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Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian #4-6
Joey Mancuso Mysteries: Volumes 4 - 6
BOOK 4 -THEIR DAUGHTER GOES MISSING AND THEY DON'T CALL THE COPS? THAT’S ONE OF MANY…
…intriguing mysteries deliciously and intricately layered in these pages. Layer upon layer, twist upon twist, secret upon secret, this is a case tailor-made for a Sherlock Holmes devotee like private investigator Joey Mancuso. From the beginning, there’s just something funny about parents who didn’t report a missing student right away, and days later still want no police.
Hold it here! This is their beloved daughter, last seen leaving for a date. Why wouldn’t they want as much firepower as they can get? Because they know too much, that’s why—and Owen Parr’s clever detective senses that. Joey’s first job’s to save the girl, but no way he’s going to stop there. The scrappy PI and ex-cop’s going to get answers if it kills him.
A lot of the fun is in the clever Russian doll structure of a puzzle wrapped in a mystery, each discovery leading to a bigger and more surprising twist, but it wouldn't be half as delightful without the loveable series ensemble author Parr has assembled. The usual suspects are here—Marcy, Joey’s new wife and favorite FBI agent; researcher Agnes, who goes to Father Dom’s Mass every morning, presumably to repent for her shameless hacking; and Mr. Pat, gentle giant bartender-turned-detective. There’s also a welcome new addition—a professor who’s as close as you’re ever going to get to Indiana Jones.
BOOK 5 -AT 16, HE SAW HIS DAD GUNNED DOWN. NOW HE HAS A CHANCE TO FIND THE KILLER,,,
PI Joey Mancuso was just a kid when he watched a stranger walk into a Little Italy bar, shoot his mobster dad in the chest, and calmly walk back out, disappearing into the Manhattan din. The murder was never solved. And the old mob adage “an eye for an eye” went unfulfilled.
But now, at death’s door, infamous mobster Tony the Hammer summons Joey and utters three mysterious words: “Wetherly Stevens, Barcelona.” Joey has no doubt he’s just been told how to find his father’s killer.
From tantalizing tapas near La Sagrada Familia to bourbon-soaked pulled pork sandwiches at a South Carolina B&B, murder couldn’t get any more flavorful—or more personal.
Perhaps retired partner Alexander Wetherly has answers. Next stop: Hilton Head, where Wetherly is happily ensconced with a houseful of help serving up bottomless Arnold Palmers. But a peaceful Q&A on quaint Daufuskie Island turns murderous when the elderly gentleman who runs Joey’s B&B winds up stabbed to death. And this isn’t the first murder of its kind—it seems Daufuskie Island has a grisly and deeply-seated cold case all its own.
With the help of his cohorts—including Father Dom and a talented hacker (their researcher, Agnes)-- Joey meticulously puts together the pieces of two puzzles at once—and scrutinizes the connections between them—hoping to solve his father’s murder while preventing another from haunting the Carolina shores.
BOOK 6 -THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. As the men around her are dropping like flies
In his sixth labyrinthine hard-boiled puzzler, NYC private eye Joey Mancuso finds himself neck-deep in a maze of a murder mystery—the kind that weaves through military secrets and international espionage—at the center of which is the woman he loves. The vic, Oscar Stanton (name etched into his designer trousers), was gunned down in Washington Square Park in broad daylight, just after a lunchtime rendezvous with a business associate. A quick and dirty ID reveals the real Oscar Stanton was working in cybersecurities for the DOD—and, perhaps unsurprisingly, was KIA in Afghanistan. And since Mancuso’s antics tend to weave a winding yarn as intricately-connected as a satisfying Sherlock Holmes.
…intriguing mysteries deliciously and intricately layered in these pages. Layer upon layer, twist upon twist, secret upon secret, this is a case tailor-made for a Sherlock Holmes devotee like private investigator Joey Mancuso. From the beginning, there’s just something funny about parents who didn’t report a missing student right away, and days later still want no police.
Hold it here! This is their beloved daughter, last seen leaving for a date. Why wouldn’t they want as much firepower as they can get? Because they know too much, that’s why—and Owen Parr’s clever detective senses that. Joey’s first job’s to save the girl, but no way he’s going to stop there. The scrappy PI and ex-cop’s going to get answers if it kills him.
A lot of the fun is in the clever Russian doll structure of a puzzle wrapped in a mystery, each discovery leading to a bigger and more surprising twist, but it wouldn't be half as delightful without the loveable series ensemble author Parr has assembled. The usual suspects are here—Marcy, Joey’s new wife and favorite FBI agent; researcher Agnes, who goes to Father Dom’s Mass every morning, presumably to repent for her shameless hacking; and Mr. Pat, gentle giant bartender-turned-detective. There’s also a welcome new addition—a professor who’s as close as you’re ever going to get to Indiana Jones.
BOOK 5 -AT 16, HE SAW HIS DAD GUNNED DOWN. NOW HE HAS A CHANCE TO FIND THE KILLER,,,
PI Joey Mancuso was just a kid when he watched a stranger walk into a Little Italy bar, shoot his mobster dad in the chest, and calmly walk back out, disappearing into the Manhattan din. The murder was never solved. And the old mob adage “an eye for an eye” went unfulfilled.
But now, at death’s door, infamous mobster Tony the Hammer summons Joey and utters three mysterious words: “Wetherly Stevens, Barcelona.” Joey has no doubt he’s just been told how to find his father’s killer.
From tantalizing tapas near La Sagrada Familia to bourbon-soaked pulled pork sandwiches at a South Carolina B&B, murder couldn’t get any more flavorful—or more personal.
Perhaps retired partner Alexander Wetherly has answers. Next stop: Hilton Head, where Wetherly is happily ensconced with a houseful of help serving up bottomless Arnold Palmers. But a peaceful Q&A on quaint Daufuskie Island turns murderous when the elderly gentleman who runs Joey’s B&B winds up stabbed to death. And this isn’t the first murder of its kind—it seems Daufuskie Island has a grisly and deeply-seated cold case all its own.
With the help of his cohorts—including Father Dom and a talented hacker (their researcher, Agnes)-- Joey meticulously puts together the pieces of two puzzles at once—and scrutinizes the connections between them—hoping to solve his father’s murder while preventing another from haunting the Carolina shores.
BOOK 6 -THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. As the men around her are dropping like flies
In his sixth labyrinthine hard-boiled puzzler, NYC private eye Joey Mancuso finds himself neck-deep in a maze of a murder mystery—the kind that weaves through military secrets and international espionage—at the center of which is the woman he loves. The vic, Oscar Stanton (name etched into his designer trousers), was gunned down in Washington Square Park in broad daylight, just after a lunchtime rendezvous with a business associate. A quick and dirty ID reveals the real Oscar Stanton was working in cybersecurities for the DOD—and, perhaps unsurprisingly, was KIA in Afghanistan. And since Mancuso’s antics tend to weave a winding yarn as intricately-connected as a satisfying Sherlock Holmes.
- GenresMystery
686 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2020
300 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Owen Parr
65 books103 followersOwen Parr is a celebrated author, having won numerous awards for his unique and creative writing style. He has received Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards from respected organizations such as Reader's Favorite and the International Book Reviewer and Award organization. He has also been recognized by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Crime Masters International, and New Apple Award organizations. Many of his crime mystery novels have topped Amazon's bestseller list, with several reaching the number one spot.
Parr's novels stand out due to their unique crime mystery plots, full of twists and turns that keep readers engaged and challenged. His descriptions of scenes and characters are clear and concise, immersing readers in the story and allowing them to visualize the characters and settings.
Since 2015, Parr has created several series of novels, starting with the John Powers - International Espionage and Intrigue trilogy, followed by the Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brien Crime Mysteries - twelve novels of riveting crime and murder mysteries. Finally, he has written the Jack Ryder Novellas - three crime and murder mysteries, in the style of Agatha Christie.
Regardless of which series you start with, you will find yourself wanting to read them all, as each one is a treat to experience.
In addition to being an author, Parr is also a wealth advisor and portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience with Wall Street firms. He draws inspiration from his work and uses his observations to craft compelling white-collar crime stories that often reveal the underbelly of Wall Street.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Parr's parents immigrated to the US soon after the communist takeover of the island. Although he started college seeking an electrical engineering degree, he switched to marketing and business after finding the former to be lacking in creativity.
You can find out more about Parr and his work at www.owenparr.com or by emailing him at owen@owenparr.com. Parr donates a portion of his royalties each month to organizations such as St. Jude Hospital, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Towers to Tunnel Foundation.
Parr's novels stand out due to their unique crime mystery plots, full of twists and turns that keep readers engaged and challenged. His descriptions of scenes and characters are clear and concise, immersing readers in the story and allowing them to visualize the characters and settings.
Since 2015, Parr has created several series of novels, starting with the John Powers - International Espionage and Intrigue trilogy, followed by the Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brien Crime Mysteries - twelve novels of riveting crime and murder mysteries. Finally, he has written the Jack Ryder Novellas - three crime and murder mysteries, in the style of Agatha Christie.
Regardless of which series you start with, you will find yourself wanting to read them all, as each one is a treat to experience.
In addition to being an author, Parr is also a wealth advisor and portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience with Wall Street firms. He draws inspiration from his work and uses his observations to craft compelling white-collar crime stories that often reveal the underbelly of Wall Street.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Parr's parents immigrated to the US soon after the communist takeover of the island. Although he started college seeking an electrical engineering degree, he switched to marketing and business after finding the former to be lacking in creativity.
You can find out more about Parr and his work at www.owenparr.com or by emailing him at owen@owenparr.com. Parr donates a portion of his royalties each month to organizations such as St. Jude Hospital, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Towers to Tunnel Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 31, 2020
Fascinating Series
This is a great series, with twisted plots, lots of drama, and a good smattering of humor. Joey Mancuso is a private detective who goes after each case like the proverbial dog with a fresh bone. He considers his client to be the victim, not the entity hiring him. His penchant for finding cases within cases usually results in chaos for his crack team of investigators, and criticism from his half-brother partner who just happens to be a priest.
My only criticism is that these books are in desperate need of a good proofreader/editor. Being one myself, I find it very distracting when I come across missing words, misspellings, punctuation errors and multiple homophones. I purchased the first set of three, and almost passed on the next three because of rampant errors. But, the stories were good enough that I persevered.
This is a great series, with twisted plots, lots of drama, and a good smattering of humor. Joey Mancuso is a private detective who goes after each case like the proverbial dog with a fresh bone. He considers his client to be the victim, not the entity hiring him. His penchant for finding cases within cases usually results in chaos for his crack team of investigators, and criticism from his half-brother partner who just happens to be a priest.
My only criticism is that these books are in desperate need of a good proofreader/editor. Being one myself, I find it very distracting when I come across missing words, misspellings, punctuation errors and multiple homophones. I purchased the first set of three, and almost passed on the next three because of rampant errors. But, the stories were good enough that I persevered.
October 6, 2020
This is a three-book volume. The first book has in interesting plot and characters and a body count that continues to rise to the end. It would benefit greatly from extensive editing to eliminate some of the extraneous text and correct the numerous grammatical errors.
The second book is similar to the first. It has an interesting plot and characters, some snappy dialogue, and a few plot twists. Unfortunately, it also has the same problems as the first book: grammatical errors, poor word choices, and odd sentence structures. This book would be much better with the work of a good editor.
The third book is in the same vein as the other two with one significant difference. It’s much better edited and has far fewer errors. That made reading the excellent story even more enjoyable.
The second book is similar to the first. It has an interesting plot and characters, some snappy dialogue, and a few plot twists. Unfortunately, it also has the same problems as the first book: grammatical errors, poor word choices, and odd sentence structures. This book would be much better with the work of a good editor.
The third book is in the same vein as the other two with one significant difference. It’s much better edited and has far fewer errors. That made reading the excellent story even more enjoyable.
January 25, 2021
4-6
I'm reviewing all 3 of these at once as boxset the Stories just kept going. Non stop action in all the books The 6th one was my favorite. Hardest part about writing reviews is not to write spoilers. All the books 1-6 are awesome be prepared not to get too much sleep you won't be able to put these books down
I'm reviewing all 3 of these at once as boxset the Stories just kept going. Non stop action in all the books The 6th one was my favorite. Hardest part about writing reviews is not to write spoilers. All the books 1-6 are awesome be prepared not to get too much sleep you won't be able to put these books down
April 26, 2021
Great books
These books are more than who done it. You think you know, but then the author goes further and solves more crimes. I really enjoyed the books. This author takes the mysteries further. Never read an author who does this and I really enjoyed each book immensely. Can't wait to read more. Thank you. Keep on writing!
These books are more than who done it. You think you know, but then the author goes further and solves more crimes. I really enjoyed the books. This author takes the mysteries further. Never read an author who does this and I really enjoyed each book immensely. Can't wait to read more. Thank you. Keep on writing!
February 5, 2023
The Joey Mancuso Mysteries, are a great read, full of action and suspense. However, the editting was absolutely woeful!
Some sentences didn't even make sense! and words that were used as past tense, were completely incorrect.
If the editting was done professionally, I would highly recommend this series to all mystery lovers.
Some sentences didn't even make sense! and words that were used as past tense, were completely incorrect.
If the editting was done professionally, I would highly recommend this series to all mystery lovers.
September 22, 2025
Plenty of Excitement, including Espionage!!
“The Abduction of Patient Zero”
What a read! Marcy is charged with a double murder and Joey is working to get her set free. Then Joey and his team are set to free Willie Garcia. Including all kinds of agencies, including the Chinese! Read this book! It’s excellent!!
“The Abduction of Patient Zero”
What a read! Marcy is charged with a double murder and Joey is working to get her set free. Then Joey and his team are set to free Willie Garcia. Including all kinds of agencies, including the Chinese! Read this book! It’s excellent!!
January 14, 2021
Good writing, smart investigators. It's so interesting to read how the investigators think and come up with solutions. Lots of actions in these stories. Some spooks, men in suits, that kind of stuff. Good read.
April 23, 2021
Clean suspenseful easy read. You'll want more
These were clean but provocative, suspenseful but in some cases, not often, predictable. All 4 knit together well. I wish Harry and Larry were more than fluff. Agnes is my hero
These were clean but provocative, suspenseful but in some cases, not often, predictable. All 4 knit together well. I wish Harry and Larry were more than fluff. Agnes is my hero
May 1, 2021
I'd say this is just standard Mancuso. That means that once you start, it's tough to lay it down.
The story lines are good, but to me, it's Joey's whole team that grabs and they won't let go of me.
Thanks Owen for a GREAT read.
The story lines are good, but to me, it's Joey's whole team that grabs and they won't let go of me.
Thanks Owen for a GREAT read.
May 22, 2022
Great mystery story!
I loved the characters, especially Mancuso! All of the characters were interesting and well developed. The plots were interesting and well developed too. There was the spice of the spies, the twists and turns of the plots! Just riveting!!!
I loved the characters, especially Mancuso! All of the characters were interesting and well developed. The plots were interesting and well developed too. There was the spice of the spies, the twists and turns of the plots! Just riveting!!!
July 8, 2022
Great box set
As always I love reading Manual stories. He is one of my favorite characters. His cases are always complicated but interesting. Love that he is somewhat of a thug with a good heart. Can't wait to read more!
As always I love reading Manual stories. He is one of my favorite characters. His cases are always complicated but interesting. Love that he is somewhat of a thug with a good heart. Can't wait to read more!
January 11, 2024
Fine
this book was easy to read before bed as the excitement of the storyline was minminal . The story was interesting enough to hold my attention but easy enough to out down when I became skeepy.
this book was easy to read before bed as the excitement of the storyline was minminal . The story was interesting enough to hold my attention but easy enough to out down when I became skeepy.
August 31, 2024
I really enjoyed the complexity of the Joey Macuso Crime Mysteries. So far I have read Volumes 1-6. All were fun and interesting themes and I appreciated that Joey's character evolved with the input of his brother and love interest. Very good!
August 8, 2025
I've read several of these books and find them very entertaining and hard to put down. I put Owen Paar in the same category as Patterson, Grisham, Sandford and Baldacci. I will read more of his work.
August 21, 2020
A fun read
I am in FL missing NYC. I enjoyed it vicariously reading these books. I think they should be adapted for tv!
I am in FL missing NYC. I enjoyed it vicariously reading these books. I think they should be adapted for tv!
August 22, 2020
Great read!
Definitely kept me glued to the book. Just couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
Definitely kept me glued to the book. Just couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
November 4, 2020
Book
Loved all three books. Such twists and turns make for good reading. I'll bee reading another one of these books shortly. Great job!
Loved all three books. Such twists and turns make for good reading. I'll bee reading another one of these books shortly. Great job!
April 5, 2021
Please see individual stories for review.
April 13, 2021
The books are fun to read....BUT please get a good proofreader. The grammar and punctuation errors are numerous. Has anyone proofread these? And Yes...it matters.
December 30, 2021
Have some fun!
Joey Mancuso is a great character
He is a tenacious, loving, caring, thoughtful risk taker. The mysteries are modern and alive. There is never a dull moment! Enjoy!
Joey Mancuso is a great character
He is a tenacious, loving, caring, thoughtful risk taker. The mysteries are modern and alive. There is never a dull moment! Enjoy!
May 16, 2022
Page turner
If you like detective stories, you'll enjoy this fast paced mystery. This series is very entertaining with many plot twists.
If you like detective stories, you'll enjoy this fast paced mystery. This series is very entertaining with many plot twists.
June 22, 2022
Interesting plots
April 22, 2023
Good
This the second set of three of Joey Mancuso mysteries I have read. The second story was the best of the three.
This the second set of three of Joey Mancuso mysteries I have read. The second story was the best of the three.
January 6, 2024
Three good books about a team of private investigators. There
Were several cases of words being transposed, so some editing is needed.
Were several cases of words being transposed, so some editing is needed.
January 17, 2024
story line
I enjoy the substance of the stories but hate that the author constantly repeats the backstory about the pub, etc.
I enjoy the substance of the stories but hate that the author constantly repeats the backstory about the pub, etc.
March 16, 2024
I have so enjoyed these mysteries that remind me of Mickey Spillane. Joey Mancuso is a detective with a great ability to see beyond the surface of situations to find the many layers of where the real truth lies. He has many fascinating friends and compatriots. I feel these books would make excellent film noir with all the shadows and nuances that would bring out the best in the stories. Joey likes, on occasion, to look back to Sherlock Holmes for an example of what a detective should do. He likes to gather his possible suspects and cover all the reasons they should be the culprit. These are very enjoyable books.
July 29, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed these books as they follow an unlikely set of private investigators that are headquartered in a bar that has been expanded to include an area for patrons to enjoy cigars. The characters are interesting, as are the circumstances they find themselves in- including a link to the mafia. The plots of these books keep your interest and have you flipping pages to see how it ends! (full disclosure- I like this series despite liking neither bars nor cigars....)
October 23, 2023
Holmes
Love, love, love reading Joey Mancuso books! Maybe all law enforcement/attorneys should study Sherlock Holmes if they act like Joey!!! On to # 7
Love, love, love reading Joey Mancuso books! Maybe all law enforcement/attorneys should study Sherlock Holmes if they act like Joey!!! On to # 7
October 2, 2021
A Mystery at its best
I have been reading the Joey Mancuso Mysteries for awhile. Each one pulls me in as a coconspirator. Owen Parr's writing is riveting.
Try one of the books and decide for yourself.
I have been reading the Joey Mancuso Mysteries for awhile. Each one pulls me in as a coconspirator. Owen Parr's writing is riveting.
Try one of the books and decide for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews