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Punishment
Denny Bowie thought life would settle down after solving a case of serial murders. But when he gets a call sending him to the door of a Domme who barely escaped being bludgeoned to death, he’s pulled back into New York City’s dark and erotic underbelly.
Trying to navigate this new investigation with its violence, randomness, and lack of clues may be the least of his worries.: His girlfriend Penny’s distant, his boyfriend Erin harbors a terrible secret, and demons linger at every turn.
If he can’t find a balance, Denny could lose the only two people he’s ever loved, and if he can’t track down the predator targeting Dommes, more ghosts will haunt him – if he survives.
Grab Punishment, the sequel to the award-winning hard-boiled thriller, Bloodletting.
Trying to navigate this new investigation with its violence, randomness, and lack of clues may be the least of his worries.: His girlfriend Penny’s distant, his boyfriend Erin harbors a terrible secret, and demons linger at every turn.
If he can’t find a balance, Denny could lose the only two people he’s ever loved, and if he can’t track down the predator targeting Dommes, more ghosts will haunt him – if he survives.
Grab Punishment, the sequel to the award-winning hard-boiled thriller, Bloodletting.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
William D. Prystauk
8 books311 followersWilliam D. Prystauk is a writer of dark fiction, blending elements of horror, mystery, and crime into gripping narratives that explore the depths of human morality and the shadows within us all. With a passion for urban settings and complex characters, William’s stories delve into themes of prejudice, truth, and the nature of evil—often challenging perceptions and confronting uncomfortable truths.
His latest novel, Red Agenda, is a tense, character-driven thriller set against a backdrop of supernatural horror and political intrigue. When he’s not writing, William enjoys exploring abandoned places, studying the psychology of fear, and engaging with fans of dark fiction.
William D. Prystauk lives in northeastern Pennsylvania, where he continues to craft stories that haunt and captivate readers long after the last page.
His latest novel, Red Agenda, is a tense, character-driven thriller set against a backdrop of supernatural horror and political intrigue. When he’s not writing, William enjoys exploring abandoned places, studying the psychology of fear, and engaging with fans of dark fiction.
William D. Prystauk lives in northeastern Pennsylvania, where he continues to craft stories that haunt and captivate readers long after the last page.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 11, 2019
A measure of success for any author is an improvement in craft and storytelling from one book to the next. Prystauk's "Bloodletting" created characters of great distinction, and subverted the traditional notions of Noir (for as much as I love ya, I'm lookin' at you, Hard Case Crime) by making alternative-lifestyle PI Denny Bowie and his lovers, Erin and Penny, adherents of the BDSM subculture. Overall, it was a satisfying novel that teased at the possibility of a greater world of unique mysteries. Working from "Bloodletting"'s foundation, "Punishment" serves up a fresh tale that's full of page-turning intrigue. Prystauk's prose is more streamlined and engaging here, expanding on the characterizations of our central trio, and the denizens of the BDSM subculture they encounter during their investigation of a series of brutal, domme-driven murders. I was struck immediately by the focused, well-paced storytelling, which is as strategic and deliberate in establishing three-dimensional characters as it is in giving casual readers an empathetic window into alternative lifestyles. It's telling of Prystauk's own character, as creator of this world, that even moments that could have come off as cheap shock value (and there are a few humdingers in "Punishment") resonate with drama, despair, and heartbreak. Another measure of authorial success? When a slow reader like myself actively carves out time to make it just a couple pages further. Rife with suspense and unsuspecting humor, "Punishment" is a more than worthwhile trip, and I'm eager to see where Prystauk takes these characters next.
April 6, 2023
The second installment in William Prystauk’s Noir Kink series, Punishment, came out of the gate with force and didn’t stop until the last page. Phew! What a ride! (No pun intended for those of you have already read it. :))
Private investigator Denny Bowie is back and has once again been hired by a member of the BDSM community to discover who is viciously attacking Dommes. The perpetrator is clearly out for personal revenge…but why? This is a gritty, dark crime thriller that embodies everything a reader is looking for in the noir genre, plus the added benefit of the kink element.
The investigation alone will have you on the edge of your seat, but scattered in between his detective pursuit, Bowie has a lot of personal moments that need addressing. His demons from the end of the last book plague him throughout Punishment, his relationship with Penny and Erin is advancing, and he’s an ever-growing work in progress when it comes to his own kinks and desires.
The intimacy in Punishment plays out beautifully with every scene being spectacularly placed at just the right moment. Prystauk’s descriptions, diverse scenarios, and attention to detail and emotion is a work of art in and of itself.
I do have one content warning for this book that involves scenes of a sexual nature. Even for the kinkiest among you, they may seem shocking, particularly to the extent that the acts in question are described. HOWEVER, it’s also very important to note that these scenes play to the story line and fit into the overall mystery. Without them, the end of the book wouldn’t hold the same weight. Just something to keep in mind when you reach the part of the story where they are introduced. Keep going!
Prystauk writes likable characters that instantly form a bond with the reader and while you’ll want more of each of them, hanging out inside the mind of Denny Bowie as he solves an extremely well-crafted crime makes for an obsessive page-turner. Do NOT start this book before bed – you won’t sleep!
Five stars all the way for Punishment! I’m immediately moving on to book three, Debauchery.
Private investigator Denny Bowie is back and has once again been hired by a member of the BDSM community to discover who is viciously attacking Dommes. The perpetrator is clearly out for personal revenge…but why? This is a gritty, dark crime thriller that embodies everything a reader is looking for in the noir genre, plus the added benefit of the kink element.
The investigation alone will have you on the edge of your seat, but scattered in between his detective pursuit, Bowie has a lot of personal moments that need addressing. His demons from the end of the last book plague him throughout Punishment, his relationship with Penny and Erin is advancing, and he’s an ever-growing work in progress when it comes to his own kinks and desires.
The intimacy in Punishment plays out beautifully with every scene being spectacularly placed at just the right moment. Prystauk’s descriptions, diverse scenarios, and attention to detail and emotion is a work of art in and of itself.
I do have one content warning for this book that involves scenes of a sexual nature. Even for the kinkiest among you, they may seem shocking, particularly to the extent that the acts in question are described. HOWEVER, it’s also very important to note that these scenes play to the story line and fit into the overall mystery. Without them, the end of the book wouldn’t hold the same weight. Just something to keep in mind when you reach the part of the story where they are introduced. Keep going!
Prystauk writes likable characters that instantly form a bond with the reader and while you’ll want more of each of them, hanging out inside the mind of Denny Bowie as he solves an extremely well-crafted crime makes for an obsessive page-turner. Do NOT start this book before bed – you won’t sleep!
Five stars all the way for Punishment! I’m immediately moving on to book three, Debauchery.
August 18, 2020
“March came in like a fist-fuck and went out like a blowjob.” That opening line should be enough to make you read this book!
Prystauk dispels the notion that sophomore novels shrink and die. In this book, the only ones who die are the victims.
Metaphors, quirky mannerisms and speech patterns bring the three main characters to life. These are not stock characters. They have flaws like real people.
Prystauk writes for the screen, giving the reader a multi-sense experience, including a soundtrack. In fact, the book comes with a playlist.
Like its predecessor, “Punishment” isn’t for everyone. Don’t read this book in public or on a full stomach. But make sure you read.
Yes, it contains sex. Yes, it dives into alternative lifestyles. Yes, it’s gruesome and horrific in places. But at its core, “Punishment” is intelligent writing mixed with macabre humor.
Prystauk continues his streak as a marvelous storyteller!
Highly recommended!
Prystauk dispels the notion that sophomore novels shrink and die. In this book, the only ones who die are the victims.
Metaphors, quirky mannerisms and speech patterns bring the three main characters to life. These are not stock characters. They have flaws like real people.
Prystauk writes for the screen, giving the reader a multi-sense experience, including a soundtrack. In fact, the book comes with a playlist.
Like its predecessor, “Punishment” isn’t for everyone. Don’t read this book in public or on a full stomach. But make sure you read.
Yes, it contains sex. Yes, it dives into alternative lifestyles. Yes, it’s gruesome and horrific in places. But at its core, “Punishment” is intelligent writing mixed with macabre humor.
Prystauk continues his streak as a marvelous storyteller!
Highly recommended!
May 28, 2024
Another Fantastic Story
Punishment is the second in Prystauk's Kink Noir series and his characters are filled with the complexities I love in a series. Denny Bowie is the perfectly imperfect detective who is often in over his head but determined to solve the unsolvable. Throwing in the lovely Erin and the vivacious Penny keeps the story compelling because it's not just a mystery but a love story. The research and heart Prystauk puts into his stories brings the settings and characters to life. I cannot wait to read his third book.
Punishment is the second in Prystauk's Kink Noir series and his characters are filled with the complexities I love in a series. Denny Bowie is the perfectly imperfect detective who is often in over his head but determined to solve the unsolvable. Throwing in the lovely Erin and the vivacious Penny keeps the story compelling because it's not just a mystery but a love story. The research and heart Prystauk puts into his stories brings the settings and characters to life. I cannot wait to read his third book.
December 26, 2019
Punishment by Wm. Prystauk
Once again the journey is intriguing! An unusual series of murders create a working relationship between a police detective and our PI. This novel is an insight of how our lives are all intertwined. There also is a deep look into how what we witness effects our psyche! As with Bloodletting (the first of these novels), if you are not offended by the alternate lifestyle depicted, Punishment is worthy of exploration. Thank you Mr. Prystauk for your eye opening novels! I look forward to the next one.
Once again the journey is intriguing! An unusual series of murders create a working relationship between a police detective and our PI. This novel is an insight of how our lives are all intertwined. There also is a deep look into how what we witness effects our psyche! As with Bloodletting (the first of these novels), if you are not offended by the alternate lifestyle depicted, Punishment is worthy of exploration. Thank you Mr. Prystauk for your eye opening novels! I look forward to the next one.
January 28, 2024
I loved Bloodletting, the first book in the Kink Noir series, but this novel surpasses its predecessor by expanding on the original story and delving deeper into the psyches of the three-way protagonists of Denny, Penny, and Erin. As with the first, this book is intense and complex. Many scenes left me breathless, both from the sheer ferocity of the kink and violence and from the dazzling literary prowess of Prystauk. This book is positively cinematic! So much so, it comes with its own veritable soundtrack of eclectic music, as well as an expertly detailed description of NYC locales that are sheer cinematography.
Prystauk is a meticulous writer in that every piece of the detective story eventually falls into perfect place and every angle is considered. This level of planning and structure allows the reader to trust the author and to immerse themself completely in a tale they know will be deftly maneuvered and satisfactorily concluded--and that'll leave them ravenous for the next book in the series!
For all that is great about this book, and there is much, I'm most struck by the fearless honesty and rawness of the characters that Prystauk has brought to life in such a compelling and rich fashion. The themes of vengeance, numbness, surrender, and guilt are just a few of the issues that Denny and crew wrestle with. These three misfits love each other hard (in every way imaginable), yet are equally hard on themselves in a manner that is more painful to endure than the most extreme forms of sadism or masochism. There's a lot of beating up and getting off in this book, literally and metaphorically. It's both painful and pleasurable to watch. Especially because we may see ourselves in the anguish and confusion--and ecstasy and insight--of Denny, Penny, and Erin.
Kink Noir is a stellar series. Highly recommended!
Prystauk is a meticulous writer in that every piece of the detective story eventually falls into perfect place and every angle is considered. This level of planning and structure allows the reader to trust the author and to immerse themself completely in a tale they know will be deftly maneuvered and satisfactorily concluded--and that'll leave them ravenous for the next book in the series!
For all that is great about this book, and there is much, I'm most struck by the fearless honesty and rawness of the characters that Prystauk has brought to life in such a compelling and rich fashion. The themes of vengeance, numbness, surrender, and guilt are just a few of the issues that Denny and crew wrestle with. These three misfits love each other hard (in every way imaginable), yet are equally hard on themselves in a manner that is more painful to endure than the most extreme forms of sadism or masochism. There's a lot of beating up and getting off in this book, literally and metaphorically. It's both painful and pleasurable to watch. Especially because we may see ourselves in the anguish and confusion--and ecstasy and insight--of Denny, Penny, and Erin.
Kink Noir is a stellar series. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2019
Fast-paced, action-packed, and suspenseful, this dark crime thriller is a diverting read--especially for fans of this genre intentionally looking for mold-breaking characters and setting...or those who are just curious.
November 6, 2020
I picked up this book, looking for a dark read, and I found it! 'Punishment' is a fantastic crime noir book with inclusive LGBTQ+ characters. Add to the deep and varied characters and the delicious plot, there cannot be enough said about the quality of Prystauk's writing. It's swoon-worthy literature.
While 'Punishment' is a dark read (CW - bestiality does come up), I was enthralled with the grey characters. The good guys are motivated to be good without dismissing that humans are naturally flawed, doubting themselves as we are inclined to do. Prystauk did an amazing job of creating good guys who want to be good while they make mistakes and bad guys who think they're the good guys. True to the human experience. But the best part, none of these characters are defined as good or bad based on falling outside of societal norms.
Denny Bowie and his people live, work, and breathe in the BDSM world, a place that focuses on Safe. Sane. Consensual. Pystauk never lost traction in his high-quality story as he emphasized through Denny and company what that means. This world is commonly misunderstood, but Pystauk helps navigate the reader through the BDSM community, giving insight that pain can be pleasurable as long as all involved know and respect the boundaries.
A wonderful thriller for those who want legitimate grit outside of trauma or substance abuse. I enjoyed it so much that I had to pick up the first and third books. I highly recommend 'Punishment' to readers who love dark escapism.
While 'Punishment' is a dark read (CW - bestiality does come up), I was enthralled with the grey characters. The good guys are motivated to be good without dismissing that humans are naturally flawed, doubting themselves as we are inclined to do. Prystauk did an amazing job of creating good guys who want to be good while they make mistakes and bad guys who think they're the good guys. True to the human experience. But the best part, none of these characters are defined as good or bad based on falling outside of societal norms.
Denny Bowie and his people live, work, and breathe in the BDSM world, a place that focuses on Safe. Sane. Consensual. Pystauk never lost traction in his high-quality story as he emphasized through Denny and company what that means. This world is commonly misunderstood, but Pystauk helps navigate the reader through the BDSM community, giving insight that pain can be pleasurable as long as all involved know and respect the boundaries.
A wonderful thriller for those who want legitimate grit outside of trauma or substance abuse. I enjoyed it so much that I had to pick up the first and third books. I highly recommend 'Punishment' to readers who love dark escapism.
December 8, 2020
Danny, Penny, and Erin are back in an all new adventure. This time, Domme’s are being beaten and robbed. Will the city’s only BDSM investigator be able to solve this case?
Battery turns to murder as three more Dommes are beaten to death. Tracing connections between the victims lead Danny to a disturbing event that took place five months ago. While searching for details about the incident, Danny hits a brick wall, no one is talking.
Eventually the story, and video, of that night forms. The BDSM code; Safe, Sane, and Consensual; was broken. The Mistresses played too hard. Someone almost died, now they’re out for revenge. Can Danny stop the killer before another Domme dies?
An age old detective story, with a new age twist, Punishment dives deep into the BDSM and fetish societies. The polyamorous relationships between the characters add depth and feeling to the tale. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book for free for this review.
Battery turns to murder as three more Dommes are beaten to death. Tracing connections between the victims lead Danny to a disturbing event that took place five months ago. While searching for details about the incident, Danny hits a brick wall, no one is talking.
Eventually the story, and video, of that night forms. The BDSM code; Safe, Sane, and Consensual; was broken. The Mistresses played too hard. Someone almost died, now they’re out for revenge. Can Danny stop the killer before another Domme dies?
An age old detective story, with a new age twist, Punishment dives deep into the BDSM and fetish societies. The polyamorous relationships between the characters add depth and feeling to the tale. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book for free for this review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews