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Near Death
Is it possible to commit murder from beyond the grave?"See you on the other side, Preacher Man.”These are the last words of Joseph Hickey, a psychopath executed at Sing Sing prison for the murder of the Howell family in New York State.After giving the last rites and watching Hickey die, troubled prison chaplain John Henry Beauregard quits his job to start a new life in the Appalachian Mountains.Hickey's death should have been the end of the nightmare, but then another family is murdered in identical circumstances, and John Henry is called back to New York to give the last rites to the killer.As the killings continue, John Henry is drawn into a mystery with devastating consequences.Can John Henry stop the endless cycle of torment and solve the mystery before it is too late? Near Death is the second chilling novel from Richard Wall, author of the acclaimed Amazon #1 bestseller, Fat Man Blues. With troubled heroes and a terrifyingly unstoppable villain clashing in authentic 1960s America, Near Death is a book you will not be able to put down.
- GenresHorror
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2020
18 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wall
9 books25 followersHello,
I'm Richard Wall, author of the novels, Fat Man Blues, Near Death, and some other stuff.
My stories reflect my life-long fascination with the dark underbelly of American culture; be it tales of the Wild West, the simmering menace of the Deep South, the poetry of Charles Bukowski, or Langston Hughes, the writing of Andrew Vachss and John Steinbeck, or the music of Charley Patton, Son House, Johnny Cash, or Tom Waits.
I'm Richard Wall, author of the novels, Fat Man Blues, Near Death, and some other stuff.
My stories reflect my life-long fascination with the dark underbelly of American culture; be it tales of the Wild West, the simmering menace of the Deep South, the poetry of Charles Bukowski, or Langston Hughes, the writing of Andrew Vachss and John Steinbeck, or the music of Charley Patton, Son House, Johnny Cash, or Tom Waits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 12, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
This is a gritty and atmospheric story, following the journey of a priest struggling with his faith and an unredeemable killer who has the ability to return from the dead and continue killing.
John Henry Beauregard is a priest who served in Korea and still carries the mental scars of the scenes he witnessed there. Having to deal with a particularly malevolent murderer on death row picks at those particular scabs and after witnessing the execution of Joseph Hickey, he decides that he needs to make some changes in his life.
Of course, nothing’s that simple and as soon as he’s started to get his life on course, he’s called back to duty when another murder takes place and the killer asks for him by name. After that, it’s an investigation as to how this could be possible and how to stop a killer who won’t stay dead.
Set in the 1960s, this book also includes some insight into the racial relations at the time within New York and the Southern states which are not pretty. This snapshot of history, alongside the lasting trauma of the wars at the time, helps build the story into something you can really get your teeth into. It’s not just Hickey that’s inflicting evil on the world.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, though the clichés are pretty heavy on the ground, but Vinnie the lawyer is my absolute favourite. A lawyer with an absolutely foul mouth and no respect for authority, who relies on his skills to get what he wants rather than other people treating him fairly, he’s just brilliant.
I did have some issues with the multiple POV chapters, I did find it confusing at times to work out what was going on as facts were being deliberately withheld until later in the story which I find frustrating, but everything did become clear at the end.
This book is pretty graphic when it comes to scenes of brutal murder and execution, right down to the boiling eyeballs. Personally, I’m all for that but it’s worth going in prepared!
The story follows a reasonably predictable path but the characters and the step back in time is what makes it stand apart from similar stories – well worth a read.
This is a gritty and atmospheric story, following the journey of a priest struggling with his faith and an unredeemable killer who has the ability to return from the dead and continue killing.
John Henry Beauregard is a priest who served in Korea and still carries the mental scars of the scenes he witnessed there. Having to deal with a particularly malevolent murderer on death row picks at those particular scabs and after witnessing the execution of Joseph Hickey, he decides that he needs to make some changes in his life.
Of course, nothing’s that simple and as soon as he’s started to get his life on course, he’s called back to duty when another murder takes place and the killer asks for him by name. After that, it’s an investigation as to how this could be possible and how to stop a killer who won’t stay dead.
Set in the 1960s, this book also includes some insight into the racial relations at the time within New York and the Southern states which are not pretty. This snapshot of history, alongside the lasting trauma of the wars at the time, helps build the story into something you can really get your teeth into. It’s not just Hickey that’s inflicting evil on the world.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, though the clichés are pretty heavy on the ground, but Vinnie the lawyer is my absolute favourite. A lawyer with an absolutely foul mouth and no respect for authority, who relies on his skills to get what he wants rather than other people treating him fairly, he’s just brilliant.
I did have some issues with the multiple POV chapters, I did find it confusing at times to work out what was going on as facts were being deliberately withheld until later in the story which I find frustrating, but everything did become clear at the end.
This book is pretty graphic when it comes to scenes of brutal murder and execution, right down to the boiling eyeballs. Personally, I’m all for that but it’s worth going in prepared!
The story follows a reasonably predictable path but the characters and the step back in time is what makes it stand apart from similar stories – well worth a read.
January 10, 2023
Is it possible to commit murder from beyond the grave?
Sing Sing Prison, 1962. Joseph Hickey is executed for a series of gruesome murders. But what should be the end of the nightmare is only the beginning.
John Henry thought that by quitting his job as prison chaplain he could start a new life, but instead he finds himself pulled back again and again as the murders continue.
Can John Henry stop the endless cycle of torment and solve the mystery before it is too late?
This book was a slow burner but I am glad that I persevered through it because it turned out to be a pretty good read.
Hall has created a twisty, manipulative plot that dug its claws deep into my brain. I just couldn’t get the antagonist Joseph Hickey out of my head; with his sadistic mind games and persistent toying with John Henry all throughout the book. It gave me Green Mile meets The Shining vibes - Stephen King-esque in content but with Hall’s own original style. Filled with gruesome imagery and creepy occurrences this book is definitely going to keep you on edge.
This book was a slow burner but I am glad that I persevered through it because it turned out to be a pretty good read.
Hall has created a twisty, manipulative plot that dug its claws deep into my brain. I just couldn’t get the antagonist Joseph Hickey out of my head; with his sadistic mind games and persistent toying with John Henry all throughout the book. It gave me Green Mile meets The Shining vibes - Stephen King-esque in content but with Hall’s own original style. Filled with gruesome imagery and creepy occurrences this book is definitely going to keep you on edge.
August 5, 2021
NEAR DEATH is probably the best book I’ve read in a long time. It’s certainly the best one I’ve written… 😏
December 7, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Author Richard Wall for this ARC.
This was a gritty, action-packed thriller with a lot going on. The POV character is a chaplain from Sing Sing Correctional. It's set during the '60s in the Appalachian south. Some of the characters were a bit cliche but some of them were phenomenal. The core story of a serial killer who seems to come back after being executed through some sort of supernatural magic and inhabiting the bodies of other men so he can go back to New York and kill again is so intriguing and kept me glued. The first side story of the "Preacher Man's" cop friend and the NYPD was not my cup of tea and bored me, but I kept reading to find out what was going to happen with this nasty serial killer. And I'm glad I did.
If you don't mind some gruesome descriptions, you're going to love this book!
This was a gritty, action-packed thriller with a lot going on. The POV character is a chaplain from Sing Sing Correctional. It's set during the '60s in the Appalachian south. Some of the characters were a bit cliche but some of them were phenomenal. The core story of a serial killer who seems to come back after being executed through some sort of supernatural magic and inhabiting the bodies of other men so he can go back to New York and kill again is so intriguing and kept me glued. The first side story of the "Preacher Man's" cop friend and the NYPD was not my cup of tea and bored me, but I kept reading to find out what was going to happen with this nasty serial killer. And I'm glad I did.
If you don't mind some gruesome descriptions, you're going to love this book!
January 21, 2022
A reluctant priest and an unrepentant killer walk into a death chamber. The killer turns to the priest and says See Ya. The priest goes Nah, unlikely. The killer gets set up on the electric chair and fries like an egg. The priest walks away into the sunset. The end?
Not nearly.
Six months later the same sort of murders occurs and the man responsible seems to be possessed by the spirit of the dead killer and insistent on seeing the very same priest.
The priest who has since burned his collar and moved back to a remote ancestral cabin in the Carolinas to restore an old truck, court a local waitress and generally engage in all sorts of things Americana. And yet slowly at first and then with brutal violence he gets drawn back into the twisted games of a twisted mind of a killer who just won’t die.
That’s the book. Set in the early 1960s and rendered with the sort of near-fetishistic Americana obsession that only a man from a small town in England can muster up, it’s a very testosterone driven sort of story with primarily male protagonists of the tough, war-seasoned and life-leathered variety. They speak with either pronounced Southern or Nyu Yowk accents, they drink copious amounts of alcohol and process their PTSD on their own. Very, very tough individuals indeed.
On a randomly odd note, the book also tries to provide some sociopolitical commentary, which doesn’t quite fit the story but it certainly fits the times we live in, only it does so clumsily – from a heavy-handed stab at Catholic church sexual abuses to race. The latter is actually where it gets really weird, because while the author seems to wave his wokeness proudly by using upper case B when referring to race, it is done inconsistently, plus, he also has given one of the main characters a carte blanche to racially slur left and right, covering just about all races - an equal opportunity slurrer. Also, was the legal process really that sped up back in the day? People are thrown onto electric chairs suspiciously promptly in this book.
That aside, the writing’s quite decent. The book’s quite decent, actually. Aside from the fact that the story rings familiar and not just because of Flatliners. And it’s slightly drawn out. But at any rate, it was sufficiently entertaining. A supernatural thriller with literary aspirations. Thanks Netgalley.
Not nearly.
Six months later the same sort of murders occurs and the man responsible seems to be possessed by the spirit of the dead killer and insistent on seeing the very same priest.
The priest who has since burned his collar and moved back to a remote ancestral cabin in the Carolinas to restore an old truck, court a local waitress and generally engage in all sorts of things Americana. And yet slowly at first and then with brutal violence he gets drawn back into the twisted games of a twisted mind of a killer who just won’t die.
That’s the book. Set in the early 1960s and rendered with the sort of near-fetishistic Americana obsession that only a man from a small town in England can muster up, it’s a very testosterone driven sort of story with primarily male protagonists of the tough, war-seasoned and life-leathered variety. They speak with either pronounced Southern or Nyu Yowk accents, they drink copious amounts of alcohol and process their PTSD on their own. Very, very tough individuals indeed.
On a randomly odd note, the book also tries to provide some sociopolitical commentary, which doesn’t quite fit the story but it certainly fits the times we live in, only it does so clumsily – from a heavy-handed stab at Catholic church sexual abuses to race. The latter is actually where it gets really weird, because while the author seems to wave his wokeness proudly by using upper case B when referring to race, it is done inconsistently, plus, he also has given one of the main characters a carte blanche to racially slur left and right, covering just about all races - an equal opportunity slurrer. Also, was the legal process really that sped up back in the day? People are thrown onto electric chairs suspiciously promptly in this book.
That aside, the writing’s quite decent. The book’s quite decent, actually. Aside from the fact that the story rings familiar and not just because of Flatliners. And it’s slightly drawn out. But at any rate, it was sufficiently entertaining. A supernatural thriller with literary aspirations. Thanks Netgalley.
January 14, 2022
“I gave the last rites to Joseph Hickey before they took him to the electric chair. I remember the look on his face. I remember his twisted smile as I made the sign of the cross. And I remember wanting to kill the sonofabitch with my bare hands.” -Chapter one.
Captivated from the first line. I could feel this was going to be a special book. The kind of book that pops into your head at odd times, makes you try to think of a way out. Knowing what was going on and being unable to convey that to the characters, unable to stop the bloody mess. How do you stop a man when death is but a revolving door? How do you stop a brutal killer when the NYPD just wants to lay the blame of negligence on a detective and think that it’s actually over.
Richard Wall adds little details and emotions that make the characters so real. It makes the story so much more crushing when you have such a fantastic connection. One character named Vinnie is perfect and adds a comedic intermission to a heavy plot. There are several subplots in this intricate book which keeps it fresh throughout the story.
NEAR DEATH runs through all the emotions so be warned. Think of an emotion and most likely the answer is yes, it’s in there.
“For the love of God,” I whispered “why are you doing this?” Webster winked slowly and deliberately. “I already told you. Because I can.”
-I can hear you asking, “but Paul, why is it a different name than the first quote? Are there several bad guys in this?” In reply, I grin devilishly and tell you to go read the book.
Captivated from the first line. I could feel this was going to be a special book. The kind of book that pops into your head at odd times, makes you try to think of a way out. Knowing what was going on and being unable to convey that to the characters, unable to stop the bloody mess. How do you stop a man when death is but a revolving door? How do you stop a brutal killer when the NYPD just wants to lay the blame of negligence on a detective and think that it’s actually over.
Richard Wall adds little details and emotions that make the characters so real. It makes the story so much more crushing when you have such a fantastic connection. One character named Vinnie is perfect and adds a comedic intermission to a heavy plot. There are several subplots in this intricate book which keeps it fresh throughout the story.
NEAR DEATH runs through all the emotions so be warned. Think of an emotion and most likely the answer is yes, it’s in there.
“For the love of God,” I whispered “why are you doing this?” Webster winked slowly and deliberately. “I already told you. Because I can.”
-I can hear you asking, “but Paul, why is it a different name than the first quote? Are there several bad guys in this?” In reply, I grin devilishly and tell you to go read the book.
January 26, 2021
Terrifyingly and convincingly possible. Near Death is a gripping and page turning must read!
I wasn’t sure what I’d find and discover when I started, Near Death by Richard Wall - but it didn’t take long for me to realise I was on a roller coaster of a thrilling ride through the minds and lives of characters, both good and evil, pitched full force against one another, as they fought to outsmart and ultimately to relinquish one another’s power. It’s been some time since I read a supernatural thriller so convincingly and terrifyingly possible in a setting that I could so easily picture, despite it being set in a country and during a time I have no real experience of. But we read stories to experience the lives of others and this novel delivers in every respect and detail. Time-travel back to post-Korean war, America and into the horrifying world of death row where the criminals you encounter, and one sick and psychopathic individual in particular, and you’ll find your mind hurtling between dread and disbelief one moment, to temporary relief the next, only to find yourself plunging into a state of terror once more. Think Stephen King mixed with Neil Gaiman - Richard Wall’s, ‘Near Death’ experience is one supernatural thriller that should not be missed.
I wasn’t sure what I’d find and discover when I started, Near Death by Richard Wall - but it didn’t take long for me to realise I was on a roller coaster of a thrilling ride through the minds and lives of characters, both good and evil, pitched full force against one another, as they fought to outsmart and ultimately to relinquish one another’s power. It’s been some time since I read a supernatural thriller so convincingly and terrifyingly possible in a setting that I could so easily picture, despite it being set in a country and during a time I have no real experience of. But we read stories to experience the lives of others and this novel delivers in every respect and detail. Time-travel back to post-Korean war, America and into the horrifying world of death row where the criminals you encounter, and one sick and psychopathic individual in particular, and you’ll find your mind hurtling between dread and disbelief one moment, to temporary relief the next, only to find yourself plunging into a state of terror once more. Think Stephen King mixed with Neil Gaiman - Richard Wall’s, ‘Near Death’ experience is one supernatural thriller that should not be missed.
November 12, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!
I happily endorse this story to any who is looking for a Thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. A chance Facebook post led me to this book and I'm so glad I followed it and bought Near Death. Thoroughly enjoyed the subject and descriptions. Set in a perfectly portrayed post-Vietnam war US
I happily endorse this story to any who is looking for a Thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. A chance Facebook post led me to this book and I'm so glad I followed it and bought Near Death. Thoroughly enjoyed the subject and descriptions. Set in a perfectly portrayed post-Vietnam war US
October 31, 2020
Bought this on the day it came out and, entirely without meaning to, read it almost in one go. The writing drew me in and I found I couldn't put it down. I think I need to read it again though as this isn't a shallow beach read - the characterization and scene setting is really rich, and this felt like a book worth reading several times, as I think it has more depth than a single reading will make the most of.
January 11, 2021
A beautifully written supernatural thriller. Chilling, gripping and intense, a priest's involvement with a killer whom he oversees the unrepentant passing of on Death Row. A killer who promises to see him from beyond the grave. It is either a can't-put-it-down read, or a keep-putting-it-down-to-prevent-a stroke read. A pulse racer of note.
February 15, 2021
My favorite books are those I find difficult to put down and Near Death is certainly one of those books. I am looking forward to the author's next book.
May 16, 2022
Atmospheric and Intense.
A sense of time, a sense of place, and well-written dialogue between interesting characters – within the first few chapters, it is clear the author of Near Death is hitting these key points of a good story with reassuring ease.
The wonderfully named John Henry Beauregard makes for an engaging protagonist as we follow the lapsed chaplain back home to South Carolina and in his ongoing battle with his demons (and one “demon” in particular). Then there is the rich cast of major and minor characters we encounter, many adding poignancy with their own tale of loss, and each with a distinctive voice (something for which the author seems to have an ear).
As much as any character, however, it was the backdrop of the 1960s Deep South that impressed me most. Among other things, the author’s knowledge of blues music and mid-20th century automobiles brings a realism that makes the subsequent, other-worldly, turn of events all the more impactful.
Yet if the book’s themes are dark, they are accompanied by a streak of humour, not least from whirlwind New York lawyer Vinnie de Matteo whose verbal takedown of an entire police station is worth re-reading all on its own.
When the final pages drop the tempo back to a Cherokee County cadence and we find out what became of all the characters, I was genuinely surprised at how moving it all felt. There are some beautifully written passages in this book. I will be reading more by this author.
A sense of time, a sense of place, and well-written dialogue between interesting characters – within the first few chapters, it is clear the author of Near Death is hitting these key points of a good story with reassuring ease.
The wonderfully named John Henry Beauregard makes for an engaging protagonist as we follow the lapsed chaplain back home to South Carolina and in his ongoing battle with his demons (and one “demon” in particular). Then there is the rich cast of major and minor characters we encounter, many adding poignancy with their own tale of loss, and each with a distinctive voice (something for which the author seems to have an ear).
As much as any character, however, it was the backdrop of the 1960s Deep South that impressed me most. Among other things, the author’s knowledge of blues music and mid-20th century automobiles brings a realism that makes the subsequent, other-worldly, turn of events all the more impactful.
Yet if the book’s themes are dark, they are accompanied by a streak of humour, not least from whirlwind New York lawyer Vinnie de Matteo whose verbal takedown of an entire police station is worth re-reading all on its own.
When the final pages drop the tempo back to a Cherokee County cadence and we find out what became of all the characters, I was genuinely surprised at how moving it all felt. There are some beautifully written passages in this book. I will be reading more by this author.
September 15, 2021
What I loved
The characters - I absolutely loved John Henry from the start. I was expecting the chaplain to be overly kind to these criminals but he did his job professionally and took no nonsense. He felt very real to me as he wasn't an overly religious or exceptionally kind, he was realistic, he made mistakes and he was funny. It was clear that John had experienced some awful things in his many years, he was an orphan who experienced abuse, he was a war veteran and witnessed so much death which really affected him many years later, but yet, he was determined to be a good person.
Eugene who was John's closest friend was also an extremely likeable character, despite all his demons, I was constantly wishing for him to come out on top. Eugene was very clearly experiencing PTSD from being in the war and this played a massive factor in the story which I cannot really get into without giving away spoilers.
Sally was another great character with a funny personality but was extraordinarily kind. I wish that she was in the story for a longer time but she plays a fundamental part of the story.
The Plot - The actual plot was brilliant, it was dark and gory but kept you engrossed till the bitter end. Whilst reading, it felt as though I was really there and the ending was perfect. I enjoyed thinking about the logistics of how it would work in theory and it made the plot very believable.
What I didn't like
It's difficult to say because there really wasn't much not to like. The only thing that I wish we had more of was John's background and how he grew up in the Catholic orphanage, it felt like the background was a little brief and I would have been interested in knowing more.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5 stars)
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The characters - I absolutely loved John Henry from the start. I was expecting the chaplain to be overly kind to these criminals but he did his job professionally and took no nonsense. He felt very real to me as he wasn't an overly religious or exceptionally kind, he was realistic, he made mistakes and he was funny. It was clear that John had experienced some awful things in his many years, he was an orphan who experienced abuse, he was a war veteran and witnessed so much death which really affected him many years later, but yet, he was determined to be a good person.
Eugene who was John's closest friend was also an extremely likeable character, despite all his demons, I was constantly wishing for him to come out on top. Eugene was very clearly experiencing PTSD from being in the war and this played a massive factor in the story which I cannot really get into without giving away spoilers.
Sally was another great character with a funny personality but was extraordinarily kind. I wish that she was in the story for a longer time but she plays a fundamental part of the story.
The Plot - The actual plot was brilliant, it was dark and gory but kept you engrossed till the bitter end. Whilst reading, it felt as though I was really there and the ending was perfect. I enjoyed thinking about the logistics of how it would work in theory and it made the plot very believable.
What I didn't like
It's difficult to say because there really wasn't much not to like. The only thing that I wish we had more of was John's background and how he grew up in the Catholic orphanage, it felt like the background was a little brief and I would have been interested in knowing more.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5 stars)
https://ramblingswithabookworm.blogsp...
March 28, 2021
This is a really gripping read! It is not the sort of book I would usually read and I was a bit hesitant at first as I found some of the initial descriptions very gruesome but I was soon hooked in by the plot! A real page turner that I could not put down! We are transported back into the America in the sixties through authentic dialogue from the characters and the evocative scene setting. The characters themselves are vividly portrayed. In fact it was almost like I was watching a film as Richard Wall writes with such detail that scenes almost appear before your eyes. The supernatural twist adds to the suspense and has the reader hurtling through the pages desperate to follow John Henry on his journey to destroy Hickey. Definitely a book to get lost in and would make an amazing film! Highly recommend!
June 28, 2021
This is one of the best books I've read in ages. The writing, especially the diologue, is amazing. In parts it felt Like I was reading a Stephen King novel-it has that same quick-fire, in-your-face way of explanation (without all the usual SK pre-amble).
The characterisation is excellent, with the main character John-Henry being the perfect lead. A war-damaged ex-priest who is jaded and worn down by his time as a prison chaplain. Alongside him we have his buddy Eugine, a NYPD cop, and Vinnie, a street-wise lawyer. All of them go up against Joseph Hickey, the murderer who should be dead, but whose malignant spirit seems to return again and again.
Not going into details, but this part thriller, part horror story really is a belter. It is grim, dowdy, but also funny in places, and set within an American background that is both rich and interesting.
All in all a fantastic novel. 5/5.
The characterisation is excellent, with the main character John-Henry being the perfect lead. A war-damaged ex-priest who is jaded and worn down by his time as a prison chaplain. Alongside him we have his buddy Eugine, a NYPD cop, and Vinnie, a street-wise lawyer. All of them go up against Joseph Hickey, the murderer who should be dead, but whose malignant spirit seems to return again and again.
Not going into details, but this part thriller, part horror story really is a belter. It is grim, dowdy, but also funny in places, and set within an American background that is both rich and interesting.
All in all a fantastic novel. 5/5.
March 18, 2025
Gritty Paranormal Thriller
I do love a horror novel with teeth, and Near Death is certainly that. I expected complex, flawed characters and I wasn’t disappointed in John Henry Beauregard, a prison chaplain still haunted by his experience of the Korean war.
Near Death is a novel of parts – our first introduction to the murderous Joseph Hickey, John Henry’s attempt to leave his years as a prison chaplain behind, what happens in New York, tragedy, and the final showdown. Each part serves what is to come and adds depth to the world of the novel.
What stood out most for me was the character of Joseph Hickey. Vile. Dangerous beyond reckoning. Seemingly unstoppable. If anything is going to get a reaction out of the reader, it’s him.
I enjoyed reading this novel immensely and want more books please from Richard Wall.
I do love a horror novel with teeth, and Near Death is certainly that. I expected complex, flawed characters and I wasn’t disappointed in John Henry Beauregard, a prison chaplain still haunted by his experience of the Korean war.
Near Death is a novel of parts – our first introduction to the murderous Joseph Hickey, John Henry’s attempt to leave his years as a prison chaplain behind, what happens in New York, tragedy, and the final showdown. Each part serves what is to come and adds depth to the world of the novel.
What stood out most for me was the character of Joseph Hickey. Vile. Dangerous beyond reckoning. Seemingly unstoppable. If anything is going to get a reaction out of the reader, it’s him.
I enjoyed reading this novel immensely and want more books please from Richard Wall.
April 19, 2021
There are books you want to devour and books that need savoring. Usually, there is no difference between the two. Wall's Near Death was one I chose to savor. The first line hooked me and I read it to my friend. She wanted a copy so I purchased it again for her.
Wall's love for Americana is brilliant and his grasp of the language and patois is brilliant. He's much better than Grisham as far as writing a Southern tale. This story is brilliant as a copycat serial killer invades New York where John Henry Beauregard works as the prison chaplain at Sing Sing giving the last rights to convicted killer John Hickey. The rest is a roller coaster ride and if I add anything else it will be a spoiler.
Buy the book and support independent and authors signed to independent presses.
Wall's love for Americana is brilliant and his grasp of the language and patois is brilliant. He's much better than Grisham as far as writing a Southern tale. This story is brilliant as a copycat serial killer invades New York where John Henry Beauregard works as the prison chaplain at Sing Sing giving the last rights to convicted killer John Hickey. The rest is a roller coaster ride and if I add anything else it will be a spoiler.
Buy the book and support independent and authors signed to independent presses.
April 23, 2021
Where do I start? I had no preconceptions about this book so the journey I was taken on was with my eyes wide open & ready to be entertained. The character & scene description is brilliant & as for the plot! The story is set in America in the 60s & I found myself there; I was reading in a Southern drawl, the speech was so well written.
John Henry Beauregard is the prison chaplain at Sing Sing &, as part of his role, he gives the last rites to John Hickey, a convicted killer. That is the start & to say anymore would be a huge spoiler but, suffice it to say, you have to read this. To follow John Henry on his quest & see Wall’s wonderful imagery in your mind’s eye.
Recommended.
John Henry Beauregard is the prison chaplain at Sing Sing &, as part of his role, he gives the last rites to John Hickey, a convicted killer. That is the start & to say anymore would be a huge spoiler but, suffice it to say, you have to read this. To follow John Henry on his quest & see Wall’s wonderful imagery in your mind’s eye.
Recommended.
January 22, 2021
Thrilling
The book starts with a bang and sucks you inexorably into a supernatural thriller that leaves you bedraggled and wanting more. The author does a stupendous job of building intensity in the moment and immerses you in the world he's created. At times I found myself equally excited by the anticipation building, and laughing maniacally at the Joker-like malevolence of the villain. Make no mistake this villain is a breed apart. Vicious and cruel, temperamental with a wicked sense of humor that slices tender emotions like a scalpel. Highly recommended.
The book starts with a bang and sucks you inexorably into a supernatural thriller that leaves you bedraggled and wanting more. The author does a stupendous job of building intensity in the moment and immerses you in the world he's created. At times I found myself equally excited by the anticipation building, and laughing maniacally at the Joker-like malevolence of the villain. Make no mistake this villain is a breed apart. Vicious and cruel, temperamental with a wicked sense of humor that slices tender emotions like a scalpel. Highly recommended.
November 2, 2020
This horror/mystery has so many surprises (some very unsettling, a couple horrific) I actually had to put it down and walk away for a bit. Parts of it had to be thought about not hurried through. The characters are extremely realistic and I could see the world in my mind’s eye. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
February 27, 2021
This book terrified me, but that's the point.
It is an intriguing story set in a richly described 1960's America that had me hooked pretty quickly as I wanted to know 'how' and 'why'. The author evokes the post-Vietnam scars, the attitudes of the time and even the accents really well and there are several stand out characters (including a few brief but memorable appearances by a "feral street lawyer").
A must read for fans of horror and 1960's classic cars!
It is an intriguing story set in a richly described 1960's America that had me hooked pretty quickly as I wanted to know 'how' and 'why'. The author evokes the post-Vietnam scars, the attitudes of the time and even the accents really well and there are several stand out characters (including a few brief but memorable appearances by a "feral street lawyer").
A must read for fans of horror and 1960's classic cars!
December 9, 2021
Near Death
by Richard Wall
Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to review.
Amazing. Honestly, I went into this book not expecting too much as it did not seem to be the kind of book I enjoyed. Wow, I was so wrong. I started the book around 8pm and read it straight thru until I had to go to work in the morning.
Exceptional writer. Mr. Wall truly captures a scene and makes the reader feel apart of the story. Highly Recommend.
by Richard Wall
Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to review.
Amazing. Honestly, I went into this book not expecting too much as it did not seem to be the kind of book I enjoyed. Wow, I was so wrong. I started the book around 8pm and read it straight thru until I had to go to work in the morning.
Exceptional writer. Mr. Wall truly captures a scene and makes the reader feel apart of the story. Highly Recommend.
May 18, 2021
Highly recommended.
Well written and captivating.
Not for the faint hearted as it contains some gruesome contents. The story itself will keep you captivated, I binged it all night.
Drop what you are doing and read this book.
Well written and captivating.
Not for the faint hearted as it contains some gruesome contents. The story itself will keep you captivated, I binged it all night.
Drop what you are doing and read this book.
March 17, 2021
A gripping supernatural thriller, that keeps you hooked. Well written with compelling characters and an authentic 1960’s America backdrop.
Will definitely check out more by this author.
Will definitely check out more by this author.
April 7, 2021
Very different and interesting book.
April 23, 2021
A terrifyingly captivating read - brilliant
July 20, 2021
Wow!
I couldn’t put this book down! Riveting from the first page to the last. I’m heading straight to buy Fat Man Blues. This should also be made in to a movie.
I couldn’t put this book down! Riveting from the first page to the last. I’m heading straight to buy Fat Man Blues. This should also be made in to a movie.
October 8, 2021
4.5*
I downloaded this book on Kindle Unlimited after seeing a few tweets about it.
The story is set in the early 1960s in New York and rural South Carolina. John Henry Beauregard, a Korean War veteran, is working as the chaplain in Sing Sing prison, when he is called to give last rites to Joseph Hickey, a vicious murderer whose crimes were so horrific that details are withheld from most. Hickey taunts John, and promises that he'll see him again, even though he is about to be frazzled on Old Sparky.
As other similar murders begin to take place, John and his friend, NYPD cop Eugene, begin to explore possible theories that sound insane even to themselves. They are both psychologically damaged and at times just trying to hang onto the threads of their lives.
I enjoyed this book all the way through. Throughout the main story, mostly told by John in the first person, are short chapters that hint about why events are taking place, with the reader being left to piece it all together, gradually. The pace and drip-feeding of information worked so well, and made the story a real page-turner. Lots of unpredictable events; I do love a novel in which I can't guess what's going to happen.
The characters of John and Eugene were very likeable, as was Vinnie, the hard-nosed lawyer who flips the bird at convention and authority, and I loved the writing style, which was clear, simple and effective. I only had one problem with it: 'black', as in the colour of a person's skin, was spelled with a capital B in most but not all cases. I know this is favoured by the politically correct in this day and age, but it was not so at the time John was telling this story, and it looked out of place. Similarly, John uses the phrase 'people of color', which was not introduced and popularised until at least a decade later. I wouldn't usually nit-pick about stuff like this that wouldn't bother most people, but they really stood out to me.
Paranormal is not my usual genre of choice, but it totally worked in this story, seeming possible and believable, and I liked the author's take on what happens after death. The book is clever, humorous in parts, touching, terribly sad and fairly brutal, with gory and shocking detail, so it's not a book for the faint of heart. I'm very glad I stopped on that tweet, clicked the link to Amazon and downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited. At some point I shall take a look at the rest of Mr Wall's work. Nice one.
I downloaded this book on Kindle Unlimited after seeing a few tweets about it.
The story is set in the early 1960s in New York and rural South Carolina. John Henry Beauregard, a Korean War veteran, is working as the chaplain in Sing Sing prison, when he is called to give last rites to Joseph Hickey, a vicious murderer whose crimes were so horrific that details are withheld from most. Hickey taunts John, and promises that he'll see him again, even though he is about to be frazzled on Old Sparky.
As other similar murders begin to take place, John and his friend, NYPD cop Eugene, begin to explore possible theories that sound insane even to themselves. They are both psychologically damaged and at times just trying to hang onto the threads of their lives.
I enjoyed this book all the way through. Throughout the main story, mostly told by John in the first person, are short chapters that hint about why events are taking place, with the reader being left to piece it all together, gradually. The pace and drip-feeding of information worked so well, and made the story a real page-turner. Lots of unpredictable events; I do love a novel in which I can't guess what's going to happen.
The characters of John and Eugene were very likeable, as was Vinnie, the hard-nosed lawyer who flips the bird at convention and authority, and I loved the writing style, which was clear, simple and effective. I only had one problem with it: 'black', as in the colour of a person's skin, was spelled with a capital B in most but not all cases. I know this is favoured by the politically correct in this day and age, but it was not so at the time John was telling this story, and it looked out of place. Similarly, John uses the phrase 'people of color', which was not introduced and popularised until at least a decade later. I wouldn't usually nit-pick about stuff like this that wouldn't bother most people, but they really stood out to me.
Paranormal is not my usual genre of choice, but it totally worked in this story, seeming possible and believable, and I liked the author's take on what happens after death. The book is clever, humorous in parts, touching, terribly sad and fairly brutal, with gory and shocking detail, so it's not a book for the faint of heart. I'm very glad I stopped on that tweet, clicked the link to Amazon and downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited. At some point I shall take a look at the rest of Mr Wall's work. Nice one.
May 22, 2022
A clever, very good story of a psycho murderer who somehow manages to come back after being executed to kill again.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the Southern setting and the writing style is excellent. It writes like a movie, very polished, especially as there are many different tendrils making up the characters, their histories, current jobs, lives and challenges. The author manages to keep everything very vivid. I found it a little slow at about 50%, some of the history of one of the characters bogged me down a tad.
Once I passed that point we were away again and I was hooked. I wasn't sure how it was going to develop towards the end but it was surprisingly good! I enjoyed the good versus evil and the ending felt right.
I felt a real liking to John Henry, Eugene, Rosa and Vinnie! I will miss them.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, the Southern setting and the writing style is excellent. It writes like a movie, very polished, especially as there are many different tendrils making up the characters, their histories, current jobs, lives and challenges. The author manages to keep everything very vivid. I found it a little slow at about 50%, some of the history of one of the characters bogged me down a tad.
Once I passed that point we were away again and I was hooked. I wasn't sure how it was going to develop towards the end but it was surprisingly good! I enjoyed the good versus evil and the ending felt right.
I felt a real liking to John Henry, Eugene, Rosa and Vinnie! I will miss them.
January 31, 2022
It was an entertaining enough read, I'll give it that. The problem was that the story was heavily masculinized, there's was a bizarre almost stereotypical rural South representation (I come from the rural South, so), and the use of racial slurs as a cop-out way of saying "the antagonist is a bad guy!!!" Every male character seems to be trying really hard to be the image of the gritty tough guy, and after a while, it's exhausting trying to pick through all that testosterone for the plot. The plot itself wasn't bad, something that isn't quite new but isn't done that often. Overall, 3/5.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my opinion.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my opinion.
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