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The Barrow Case
Regret is a little word that lasts forever...
Most homicide detectives remember their first case. For Detective Luca, it was the second one that scarred him.
A runner stumbles upon a girl in a park. Dragged off a jogging path, the teenager is dead.
Luca’s ten years on the force did nothing to blunt the image of the kid's leaf covered body. He pledged to solve the brutal murder, believing it would help him unsee what he witnessed.
But Luca was wrong, dead wrong. It wasn't the picture of the murdered teenager that would end up haunting him, but something else. Something that would frame everything going forward.
It made Luca wish life had a rewind button.
Most homicide detectives remember their first case. For Detective Luca, it was the second one that scarred him.
A runner stumbles upon a girl in a park. Dragged off a jogging path, the teenager is dead.
Luca’s ten years on the force did nothing to blunt the image of the kid's leaf covered body. He pledged to solve the brutal murder, believing it would help him unsee what he witnessed.
But Luca was wrong, dead wrong. It wasn't the picture of the murdered teenager that would end up haunting him, but something else. Something that would frame everything going forward.
It made Luca wish life had a rewind button.
- GenresThriller
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2021
27 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Dan Petrosini
115 books176 followersDan is a USA Today and Amazon best seller author, who wrote his first story at the age of ten and enjoys telling stories and jokes.
Dan gets his story ideas by exploring the question; What if?
In almost every situation he finds himself in, Dan starts exploring what if this or that happened? What if this person died, was hurt, or did something unusual or illegal?
Dan’s non-stop mind spin provides him with plenty of material to weave into interesting stories.
A fan of books and films that have twists and are difficult to predict, Dan crafts his stories to prevent the reader from guessing correctly. He writes each and every day, forcing the words out when necessary and has written over twenty novels to date. It’s not a matter of wanting to write, Dan simply has to.
Dan passionately believes people can realize their dreams if they focus and act, and he encourages just that.
His favorite saying is – “The price of discipline is always less than the cost of regret”
Dan likes to remind people to get the negativity out of their lives. He feels it is contagious and advises people to steer clear of negative people. He believes having a true, positive mind set makes it feel like life is rigged in your favor. When he gets off base, he tells himself, ‘You can’t have a good day with a bad attitude.’
Married with two daughters and a needy Maltese, Dan lives in Southwest Florida. A New York native, Dan teaches at local colleges, writes novels, and plays tenor saxophone in several jazz bands. He also drinks way too much wine and never, ever takes himself too seriously.
He has an active blog at http://danpetrosini.com, where you can sign up for a newsletter featuring articles, his writing and special deals.
Dan gets his story ideas by exploring the question; What if?
In almost every situation he finds himself in, Dan starts exploring what if this or that happened? What if this person died, was hurt, or did something unusual or illegal?
Dan’s non-stop mind spin provides him with plenty of material to weave into interesting stories.
A fan of books and films that have twists and are difficult to predict, Dan crafts his stories to prevent the reader from guessing correctly. He writes each and every day, forcing the words out when necessary and has written over twenty novels to date. It’s not a matter of wanting to write, Dan simply has to.
Dan passionately believes people can realize their dreams if they focus and act, and he encourages just that.
His favorite saying is – “The price of discipline is always less than the cost of regret”
Dan likes to remind people to get the negativity out of their lives. He feels it is contagious and advises people to steer clear of negative people. He believes having a true, positive mind set makes it feel like life is rigged in your favor. When he gets off base, he tells himself, ‘You can’t have a good day with a bad attitude.’
Married with two daughters and a needy Maltese, Dan lives in Southwest Florida. A New York native, Dan teaches at local colleges, writes novels, and plays tenor saxophone in several jazz bands. He also drinks way too much wine and never, ever takes himself too seriously.
He has an active blog at http://danpetrosini.com, where you can sign up for a newsletter featuring articles, his writing and special deals.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 10, 2021
A great short read.
I couldn't help but feel that Detective Stone was hell bent on finding the killer even if he had to fabricate facts to do so which, I might add, he actually did. Due to his actions, another innocent's life was lost.
The Barrow Case is part of the Dead Silent Box Set and is the first book that I have read from this author but I doubt it will be my last.
I couldn't help but feel that Detective Stone was hell bent on finding the killer even if he had to fabricate facts to do so which, I might add, he actually did. Due to his actions, another innocent's life was lost.
The Barrow Case is part of the Dead Silent Box Set and is the first book that I have read from this author but I doubt it will be my last.
July 23, 2022
I received this book/novella from the author in return for an honest review.
This novella is a tale about a pair of detectives- one a rookie and the other a grizzled veteran - investigating the tragic murder of a teenager in New Jersey.
With the veteran detective leading the investigation, we examine the case through two sets of eyes - one experienced and the other more open to other ideas. The veteran makes an assumption and continues to follow through on the basis of confirmation bias, not willing to examine the other avenues suggested by his rookie partner, Luca.
Ultimately, we find that Luca's suggestions would have bared fruit and that the suspect pursued by the grizzled veteran was innocent the whole time.
This was an excellent read that would be enjoyed by afficiendos of police procedurals and I would highly recommend this author to those readers (making the assumption that the other books in this series show the same amount of detail and emotion).
As such, I would rate this book/novella a solid five stars out of five.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This novella is a tale about a pair of detectives- one a rookie and the other a grizzled veteran - investigating the tragic murder of a teenager in New Jersey.
With the veteran detective leading the investigation, we examine the case through two sets of eyes - one experienced and the other more open to other ideas. The veteran makes an assumption and continues to follow through on the basis of confirmation bias, not willing to examine the other avenues suggested by his rookie partner, Luca.
Ultimately, we find that Luca's suggestions would have bared fruit and that the suspect pursued by the grizzled veteran was innocent the whole time.
This was an excellent read that would be enjoyed by afficiendos of police procedurals and I would highly recommend this author to those readers (making the assumption that the other books in this series show the same amount of detail and emotion).
As such, I would rate this book/novella a solid five stars out of five.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
December 10, 2023
What is a persons line of right and wrong?...
Just starting his exciting career of being a Detective, Luca wanted learn everything he could, from the older seasoned Detectives too. He also added to the cases with his younger look at things, as well as different perspective. He got the opportunity to work with a great Detective who is about to retire, and this was his last case, and he wanted it wrapped up with a bow when he left, and so he could leave.
A teenaged girl strangled in the park... that was bad... seeing the autopsy, that was worse!
Following the course of events in the case, and it kept coming back to the ex boyfriend, they put him in jail. Luca said that it just didn't feel right for him.
Was he right? Did something else come out after the boy killed himself in the one night they left him in jail?
Thank you, Dan Petrosini for a good short story!
Just starting his exciting career of being a Detective, Luca wanted learn everything he could, from the older seasoned Detectives too. He also added to the cases with his younger look at things, as well as different perspective. He got the opportunity to work with a great Detective who is about to retire, and this was his last case, and he wanted it wrapped up with a bow when he left, and so he could leave.
A teenaged girl strangled in the park... that was bad... seeing the autopsy, that was worse!
Following the course of events in the case, and it kept coming back to the ex boyfriend, they put him in jail. Luca said that it just didn't feel right for him.
Was he right? Did something else come out after the boy killed himself in the one night they left him in jail?
Thank you, Dan Petrosini for a good short story!
June 1, 2022
The Barrow Case - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A haunting reminiscence by Detective Frank Luca, Dan Petrosini's excellent novella, The Barrow Case, will leave you wondering about how justice can go so badly wrong and its effect on those who are sworn to serve and protect.
A family is torn apart by the discovery of a teenaged girl's body in a park frequented by dog-walkers and joggers. The following emotional devastation ripples outwards, touching and changing the lives of those who have to deal with the aftermath - in particular Luca, who still trusts in the Law being fairly upheld and the ideal of 'innocent until proved guilty'.
Definitely not to be missed - get your copy of The Barrow Case: A Luca Mystery Case File, by Daniel Petrosini today!
A haunting reminiscence by Detective Frank Luca, Dan Petrosini's excellent novella, The Barrow Case, will leave you wondering about how justice can go so badly wrong and its effect on those who are sworn to serve and protect.
A family is torn apart by the discovery of a teenaged girl's body in a park frequented by dog-walkers and joggers. The following emotional devastation ripples outwards, touching and changing the lives of those who have to deal with the aftermath - in particular Luca, who still trusts in the Law being fairly upheld and the ideal of 'innocent until proved guilty'.
Definitely not to be missed - get your copy of The Barrow Case: A Luca Mystery Case File, by Daniel Petrosini today!
September 19, 2024
A Short but Powerful Story
It a gripping novella about a detective named Luca. He remembers his second case, a terrible murder, very clearly.
A runner finds a dead teenager in a park. Luca wants to solve the case to forget what he saw. But he soon realizes that's not possible.
This story is special because it shows how regret can last forever. Luca's struggles to cope with what happened are heartbreaking.
The writing is easy to understand, and the characters feel real. Luca's emotions are relatable, making you feel what he feels.
Read it if you like mysteries and want a quick, intense story.
It a gripping novella about a detective named Luca. He remembers his second case, a terrible murder, very clearly.
A runner finds a dead teenager in a park. Luca wants to solve the case to forget what he saw. But he soon realizes that's not possible.
This story is special because it shows how regret can last forever. Luca's struggles to cope with what happened are heartbreaking.
The writing is easy to understand, and the characters feel real. Luca's emotions are relatable, making you feel what he feels.
Read it if you like mysteries and want a quick, intense story.
January 19, 2022
An interesting story. A young high school female is found dead in a part. A senior detective Stone eventually believes a young male high school student was the murderer. Th emain evidence was rope found in the garage. That was enough for Stone but his junior partner Luca was not sure but he had to follow . The boy Dominick Barrow was arrested but the next day he was found hung in his cell. Detective Luca had to live with his guilt about not being forceful enough to go further but his hands were literall tied. Well worth reading.
January 3, 2024
I read the whole story and it was okay, but not really my type of story. It was annoying how the one cop acts so in love with his wife, then is talking to a young policewoman and looking her over while flirting and acting like he will get together with her later. I didn't care for some of the language but tried to ignore it. I was disheartened that the old detective who was ready to retire just wanted to go out on a high note and basically didn't care who he arrested in the case, which led to a sad outcome for one person.
September 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel of the Detective Luca series. I could see how this could happen in real life, based on an outgoing cop with a rookie detective for a partner, questioning the older cop's reasoning but not speaking up loud enough to stop what happens as a result. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Alex Cross will have to share the attention with Frank Luca.
March 4, 2023
Fast pace but not very enjoying in writing side. It lacks descriptions to make it flows nicely. The conversations going on and on without a simple descriptions of gesture, body language or any activities that happen to them in that moment. It feels stilted.
Also the ending of the case is an afterthought. Tell but not show.
I think this could work if it a movie, but not for a novel, for me anyway.
Also the ending of the case is an afterthought. Tell but not show.
I think this could work if it a movie, but not for a novel, for me anyway.
May 30, 2023
Gets you to thinking!
Really great story even though the injustice done was very sad & uncalled for. I’ve worked in a very large city police department & have seen detectives brow beat suspects for so long that they finally confess. They are innocent, but just can’t take the verbal abuse any longer. If Luca had gone to the ‘higher ups’ he probably would have been terminated! I definitely support the police, but there is a lot of injustice on both sides.
Really great story even though the injustice done was very sad & uncalled for. I’ve worked in a very large city police department & have seen detectives brow beat suspects for so long that they finally confess. They are innocent, but just can’t take the verbal abuse any longer. If Luca had gone to the ‘higher ups’ he probably would have been terminated! I definitely support the police, but there is a lot of injustice on both sides.
March 19, 2022
a young detective and an old detective and a murder case the older detective is determined to solve. S suspect is arrested and hangs himself in his cell, Turns out he is not the murderer. The young detective notes that he will never allow himself to be bullied into arresting someone without enough evidence.
December 9, 2023
The author introduces us to Frank Luca by letting him recall his most unforgettable case. It certainly gives him pause for thought. It really will define him as his career unfolds.
The case puts a lot of police procedures in front of the reader. The reader is presented with sufficient information to make their own judgement. Which side would you come down on?
The case puts a lot of police procedures in front of the reader. The reader is presented with sufficient information to make their own judgement. Which side would you come down on?
November 13, 2021
Everybody loves the soon-to-retire cop and so the rookie has to learn from him while ensuring that the investigation has the right solution.
The story went really well until (the late night call) and then it was a bit of a fizzer.
The rookie learnt a lot.
The story went really well until (the late night call) and then it was a bit of a fizzer.
The rookie learnt a lot.
September 10, 2022
3.5/5⭐: A good to the point story, minimal fluff. I didn't care for the way Luca talked so easily about having cheated on or his willingness to do so again on his marriage. Otherwise a promising start.
January 31, 2023
Fascinating
I enjoyed reading this book. It lends oneself to introspection. How often do we jump to conclusions about something or someone without understanding the truth. Full of intrigue, drama and suspense throughout the story.
I enjoyed reading this book. It lends oneself to introspection. How often do we jump to conclusions about something or someone without understanding the truth. Full of intrigue, drama and suspense throughout the story.
May 26, 2023
What a good read. This is a prequel to the Luca Mystery series where we quickly get to know him and want to know more.
The story is fast paced and builds up to a tragic ending. Highly recommend.
Looking forward to reading more Luca mysteries.
The story is fast paced and builds up to a tragic ending. Highly recommend.
Looking forward to reading more Luca mysteries.
September 14, 2023
Sad in so many ways. Cheating on your wife and so freely talking about it. Not speaking up when you should. Cops on suspects. Cops on cops. Bullies on bullies. Oh, so much weight to carry.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
November 15, 2024
Enjoyed this murder mystery about the police arresting the wrong suspect , their suicide and the capture of the real killer…. Fast paced novel with several twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
December 18, 2021
3-1/2 stars. I never got "comfortable" reading this. The writing style was a little stilted. The story is very good. Characters not quite fleshed out enough.
April 29, 2023
Well written and interesting story, Detective Luca wants to do the right thing, but holds back because of his seniors,with devastating results.
May 19, 2023
Who killed Mary Mercury and why??? Not him??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 29, 2023
4*
It was a good book, difficult to work out if written as a historical account or as a teaching aid or if it was a soliloquy.
Excellent characterisation but poor location description
It was a good book, difficult to work out if written as a historical account or as a teaching aid or if it was a soliloquy.
Excellent characterisation but poor location description
October 13, 2023
An enjoyable short read. A murder investigation that sees an innocent railroaded leading to sad consequences. Regret will forever dwell with Luca.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
November 2, 2024
Slow
This book was so slow and boring, I had to force myself to finish it, just to see who killed Mary.
This book was so slow and boring, I had to force myself to finish it, just to see who killed Mary.
December 16, 2023
What is a persons line of right and wrong?...
Just starting his exciting career of being a Detective, Luca wanted learn everything he could, from the older seasoned Detectives too. He also added to the cases with his younger look at things, as well as different perspective. He got the opportunity to work with a great Detective who is about to retire, and this was his last case, and he wanted it wrapped up with a bow when he left, and so he could leave.
A teenaged girl strangled in the park... that was bad... seeing the autopsy, that was worse!
Following the course of events in the case, and it kept coming back to the ex boyfriend, they put him in jail. Luca said that it just didn't feel right for him.
Was he right? Did something else come out after the boy killed himself in the one night they left him in jail?
Thank you, Dan Petrosini for a good short story!
Just starting his exciting career of being a Detective, Luca wanted learn everything he could, from the older seasoned Detectives too. He also added to the cases with his younger look at things, as well as different perspective. He got the opportunity to work with a great Detective who is about to retire, and this was his last case, and he wanted it wrapped up with a bow when he left, and so he could leave.
A teenaged girl strangled in the park... that was bad... seeing the autopsy, that was worse!
Following the course of events in the case, and it kept coming back to the ex boyfriend, they put him in jail. Luca said that it just didn't feel right for him.
Was he right? Did something else come out after the boy killed himself in the one night they left him in jail?
Thank you, Dan Petrosini for a good short story!
November 22, 2024
Every detective somewhere along the way would remember a case that made him/ her very happy. And then there are that one case you would regret for the rest of your life.
For Luca the murder of a young school girl in a local park inspired him to do whatever he can to find the perpetrator. Working with Detective Stone, a soon to be a retiree, opportunity knocked when clues arose that may point them to a perpetrator.
But would it?
Author Dan Petrosini certainly knows how to invoke a restless enquiring mind in a reader following the developments in The Barrow Case, leaving you with quite an unsettled mind in the end.
Enjoy
For Luca the murder of a young school girl in a local park inspired him to do whatever he can to find the perpetrator. Working with Detective Stone, a soon to be a retiree, opportunity knocked when clues arose that may point them to a perpetrator.
But would it?
Author Dan Petrosini certainly knows how to invoke a restless enquiring mind in a reader following the developments in The Barrow Case, leaving you with quite an unsettled mind in the end.
Enjoy
August 30, 2021
This a novella, and serves as an introduction to Dan Luca and the Luca Mystery Series. This is the novel I have read by Dan Petrosini. I discovered that he is an excellent writer with a solid story line and well fleshed characters. The novella looks at Detective Luca’s first case and how it factored into his life from this case forward. I would highly recommend this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.
March 30, 2021
I read this as part of the Dead Silent box set. This was an excellent introduction to Detective Luca for me. He shows a lot of integrity and diligence. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews