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Cold Oath

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Turmoil on a college campus in the wake of the search for a new president. Ryan Caldwell, an enterprising young journalist - conflict in Afghanistan still fresh in his mind - finds himself embroiled in controversy as he exposes hidden secrets that threaten to shake the ivy-covered walls and topple those who hunger for power. Lori DeMarco, the college chaplain, has her own secret. She likes Ryan but is unsure of whether to trust him to help unravel her past.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2019

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About the author

Ray Flynt

18 books21 followers
Ray Flynt is the author of two mystery series:

The first features private detective Brad Frame. Based in Bryn Mawr, PA, Brad led an aimless life until his mother and sister were kidnapped and murdered. After helping to solve their crime Brad joined forces with Philadelphia police detective Nick Argostino to bring justice to the lives of others.

In his second series, Ryan Caldwell, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is pursuing a career in journalism.

Ray retired from a diverse career in criminal justice, education, the arts and human services.

He is a member of Mystery Writers of America and active with their Florida Chapter. In addition to mystery writing, Ray has written and performs a one-man play based on the life of Ben Franklin. He is also a life member of the Florida Witers Association.

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5 stars
69 (46%)
4 stars
52 (34%)
3 stars
24 (16%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
25 reviews
December 9, 2017
Average writing, abrupt ending

It took me a while to get interested in this book but I was determined to make a good faith effort to read it. There are characters in the book who could have been interesting had they been fleshed out a bit more. The plot was somewhat lost at times with asides that didn't contribute anything to the story such as the main character, Ryan's, landlord who leaves treats at random times. There was no follow up to several of the events mentioned....Ryan's new job, his financial needs and the brief introduction of both Ryan's & Lori's parents to name a few. The conclusion of the book was abrupt and completely unsatisfactory in my opinion. I thought maybe there was a sequel to tie up loose ends and further explain the many unanswered questions about the subplots but that doesn't seem to be the case. I'm not certain I would read a sequel if there was one but I might just because I feel cheated of any reasonable conclusion to the overall story.
1,836 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2019
This is the 1st story in the series that I have read. I have read all of his other stories and enjoyed this as well as I did all of his others.

The start of the book laid out the ultimate main plot that Ryan was going to somehow get involved in. The information that he developed while employed as a staff writer for the Bugle led him to meeting Lori and the other main characters in the story which was a result of the death of the college president.

While looking into activites which occurred at the college, he stumbled across thye murders which occurred at the college chapel. With Lori's assistance, he was able to ultimately determine who the killer was though fingerprints.

Without giving a lot of the story away, it is important to read it to find out for Lori and learn about Marcy.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lois Crockett.
Author 20 books28 followers
February 14, 2021
Enter the new Flynt sleuth, a Mr. Ryan Caldwell, war veteran and humble hero,pursuing his education in the cosseted halls of higher learning in spite of himself. Called the "World's Oldest Freshman" by his boss, a news lady who runs the local student

Enter the new Flynt sleuth: A Mr. Ryan Caldwell-war veteran, former EMT and humble hero. Ryan is pursuing his college education in the cosseted halls of Brandell College. With his nose for news, it's a good thing he's interested in a journalistic career. The World's Oldest Freshman, as he's not-so-lovingly nicknamed by his lady boss at the local student rag, gets in the middle of some dastardly doings at this mild-mannered Lutheran college. He flirts and falls for a lady preacher and his emotions betray him as he sets out to solve a murder and the mystery of love.
Profile Image for PWA Allen .
426 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2018
Another great read by Ray Flynt. Ryan is a 26 yr old college student, was in the army prior to this. I love the way he's getting his education and even after he is fired from the campus paper, he doesn't give up, just finds another way to get his story out. His stories include campus rapes, a really old murder on campus, and the candidates for the upcoming campus presidential election. He and Lori are a good fit. There's several twists in the story, especially at the end. The story is well written to keep your interest the entire way through. I love this authors Brad Frame series and enjoyed this one too. Looking for more of his books, really an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,864 reviews27 followers
February 24, 2018
It took me a bit to get into this story. I enjoyed Ryan and his growth, how he helped solve the cold-case murder. Lori also grew on me, and I loved the abstinence side of their relationship. There are many characters in this book, and some made me smile, others made me grimace. The college life was a good representation.

I received a copy of this book through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2019
Cold Oath

Ooo kinda reminds me of the cold cases show on the tv. Love it. Drama, murder, romance, mystery and a race against time.

Ryan is a journalist who will try and get the scoop on anything. If only he could write more or have more time. But when he gets wind of the biggest scoop yet, that will rock the town and college campus to it's the very core. He will not sit by idly. He will crack both cases even if it kills him....
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,665 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2018
Excellent murder thriller.

Ryan started college at 26 when he got out of the service. He was studying jourinalism and working on the school paper. Lori, the chaplain, told him about her history. She was the daughter of a shooting victim shot in that very chapel 26 years ago. They figured if they could figure out who her birth father was, they'd know who killed her mother.
7,797 reviews51 followers
April 7, 2019
Ryan refers to himself as a transfer, being a freshman at the college, and older than most. Having been in the Army, now wanting to write, the truth of what is happening around him, on the campus.. He is fired from the newspaper, but finds way to get the stories out. As they look for a new president, the greed and power come out. Another good plot
34 reviews
May 19, 2020
A great read

Since this is our introduction to Ryan Caldwell the beginning is essential to our story so hang in there. It’s worth the wait. A great and intriguing story that I couldn’t put down. A mystery as well as romance in fact the romance is essential to this story. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
5 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2020
I’m not much for writing reviews but this book was such a breath of fresh air that I couldn’t resist. I cannot remember the last time I read a book where the hero let the police do their job. Mr. Flynt has written a great story with believable characters. He shows you do not have to have idiots getting into trouble with criminals and/or the police to make a story worth reading.
5,704 reviews40 followers
December 11, 2017
i will be honest that this wasnt my favorite story.. that being said there were several interesting and decent parts.. its just not my genre of choice and the characters didnt catch me much. i am glad i got to review it
2 reviews
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June 22, 2019
OK, too much religion brought in, not all problems solved.
1,469 reviews
February 3, 2023
A most enjoyable book about a reporter for a college newspaper, who follows the process of choosing a new president and manages to solve a decades long murder.
31 reviews
October 25, 2023
Compelling read, fast paced. Hard to put the book down. Looking forward to next book in series.
Profile Image for Kelli.
83 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2024
What a good read. Well paced, realistic, and intriguing,
On to book 2!
9 reviews
June 9, 2018
Excellent Read

This is a very interesting book that takes place on a college campus. The cast is involved in church politics, scandal, romance and a cold murder case. The characters are well developed and are brought to life by Ray Flint. I recommend this book to be added to your reading list
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews