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Rain Will Come
A thrilling, page-turning debut about a twisted killer and a broken cop—both with nothing to lose.
Paul Czarcik, the longest-tenured detective in the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement, puts the rest of the team to shame. Ruthless and riddled with vices, Czarcik always gets his man. And fast. Until now…
A double slaying isn’t the open-and-shut case of urban crime he’s used to. Connecting it to a high-profile Texas judge, Czarcik realizes something bigger is going on. It’s the work of a serial killer for whom Chicago is just the beginning. Now he’s inviting Czarcik to play catch-me-if-you-can on a cross-country murder spree.
Going rogue, Czarcik accepts the challenge. But as the bodies pile up, he must come to grips with the fact that nothing—not the killer, the victims, or the rules—is what it seems in this bloody game of cat and mouse.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
4999 people are currently reading
5082 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Holgate
1 book55 followersThomas Holgate has written feature films, television movies and series, nonfiction books, and countless magazine pieces published under a different name. Rain Will Come is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
June 21, 2023
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Mr. Holgate and Netgalley. This was one badass book! I loved it! Truth is that as much as I tell myself that I'm a nice person, I realise that when it comes to messed up people, I really do want them to spend time in the pokey. Prison is not good enough for me. Murderers, rapists or pedophiles should suffer exactly how they made others suffer. So, of course I loved this story! I wanted the deaths to continue. On the other hand, we have a policeman. Old school, who has an instinctual way of working. Also, he's a lone wolf. "Can't blame him." But, he's also messed up, but not really. He has some issues. But I honestly can't complain, because he deals with them. Kind of. Is it weird that I sort of identified with him? Crikey! He drinks alot, does cocaine and rents ladies of the night. Not for sex though. He likes the company, and wants to hear their stories. He's kind of rude, yet for me there was something almost appealing about him. Oh, ha, ha!! Yeah, I don't have his habits! Though I have. Well, except for the night gals! Still, I'm not opposed. I love a good story!
February 29, 2020
Just like The Mikado, Daniel “has got a little list” of folks the world could do without. So, from the beginning of the book, we know the identity of the serial killer and can get a certain perverse satisfaction as he doles out his peculiar form of justice.
Meanwhile, Czarcik is the longest tenured Detective for the Illinois Bureau of Criminal Justice and is given lots of leeway to do things his way.
Holgate does a great job of creating both of these characters. They are each very unique individuals and it’s great fun to watch them play this game of cat and mouse. Czarcik uses coke, prostitutes for company, not sex and smokes wherever he wants, rules be damned. He reminds me of the old detectives from the 1950s and 60s. Daniel helps out those down on their luck. It’s not all black and white here. In fact, Czarcik actually envies Daniel his ability to mete out justice.
Be prepared, parts of this book are downright gruesome. If you can handle that, it’s a fast paced book that keeps you engrossed. The big reveal at the end was obvious from early, early on. Holgate has written feature films and TV movies. The novel reads like it’s been written with a film in mind.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
Meanwhile, Czarcik is the longest tenured Detective for the Illinois Bureau of Criminal Justice and is given lots of leeway to do things his way.
Holgate does a great job of creating both of these characters. They are each very unique individuals and it’s great fun to watch them play this game of cat and mouse. Czarcik uses coke, prostitutes for company, not sex and smokes wherever he wants, rules be damned. He reminds me of the old detectives from the 1950s and 60s. Daniel helps out those down on their luck. It’s not all black and white here. In fact, Czarcik actually envies Daniel his ability to mete out justice.
Be prepared, parts of this book are downright gruesome. If you can handle that, it’s a fast paced book that keeps you engrossed. The big reveal at the end was obvious from early, early on. Holgate has written feature films and TV movies. The novel reads like it’s been written with a film in mind.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
March 2, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Holgate and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Hooked by the dust jacket blurb, I eagerly read this novel by Thomas Holgate, which mixes a sadistic serial killer with a cop whose process is a tad unorthodox. While Paul Czarcik was once a proud member of the Chicago PD, his time there came to an end prematurely. However, he accepted a role in the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement, an experimental group of detectives whose skills are a little too unique for the CPD. When a couple is found brutally tortured and murdered, Czarcik takes the case. He cannot understand the brutality he sees before him, but there is something more. When he is able to see a link between this killing and the brutal murder of a judge in Texas, Czarcik thinks that he may be on the path of a serial killer. Meanwhile, the killer, one Daniel Langdon, is plotting his next murder. He has the files and knows his victims, but must plan things effectively. When not gathering the needed information for his next kill, Langdon is dealing with crippling headaches, all a part of the tumour that is growing inside his head. When Langdon sees Czarcik is on the case, he decides to pay the detective a visit. Letting Czarcik in on his plan, Langdon all but baits the detective to follow and catch him. After Czarcik is contacted by Langdon’s wife, who fills in many of the gaps, they work together to find and save the ‘victims’ before their heinous acts receive the vengeance that Daniel Langdon feels is his to offer. It will be a race across America to catch a killer, but Czarcik has nothing to lose. A twisted story that pulls the reader in on many levels, as Holgate entertains throughout. Recommended to those who love a police procedural that follows none of the rules, as well as the reader who enjoys something a little more gruesome than the usual crime thriller.
I always love reading a new author and discovering that their work is right up my alley. I find that Thomas Holgate writes in such a way that I cannot help but want more in short order. The detailed writing is not only helpful in building up the crimes, but creates a series of wonderful characters the reader will enjoy throughout the novel. Paul Czarcik seems quite the odd character as the novel begins, with his penchant for cocaine and his predilection for escorts, whom he pays to have deep conversations. However, the detective has deep-rooted connections to his work and seems always to find the unique approaches to solving crimes. As the novel progresses, the reader sees much growth in Czarcik, both in the current-day narrative and the flashback case from his time as a CPD officer. One can hope Holgate will be able to create a series from this and that reader can see more Czarcik growth. Other characters prove as enticing and curious as the protagonist, all of whom help the story develop and the narrative move at a quick pace. The story has some typical police procedural aspects, as well as great uniqueness, which sets Holgate apart. The reader can bask in both worlds and determine what they think of the overall presentation. With a mix of mid- to full-length chapters, the story progresses slowly, but never lacks the momentum to fully enthral in a mystery where both good and evil are known throughout, playing a game of cat and mouse that will leave only one winner, or perhaps two strong losers. Thomas Holgate is an author to watch and I have added him to my literary radar.
Kudos, Mr. Holgate, for this fabulous debut. I will ensure the world knows all about your work and cutting style!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Hooked by the dust jacket blurb, I eagerly read this novel by Thomas Holgate, which mixes a sadistic serial killer with a cop whose process is a tad unorthodox. While Paul Czarcik was once a proud member of the Chicago PD, his time there came to an end prematurely. However, he accepted a role in the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement, an experimental group of detectives whose skills are a little too unique for the CPD. When a couple is found brutally tortured and murdered, Czarcik takes the case. He cannot understand the brutality he sees before him, but there is something more. When he is able to see a link between this killing and the brutal murder of a judge in Texas, Czarcik thinks that he may be on the path of a serial killer. Meanwhile, the killer, one Daniel Langdon, is plotting his next murder. He has the files and knows his victims, but must plan things effectively. When not gathering the needed information for his next kill, Langdon is dealing with crippling headaches, all a part of the tumour that is growing inside his head. When Langdon sees Czarcik is on the case, he decides to pay the detective a visit. Letting Czarcik in on his plan, Langdon all but baits the detective to follow and catch him. After Czarcik is contacted by Langdon’s wife, who fills in many of the gaps, they work together to find and save the ‘victims’ before their heinous acts receive the vengeance that Daniel Langdon feels is his to offer. It will be a race across America to catch a killer, but Czarcik has nothing to lose. A twisted story that pulls the reader in on many levels, as Holgate entertains throughout. Recommended to those who love a police procedural that follows none of the rules, as well as the reader who enjoys something a little more gruesome than the usual crime thriller.
I always love reading a new author and discovering that their work is right up my alley. I find that Thomas Holgate writes in such a way that I cannot help but want more in short order. The detailed writing is not only helpful in building up the crimes, but creates a series of wonderful characters the reader will enjoy throughout the novel. Paul Czarcik seems quite the odd character as the novel begins, with his penchant for cocaine and his predilection for escorts, whom he pays to have deep conversations. However, the detective has deep-rooted connections to his work and seems always to find the unique approaches to solving crimes. As the novel progresses, the reader sees much growth in Czarcik, both in the current-day narrative and the flashback case from his time as a CPD officer. One can hope Holgate will be able to create a series from this and that reader can see more Czarcik growth. Other characters prove as enticing and curious as the protagonist, all of whom help the story develop and the narrative move at a quick pace. The story has some typical police procedural aspects, as well as great uniqueness, which sets Holgate apart. The reader can bask in both worlds and determine what they think of the overall presentation. With a mix of mid- to full-length chapters, the story progresses slowly, but never lacks the momentum to fully enthral in a mystery where both good and evil are known throughout, playing a game of cat and mouse that will leave only one winner, or perhaps two strong losers. Thomas Holgate is an author to watch and I have added him to my literary radar.
Kudos, Mr. Holgate, for this fabulous debut. I will ensure the world knows all about your work and cutting style!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 1, 2023
Rain Will Come by Thomas Holgate is a fast-paced crime thriller. It is about how the infamous detective, our protagonist, catches up with the serial killer.
It is a run-of-the-mill cat and mouse story, with encounters between the participants that keep happening throughout the race.
The character build up is excellent. Both the protagonist and the antagonist are shown in good as well as bad light.
I liked how his intuition guides the protagonist time-and-again to point in the right direction. Although, to make it more believable, I did expect the author to give a rational explanation behind it.
Warning alert: The prose contains a lot of violent and descriptively gruesome scenes. So if you are not up for that kind of thing, you might want to give it a pass.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
It is a run-of-the-mill cat and mouse story, with encounters between the participants that keep happening throughout the race.
The character build up is excellent. Both the protagonist and the antagonist are shown in good as well as bad light.
I liked how his intuition guides the protagonist time-and-again to point in the right direction. Although, to make it more believable, I did expect the author to give a rational explanation behind it.
Warning alert: The prose contains a lot of violent and descriptively gruesome scenes. So if you are not up for that kind of thing, you might want to give it a pass.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
April 14, 2021
2.5 "mhmm, mhmmm, mhmmm" stars !!!
Runner Up-2020 READ WHERE i WISH I WAS EDITOR AWARD
Some of this book is so very impressive.
The premise for one...rather than cop vs. serial killer that are both grey...these two are anti-heros but on the same side of coin. The serial killer only hunts down other criminals whose victims don't have justice.
The murders are extremely grisly and the plot is very well and logically plotted out. Reads like a film and so I am not surprised that the author is a screenwriter.
However and a very big however is this....
The psychologies of the cop and serial-killer were quirky but not quirky interesting but quirky unbelievable and although this might have worked in a crime manga it did not work at all for me here. Don't get me started on the femme fatale wife of the serial killer....a super cliche papercut doll albeit with beautiful eyes and lovely curves.
All in all this was somewhat entertaining with some very good pulp fiction writing but due to the incongruent and unbelievable psychologies was a bit of a bloody mess....pun intended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for an e-copy in exchange for my honest review. This book was released in April 2020.
Runner Up-2020 READ WHERE i WISH I WAS EDITOR AWARD
Some of this book is so very impressive.
The premise for one...rather than cop vs. serial killer that are both grey...these two are anti-heros but on the same side of coin. The serial killer only hunts down other criminals whose victims don't have justice.
The murders are extremely grisly and the plot is very well and logically plotted out. Reads like a film and so I am not surprised that the author is a screenwriter.
However and a very big however is this....
The psychologies of the cop and serial-killer were quirky but not quirky interesting but quirky unbelievable and although this might have worked in a crime manga it did not work at all for me here. Don't get me started on the femme fatale wife of the serial killer....a super cliche papercut doll albeit with beautiful eyes and lovely curves.
All in all this was somewhat entertaining with some very good pulp fiction writing but due to the incongruent and unbelievable psychologies was a bit of a bloody mess....pun intended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for an e-copy in exchange for my honest review. This book was released in April 2020.
May 15, 2020
Rain Will Come by Thomas Holgate is a first novel but the author’s writing experience of films and television movies and series shines through in this mystery. Paul Czarcik, a senior detective with the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement is investigating a double murder when he realizes that this crime shares similarities with the murder of a judge in Texas. This leads him to believe he is on the trail of a serial killer. His investigation will take him to other states in pursuit of the killer, in the hope of preventing future murders and trying to detect how he selects his victims. This murder mystery is fast-paced, the characters are well-developed and the storyline is original. Suspense increases with every page. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2020
Chicago, in itself, is a detective story.
Rain Will Come caught my attention for that very reason. Who wouldn't want to gravitate toward big time crime, a wayward aging detective, a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde serial killer, and some brutal goings on in the Windy City?
I would. I did. And now I'm not so sure.
Thomas Holgate lays out his main character of Detective Paul Czarcik like a beefy cut of Chicago's finest on a crusty roll. He's Old School, on the other side of fifty, and still drives around in a Crown Victoria. In his back pocket is a Blackberry relic and his coffee breaks consist of Cutty Sark and a line of cocaine now and then. He works for the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement and his boss is trying to get him to retire.
Czarcik is called up in the middle of the night to check out a double murder crime scene. One of the victims has a dead chicken around her neck. Not your usual murder attire. Czarcik is assigned to the case and soon finds a thread that will connect these deaths to someone on a crime spree that will make your jaw drop.
But here's where Holgate loses me. What starts out as a snarky detective story soon flips over to the burnt side of the road. He wades too deeply into the shock-and-awe of a psychological thriller that gets lost in graphic descriptors rather than with a well-honed storyline. It's the gore that he's after and he's obsessed with his views on timely social topics. I've read enough thrillers and horror genres to fill a Chicago warehouse. Nothing shocks me, but this will be a DNF to many, many readers when they arrive at this juncture in the story. Oh, so not necessary. Work on the potholes in this road, Holgate, and re-think the future of the great possibility you have in the character of Paul Czarcik.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Thomas Holgate for the opportunity.
Rain Will Come caught my attention for that very reason. Who wouldn't want to gravitate toward big time crime, a wayward aging detective, a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde serial killer, and some brutal goings on in the Windy City?
I would. I did. And now I'm not so sure.
Thomas Holgate lays out his main character of Detective Paul Czarcik like a beefy cut of Chicago's finest on a crusty roll. He's Old School, on the other side of fifty, and still drives around in a Crown Victoria. In his back pocket is a Blackberry relic and his coffee breaks consist of Cutty Sark and a line of cocaine now and then. He works for the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement and his boss is trying to get him to retire.
Czarcik is called up in the middle of the night to check out a double murder crime scene. One of the victims has a dead chicken around her neck. Not your usual murder attire. Czarcik is assigned to the case and soon finds a thread that will connect these deaths to someone on a crime spree that will make your jaw drop.
But here's where Holgate loses me. What starts out as a snarky detective story soon flips over to the burnt side of the road. He wades too deeply into the shock-and-awe of a psychological thriller that gets lost in graphic descriptors rather than with a well-honed storyline. It's the gore that he's after and he's obsessed with his views on timely social topics. I've read enough thrillers and horror genres to fill a Chicago warehouse. Nothing shocks me, but this will be a DNF to many, many readers when they arrive at this juncture in the story. Oh, so not necessary. Work on the potholes in this road, Holgate, and re-think the future of the great possibility you have in the character of Paul Czarcik.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Thomas Holgate for the opportunity.
September 11, 2019
4 stars
This was a pretty good twist on the whole "catch the serial killer" crime thriller as you know from the beginning who the killer is and it's more about the motivations of not only the killer, but the detective who has decided to pursue him. The detective himself is deeply flawed and works outside of the lines, but he still has a strong conviction of what true evil is. As the story develops, you find out some things about his own past as a rookie cop that helps you understand some of the conflicts that he's working through as he races to stop the killer. The victims of the serial killer add another dimension to this cat and mouse game as you have to decide whether they deserve what is happening to them. I found this book to be very interesting and well written, and was surprised to find out that this was a debut novel. Some of the violence in this book was a bit hard to read as it was fairly graphic, but I think it fit with the story. There was also an element of romance in this story that I'm still deciding if it was necessary/believable, but it did help wrap up the story at the end. In many ways, this book reminded me of film noir and I think it could make a very good movie, depending on how they handle the more graphic scenes. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book, and couldn't wait to find out how it would end. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good thriller/crime novel, doesn't mind a little bit of violence, and finds deeply flawed protagonists to be interesting. Because despite his faults, I did like Detective Czarcik.
Thanks to #NetGalley, #ThomasHolgate, and #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty good twist on the whole "catch the serial killer" crime thriller as you know from the beginning who the killer is and it's more about the motivations of not only the killer, but the detective who has decided to pursue him. The detective himself is deeply flawed and works outside of the lines, but he still has a strong conviction of what true evil is. As the story develops, you find out some things about his own past as a rookie cop that helps you understand some of the conflicts that he's working through as he races to stop the killer. The victims of the serial killer add another dimension to this cat and mouse game as you have to decide whether they deserve what is happening to them. I found this book to be very interesting and well written, and was surprised to find out that this was a debut novel. Some of the violence in this book was a bit hard to read as it was fairly graphic, but I think it fit with the story. There was also an element of romance in this story that I'm still deciding if it was necessary/believable, but it did help wrap up the story at the end. In many ways, this book reminded me of film noir and I think it could make a very good movie, depending on how they handle the more graphic scenes. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book, and couldn't wait to find out how it would end. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good thriller/crime novel, doesn't mind a little bit of violence, and finds deeply flawed protagonists to be interesting. Because despite his faults, I did like Detective Czarcik.
Thanks to #NetGalley, #ThomasHolgate, and #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Paul Czarcik is the Detective trying to find a vicious serial killer. They've already killed two people. The serial killer is a vigilante, out to get justice for people who can't get it for themselves. Paul isn't your average Detective. He drinks, takes drugs and hires escorts just to talk to them. He's also near the end of his career. The vigilante killer is dying and wants to revenge on some people before he dies.
This story is told from the serial killer and Paul Czarcik point of view. Paul works for the Bureau of Judicial Enforcement. The book is quite graphic so this might not be suitable for some readers. The pace is fast ut I did not like any of the characters. There was something addictive about the story though. A good cat and mouse chase thriller thats well written. Really good debut novel. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK Cornerstone and the author Thomas Holgate for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
Paul Czarcik is the Detective trying to find a vicious serial killer. They've already killed two people. The serial killer is a vigilante, out to get justice for people who can't get it for themselves. Paul isn't your average Detective. He drinks, takes drugs and hires escorts just to talk to them. He's also near the end of his career. The vigilante killer is dying and wants to revenge on some people before he dies.
This story is told from the serial killer and Paul Czarcik point of view. Paul works for the Bureau of Judicial Enforcement. The book is quite graphic so this might not be suitable for some readers. The pace is fast ut I did not like any of the characters. There was something addictive about the story though. A good cat and mouse chase thriller thats well written. Really good debut novel. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK Cornerstone and the author Thomas Holgate for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
May 9, 2020
"Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets."
"Made my point? Come on, Detective. Must we continue this charade? We both know I have no point to make. That's why you find me so infuriating." He jacked his thumb at the priest. "And why I'm so dangerous to monsters like these. I'm not a product of some childhood trauma, whom you could stop if only you could get me to come to terms with my past. I don't have some psychosis that you can address with rational thought nor religious delusions to which you can appeal through the vagaries of faith. No, unfortunately for you -- and him,--and all of them--I just have an insatiable urge to punish those who deserve it."
"All of us are virtually powerless to change our natures. We can pretend anything we want, but in the end, we are who we are." Daniel motioned to the priest but continued talking to Czarcik. "Now what separates you and me from him, from that, is that our sense of right and wrong--moral and immoral--is stronger than our basest urges. We may think but we don't act. It's the difference between mad men and, well, men."
The thing that stands out in this book is that unlike other crime thrillers dealing with serial killers, the reader already knows who the killer is from the start. So the plot is not so much about Paul Czarick, a detective working for the Illinois Bureau of Criminal Justice, trying to figure out who the killer is, but trying to stay one step ahead of the killer to prevent him from killing his next target.
Paul is both brilliant and a rogue. He has a very unorthodox way of solving crimes and he requires his daily dosage of drink, drugs, cigarettes and conversations with prostitutes to get his detective juices flowing. He is the only person to connect two seemingly separate gruesome murders together as the work of one person which leads the killer in question, Daniel Langdon, to pay him a visit. Later, through his wife, Langdon basically hands over to Paul all the information about the murders he still has to commit and invites him to a game of 'Catch Me If You Can'.
Daniel Langdon is a vigilante of sorts who has taken it upon himself to become judge, jury and executioner to those people who under the garb of being respectable citizens, have crossed all limits of being vile. He is dying and feels that this is one way he can serve mankind...by removing a few people who are an insult to mankind and humanity. Although his idea of doling out justice is very bloody and gruesome, there is a perverse sense of satisfaction from reading about it because we know that those vile people deserve everything that Langdon puts them through. Even Paul who is hell bent on stopping Langdon, at one point begrudgingly envies Langdon his freedom to mete out justice the way he does. Even though both Paul and Langdon are at opposite ends of the justice line, we feel a sense of respect each have for the other.... in different circumstances, these two could have been great friends.
Fast paced and engrossing with well etched out characters, this is a brilliant debut by the author Thomas Holgate, who prior to this book has written for feature films and television shows. This book reads like it could be made into a good thriller movie. The only drawback for me was the ending because it felt very rushed and was anti-climactic.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author Thomas Holgate for the e-Arc of the book.
"Made my point? Come on, Detective. Must we continue this charade? We both know I have no point to make. That's why you find me so infuriating." He jacked his thumb at the priest. "And why I'm so dangerous to monsters like these. I'm not a product of some childhood trauma, whom you could stop if only you could get me to come to terms with my past. I don't have some psychosis that you can address with rational thought nor religious delusions to which you can appeal through the vagaries of faith. No, unfortunately for you -- and him,--and all of them--I just have an insatiable urge to punish those who deserve it."
"All of us are virtually powerless to change our natures. We can pretend anything we want, but in the end, we are who we are." Daniel motioned to the priest but continued talking to Czarcik. "Now what separates you and me from him, from that, is that our sense of right and wrong--moral and immoral--is stronger than our basest urges. We may think but we don't act. It's the difference between mad men and, well, men."
The thing that stands out in this book is that unlike other crime thrillers dealing with serial killers, the reader already knows who the killer is from the start. So the plot is not so much about Paul Czarick, a detective working for the Illinois Bureau of Criminal Justice, trying to figure out who the killer is, but trying to stay one step ahead of the killer to prevent him from killing his next target.
Paul is both brilliant and a rogue. He has a very unorthodox way of solving crimes and he requires his daily dosage of drink, drugs, cigarettes and conversations with prostitutes to get his detective juices flowing. He is the only person to connect two seemingly separate gruesome murders together as the work of one person which leads the killer in question, Daniel Langdon, to pay him a visit. Later, through his wife, Langdon basically hands over to Paul all the information about the murders he still has to commit and invites him to a game of 'Catch Me If You Can'.
Daniel Langdon is a vigilante of sorts who has taken it upon himself to become judge, jury and executioner to those people who under the garb of being respectable citizens, have crossed all limits of being vile. He is dying and feels that this is one way he can serve mankind...by removing a few people who are an insult to mankind and humanity. Although his idea of doling out justice is very bloody and gruesome, there is a perverse sense of satisfaction from reading about it because we know that those vile people deserve everything that Langdon puts them through. Even Paul who is hell bent on stopping Langdon, at one point begrudgingly envies Langdon his freedom to mete out justice the way he does. Even though both Paul and Langdon are at opposite ends of the justice line, we feel a sense of respect each have for the other.... in different circumstances, these two could have been great friends.
Fast paced and engrossing with well etched out characters, this is a brilliant debut by the author Thomas Holgate, who prior to this book has written for feature films and television shows. This book reads like it could be made into a good thriller movie. The only drawback for me was the ending because it felt very rushed and was anti-climactic.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author Thomas Holgate for the e-Arc of the book.
March 8, 2020
Riveting!
"Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets...I'm that rain."
With nothing to lose a self made vigilante sets out to exact revenge on the perpetrators that hobbled, maimed, and abused their innocent victims, and got away with their crimes. It's up to Detective Czarcik to apprehend this vigilante, but does Czarcik really want that? After all, those monsters deserved what they got.
A tour de force of a novel. Five stars. Thanks to Amazon First Reads for an early copy of the book.
"Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets...I'm that rain."
With nothing to lose a self made vigilante sets out to exact revenge on the perpetrators that hobbled, maimed, and abused their innocent victims, and got away with their crimes. It's up to Detective Czarcik to apprehend this vigilante, but does Czarcik really want that? After all, those monsters deserved what they got.
A tour de force of a novel. Five stars. Thanks to Amazon First Reads for an early copy of the book.
August 7, 2020
Because I love this author's style so intensely, I considered giving this a five. But the ending was too much "closing a complete circle" for me. It was nearly a perfect, and rather original posit until that point. I wish he would have left it hanging in the air a tiny bit more.
I've only come across this motive for equations about 2 or 3 times before in my 65 plus years of reading. And I have always wondered why it isn't set as framing to more books in this genre. Which, is not only who-dun-it or mystery or copper/detective etc. at all. And more than psychological at that- but also primal character study. Especially with medicine being able to give the level of prognosis to so many people as realistically as it now does- post about 2010.
Well, this one I recommend. It is far, far from cozy. It's the opposite. But the darkness as vile, horrific and detailed as it is, is also seated within morality. And not the present day's which is relative morality and subjective everything. But in the kind of morality that has 10 Commandments, not 10 Suggestions. And for which evil of amorality could also be centered in revenge or payback in increasing retribution for "hurt".
It also holds foul language, and some succinct flashbacks to former eras (1985 is one). But other than a few weirdly placed (you'd think when you are reading them only) switches in "eyes"- it is generally chronological. And intense. This is one where I quite literally could not put it down. It was read all within one day despite 2 other appointments.
I believe it is his first and I'll read others for sure.
What I adored was the way he introduced and included 100's of timely details into every sentence or clause of speech. And not in the commercial or advertising meme way either (like a Stephen King does, for instance). But within this framework, Chicago especially- is vibrantly alive. And also geographically and nuance exact to the "flavor". And all the travel areas are bottom line JUST AS THEY ARE. And I've been to every single one, ironically. Even the Jimson of East Tennessee.
Also this was IMMENSELY retro in about 4 or 5 categories that I will not name. Find out for yourself. The "eyes" were not ones who suffer fools either, nor will there be "woke" offensive proclivities of ANY SORT. The more you know about the USA in its reality since 1950 or so- the better off you will be. Not what media and trending will tell you at all either in 2020. A miserable and vapidly negative and deluding attitude to past true history is so alive and well presently.
And it is NOT only Burma Shave or Wonder Bread sign variety either in flashback "memory" style for cutesy inclusion. Some of you who read that will not know what I've referencing in this sense. And age might not be the only factor in that either.
He's fabulous at locale feel. An absolute 5 or even 6 at it. Daniel was well done but just a bit too much a type of serial killer Comic character called The Avenger for my taste?
I sure know how to pronounce our seeker's last name.
If you have strong stomach and enjoy cat and mouse to the extreme- I recommend.
I've only come across this motive for equations about 2 or 3 times before in my 65 plus years of reading. And I have always wondered why it isn't set as framing to more books in this genre. Which, is not only who-dun-it or mystery or copper/detective etc. at all. And more than psychological at that- but also primal character study. Especially with medicine being able to give the level of prognosis to so many people as realistically as it now does- post about 2010.
Well, this one I recommend. It is far, far from cozy. It's the opposite. But the darkness as vile, horrific and detailed as it is, is also seated within morality. And not the present day's which is relative morality and subjective everything. But in the kind of morality that has 10 Commandments, not 10 Suggestions. And for which evil of amorality could also be centered in revenge or payback in increasing retribution for "hurt".
It also holds foul language, and some succinct flashbacks to former eras (1985 is one). But other than a few weirdly placed (you'd think when you are reading them only) switches in "eyes"- it is generally chronological. And intense. This is one where I quite literally could not put it down. It was read all within one day despite 2 other appointments.
I believe it is his first and I'll read others for sure.
What I adored was the way he introduced and included 100's of timely details into every sentence or clause of speech. And not in the commercial or advertising meme way either (like a Stephen King does, for instance). But within this framework, Chicago especially- is vibrantly alive. And also geographically and nuance exact to the "flavor". And all the travel areas are bottom line JUST AS THEY ARE. And I've been to every single one, ironically. Even the Jimson of East Tennessee.
Also this was IMMENSELY retro in about 4 or 5 categories that I will not name. Find out for yourself. The "eyes" were not ones who suffer fools either, nor will there be "woke" offensive proclivities of ANY SORT. The more you know about the USA in its reality since 1950 or so- the better off you will be. Not what media and trending will tell you at all either in 2020. A miserable and vapidly negative and deluding attitude to past true history is so alive and well presently.
And it is NOT only Burma Shave or Wonder Bread sign variety either in flashback "memory" style for cutesy inclusion. Some of you who read that will not know what I've referencing in this sense. And age might not be the only factor in that either.
He's fabulous at locale feel. An absolute 5 or even 6 at it. Daniel was well done but just a bit too much a type of serial killer Comic character called The Avenger for my taste?
I sure know how to pronounce our seeker's last name.
If you have strong stomach and enjoy cat and mouse to the extreme- I recommend.
April 1, 2020
Detective Paul Czarcik of the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement is not your usual detective. When he wants company, he hails an escort. No funny business, just some conversation, watch a movie. He also takes a smoke and a snort here and there. But he manages a daily regimen of weightlifting and running. He has a brain that never stops working, making him a huge asset to law enforcement. He's received multiple commendations and awards for his prowess in getting the bad guys.
Judge Jeral Robertson has been followed and chosen. Entering his empty house, he finds its not as empty as he thought. When he next awakes, he finds he's tied hands and feet to a kitchen chair. A young man is sitting there with a very ferocious looking knife ... ready to exact vengeance for a crime the judge committed .... and which the whole world watched as he did it.
Closer to home, a woman is beat to death and her headless husband is in another room. Looks like he's been tortured, covered in cigarette burns. Were they also chosen for their crimes? Why does the crime scene look staged?
And the bodies keep falling .....
These slayings aren't the open-and-shut case of urban crime he’s used to. This killer is inviting Czarcik to a game of catch me if you can ... while he goes on a country - wide killing spree. Nothing—not the killer, the victims, or the rules—is what it seems in this bloody game of cat and mouse.
Although previously published under another name, this one is his first novel. It's well written with surprising twists and turns. It's action packed with riveting characters .. a true page turner. The ending came as quite a shocker.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Judge Jeral Robertson has been followed and chosen. Entering his empty house, he finds its not as empty as he thought. When he next awakes, he finds he's tied hands and feet to a kitchen chair. A young man is sitting there with a very ferocious looking knife ... ready to exact vengeance for a crime the judge committed .... and which the whole world watched as he did it.
Closer to home, a woman is beat to death and her headless husband is in another room. Looks like he's been tortured, covered in cigarette burns. Were they also chosen for their crimes? Why does the crime scene look staged?
And the bodies keep falling .....
These slayings aren't the open-and-shut case of urban crime he’s used to. This killer is inviting Czarcik to a game of catch me if you can ... while he goes on a country - wide killing spree. Nothing—not the killer, the victims, or the rules—is what it seems in this bloody game of cat and mouse.
Although previously published under another name, this one is his first novel. It's well written with surprising twists and turns. It's action packed with riveting characters .. a true page turner. The ending came as quite a shocker.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 6, 2020
JUST RELEASED April 01, 2020!
Thank you to Netgalley as well as Thomas & Mercer for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WOW!! I must say that I am thoroughly impressed, and a debut novel at that! Thomas Holgate is really going to go places if he continues to write with such intensity.
“What you should be asking yourself is, how much pain can I endure?”
Meet—Detective Paul Czarcik, a brash, outspoken member of the BJE ( Bureau of Judicial Enforcement)- an organization with a single obligation— “ To get shit done.” Czarcik is far from innocent, even further from admirable and what some might call a crooked cop. He likes his escorts, his cigars, his coke and rarely abides by the rules. But, he goes above and beyond his call of duty and doesn’t care what measures he has to go to in order to get the bad guy.
However, what if the killer isn’t really the one who’s TRULY to blame, what if these so -called victims had it coming to them? Dare I say—- that they deserved everything that happened to them? If the murderer was taking out people that were the scum of the earth, men and women that just barely escaped jail sentences, or have shown no remorse for the gruesome acts that they’ve committed—how fast should you really chase him? Doesn’t a little part of you WANT him to keep killing? Do you know what it’s like to empathize with an estranged psychopath?
Headless bodies, death involving poultry, hacksaws, cigarette burns, insides on the outside, skinned alive— you name it, you’re in for it! “ [ He ] didn’t want him to die. He wanted him to live. To live and to suffer. Paralyzed. For the rest of his natural life.”
Different parts of this book reminded me of a few different things that I have either watched or read in the past. For instance The killer has a mindset similar to “ The Jigsaw Killer” in the Saw movies as well as could be comparable to “Dexter” in the tv series, but the vibe of the story is more gory and haunting like the movie “ Seven.” When it comes to writing style, I would compare it to Karin Slaughter or Jack Ketchum. While these are some examples of my favorite narratives all rolled into one frightening book, I can assure you that it is not for the faint of heart. The truth is, you just might not have the stomach for it. You’ve been warned.
“ It was easy to forget that the THING in the photograph had once been a living, breathing person.”
Everything really ties together in the end and I actually had a smile on my face when I was done. I hope that this becomes a series, it would be nice to go more into depth with the character Sal Cicci.
5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley as well as Thomas & Mercer for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WOW!! I must say that I am thoroughly impressed, and a debut novel at that! Thomas Holgate is really going to go places if he continues to write with such intensity.
“What you should be asking yourself is, how much pain can I endure?”
Meet—Detective Paul Czarcik, a brash, outspoken member of the BJE ( Bureau of Judicial Enforcement)- an organization with a single obligation— “ To get shit done.” Czarcik is far from innocent, even further from admirable and what some might call a crooked cop. He likes his escorts, his cigars, his coke and rarely abides by the rules. But, he goes above and beyond his call of duty and doesn’t care what measures he has to go to in order to get the bad guy.
However, what if the killer isn’t really the one who’s TRULY to blame, what if these so -called victims had it coming to them? Dare I say—- that they deserved everything that happened to them? If the murderer was taking out people that were the scum of the earth, men and women that just barely escaped jail sentences, or have shown no remorse for the gruesome acts that they’ve committed—how fast should you really chase him? Doesn’t a little part of you WANT him to keep killing? Do you know what it’s like to empathize with an estranged psychopath?
Headless bodies, death involving poultry, hacksaws, cigarette burns, insides on the outside, skinned alive— you name it, you’re in for it! “ [ He ] didn’t want him to die. He wanted him to live. To live and to suffer. Paralyzed. For the rest of his natural life.”
Different parts of this book reminded me of a few different things that I have either watched or read in the past. For instance The killer has a mindset similar to “ The Jigsaw Killer” in the Saw movies as well as could be comparable to “Dexter” in the tv series, but the vibe of the story is more gory and haunting like the movie “ Seven.” When it comes to writing style, I would compare it to Karin Slaughter or Jack Ketchum. While these are some examples of my favorite narratives all rolled into one frightening book, I can assure you that it is not for the faint of heart. The truth is, you just might not have the stomach for it. You’ve been warned.
“ It was easy to forget that the THING in the photograph had once been a living, breathing person.”
Everything really ties together in the end and I actually had a smile on my face when I was done. I hope that this becomes a series, it would be nice to go more into depth with the character Sal Cicci.
5 stars!
March 8, 2020
Virtually every character in this fast-paced game of cat-and-mouse between a serial killer and the longest-tenured detective in the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement is seriously flawed. Killer Daniel Longdon, a self-ascribed avenger of injustice, is dying of a glioblastoma and hoping to get to the last person on his hit list before the tumor gets him. Detective Paul Czarcik, a basically good cop, struggles with injustice as well; but his method of dealing with it is through smoking, alcohol and, in a pinch, snorting drugs. On the other hand, he tends to experience real physical reactions to certain words and phrases (perhaps as a result of his drug habit, perhaps not) that turn out to be helpful investigative clues.
Czarcik, who isn't on the best of terms with his superiors, is called to the scene of a double homicide in which the male victim's head is missing. Sensing that the scene may have been somehow staged, he notices a clue he suspects may tie in with a previous case - and turns out he's right. But when a man confesses to the double homicide, the police powers-that-be are satisfied and want the investigation to go away; not so Czarcik, who's certain this is the work of a serial killer who isn't likely to stop. Off he goes on his own, then, to get to the truth.
Along the way, he gets help from an unlikely - and potentially untrustworthy - source. Readers, meanwhile, get a glimpse of what's in the killer's mind (besides the tumor) through interspersed chapters that shift to his perspective. All told, it's an exciting - and for whom it may make a difference - and fairly gory game of who will win the chase that's being played out in both psychological and physical ways; can Czarcik out-think Longdon and track him down before Longdon does the same to him?
Overall, it's entertaining and well worth reading, and I'm looking forward to the next one. But note to myself: next time, be sure to check the stack of pre-release review books from publishers before coughing up a couple of bucks for an Amazon First Reads book that turns out to be already in said stack from NetGalley!
Czarcik, who isn't on the best of terms with his superiors, is called to the scene of a double homicide in which the male victim's head is missing. Sensing that the scene may have been somehow staged, he notices a clue he suspects may tie in with a previous case - and turns out he's right. But when a man confesses to the double homicide, the police powers-that-be are satisfied and want the investigation to go away; not so Czarcik, who's certain this is the work of a serial killer who isn't likely to stop. Off he goes on his own, then, to get to the truth.
Along the way, he gets help from an unlikely - and potentially untrustworthy - source. Readers, meanwhile, get a glimpse of what's in the killer's mind (besides the tumor) through interspersed chapters that shift to his perspective. All told, it's an exciting - and for whom it may make a difference - and fairly gory game of who will win the chase that's being played out in both psychological and physical ways; can Czarcik out-think Longdon and track him down before Longdon does the same to him?
Overall, it's entertaining and well worth reading, and I'm looking forward to the next one. But note to myself: next time, be sure to check the stack of pre-release review books from publishers before coughing up a couple of bucks for an Amazon First Reads book that turns out to be already in said stack from NetGalley!
June 30, 2019
There are many crimes which are so heinous that we imagine killing the perpetrator. However, we don’t do it because it is not morally acceptable. But how many times do we read about a criminal who got what he/she deserved and did an internal victory fist pump. Now imagine being the detective responsible for apprehending someone, who to us, deserves a medal. Paul Czarcik is that detective.
Rain Will Come makes us ask ourselves some tough questions:
Is it wrong to rejoice when evil people experience what they inflicted on their victims? Does it make you just as evil as them to find pleasure in their suffering?
Daniel Langdon decided to become an avenging angel and he did it with as much blood, gore and pain as possible. How much wrongs can he make right in his own twisted way before Detective Czarcik catches up?
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The writing was excellent. The author was very adept at descriptions without being too wordy. The story flowed and the action was tight. Even the love story within was perfectly placed so the focus was not taken away from the main gist of the story. The only thing I disliked was his misconception about tattoos and members of unsavory societies. I saw that this is the author's first book and in that case, I would definitely read more of his work.
However, a word of warning: If you are squeamish, you probably should not try this book. Mr Holgate spared no details when describing the blood and gore present at the murder scenes.
Rain Will Come makes us ask ourselves some tough questions:
Is it wrong to rejoice when evil people experience what they inflicted on their victims? Does it make you just as evil as them to find pleasure in their suffering?
Daniel Langdon decided to become an avenging angel and he did it with as much blood, gore and pain as possible. How much wrongs can he make right in his own twisted way before Detective Czarcik catches up?
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The writing was excellent. The author was very adept at descriptions without being too wordy. The story flowed and the action was tight. Even the love story within was perfectly placed so the focus was not taken away from the main gist of the story. The only thing I disliked was his misconception about tattoos and members of unsavory societies. I saw that this is the author's first book and in that case, I would definitely read more of his work.
However, a word of warning: If you are squeamish, you probably should not try this book. Mr Holgate spared no details when describing the blood and gore present at the murder scenes.
March 7, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Paul Czarcik is the Detective trying to find a vicious serial,killer. They've already killed two people. The serial killer is a vigilante, out to get justice for people who can't get it for themselves. Paul is your average Detective. He drinks, takes drugs and hires escorts just to talk to them. He's also near the end of his career. The vigilante killer is dyijn5and wants revenge on some people before he dies.
This story is told from the serial killer and Paul Czarcik point of view. Paul works for the Bureau of Judicial Enforcement. The book is quite graphic so might not be suitable for some readers. The pace is fast but I did not like any of the characters. There was something addictive about the story though. A good cat and mouse thriller that's well written. A really good debut novel. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and the author Thomas Holgate for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Paul Czarcik is the Detective trying to find a vicious serial,killer. They've already killed two people. The serial killer is a vigilante, out to get justice for people who can't get it for themselves. Paul is your average Detective. He drinks, takes drugs and hires escorts just to talk to them. He's also near the end of his career. The vigilante killer is dyijn5and wants revenge on some people before he dies.
This story is told from the serial killer and Paul Czarcik point of view. Paul works for the Bureau of Judicial Enforcement. The book is quite graphic so might not be suitable for some readers. The pace is fast but I did not like any of the characters. There was something addictive about the story though. A good cat and mouse thriller that's well written. A really good debut novel. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and the author Thomas Holgate for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
So,we have a cat and mouse game between a detective named Paul and the serial killer, Daniel. And don't worry, we are told right away who the killer is and what he is doing all this for. Personally, I don't like it when authors do that,it takes away the suspense factor for me.
What this book does really well is that it messes with your head. You find yourself sympathizing with the killer. And so,on one hand you know that the victims deserved everything they got,but on the other hand you know that they did not. Quite a dilemma, right? It asks the question of morality, of humans playing God and judge and jury. The only thing is,I am not sure I liked the answer I received.
The characters were okay, I don't think you will find anything new. The detective is brooding, does drugs and orders escorts from time to time. The basic noir crime thriller protagonist.
2 things really didn't not work for me:the amount of gruesome violence and the writing style. The violence was just over the top in this one. And as for the writing, closer to the end it did improve, but at the beginning there were occasional cheesy lines and weird tangents that I didn't care for.
I decided on giving Rain Will Come 3 stars. The story itself and the moral dilemma of it I enjoyed very much, what I didn't enjoy as much was the execution.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What this book does really well is that it messes with your head. You find yourself sympathizing with the killer. And so,on one hand you know that the victims deserved everything they got,but on the other hand you know that they did not. Quite a dilemma, right? It asks the question of morality, of humans playing God and judge and jury. The only thing is,I am not sure I liked the answer I received.
The characters were okay, I don't think you will find anything new. The detective is brooding, does drugs and orders escorts from time to time. The basic noir crime thriller protagonist.
2 things really didn't not work for me:the amount of gruesome violence and the writing style. The violence was just over the top in this one. And as for the writing, closer to the end it did improve, but at the beginning there were occasional cheesy lines and weird tangents that I didn't care for.
I decided on giving Rain Will Come 3 stars. The story itself and the moral dilemma of it I enjoyed very much, what I didn't enjoy as much was the execution.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2019
The title for this very good debut novel comes from a movie... and describes exactly what is happening in this story. Or should be happening.
Main character Paul Czarcik reminded me a little of Harry Hole, one of my favorites in the genre 'unhappy persons'. Paul is so deeply unhappy you want to keep reading to find out why this is. In the mean time, you also want to keep reading because from the beginning, the killer is known to us and that Paul is going to catch him is obvious. But how and when?
Thomas Holgate will tell you how and when and he does it with flourish. I hope this is the start of an interesting series.
Many thanks to Netgally for this digital review copy.
Main character Paul Czarcik reminded me a little of Harry Hole, one of my favorites in the genre 'unhappy persons'. Paul is so deeply unhappy you want to keep reading to find out why this is. In the mean time, you also want to keep reading because from the beginning, the killer is known to us and that Paul is going to catch him is obvious. But how and when?
Thomas Holgate will tell you how and when and he does it with flourish. I hope this is the start of an interesting series.
Many thanks to Netgally for this digital review copy.
June 23, 2019
The first words that came to mind when I start reading this book were dark and seedy. The main character is so deeply flawed, yet in the beginning, you really don't know why. As a seasoned Detective with Chicago PD, he spends his days drinking and spending his free time in the company of call girls, "just to talk". This is his life, until a string of grisly murders forces him to hunt for a killer, hell bent of achieving his own ghoulish goals before it's too late.
I found the writing in this book to very descriptive and if you enjoy cop dramas like Bosch or Dexter, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. It certainly kept my attention and, while there really wasn't much of a twist (as a seasoned thriller reader, you'll spot it coming), you are entwined with the characters and compelled to finish This book is not for the faint of heart and is extremely descriptive in the way the killer maims and tortures his victims. I didn't find it overly done and thought it fit in well with the story. What I didn't love, was the romance, which really felt unnecessary and contrived. As someone who tries to put myself in the characters shoes, I just had a hard time finding the romantic element believable.
Overall, I would recommend this book and found it thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review.
I found the writing in this book to very descriptive and if you enjoy cop dramas like Bosch or Dexter, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. It certainly kept my attention and, while there really wasn't much of a twist (as a seasoned thriller reader, you'll spot it coming), you are entwined with the characters and compelled to finish This book is not for the faint of heart and is extremely descriptive in the way the killer maims and tortures his victims. I didn't find it overly done and thought it fit in well with the story. What I didn't love, was the romance, which really felt unnecessary and contrived. As someone who tries to put myself in the characters shoes, I just had a hard time finding the romantic element believable.
Overall, I would recommend this book and found it thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review.
October 23, 2019
Unfortunately, I’m throwing in the towel. I have been attempting to finish this book for a month now and
I just can’t.
I DNF at 44%.
I was really thrilled to read this book considering it’s a debut from this author. The book wasn’t bad per se but there were a lot of factors that irritated me and I just did not contain the desire to continue with it.
I felt like there was an over abundance of details... and details are GREAT but in this book, the author was telling more instead of showing. And because of this, the flow of the book felt a bit stalled. Also... what the hell is up with the main character?! He’s such a cliche. Big city detective with a side of cynic that has a penchant for illegal activities. He arrests people for the same crap he imbibes in. It’s stupid. He’s a ‘wildcard’ who takes no for an answer and does whatever he wants. It’s been overdone. I also didn’t appreciate the ignorant small town cop. All of this lacked originality.
The suspense factor was also not employed. We find out early in the beginning who the killer is and why he is killing. That ruined the effect for me, compete with the fact that he wasn’t very capable just like our good detective.
I wanted to like this book. I tried. I really really tried but my TBR was piling up and I just couldn’t do it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this digital ARC!
I was really thrilled to read this book considering it’s a debut from this author. The book wasn’t bad per se but there were a lot of factors that irritated me and I just did not contain the desire to continue with it.
I felt like there was an over abundance of details... and details are GREAT but in this book, the author was telling more instead of showing. And because of this, the flow of the book felt a bit stalled. Also... what the hell is up with the main character?! He’s such a cliche. Big city detective with a side of cynic that has a penchant for illegal activities. He arrests people for the same crap he imbibes in. It’s stupid. He’s a ‘wildcard’ who takes no for an answer and does whatever he wants. It’s been overdone. I also didn’t appreciate the ignorant small town cop. All of this lacked originality.
The suspense factor was also not employed. We find out early in the beginning who the killer is and why he is killing. That ruined the effect for me, compete with the fact that he wasn’t very capable just like our good detective.
I wanted to like this book. I tried. I really really tried but my TBR was piling up and I just couldn’t do it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this digital ARC!
May 23, 2020
I'm on a bit of a hot streak at the moment, it seems like quite a while since I had to give a poor review.
This one was a gamble, I was a bit ambiguous based on the cover blurb - it could easily have been just a jumble of clichés. Happily, though, it works, even if the damaged and grizzled detective has been a little overdone in recent years. The difference here is that Czarcik is completely at ease with his vices and frailties, but doesn't let them stop him being a good detective. They have led to him being sidelined, though, away from the front line of Chicago PD to a rag-tag law enforcement division which seems to have been created for cops like him, too good to let go but too bad to keep in house.
What looks like a straightforward murder strikes a chord with Czarcik's instincts, and acting on those instincts he puts together a serial killing spree and sets out to stop it. Unusually for a cop-killer story, he finds out who the murderer is relatively early, and then it becomes all about the chase, and about the moral dilemma of victims who may be as bad or worse then their killer.
The pursuit, the plot twists and the characters themselves all make this a worthy read. This is apparently the author's first novel, and I certainly hope it won't be his last. Well thought out and expertly written, I can recommend this to any reader of crime thrillers / procedurals.
This one was a gamble, I was a bit ambiguous based on the cover blurb - it could easily have been just a jumble of clichés. Happily, though, it works, even if the damaged and grizzled detective has been a little overdone in recent years. The difference here is that Czarcik is completely at ease with his vices and frailties, but doesn't let them stop him being a good detective. They have led to him being sidelined, though, away from the front line of Chicago PD to a rag-tag law enforcement division which seems to have been created for cops like him, too good to let go but too bad to keep in house.
What looks like a straightforward murder strikes a chord with Czarcik's instincts, and acting on those instincts he puts together a serial killing spree and sets out to stop it. Unusually for a cop-killer story, he finds out who the murderer is relatively early, and then it becomes all about the chase, and about the moral dilemma of victims who may be as bad or worse then their killer.
The pursuit, the plot twists and the characters themselves all make this a worthy read. This is apparently the author's first novel, and I certainly hope it won't be his last. Well thought out and expertly written, I can recommend this to any reader of crime thrillers / procedurals.
August 27, 2019
Rain Will Come provides an alternative twist on cat & mouse, detective vs serial killer. The relationship which builds between the two really stands out and a few chance (or not so chance) encounters in-between gives a quick thrill.
Detective Czarcik a man with many vices, makes it his mission to bring down a new serial killer, the difficult part about the case - is the killer in the wrong? Both men are at the end of their lives, one literally and one figuratively, and determined to complete their final tasks.
Oddly, my favourite character was the killer, Daniel. Holgate did a very good job explaining the justifications of Daniels crime and you feel yourself almost cheering him on in hope that he will succeed.
This uncomplicated, easy read would be a perfect holiday book. With a mix of love and crime the book should appeal to many.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Detective Czarcik a man with many vices, makes it his mission to bring down a new serial killer, the difficult part about the case - is the killer in the wrong? Both men are at the end of their lives, one literally and one figuratively, and determined to complete their final tasks.
Oddly, my favourite character was the killer, Daniel. Holgate did a very good job explaining the justifications of Daniels crime and you feel yourself almost cheering him on in hope that he will succeed.
This uncomplicated, easy read would be a perfect holiday book. With a mix of love and crime the book should appeal to many.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
May 4, 2020
Enjoyed this book which appears to be a debut book from a new author. Set in Chicago, the plot is a damaged mix of police procedure and serial killer cat and mouse. I enjoy damaged characters in books especially when they have a purpose but this book had some counterbalance for that theme. It definitely kept my interest along the way and I would read another installment for sure. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book!!!
November 2, 2019
This was a tough book to review, while I enjoyed the overall storyline and was gripped to the book, I struggled in a lot of places with the similarities between the two main characters, so much so I was convinced they was the same person at times.
It was gruesome in places and more graphic than had expected.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was gruesome in places and more graphic than had expected.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2020
I really tried, but DNF at 16%. Shallow writing throughout. The main character detective is simply a hodge podge of every machismo detective stereotype you've ever seen overdone in 1980's tv and cinema. The story is full of gruesome detail which would be fine if it contributed to the story. It doesn't. Killer is given away shortly after first murder. The detective has a special ability he calls "the Rush": an adrenaline-fueled sense of truth that he gets, inspired by random words that lead him to solve crimes. Or maybe it's just the cocaine. As a result, there is nothing for the reader to discover. There are no clues that this "detective" uses to solve the crime, at least in the first portion of the book. It's all based on a hunch, egocentricity, and hanging out with escorts who are baffled about earning $500 to talk to the guy. Hard pass.
August 12, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Seeing that I received the book through Netgalley made me really happy, because the blurb got me curious! The book has a ton of ratings and gets around 4 stars, so I was hoping this would be a good thriller. As you can see I finished it in 3 days, and that's always something good, because I can't read that fast if I don't like a book.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
If you love mystery/thrillers you are in for a treat. This book is a real page-turner and I'm sure you'll be hooked in no time, not able to put the book away. Make sure you'll be able to handle gruesome details and before you know it you'll be rooting for the killer...
Seeing that I received the book through Netgalley made me really happy, because the blurb got me curious! The book has a ton of ratings and gets around 4 stars, so I was hoping this would be a good thriller. As you can see I finished it in 3 days, and that's always something good, because I can't read that fast if I don't like a book.
A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
If you love mystery/thrillers you are in for a treat. This book is a real page-turner and I'm sure you'll be hooked in no time, not able to put the book away. Make sure you'll be able to handle gruesome details and before you know it you'll be rooting for the killer...
February 9, 2021
"Avenging angels serial killer stays one step ahead of a rather loathsome detective from the Illinois Bureau of Justice who despite having the killers targets, remains a dollar short and a day late. I hung in for the resolution but this is one of those books where I pretty much hated every character in it. Way too dark IMHO.....
June 5, 2019
Absolutely, most definitely recommend! Fast-paced, hooked from the beginning!! Read in just a few hours. Great debut ... Can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you #netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer for the eARC.
July 16, 2019
Thank you #netgalley for the eARC!
This is a remarkable debut novel for Holgate. It was very fast pace and kept me hooked. It transitioned seamlessly and was easy to read.
This is a remarkable debut novel for Holgate. It was very fast pace and kept me hooked. It transitioned seamlessly and was easy to read.
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