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Victor Loshak #1
Beyond Good & Evil
He slips through the unlocked window. Creeps down the hall. A shadow standing in the bedroom doorway. Will you wake when death comes ripping?
A string of brutal home invasion murders terrifies Dade County Florida. The killer strikes in the dead of the night, savages innocent people in their beds, wipes out entire families.
Skewering them with his blade. Butchering them beyond recognition. Raw. Aggressive.
He attacks at random. Rich. Poor. Young. Old. No one is safe.
When the city sleeps, he comes alive. Stalks the night. Walks among us.
The investigation is hopeless. There's little physical evidence to work with, and the killer's chaotic behavior makes him as unpredictable as he is dangerous.
How can anyone make sense of such brutality?
The task force leading the investigation needs a profiler, and there's only one man for the job.
Loshak. Special Agent Victor Loshak.
The 53 year-old likes his Dunkin' Donuts coffee shaken, not stirred. And now, for the first time, he's on his own.
In recent years, Loshak has slowed down some. He relies on more wit than grit these days, often playing a mentor role to his partner, Violet Darger. Until now, she always had more than enough grit for both of them.
But Darger isn't around this time, and a killer this aggressive will push Loshak to his limits.
And beyond.
What drives someone to such violence? And how far will Loshak have to go to stop him?
Yeah, he'll need to find that grit again... or die trying.
A string of brutal home invasion murders terrifies Dade County Florida. The killer strikes in the dead of the night, savages innocent people in their beds, wipes out entire families.
Skewering them with his blade. Butchering them beyond recognition. Raw. Aggressive.
He attacks at random. Rich. Poor. Young. Old. No one is safe.
When the city sleeps, he comes alive. Stalks the night. Walks among us.
The investigation is hopeless. There's little physical evidence to work with, and the killer's chaotic behavior makes him as unpredictable as he is dangerous.
How can anyone make sense of such brutality?
The task force leading the investigation needs a profiler, and there's only one man for the job.
Loshak. Special Agent Victor Loshak.
The 53 year-old likes his Dunkin' Donuts coffee shaken, not stirred. And now, for the first time, he's on his own.
In recent years, Loshak has slowed down some. He relies on more wit than grit these days, often playing a mentor role to his partner, Violet Darger. Until now, she always had more than enough grit for both of them.
But Darger isn't around this time, and a killer this aggressive will push Loshak to his limits.
And beyond.
What drives someone to such violence? And how far will Loshak have to go to stop him?
Yeah, he'll need to find that grit again... or die trying.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
3615 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,094 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 22, 2018
It felt weird at first to read a book in this series without Violet in it, but I really enjoyed getting to know Loshak better. I love the way he consciously reads people and uses his knowledge of human behavior to function in everyday life, not just as a detective. I love his self awareness. I love his measured, experienced approach to life and his job and I love his honesty with himself and other people. I guess I pretty much am a fan of Loshak. He's pretty cool.
There is a terrifying serial killer in this book. And the story is riviting. It's a disturbing book. But seeing the world through Loshak's eyes is really what makes this such a great story.
Loshak is a man who is simultaneously dedicated to an ideal and a slave to his own nature, and he hasn't always been honest about what drives him. He wants to be able to control things, and he is totally aware of this need he has behind the badge and the noble aims of law enforcement. But he knows how flawed the system is, and he knows that he is not in control of anything, not even his own body. But yet he can't stop trying.
Violet and Victor are both at a turning point. There is a lot happening in these books beyond just the thriller genre. I love how substantial these stories are under the surface. Can't wait for more.
There is a terrifying serial killer in this book. And the story is riviting. It's a disturbing book. But seeing the world through Loshak's eyes is really what makes this such a great story.
Loshak is a man who is simultaneously dedicated to an ideal and a slave to his own nature, and he hasn't always been honest about what drives him. He wants to be able to control things, and he is totally aware of this need he has behind the badge and the noble aims of law enforcement. But he knows how flawed the system is, and he knows that he is not in control of anything, not even his own body. But yet he can't stop trying.
Violet and Victor are both at a turning point. There is a lot happening in these books beyond just the thriller genre. I love how substantial these stories are under the surface. Can't wait for more.
April 4, 2022
I really liked looking into the thinking processes of Victor Loshak and also those of Spinks, the reporter. Their discussions on deeply serious topics were very good...made me wonder about what I think of those topics.. such as life after death. I'm glad Spinks wasn't killed off! I hope he'll return with Loshak again. And I definitely enjoyed the personal side story of Victor and his wife Jan. I hope that storyline continues.
My only complaint is how you portray a
53 year old as half falling apart. I think you need to take a look at 53year olds of today. I'm older than that, and I think I feel in almost as good shape as you portray him. Victor would be in much better shape physically than how you describe him! But I loved the book...read it nearly straight through! More Victor, please!!
My only complaint is how you portray a
53 year old as half falling apart. I think you need to take a look at 53year olds of today. I'm older than that, and I think I feel in almost as good shape as you portray him. Victor would be in much better shape physically than how you describe him! But I loved the book...read it nearly straight through! More Victor, please!!
October 22, 2018
I loved all the Violet Darger books but wasn't sure how a Loshak alone book would work. It turns out it worked very well. It was a great story that kept me turning the pages. A little graphic for sure, but it is about a serial killer so that should be expected.
The only reason I went 4 stars instead of 5 is I kind of took offense to the way Loshak was portrayed as an old feeble dude at the age of 54! I am in my 5os and I know a lot of other people in their 50s and very few are feeble! Many work in physically demanding jobs and have no problem keeping it up. Maybe his illness in the previous books played a role but, geesh, he was written as if he is a 74 year old, not a 54 year old! Also,
The only reason I went 4 stars instead of 5 is I kind of took offense to the way Loshak was portrayed as an old feeble dude at the age of 54! I am in my 5os and I know a lot of other people in their 50s and very few are feeble! Many work in physically demanding jobs and have no problem keeping it up. Maybe his illness in the previous books played a role but, geesh, he was written as if he is a 74 year old, not a 54 year old! Also,
October 21, 2019
This isn't a genre I spend a lot of time in, but I thought this was a tightly constructed gritty crime novel with all the right elements. I quite liked Loshak, meeting him for the first time.
The audiobook really made it for me, with distinct character voices and different tones for the different points of view - masterful narration.
The audiobook really made it for me, with distinct character voices and different tones for the different points of view - masterful narration.
August 16, 2024
victor is not an interesting enough character to have his own series #sorrynotsorry
October 15, 2019
A page-turning serial killer thriller! Not for the faint of heart.
September 23, 2018
This book was at least twice as long as it should have been, primarily because the author felt compelled to describe -- in seemingly endless detail -- the killer's thoughts about himself and his victims. I'm not talking several paragraphs; I'm talking page after page after page, to the point where I skimmed through probably 50% of the book. The crimes themselves seemed almost an afterthought. The story was mediocre at best, and I don't think I'll read other Vargus books. Skip this one.
September 22, 2025
I love every book these authors have written that I have read so far. If you like Police procedural mysteries, their books should be your next go to. Intelligently written, great story plots, some areas of the story based on true cases. Lots of action, they leave you on the edge of your seat, not wanting to put the books down so you can get to what's happening next. Their books are must reads!! I've read the Darger series, now I'm starting the Loshak series. This is the first book in the Loshak series. Agent Loshak is an FBI profiler. He's good at what he does. He specializes in serial killer cases. This book was thoroughly entertaining and is a must read. Go give it a try.
February 8, 2020
Awesome book!
August 12, 2021
At first it was very weird to read Loshak without Darger. Turns out, I really enjoyed spending this time in Loshak's head, and I absolutely *adore* Spinks.
August 10, 2019
Stark and Depressing
Insight into Loshak and it isn’t pretty. Dogged determination is what makes him a hero, tho. The story is horrific with inly little slivers of insight into what makes the killer tick. Un-literary denouement tho!
Insight into Loshak and it isn’t pretty. Dogged determination is what makes him a hero, tho. The story is horrific with inly little slivers of insight into what makes the killer tick. Un-literary denouement tho!
September 26, 2018
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Going Solo
Beyond Good and Evil is the first in a new series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus in collaboration with fellow author E.M. Smith. Acting as an offshoot of the Violet Darger thriller series, Beyond Good and Evil features FBI agent and profiler Victor Loshak. Picking up shortly after the end of Bad Blood, Loshak finds himself in sunny South Florida in the capacity of consultant to a group of new cadets. This lull in the action is short-lived, however, when he is contacted by a reporter from Miami. Recent murders have taken place in the tri-county area that is all pointing to a possible serial killer. After hearing the details of the case, Loshak takes a more active role in the investigation. Working with the local PD to track down a murderer, Loshak and Spinks form an unlikely partnership as they track the monster terrorizing the city.
With Darger on hiatus after the events in Bad Blood, Loshak strikes out on his own for this series and we see a much less confident Victor Loshak than in previous installments. While not initially in an official capacity, due to the nature of the murders his specific skills he finds himself quickly embroiled in the action. Without Darger to egg him on, Loshak is more pensive and aware of his status as a senior officer. This weighs heavily on his mind throughout the case and there are several areas where he experiences self-doubt at his ability to perform his assigned duties very much longer. Call it wallowing in self-pity or becoming aware of his own mortality, but this is definitely a darker, more resigned Loshak than we have seen in previous books. If feeling his age weren’t enough, the agent also beings to sympathize with the reasons that his partner is currently on hiatus with a cynical resolution that some things may always be the same… even if they aren’t the right things.
I really liked how we got to know Victor Loshak as a person and delved more into his past in this book. The interactions between, Victor and his ex-wife coupled with his conversations with Spinks, the reporter turned kindred spirit and unlikely partner helped to really flesh out the character and provided the reader a glimpse into his psyche. Although this book was a collaboration between McBain, Vargus, and E.M.Smith, it seems to have been a successful one. I am looking forward to more collaborations from this trio in the future.
Going Solo
Beyond Good and Evil is the first in a new series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus in collaboration with fellow author E.M. Smith. Acting as an offshoot of the Violet Darger thriller series, Beyond Good and Evil features FBI agent and profiler Victor Loshak. Picking up shortly after the end of Bad Blood, Loshak finds himself in sunny South Florida in the capacity of consultant to a group of new cadets. This lull in the action is short-lived, however, when he is contacted by a reporter from Miami. Recent murders have taken place in the tri-county area that is all pointing to a possible serial killer. After hearing the details of the case, Loshak takes a more active role in the investigation. Working with the local PD to track down a murderer, Loshak and Spinks form an unlikely partnership as they track the monster terrorizing the city.
With Darger on hiatus after the events in Bad Blood, Loshak strikes out on his own for this series and we see a much less confident Victor Loshak than in previous installments. While not initially in an official capacity, due to the nature of the murders his specific skills he finds himself quickly embroiled in the action. Without Darger to egg him on, Loshak is more pensive and aware of his status as a senior officer. This weighs heavily on his mind throughout the case and there are several areas where he experiences self-doubt at his ability to perform his assigned duties very much longer. Call it wallowing in self-pity or becoming aware of his own mortality, but this is definitely a darker, more resigned Loshak than we have seen in previous books. If feeling his age weren’t enough, the agent also beings to sympathize with the reasons that his partner is currently on hiatus with a cynical resolution that some things may always be the same… even if they aren’t the right things.
I really liked how we got to know Victor Loshak as a person and delved more into his past in this book. The interactions between, Victor and his ex-wife coupled with his conversations with Spinks, the reporter turned kindred spirit and unlikely partner helped to really flesh out the character and provided the reader a glimpse into his psyche. Although this book was a collaboration between McBain, Vargus, and E.M.Smith, it seems to have been a successful one. I am looking forward to more collaborations from this trio in the future.
September 20, 2018
I wasn't sure how I would like Loshak with out Darger. Well I can say this story held up with out Darger. Loshak did mention her a couple of times, so she wasn't far from his thoughts. I read this story before L.T., Tim and E.M. made some final edits. The last 5 or 10 chapters were very graphic and hard to read. These changes did not take away from the story. In my opinion L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith wrote a very graphic, grisly, suspenseful and intriguing story. This story crossed many victims that were hard to read. Besides trying to catch a serial killer Loshak was dealing with some unresolved things dealing with his ex-wife, his daughter and ageing. I really liked getting to know Loshak's backstory. It was good seeing Loshak is human and deals with insecurities, we have never been privy to in the Violet Darger Series. If you are a L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain and E.M. Smith in my opinion they did not disappoint. If you are a Criminal Minds fan or Stephen King fan I believe you like Beyond Good and Evil. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
Merged review:
I wasn't sure how I would like Loshak with out Darger. Well I can say this story held up with out Darger. Loshak did mention her a couple of times, so she wasn't far from his thoughts. I read this story before L.T., Tim and E.M. made some final edits. The last 5 or 10 chapters were very graphic and hard to read. These changes did not take away from the story. In my opinion L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith wrote a very graphic, grisly, suspenseful and intriguing story. This story crossed many victims that were hard to read. Besides trying to catch a serial killer Loshak was dealing with some unresolved things dealing with his ex-wife, his daughter and ageing. I really liked getting to know Loshak's backstory. It was good seeing Loshak is human and deals with insecurities, we have never been privy to in the Violet Darger Series. If you are a L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain and E.M. Smith in my opinion they did not disappoint. If you are a Criminal Minds fan or Stephen King fan I believe you like Beyond Good and Evil. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
1 like
Merged review:
I wasn't sure how I would like Loshak with out Darger. Well I can say this story held up with out Darger. Loshak did mention her a couple of times, so she wasn't far from his thoughts. I read this story before L.T., Tim and E.M. made some final edits. The last 5 or 10 chapters were very graphic and hard to read. These changes did not take away from the story. In my opinion L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith wrote a very graphic, grisly, suspenseful and intriguing story. This story crossed many victims that were hard to read. Besides trying to catch a serial killer Loshak was dealing with some unresolved things dealing with his ex-wife, his daughter and ageing. I really liked getting to know Loshak's backstory. It was good seeing Loshak is human and deals with insecurities, we have never been privy to in the Violet Darger Series. If you are a L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain and E.M. Smith in my opinion they did not disappoint. If you are a Criminal Minds fan or Stephen King fan I believe you like Beyond Good and Evil. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
1 like
January 23, 2020
I got twelve minutes into this audiobook before I had to quit. The serial killer is clearly modeled on the Golden State Killer, which I am terribly triggered by, but I wouldn't normally rate something low if it were my own issues that made me abandon it. The low rating is because a couple is murdered, and the man's body is mentioned briefly while the woman's body and obvious suffering are described in detail. Are you kidding me?
November 9, 2018
So Tim McBain and L.T.Vargus have E.M.Smith on board to add to the mix now, but did it change things?
Gladly, no. I haven't read anything by this extra author yet, but based on this book, that will soon change!
This first Loshak book was a really enjoyable, fast paced read. Picking up a fun sidekick in the form of a local reporter, they are on the trail of a very nasty serial killer, who kills indiscriminately.
One of the things that I loved about this was that the M.O. (or lack thereof), reminded me in places of both 'Night Stalker' cases - The 'Green River Rapist' and also Ramirez himself.
This is unashamedly gory in places, but has the trademark humour from the 'Darger' series throughout too, to keep things nicely balanced. There are the great spots of profiling, staying true to the theme, and the killers' memories of past abuses are nice touches to show a damaged mindset, and potential reasoning for things to come.
Loshak is a great character, who has developed over the series into a loved and respected partner. His personal grievances are explained in greater detail here and add an element of frailty to him which makes him all the more likeable because of it. Accepting your weaknesses is a strength that is hard to come by.
This is a really enjoyable read. I look forward to the next instalment.
Gladly, no. I haven't read anything by this extra author yet, but based on this book, that will soon change!
This first Loshak book was a really enjoyable, fast paced read. Picking up a fun sidekick in the form of a local reporter, they are on the trail of a very nasty serial killer, who kills indiscriminately.
One of the things that I loved about this was that the M.O. (or lack thereof), reminded me in places of both 'Night Stalker' cases - The 'Green River Rapist' and also Ramirez himself.
This is unashamedly gory in places, but has the trademark humour from the 'Darger' series throughout too, to keep things nicely balanced. There are the great spots of profiling, staying true to the theme, and the killers' memories of past abuses are nice touches to show a damaged mindset, and potential reasoning for things to come.
Loshak is a great character, who has developed over the series into a loved and respected partner. His personal grievances are explained in greater detail here and add an element of frailty to him which makes him all the more likeable because of it. Accepting your weaknesses is a strength that is hard to come by.
This is a really enjoyable read. I look forward to the next instalment.
September 18, 2018
I began reading this book, and didn’t stop until I was finished at 3:00am. I thought the writers’ couldn’t come up with another storyline for the Darger and Loshak characters. This is more in-depth than, The Girl in the Sand, Loshak has been fleshed out and made human.
I wasn’t sure about not having Darger in this book, the readers were given Loshaks’ view of Darger, and it worked.
I was taken into the depraved and merciless mind of a serial killer. There was no end to the hate filled thoughts raging in him. I felt that adrenaline rush tingling down my spine. You’ll be left wondering did I lock the back door?
Loshak has a lot going on an ex-wife and deranged drug landlord, memories of a dead child, and this damned killer that would stop devolving into a true sociopath.
This is a “must read”, if feels like something ripped from the headlines.
I wasn’t sure about not having Darger in this book, the readers were given Loshaks’ view of Darger, and it worked.
I was taken into the depraved and merciless mind of a serial killer. There was no end to the hate filled thoughts raging in him. I felt that adrenaline rush tingling down my spine. You’ll be left wondering did I lock the back door?
Loshak has a lot going on an ex-wife and deranged drug landlord, memories of a dead child, and this damned killer that would stop devolving into a true sociopath.
This is a “must read”, if feels like something ripped from the headlines.
September 16, 2018
Well, holy crap.....I’m still trying to gather my teeth up off the floor, stick ‘em back in and shut my mouth. These guys have spewed out a thriller that makes the hairs on the back of your neck sizzle. I’m in awe of the depths they’ll go to show you the deepest, darkest, cruelest, most sick way a serial killer thinks....and then acts. Wow, this recent installment had some downright brutal, sad and depraved killing. Loshak is as human as they come. His friend, Spinks, was a welcome addition and a true thought provoker. I really want to meet this guy. Some of their conversations had me reeling a bit as they hit sooooo close to home. This was a wonderful, well written (with all their great details), sinister crime story.
September 19, 2018
This book focuses on Loshak and as a female reader I thought I would miss the feminine aspect of Violet Darger but I honestly was still just as consumed by this book.The authors have truly perfected their craft and will suck you in the book immediately. This story is not caught up in all the gruesome details you get in some serial killer series but gives you a story from everyone's perspective and their personal story as to what brought them to this point in time. Great read once again in the series that does not disappoint by being just another book in a serial killer series. Can't wait for more!
September 10, 2018
Loshak takes on a serial killer in Florida. Beyond Good & Evil provides insight into Loshak’s life as well as his abilities to find the serial killer he has profiled. While Loshak is normally teamed up with Violet Darger, this story doesn’t suffer from her absence, in fact it was very interesting to gain more insight into Loshak. If you are a fan of the Violet Darger series by L.T. Vargas & Tim McBain, Beyond Good & Evil is a must read! I received an Advance Review Copy and have chosen to provide this review.
September 25, 2018
I had a blast reading Beyond Good & Evil, both for the great writing and the chilling plot. This is the first book in the Victor Loshak series, and it starts off with a bang. Loshak is definitely a character I can get behind, both for his clever intuition and his troubled hesitation. This book is the definition of dark, so err on the side of caution if you're squeamish. But if you're into creepy cop thrillers with wit--particularly if you like seeing the killer's point of view--then this is the story for you.
September 27, 2018
While there are multiple reasons this book stands out, the writing style of the authors has to be one of the top draws. They are not afraid to smack the reader in the face with gritty, raw subject matter. The descriptive and honest quality of the writing is both harsh and refreshing all at the same time.
I was skeptical approaching a book that featured Loshak without his counterpart but the plot was intriguing and pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps you engaged til the very end. This is a great read. 5 stars.
I was skeptical approaching a book that featured Loshak without his counterpart but the plot was intriguing and pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps you engaged til the very end. This is a great read. 5 stars.
September 24, 2018
A look at pure evil!
It is amazing how one glimpse into the mind of madness can be as frightening as a rabid dog. You want to turn away but just can't. You read page after page hoping the darkness will lift from this crazy mind. It does not and the purest evil prospers until finally Loshack gets it together. I like him better in this book. He's more human and more real. Keep them coming. These characters are your worse nightmare.
It is amazing how one glimpse into the mind of madness can be as frightening as a rabid dog. You want to turn away but just can't. You read page after page hoping the darkness will lift from this crazy mind. It does not and the purest evil prospers until finally Loshack gets it together. I like him better in this book. He's more human and more real. Keep them coming. These characters are your worse nightmare.
Read
September 20, 2018Loshak all by his lonesome and just as fascinating a read as Darger and he are together. Love this spin-off. Great read. Mystery, thrills, suspense and the grim horror of what true crime sounds, feels, looks, and smells like. A must read whether you have or haven’t endulged before in this series. Enjoy!
September 26, 2018
Great new character
I like Victor Loshak because he is all too human. HE IS smart and sharp yet vulnerable. The story was compelling and kept my interest. I enjoyed this new novel.
I like Victor Loshak because he is all too human. HE IS smart and sharp yet vulnerable. The story was compelling and kept my interest. I enjoyed this new novel.
February 5, 2019
Not a good book to me.
I personally didn't like this book. The FBI profiler, Victor Loshak didn't need to be on the force. The story was more about him and the reporter that was his partner. I also have a problem reading about the brutal murders of children.
I personally didn't like this book. The FBI profiler, Victor Loshak didn't need to be on the force. The story was more about him and the reporter that was his partner. I also have a problem reading about the brutal murders of children.
September 22, 2018
I've enjoyed the Loshak and Violet series in the past and this had a good storyline, however it rambled on too much. I found myself skipping pages .
September 23, 2018
Kodiak rules!
I must admit it was odd not having Violet Darger with Loshak but he held his own and at least she was mentioned as his partner! Great job guys! (Sic)
I must admit it was odd not having Violet Darger with Loshak but he held his own and at least she was mentioned as his partner! Great job guys! (Sic)
September 23, 2018
Kodiak needs his partner
Interesting story. If Kodiak had a partner as in previous thrillers, in my opinion beyond good &evil would have been a five star story.
Interesting story. If Kodiak had a partner as in previous thrillers, in my opinion beyond good &evil would have been a five star story.
September 27, 2018
Interesting
Not my usual genre. Glad I took a chance reading.
This book was written as if you were participating in the scenes.
Not my usual genre. Glad I took a chance reading.
This book was written as if you were participating in the scenes.
September 27, 2018
Wow! I couldn’t stop reading! Love Loshak!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews