got off to a slow start and was giving it one last chance. I didnt want to read your typical lawyer getting the innocent prisoner off at the last minute. And it definitely wasn't that type of book at all. Characters were well drawn, dialogue flowed and the suspense built until at the end, it was one surprise after another. Couldn't put it down.
May 21, 2019
This was a fantastic story
The way the author uses philosophy and plot twists made for a great final reveal
Neal does a great job narrating I would recommend to any mystery thriller fan
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
The way the author uses philosophy and plot twists made for a great final reveal
Neal does a great job narrating I would recommend to any mystery thriller fan
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
May 3, 2020
What is Good and Evil?
This book is one of the most thought provoking books I've ever read! Definitely for the open-minded. The arguments presented throughout will keep you awake at night and make you question your own beliefs on the subject!
This book is one of the most thought provoking books I've ever read! Definitely for the open-minded. The arguments presented throughout will keep you awake at night and make you question your own beliefs on the subject!
November 11, 2018
At first...
I wasn't sure what this novel was going to be like.
I'm happy that I took the time to read it.
A fascinating look at crime and punishment.
I wasn't sure what this novel was going to be like.
I'm happy that I took the time to read it.
A fascinating look at crime and punishment.
May 13, 2020
Devil’s Chaplain
This novel is an exceptional whodunnit that keeps you guessing time and again. I’ve enjoyed this journey very much and look forward to more by this author.
This novel is an exceptional whodunnit that keeps you guessing time and again. I’ve enjoyed this journey very much and look forward to more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews