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Saint Tommy, NYPD #2
Death Cult
All saints are dead. Detective Tommy Nolan is no stranger to bizarre events. After all, he's a New York cop. And after the demon, he thought he'd seen it all.
When home invaders threaten his family, he was prepared to take it as a risk of the job. When it turns out the intruders were covered in the mark of the demon, he knew the trouble was just beginning.
Now, it's a race against time as the cult who raised the demon take their revenge. They know that Tommy is not yet a saint. Because all saints are dead.
From Declan Finn, author of the Dragon Award nominated horror series Love at First Bite.
When home invaders threaten his family, he was prepared to take it as a risk of the job. When it turns out the intruders were covered in the mark of the demon, he knew the trouble was just beginning.
Now, it's a race against time as the cult who raised the demon take their revenge. They know that Tommy is not yet a saint. Because all saints are dead.
From Declan Finn, author of the Dragon Award nominated horror series Love at First Bite.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2018
27 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Declan Finn
108 books748 followersDeclan Finn is the NYC based author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the 2016 Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror, Honor at Stake, 2017 for Live and Let Bite, and 2018 for Codename: Unsub in best Apocalypse. He is known for "his strong fight scenes and is romance novels are sexy without being dirty, providing enough sexual tension to curl toes."
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 30, 2018
This series is just so much fun. Love pretty much everything about it from the wring, story, characters, etc.
Plus an urban fantasy involving the abortion industry really is a perfect fit as far as horror goes.
Plus an urban fantasy involving the abortion industry really is a perfect fit as far as horror goes.
November 5, 2019
Having read this second novel in this Saint Tommy series, it just reinforces that backing the crowdfunding campaign to have Hell Spawn (Book 1) published was a good move on my part.
This is a great series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one just as much as the previous. A great follow on from Hell Spawn and develops the storyline even further and setting the scene for a great third and final (I think, but would love this to continue!) novel.
Like the first novel, you hit the ground running and the suspense and action never let up. Finn continues the police procedural structure which is one of the strengths of this novel. Another is the faith of Tommy. There is one thing that Finn includes in this series is the one thing that was missing when I was in the Catholic Church and that is a relationship with God. This was refreshing to see especially having Tommy depicted as being in obedience to God's will for his life in relation to how he uses the gifts or special powers God has bestowed upon him. That is one reason I left Catholicism is that you were saved because you were of the Catholic denomination and there was no encouragement to have a relationship with God or Jesus despite what Jesus achieved for us on the Cross, salvation and eternal life with Him.
And even though it shows this novel is Catholic based and that Finn is of the Catholic denomination, if I only base that latter statement on what I find in these two novels, this has not caused me any grief like some other novels I have read from Catholic authors who have flavoured their novels with obvious Catholic theology at the expense of Biblical theology and its truth. I am willing to give Catholic authors a chance despite the disillusionment I experienced from childhood and the Church's practice that their doctrines and theology are above the Bible's, that makes me tense when I read their novels, but I can say that Finn does not depict this in this series. I did not know about Finn's Catholicism when I backed this series through the crowdfunding program.
Finn depicts one aspect of Tommy's relationship with God in an important Biblical discipline or behaviour and that is that he does not act on or in his own strength when he is fighting the zombies or the voodoo priest and in the fight scenes. He has Tommy asking for guidance and direction through prayer in how to act during these scenes. Even though there was no direct answer from God to him, God answered him through indirect means through others in his team or God manipulating the events Tommy finds himself to tip the scales in his favor and allow him to be victorious over his demonic opponents. Finn has used the relationship with God, prayer and his God-given gifts to win the battle here.
I can see readers becoming more endeared to Tommy, his wife and son. The latter two play a bigger role in this instalment and this was a wise move by Finn. Seeing the demon is after Tommy, it makes sense that his family would become in the firing line as well as part of the demon's strategy in destroying Tommy. I cheered and I bet others did too when Mariel dealt with Tommy's nemesis. That was a great piece of writing and a memorable scene. Loved it!
I am very impressed with Finn basing this novel on a theme and not just for entertainment. With society's attitude towards abortion, Finn has taken a daring stance against this showing the other side of this issue that is hidden or downplayed and even manipulated by the media and those in the "health" field who are corrupted and those who see this as a business to exploit. This theme has further credibility in that Finn has based it on actual events and medical cases.
I just pray that fans of this series do not have to wait too long for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
This is a great series. Thoroughly enjoyed this one just as much as the previous. A great follow on from Hell Spawn and develops the storyline even further and setting the scene for a great third and final (I think, but would love this to continue!) novel.
Like the first novel, you hit the ground running and the suspense and action never let up. Finn continues the police procedural structure which is one of the strengths of this novel. Another is the faith of Tommy. There is one thing that Finn includes in this series is the one thing that was missing when I was in the Catholic Church and that is a relationship with God. This was refreshing to see especially having Tommy depicted as being in obedience to God's will for his life in relation to how he uses the gifts or special powers God has bestowed upon him. That is one reason I left Catholicism is that you were saved because you were of the Catholic denomination and there was no encouragement to have a relationship with God or Jesus despite what Jesus achieved for us on the Cross, salvation and eternal life with Him.
And even though it shows this novel is Catholic based and that Finn is of the Catholic denomination, if I only base that latter statement on what I find in these two novels, this has not caused me any grief like some other novels I have read from Catholic authors who have flavoured their novels with obvious Catholic theology at the expense of Biblical theology and its truth. I am willing to give Catholic authors a chance despite the disillusionment I experienced from childhood and the Church's practice that their doctrines and theology are above the Bible's, that makes me tense when I read their novels, but I can say that Finn does not depict this in this series. I did not know about Finn's Catholicism when I backed this series through the crowdfunding program.
Finn depicts one aspect of Tommy's relationship with God in an important Biblical discipline or behaviour and that is that he does not act on or in his own strength when he is fighting the zombies or the voodoo priest and in the fight scenes. He has Tommy asking for guidance and direction through prayer in how to act during these scenes. Even though there was no direct answer from God to him, God answered him through indirect means through others in his team or God manipulating the events Tommy finds himself to tip the scales in his favor and allow him to be victorious over his demonic opponents. Finn has used the relationship with God, prayer and his God-given gifts to win the battle here.
I can see readers becoming more endeared to Tommy, his wife and son. The latter two play a bigger role in this instalment and this was a wise move by Finn. Seeing the demon is after Tommy, it makes sense that his family would become in the firing line as well as part of the demon's strategy in destroying Tommy. I cheered and I bet others did too when Mariel dealt with Tommy's nemesis. That was a great piece of writing and a memorable scene. Loved it!
I am very impressed with Finn basing this novel on a theme and not just for entertainment. With society's attitude towards abortion, Finn has taken a daring stance against this showing the other side of this issue that is hidden or downplayed and even manipulated by the media and those in the "health" field who are corrupted and those who see this as a business to exploit. This theme has further credibility in that Finn has based it on actual events and medical cases.
I just pray that fans of this series do not have to wait too long for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
May 28, 2022
This was the Second novel I have read by Declan Finn; I have previously read one he cowrote. This one was an excellent read, and notched it up from books 1 Hell Spawn. I now understand why so many people rave about his works. Before reading book 1, I had also picked up White Ops Book 1, but before I had finished this I picked up the second book in that series and the next three in this series. I have also previously picked up several anthologies that Finn has contributed to, that I have not got around to reading. They as well will be bumped up in my to be read pile. Over the last few years, I have got back into reading mysteries, mainly British Crime Thrillers by Alex Smith, JE Mayhew, KT Galloway and JD Kirk. And I have also read all the Reacher books. This story is like a Catholic version of these stories. My manager at work and I often trade book recommendations and I described this as a Tom Clancy meets the exorcist. Sort of a Jack Ryan as a New York Copy with spiritual abilities normally attributed to saints. This was a fantastic read it was an easy 5/5 stars. I could hardly put it down. I read it over 3 sittings in one day. I was off work and just read and read! The description of this story is:
“All saints are dead. Detective Tommy Nolan is no stranger to bizarre events. After all, he's a New York cop. And after the demon, he thought he'd seen it all.
When home invaders threaten his family, he was prepared to take it as a risk of the job. When it turns out the intruders were covered in the mark of the demon, he knew the trouble was just beginning.
Now, it's a race against time as the cult who raised the demon take their revenge. They know that Tommy is not yet a saint. Because all saints are dead.”
This is really an incredible story. Spiritual warfare and the war on crime collide. Officer Nolan thought he had his work cut out for him. And he knows he cannot do it alone. His partner and a few clerics are aware of his situation. He has the love and support of his wife and son. But he draws his greatest strength from the Blessed Sacrament. Both by receiving it and spending time in front of it being strengthened and restored. But when the corner sees him bilocate he has to share with her what is going on. When the DA stoppes by his house and reveals he has put 2 and 2 together the circle is widening. But there is also a great darkness after him and his family. There are several attempts on their lives.
When a demon takes a personal interest in him things go sideways very quick. Soon he is confronting a darkness like nothing he has ever faced, and it has targeted his city, his friends and even his family. The patron Saint of Detectives is left scrawled in blood at a crime scene. Tommy realizes things are not the normal fight with criminals. Fortunately, he has friends in the clergy who realize what might be happening. He has a loving and supportive wife and even his son realizes the power of prayer and specifically the rosary. And even his Partner comes to accept the new reality they are facing. Their investigation keeps leading back to the abortion industry. Tommy and his partner are threatened by those with political power and clout. And only a new miracles gives them some leads and turns the corner in the case. And some help from an unexpected source.
But to find out what that was you will need to read the book. This story has lots of action. Another battles with MS13. Battles with darkness. Miraculous events. Tommy Noland is a man of faith living to protect family, friends and his city.
This is a great read. It is an awesome story in a series that now has 12 books published or announced. If the others are even nearly as good as the first two I am in for some amazing reads this year. I recommend this story for mature readers. There are some pretty graphic descriptions of events, and of some dark practices. A great read in what should be an amazing series!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
“All saints are dead. Detective Tommy Nolan is no stranger to bizarre events. After all, he's a New York cop. And after the demon, he thought he'd seen it all.
When home invaders threaten his family, he was prepared to take it as a risk of the job. When it turns out the intruders were covered in the mark of the demon, he knew the trouble was just beginning.
Now, it's a race against time as the cult who raised the demon take their revenge. They know that Tommy is not yet a saint. Because all saints are dead.”
This is really an incredible story. Spiritual warfare and the war on crime collide. Officer Nolan thought he had his work cut out for him. And he knows he cannot do it alone. His partner and a few clerics are aware of his situation. He has the love and support of his wife and son. But he draws his greatest strength from the Blessed Sacrament. Both by receiving it and spending time in front of it being strengthened and restored. But when the corner sees him bilocate he has to share with her what is going on. When the DA stoppes by his house and reveals he has put 2 and 2 together the circle is widening. But there is also a great darkness after him and his family. There are several attempts on their lives.
When a demon takes a personal interest in him things go sideways very quick. Soon he is confronting a darkness like nothing he has ever faced, and it has targeted his city, his friends and even his family. The patron Saint of Detectives is left scrawled in blood at a crime scene. Tommy realizes things are not the normal fight with criminals. Fortunately, he has friends in the clergy who realize what might be happening. He has a loving and supportive wife and even his son realizes the power of prayer and specifically the rosary. And even his Partner comes to accept the new reality they are facing. Their investigation keeps leading back to the abortion industry. Tommy and his partner are threatened by those with political power and clout. And only a new miracles gives them some leads and turns the corner in the case. And some help from an unexpected source.
But to find out what that was you will need to read the book. This story has lots of action. Another battles with MS13. Battles with darkness. Miraculous events. Tommy Noland is a man of faith living to protect family, friends and his city.
This is a great read. It is an awesome story in a series that now has 12 books published or announced. If the others are even nearly as good as the first two I am in for some amazing reads this year. I recommend this story for mature readers. There are some pretty graphic descriptions of events, and of some dark practices. A great read in what should be an amazing series!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 7, 2023
A good sequel to Hell Spawn. The action-packed, suspenseful climax and conclusion are a testament to the author’s skill. My favorite character might be Tommy’s wife , Mariel, who is a tough, inspirational wife and mother. And that character Baraccus is memorable in a different way.
December 12, 2018
Ladies and Gentleman (and you in the back) I present to you a plot synopsis of Declan Finn's Latest Book, Death Cult.
Hi
OOF!
OUCH!
Dude, don't
He did?
Really?
That sounds like it hurt.
That had to have hurt
Them again
I'm not sure that's physically possible
I KNOW that's NOT physically possible
COOL!
HOT!
The End!
You may all now return to your regularly scheduled lives.
Kidding!
And honestly, I don't thinking I've quite done it justice. There is a slight chance that I'm oversimplifying a bit. The book is after all, quite a bit longer than that so called synopsis. It's worth reading every word though, because Death Cult kicks ass.
In Hell Spawn Saint Tommy fought a demon. It was ugly. There was lots of fighting and many people died to death. It was quite horrifying. I loved the book, but I was a bit worried. Don't get me wrong. Finn is a good author. But when you're writing Christian fiction and you go up against a demon, what comes next? I mean, I didn't see Finn bringing Satan himself to Earth for a straight up rumble, although I'd buy that book. The threats need to get bigger if you're going to keep it entertaining. So what do you do and who do you do it with? You fight a death cult. (No, that's not a spoiler. It's the title of the stinking book.) It works. It's deadly dangerous and definitely something that most Christians in general, and Catholics in particular, would find themselves at odds with.
I will say this much: Some of the symbolism in this book is both funny and a little blatant. I'm thinking of one thing in particular which I'm not going to mention. It makes massive amounts of sense. It's pretty gross. It's kind of funny in a sick sort of way because of how well it fits. I enjoyed it and it works but it's pretty hard to miss.
Finn has built his world very well. We're treated to some old friends and some new acquaintances and they all fit together nicely. I really like it when a book stays true to the universe it is written in. Death Cult does so nicely. The internal logic is consistent, the characters stay true to their own motivations. I don't mean that the book is predictable because it's not. There is, however, a difference between logical and predictable and Finn has found his groove here.
Having said that, it's worth mentioning that not every saint was Mother Theresa. I mean Saint George slew the dragon and the Catholic faith has seen it's share of fights as well as saints that were involved in them. Tommy is no exception. Yes, he's a nice guy when he can be. That doesn't mean he's always a nice guy. My pastor (who admittedly is not Catholic) just did a sermon a few weeks ago about the sixth commandment and talked about how it's not wrong to kill in the defense of life. Trust me when I tell you that Tommy has plenty of reasons to fight God would approve of all of them.
In a way, part of the reason I think I liked this book so much is because Finn picked a villain that made sense in the context of that selfsame commandment. The villain is the kind of person you just want to slap and can't. They are evil personified (and I'm guessing that's intentional) and hide behind a facade of providing a useful service. They really boil my butt. It did me heart well to see Tommy after them.
Finn has always (or at least as long as I've been reading his work) been able to write an awesome action sequence and Death Cult gave him a chance to show off his skills. You start to feel bad for Tommy after awhile because of all the crap he is going through but that doesn't mean it's not fun to "watch". I will say that I have no intention of ever getting on Finn's bad side though. It would appear to be a bad idea. If he can conceive of violence at this level, he might just be able to get the drop on me. That would be a bad thing.
The politics in this book work for me. I have no trouble seeing a liberal mayor cover for an unmitigated evil within his city if it fits his ideology. Finn does a good job of displaying things in a way that would not please the mainstream media, but fits with the beliefs of roughly half the country. It is presented in a manner consistent with religion (his main character is a saint in the making after all) but without being overly preachy. There are conversations I've had with family members that cover some of the same subjects. I'd like to get some of them to read Death Cult specifically, but since they don't really do horror...
UGH
Let's face it though. Family or not, if you can't enjoy a Declan Finn book you pretty much suck at life and your opinion doesn't really matter. Seriously, you all need to read this book right now. I'll wait to finish the review. Hie thee off to Amazon and purchase the thing. The link is down there somewhere. Okay, okay. If you haven't bought the first book, Hell Spawn then I'll wait for you to get back after buying both of them. Go ahead.
...
...
...
Back now? Did you put your credit card number in right? Actually, I don't really care as long as you didn't use mine. I bought the Indiegogo with the ARC and the autographed copy so yeah... I dished out the loot already.
Ok, so maybe I talked a bit of trash there, but this is a really good book and I'm seriously looking forward to number three. I think he announced a title, but if so, I'm pretty sure I forgot what it was going to be. That's okay though. I'm gonna read it anyway.
Hi
OOF!
OUCH!
Dude, don't
He did?
Really?
That sounds like it hurt.
That had to have hurt
Them again
I'm not sure that's physically possible
I KNOW that's NOT physically possible
COOL!
HOT!
The End!
You may all now return to your regularly scheduled lives.
Kidding!
And honestly, I don't thinking I've quite done it justice. There is a slight chance that I'm oversimplifying a bit. The book is after all, quite a bit longer than that so called synopsis. It's worth reading every word though, because Death Cult kicks ass.
In Hell Spawn Saint Tommy fought a demon. It was ugly. There was lots of fighting and many people died to death. It was quite horrifying. I loved the book, but I was a bit worried. Don't get me wrong. Finn is a good author. But when you're writing Christian fiction and you go up against a demon, what comes next? I mean, I didn't see Finn bringing Satan himself to Earth for a straight up rumble, although I'd buy that book. The threats need to get bigger if you're going to keep it entertaining. So what do you do and who do you do it with? You fight a death cult. (No, that's not a spoiler. It's the title of the stinking book.) It works. It's deadly dangerous and definitely something that most Christians in general, and Catholics in particular, would find themselves at odds with.
I will say this much: Some of the symbolism in this book is both funny and a little blatant. I'm thinking of one thing in particular which I'm not going to mention. It makes massive amounts of sense. It's pretty gross. It's kind of funny in a sick sort of way because of how well it fits. I enjoyed it and it works but it's pretty hard to miss.
Finn has built his world very well. We're treated to some old friends and some new acquaintances and they all fit together nicely. I really like it when a book stays true to the universe it is written in. Death Cult does so nicely. The internal logic is consistent, the characters stay true to their own motivations. I don't mean that the book is predictable because it's not. There is, however, a difference between logical and predictable and Finn has found his groove here.
Having said that, it's worth mentioning that not every saint was Mother Theresa. I mean Saint George slew the dragon and the Catholic faith has seen it's share of fights as well as saints that were involved in them. Tommy is no exception. Yes, he's a nice guy when he can be. That doesn't mean he's always a nice guy. My pastor (who admittedly is not Catholic) just did a sermon a few weeks ago about the sixth commandment and talked about how it's not wrong to kill in the defense of life. Trust me when I tell you that Tommy has plenty of reasons to fight God would approve of all of them.
In a way, part of the reason I think I liked this book so much is because Finn picked a villain that made sense in the context of that selfsame commandment. The villain is the kind of person you just want to slap and can't. They are evil personified (and I'm guessing that's intentional) and hide behind a facade of providing a useful service. They really boil my butt. It did me heart well to see Tommy after them.
Finn has always (or at least as long as I've been reading his work) been able to write an awesome action sequence and Death Cult gave him a chance to show off his skills. You start to feel bad for Tommy after awhile because of all the crap he is going through but that doesn't mean it's not fun to "watch". I will say that I have no intention of ever getting on Finn's bad side though. It would appear to be a bad idea. If he can conceive of violence at this level, he might just be able to get the drop on me. That would be a bad thing.
The politics in this book work for me. I have no trouble seeing a liberal mayor cover for an unmitigated evil within his city if it fits his ideology. Finn does a good job of displaying things in a way that would not please the mainstream media, but fits with the beliefs of roughly half the country. It is presented in a manner consistent with religion (his main character is a saint in the making after all) but without being overly preachy. There are conversations I've had with family members that cover some of the same subjects. I'd like to get some of them to read Death Cult specifically, but since they don't really do horror...
UGH
Let's face it though. Family or not, if you can't enjoy a Declan Finn book you pretty much suck at life and your opinion doesn't really matter. Seriously, you all need to read this book right now. I'll wait to finish the review. Hie thee off to Amazon and purchase the thing. The link is down there somewhere. Okay, okay. If you haven't bought the first book, Hell Spawn then I'll wait for you to get back after buying both of them. Go ahead.
...
...
...
Back now? Did you put your credit card number in right? Actually, I don't really care as long as you didn't use mine. I bought the Indiegogo with the ARC and the autographed copy so yeah... I dished out the loot already.
Ok, so maybe I talked a bit of trash there, but this is a really good book and I'm seriously looking forward to number three. I think he announced a title, but if so, I'm pretty sure I forgot what it was going to be. That's okay though. I'm gonna read it anyway.
January 18, 2021
Death Cult: Saint Tommy NYPD book 2 follows closely on the heels of Hell Spawn. Last time, Tommy used his newfound abilities as a wonder worker to clean up a demonic infestation. Now, he finds himself, and his family, targeted by that demon’s very angry summoners.
It is a fairly common for the American anti-abortion movement to rhetorically associate abortion with the worship of Moloch, but in Tommy Nolan’s world, there is nothing figurative about it.
And, after all, since Moloch is the god of money, it isn’t all that implausible that someone in our status- and luxury-obsessed nation would take up the offer of wealth and power for doing something we are doing anyway.
But God and his angels are not impotent in the face of evil, and neither are his faithful. Which is interesting in a pulpy action horror series that is unabashedly pro-cop. The one thing that strained my credulity a bit is how many allies Tommy finds who are willing to back him up against the powerful and connected who also happen to be demon-infested. But then again, Tommy is granted the powers he has because he is genuinely remarkable man, kind and loving in a profession the breeds cynicism, so perhaps their reaction to him should be calibrated against the similar reactions of people to wonder workers in our own world.
Another feature of the moral landscape of Tommy’s world is that respectability, profession, social standing, and even criminality do not determine whether you are on the side of the angels.
Tommy has perhaps been granted a measure of the ability to see as God sees, to perceive the heart rather than the personas we cloak ourselves in. Thus, in his quest to protect himself and his family, he gains many allies that might seem strange for a policeman.
The action picks up considerably in this book, as Tommy knows what wonders he can do, and deploys them. But given what he is facing, he needs every advantage he can get.
I can recommend this book for anyone who is interested in adventure fiction that is explicitly Christian. The roster of bad guys is drawn from enthusiastic supporters of abortion, so if pro-life politics bugs you, that probably will too. However, I think it is worth paying attention to who chooses to support Tommy and why, because the moral vision behind this book is that man does not see as God sees.
I received this book from the publisher for free. Silver Empire books are available directly through the publisher, so I have linked to their online store.
It is a fairly common for the American anti-abortion movement to rhetorically associate abortion with the worship of Moloch, but in Tommy Nolan’s world, there is nothing figurative about it.
And, after all, since Moloch is the god of money, it isn’t all that implausible that someone in our status- and luxury-obsessed nation would take up the offer of wealth and power for doing something we are doing anyway.
But God and his angels are not impotent in the face of evil, and neither are his faithful. Which is interesting in a pulpy action horror series that is unabashedly pro-cop. The one thing that strained my credulity a bit is how many allies Tommy finds who are willing to back him up against the powerful and connected who also happen to be demon-infested. But then again, Tommy is granted the powers he has because he is genuinely remarkable man, kind and loving in a profession the breeds cynicism, so perhaps their reaction to him should be calibrated against the similar reactions of people to wonder workers in our own world.
Another feature of the moral landscape of Tommy’s world is that respectability, profession, social standing, and even criminality do not determine whether you are on the side of the angels.
Tommy has perhaps been granted a measure of the ability to see as God sees, to perceive the heart rather than the personas we cloak ourselves in. Thus, in his quest to protect himself and his family, he gains many allies that might seem strange for a policeman.
The action picks up considerably in this book, as Tommy knows what wonders he can do, and deploys them. But given what he is facing, he needs every advantage he can get.
I can recommend this book for anyone who is interested in adventure fiction that is explicitly Christian. The roster of bad guys is drawn from enthusiastic supporters of abortion, so if pro-life politics bugs you, that probably will too. However, I think it is worth paying attention to who chooses to support Tommy and why, because the moral vision behind this book is that man does not see as God sees.
I received this book from the publisher for free. Silver Empire books are available directly through the publisher, so I have linked to their online store.
December 8, 2018
Tom Nolan and his wife were awakened by the sound of their son’s screams. They shot the two intruders that had come into their room, then they hurried to Jeremy’s room. A man was holding the 10-year-old suspended in the air with a gun to his head. Tom gave the signal phrase and his son shot the man’s knee with a .22 hidden in the stuffed Donatello in his arms. Tom continued the attack while his wife pulled their son out of the way. The odd thing about the demon-possessed man, however, was that despite the painful attacks on his knee and elbow, he never cried out even once.
Since they had been invited to leave the community already after four other such incidents, they at least would not be facing eviction and they had already packed. Tom’s partner, Alex Packard, was on the case and they went inside to talk things over. Both of them were already figuring how Tom could work on the case, even if that wasn’t how things were usually done when you’re the victim. No, it wasn’t smart for these perps to come after his family. This he could not ignore. The battle lines have been drawn!
It seems that this author has a signature style that he has perfected from Book 1 and intends to use ongoing. He employs it right at the start of this story when the guys who broke into his home are taken down in a flurry of activity that brought to mind the best of James Bond and Mission Impossible. The scene in their son’s room was amazing – they had the entire take-down choreographed before it ever happened! Everything planned nice and neat with Tom and his family remaining in full control! Anyway, the story line was incredible, moved at awesome speed with plenty of suspense and with that touch of humor to keep the reader from bolting from the room in terror. The characters were “larger than life” at times. Tom is tackling more than a common bad-guy, after all, and the demon is very familiar to him and not easy to defeat, even though he makes it look easy! Once again, I am amazed. The author’s powerful descriptive writing displays the whole scene clearly in the reader’s mind and the chaos never stops! Believe me, this is a book you’ll want to read, if only to see the brilliant mastery of words from this author. NYPD Detective Thomas Nolan can actually smell evil, and he is a saint as he claims. Good versus evil is battling again, and I’m glad Nolan is one of ours! Get caught up in this series – you’ll love it!
Since they had been invited to leave the community already after four other such incidents, they at least would not be facing eviction and they had already packed. Tom’s partner, Alex Packard, was on the case and they went inside to talk things over. Both of them were already figuring how Tom could work on the case, even if that wasn’t how things were usually done when you’re the victim. No, it wasn’t smart for these perps to come after his family. This he could not ignore. The battle lines have been drawn!
It seems that this author has a signature style that he has perfected from Book 1 and intends to use ongoing. He employs it right at the start of this story when the guys who broke into his home are taken down in a flurry of activity that brought to mind the best of James Bond and Mission Impossible. The scene in their son’s room was amazing – they had the entire take-down choreographed before it ever happened! Everything planned nice and neat with Tom and his family remaining in full control! Anyway, the story line was incredible, moved at awesome speed with plenty of suspense and with that touch of humor to keep the reader from bolting from the room in terror. The characters were “larger than life” at times. Tom is tackling more than a common bad-guy, after all, and the demon is very familiar to him and not easy to defeat, even though he makes it look easy! Once again, I am amazed. The author’s powerful descriptive writing displays the whole scene clearly in the reader’s mind and the chaos never stops! Believe me, this is a book you’ll want to read, if only to see the brilliant mastery of words from this author. NYPD Detective Thomas Nolan can actually smell evil, and he is a saint as he claims. Good versus evil is battling again, and I’m glad Nolan is one of ours! Get caught up in this series – you’ll love it!
December 9, 2018
The good and the ugly. I really wanted to start this review by playing off the classic “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” movie title but in terms of the book there’s really only good and ugly. Both are the same as with the first book in this series. The good is the overall concept of an angel in the making, an excellent good vs evil theme and a really well written and superbly gritty police procedural novel. The bad is that the author takes his pro-life stance just too far overboard in his clear assumption that any person favoring abortions must be an agent of the devil or else innately evil in some other way. I happen to oppose abortion but I find his extremism disturbing. I’ve managed to set it aside since the book is otherwise excellent but I can easily see someone not hard core pro-life finding this book too disturbing and I doubt anyone who favors a right to abortion will enjoy the book.
Bottom line: easy 5 stars if you are radically pro-life; 3-4 stars if you’re anti-abortion but not nearly as radical; 2-3 stars if you’re sorta neutral and 1 or at most 2 stars if you favor a right to abortion. It’s sort of a shame to have this one issue really dominate how a book will be viewed but the themes here are so strong that it must despite the book otherwise being an easy 5 stars if you totally suspend belief on the abortion supporters = Satanist theme.
I’m in the hospital dictating this review to my husband so I’m going to take pity on him and stop but I think you have enough based on the above to decide if this particular book is your “cup of tea”. It’s good enough that I’m in the “suspend belief” crowd and want to read another in the series, but I totally understand those who’d find the author’s slant too objectionable.
Bottom line: easy 5 stars if you are radically pro-life; 3-4 stars if you’re anti-abortion but not nearly as radical; 2-3 stars if you’re sorta neutral and 1 or at most 2 stars if you favor a right to abortion. It’s sort of a shame to have this one issue really dominate how a book will be viewed but the themes here are so strong that it must despite the book otherwise being an easy 5 stars if you totally suspend belief on the abortion supporters = Satanist theme.
I’m in the hospital dictating this review to my husband so I’m going to take pity on him and stop but I think you have enough based on the above to decide if this particular book is your “cup of tea”. It’s good enough that I’m in the “suspend belief” crowd and want to read another in the series, but I totally understand those who’d find the author’s slant too objectionable.
October 10, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
St. Tommy gets around. This time he has to get around a multitude of bad guys, including zombies! After being awakened in the middle of the night by a group of very bad guys. Tommy has to fight for more than himself, they want to kill Tommy and his wife, Mariel, and son, Jeremy. But Tommy and his family were prepared and had a plan, The plan worked. They were all safe. But it was only the beginning of relentless attacks against them.
Tommy’s faith and the abilities given to him by God were of vital importance in the skills needed to survive the difficulties put before them. But how long and how many attacks before things broke down? Together with his family, his partner and some unusual “friends,” Tommy fought the extraordinary attackers in one of his most evil battles. The body parts of aborted babies were being used for personal gain by the members of a highly successful abortion clinic. This could not continue.
Would Tommy succeed in destroying this dreadful death cult? Could he stop the perpetrators from destroying him and his family? Check out this book. It is well-written and the characters are wonderful. I have enjoyed every one of the books in this series. They are all exciting, immersive and believable. Come, face the demons.
St. Tommy gets around. This time he has to get around a multitude of bad guys, including zombies! After being awakened in the middle of the night by a group of very bad guys. Tommy has to fight for more than himself, they want to kill Tommy and his wife, Mariel, and son, Jeremy. But Tommy and his family were prepared and had a plan, The plan worked. They were all safe. But it was only the beginning of relentless attacks against them.
Tommy’s faith and the abilities given to him by God were of vital importance in the skills needed to survive the difficulties put before them. But how long and how many attacks before things broke down? Together with his family, his partner and some unusual “friends,” Tommy fought the extraordinary attackers in one of his most evil battles. The body parts of aborted babies were being used for personal gain by the members of a highly successful abortion clinic. This could not continue.
Would Tommy succeed in destroying this dreadful death cult? Could he stop the perpetrators from destroying him and his family? Check out this book. It is well-written and the characters are wonderful. I have enjoyed every one of the books in this series. They are all exciting, immersive and believable. Come, face the demons.
December 20, 2018
Saint Tommy, NYPD Series Book 2
Poor Tommy! And even more poor wife, son, and neighbors. Tommy barely has time to recover from the incidents in book 1 when the action starts again, and it just keeps coming.
Tommy and his family are just settling in to their new house when they are attacked. The intruders are marked with the sign of a demon, indicating that the cult from book 1 is back and now he’s their target.
This story takes place over a just a few days and the action is fast and furious. As Tommy and his partner try to find out who is behind the attacks, they meet enemies new and old and some surprising allies.
I really enjoyed the book. The dialogue is witty with plenty of snap and sarcasm. The mystery is detailed and intriguing. The story is the kind you just can’t put down and you won’t want to.
I received a review copy of this book. My opinions, as always, are my own.
Poor Tommy! And even more poor wife, son, and neighbors. Tommy barely has time to recover from the incidents in book 1 when the action starts again, and it just keeps coming.
Tommy and his family are just settling in to their new house when they are attacked. The intruders are marked with the sign of a demon, indicating that the cult from book 1 is back and now he’s their target.
This story takes place over a just a few days and the action is fast and furious. As Tommy and his partner try to find out who is behind the attacks, they meet enemies new and old and some surprising allies.
I really enjoyed the book. The dialogue is witty with plenty of snap and sarcasm. The mystery is detailed and intriguing. The story is the kind you just can’t put down and you won’t want to.
I received a review copy of this book. My opinions, as always, are my own.
January 24, 2020
Interesting
I'm not sure I can say that I like this series, because that has connotations that don't really work. It's fascinatingly horrible details draw me in. Humor, demons, unbelievably cruel, crazy people, and sadly belief that some things contained herein are true keep me reading and will have me reading more. I have enough knowledge of history to catch the many clues and references contained herein. I am a student of the Christian Bible and am studying parts not contained in the regular versions. I've been fascinated with stories of good versus evil since at least junior high. The inhumanity some people take as their right is heartbreaking. I'm always happy to see evil take a hit but I also know that it doesn't stay down for long. Long may ordinary people rely on God's promises and have a chance to marvel at all he has in store for us before our days are completed in the fullness of time.
I'm not sure I can say that I like this series, because that has connotations that don't really work. It's fascinatingly horrible details draw me in. Humor, demons, unbelievably cruel, crazy people, and sadly belief that some things contained herein are true keep me reading and will have me reading more. I have enough knowledge of history to catch the many clues and references contained herein. I am a student of the Christian Bible and am studying parts not contained in the regular versions. I've been fascinated with stories of good versus evil since at least junior high. The inhumanity some people take as their right is heartbreaking. I'm always happy to see evil take a hit but I also know that it doesn't stay down for long. Long may ordinary people rely on God's promises and have a chance to marvel at all he has in store for us before our days are completed in the fullness of time.
February 11, 2019
An action packed thrill ride from start to finish. From the beginning I was unable to put this book down. There were zombies, voodoo, worship of ancient deities, corporate and political greed and several attempted assassinations of Tommy Nolan an NYPD detective with some amazing powers. I loved the characters and the interactions between Tom Nolan, his partner, his wife and son and his friends. With the powers that Tommy has he is able to get the job done. I can't wait for more from this series of books. I'm serious. I want more now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2018
In this second book about “Saint Tommy” the author expands his abilities and we get to know all the main characters better. It reads fine if you haven’t read the first, but I would recommend reading these in order. The connection between politics and abortion clinics is interesting and I concur with the authors conclusions. If you don’t, at least consider the opinion. There is also an interesting story here, so I don’t want to put anyone off. Tommy and his wife, son, partner and “friends” are quiet likeable and the writing is as good as I have come to expect from Mr. Finn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2018
The continuing story of Saint Tommy just keeps getting better. The story starts off with a bang and never really stops. There is a strong thread of Pro-Life in the storyline but it doesn't detract from the story and should be expected as the main character is very religious (what else would one expect with a storyline based on Saint Tommy!?) The characters are well defined and believable and the story has everything from abortionists to zombies. Loving the series and the story and can't wait for the next book! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2020
The second book in the Saint Tommy, NYPD series, like the first, is a fast-paced, action-driven cop story. Officer Thomas Nolan isn’t facing a demon this time, though. This time he faces off against zombies and a death cult with ties to the demon from Hell Spawn.
Though, like the last one, the body count is high in this book, and some scenes are gruesome, I appreciated the way Officer Nolan, a strong Catholic, incorporates prayer into his battles. The plot moves forward quickly, and as some questions are answered, more arise. An exciting second book.
Though, like the last one, the body count is high in this book, and some scenes are gruesome, I appreciated the way Officer Nolan, a strong Catholic, incorporates prayer into his battles. The plot moves forward quickly, and as some questions are answered, more arise. An exciting second book.
April 26, 2020
What's more politically incorrect than an union jack waistcoat in an Irish pub on St Patrick's day, has so much ammo discharged it makes a Jet Li film look like a gun control rally, and where the appropriate response to a setpiece with zombie assassins is "OK, so how much bigger is the next book gonna be after this?"
A Tommy Nolan book, of course.
(The answer to the last question after 3 books seems to be "geometrically". I digress)
Still not sure who I'd recommend these to, but they're a blast.
A Tommy Nolan book, of course.
(The answer to the last question after 3 books seems to be "geometrically". I digress)
Still not sure who I'd recommend these to, but they're a blast.
December 7, 2018
Thank you for the ARC read. I voluntarily viewed this book for an honest review.
Saint Tommy is back, and let the ride began again. From page 1 you are drew right back into Thomas Nolan's world. Now instead just the paranormal world Tommy has to deal zealots of the human world also. Coming after him is one thing but no one comes for his family. Really enjoy the saint Tommy adventure series, it keeps you enthralled the whole way through.
Saint Tommy is back, and let the ride began again. From page 1 you are drew right back into Thomas Nolan's world. Now instead just the paranormal world Tommy has to deal zealots of the human world also. Coming after him is one thing but no one comes for his family. Really enjoy the saint Tommy adventure series, it keeps you enthralled the whole way through.
December 8, 2018
These stories are something else. They are a little detective work, scary things going on,(demons, killings, ect.) and faith. I do like the idea of a living Saint. It helps to believe in God.
These stories would make an excellent TV Series. On Netflix of course. Police stories with a Grace from God and a little supernatural thrown in are in good stead right now. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
These stories would make an excellent TV Series. On Netflix of course. Police stories with a Grace from God and a little supernatural thrown in are in good stead right now. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
April 6, 2021
NYPD Detective Tommy Nolan has a job he loves, a family who support him, and friends who care about him. He gives a lot back to the community, soup kitchens etc and is a devout but a not in your face one. He thinks he's nothing special but God seems to disagree!. He's made Tommy a Wonder Worker (A Living Saint) with the power to fight the evil that's taking over New York. Action packed, funny, educational, and a whole lot of fun! Best series I've read in years 10/10
December 10, 2018
Tommy Nolan is back to continue his 'war' against supernatural evil. This time it is way too close to home. A fast pace story written with loads of action, drama and suspense. A must read if you enjoy a supernatural good versus evil series. Very well executed characters with well written dialogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2018
I did not read the first and I do wish I had. I will definitely go back now and read but I think this would have been much better if I had read the first book before reading this but even so, it was very good, in fact excellent. This book kept me turning pages to the end!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2019
Another solid entry in the series
A terrific mystery with twists and turns you don't see coming. Not as overtly Catholic as book 1. I kind of miss seeing some of the quotes and prayers that were part of Hell Spawn. Still a good story of good versus evil and how faith will save the day. You don't have to be a devout Catholic to follow the story. It's just plain good.
A terrific mystery with twists and turns you don't see coming. Not as overtly Catholic as book 1. I kind of miss seeing some of the quotes and prayers that were part of Hell Spawn. Still a good story of good versus evil and how faith will save the day. You don't have to be a devout Catholic to follow the story. It's just plain good.
June 27, 2021
Must turn & binge
Two in 3 days.
This series has already become my binge read.
I simply Must turn the page and see where all this leads.
I am So glad author Declan Finn is prolific and I have 7 more published plus 3 more pending stores to ride wild with Detective/saint Thomas Nolan.
Two in 3 days.
This series has already become my binge read.
I simply Must turn the page and see where all this leads.
I am So glad author Declan Finn is prolific and I have 7 more published plus 3 more pending stores to ride wild with Detective/saint Thomas Nolan.
December 10, 2018
I wont spoil it for you but dang! I couldnt put this one down! From the first page to the last I was inthralld! YOu HAVE to read this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 7, 2019
He thought he had seen everything but now a cult has raised a.demon and now he needs to try to stop it. Danger is coming and he needs to work hard to stop the demon. See if he can stop the demon
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2023
A solid follow-up to Hell Spawn. Did you think we were done with some of the greasiest survivors from the first book? You'd be wrong. This does a great job of maintaining the same fast pace that Hell Spawn set. I recommend it.
November 15, 2023
Strong second showing, book one was a hard act to follow but this one did great
July 15, 2022
John Ryan meets James Bond (as portrayed by Daniel Craig) and Horatio Caine to give us a hard-working police detective whose everyday heroic qualities are reasonably evident to everyone except him. The author mixes together Catholic dogma, realistic police characters, and severe distrust of politicians and takes them to an extreme that creates a horrific tale worthy of Stephen King and Frank Peretti. There is nothing milquetoast about Tommy Nolan! I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys police procedurals, action thrillers and horror.
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