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Owen Day Thriller #1
Without Sin
A city in fear. A serial killer who crossed the line.
The Nursery Rhyme Killer took his brother. Now Owen Day will stop at absolutely nothing to find him.
A brutal killer haunts the streets of Kennington, leaving dead bodies in his wake – dead bodies, gruesome murder scenes, and nursery rhymes. The media dubs him NRK, the Nursery Rhyme Killer.
When NRK targets his brother, ex-military intelligence analyst Owen Day taps into the skills he developed in the Army to bring the killer to justice – before he strikes again.
'He that is without sin, let him first cast a stone...'
Owen's own hands are far from clean. But to wrest the city from the death grip of a madman, Owen will need to confront the demons of his past.
Sometimes, a man with blood on his hands is the only one who can stop a killer.
The Nursery Rhyme Killer took his brother. Now Owen Day will stop at absolutely nothing to find him.
A brutal killer haunts the streets of Kennington, leaving dead bodies in his wake – dead bodies, gruesome murder scenes, and nursery rhymes. The media dubs him NRK, the Nursery Rhyme Killer.
When NRK targets his brother, ex-military intelligence analyst Owen Day taps into the skills he developed in the Army to bring the killer to justice – before he strikes again.
'He that is without sin, let him first cast a stone...'
Owen's own hands are far from clean. But to wrest the city from the death grip of a madman, Owen will need to confront the demons of his past.
Sometimes, a man with blood on his hands is the only one who can stop a killer.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2021
65 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ford
74 books127 followersRachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2022
Our hero is damaged, but he doesn't let that stop him when his brother is killed. He will use every skill he has to track down the killer.
This is book one of the series, so no issues there.
This is a thriller, pure and simple. Of course, with books by this author, nothing is really simple. The characters are well developed and solid, real people with skills and flaws. The plot is intense with lots of twists and turns as our hero hunts for the clues to find the killer. This story lacks the humor found in most of the other books I have read by this author, but it compensates with gritty realism. Overall, this is a gripping and intense read and I look forward to seeing our hero again.
Highly recommended
I received an ARC from Story Origin for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so no issues there.
This is a thriller, pure and simple. Of course, with books by this author, nothing is really simple. The characters are well developed and solid, real people with skills and flaws. The plot is intense with lots of twists and turns as our hero hunts for the clues to find the killer. This story lacks the humor found in most of the other books I have read by this author, but it compensates with gritty realism. Overall, this is a gripping and intense read and I look forward to seeing our hero again.
Highly recommended
I received an ARC from Story Origin for review purposes.
July 30, 2025
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated by James Romick, Without Sin is a very intriguing, race-against-time thrill ride as Owen Day's world is shattered by his brother, whom was brutally murdered. Carefully targeting its victims and leaving behind nursery rhymes: some well known, others more obscure as to why. As the killings rack up, Owen's personal life turns dangerous as his loved ones are targeted; Owen has to use the skills he has and be a part of a sick man's game to bring down a dark twisted murderer.
The one caveat to why this review is not five stats is the annoying character of Jason that did nothing for the story and slowed down the pace of the book that would have moved faster without him.
The one caveat to why this review is not five stats is the annoying character of Jason that did nothing for the story and slowed down the pace of the book that would have moved faster without him.
August 3, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this story; however, it was a little slow for me in the beginning. I had a difficult time relating to the characters, and the sister-in-law's handling of her children was very frustrating. Once I got to know Owen Day and started to see his love for his brother, I developed a deeper respect for him and liked him more. I enjoyed the surprising twists. As the story worked to its conclusion, my attention was grabbed, and I became more immersed into the story. I thought James Romick's narration was fine as his performance was easy to follow. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
November 6, 2021
Owen's Got Algorithm
Former military operative and analyst Owen Day is on the hunt for the serial killer who murdered his estranged minister brother. Using his understanding of algorithms and the evil that lurks in mens hearts, he works with the equally determined detective. He make amends to his brother's family, a move that complicates his simple and reclusive life.
This is a decent read. Owen is smart and likable. The killer is sufficiently chilling. Could have lived without the bratty kids and in law angst but overall a satisfying read.
Former military operative and analyst Owen Day is on the hunt for the serial killer who murdered his estranged minister brother. Using his understanding of algorithms and the evil that lurks in mens hearts, he works with the equally determined detective. He make amends to his brother's family, a move that complicates his simple and reclusive life.
This is a decent read. Owen is smart and likable. The killer is sufficiently chilling. Could have lived without the bratty kids and in law angst but overall a satisfying read.
October 3, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was everything you’d expect from a murder, mystery book. It was certainly full of suspense and kept you gripped from beginning to end. The characters and storyline were well developed and rattled through at a fast pace. My only negative point would be that the author laboured on some points. For example, the bad behaviour of the children on the car ride from the church. However, all in all, a great read. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in murder, mystery and suspense.
October 10, 2024
A cracking read
Wow a really good read. When Owen Day's brother becomes a victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer he used the analysis skills he learnt in the army to find the killer. A great lead character a veteran haunted by past actions. The writing is excellent, the pacing perfect and I didn't get anywhere near working it out. I like Rachel Ford's other books but this change of genre has produced a real winner.
Wow a really good read. When Owen Day's brother becomes a victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer he used the analysis skills he learnt in the army to find the killer. A great lead character a veteran haunted by past actions. The writing is excellent, the pacing perfect and I didn't get anywhere near working it out. I like Rachel Ford's other books but this change of genre has produced a real winner.
December 5, 2021
Without Sin
Very interesting story about an abused child who grew up mostly in the foster care system. As an adult he had problems maintaining relationships and dealing with people in general. Until, that is, his brother was the victim of a serial killer and he becomes upset with finding the killer.
Very interesting story about an abused child who grew up mostly in the foster care system. As an adult he had problems maintaining relationships and dealing with people in general. Until, that is, his brother was the victim of a serial killer and he becomes upset with finding the killer.
March 30, 2022
A good and exciting read!
The book was well-written, fast-paced with a good plot and some humor thrown in. I loved Owen, such a great character. I warmed up to Jason eventually and I disliked Megan, even in the end. I will for sure continue reading the series.
The book was well-written, fast-paced with a good plot and some humor thrown in. I loved Owen, such a great character. I warmed up to Jason eventually and I disliked Megan, even in the end. I will for sure continue reading the series.
April 4, 2023
Interesting storyline, and main character.
Main Character and storyline interesting the pace was some what slow. The progression and long descriptions sometimes became boring, thus slowing the pace of the story.
Main Character and storyline interesting the pace was some what slow. The progression and long descriptions sometimes became boring, thus slowing the pace of the story.
August 20, 2023
a brothers sense of justice for a brother killed
This is an interesting story line. Random murders, ex military brother seeking justice for a younger brother. A little OCD thrown in and determination to protect his brothers family.
This is an interesting story line. Random murders, ex military brother seeking justice for a younger brother. A little OCD thrown in and determination to protect his brothers family.
August 2, 2025
Loved the narration from James Romick
Owen’s brother is killed and nothing and no one will stop find the killer. He will use all his skills as a veteran.
This book is full of twists and turns, suspense and you will be kept wondering who. It also has humour and great real characters.
Owen’s brother is killed and nothing and no one will stop find the killer. He will use all his skills as a veteran.
This book is full of twists and turns, suspense and you will be kept wondering who. It also has humour and great real characters.
September 21, 2021
Interesting characters
This book flew through my hands in one sitting. Great storyline and lots of action. Already have book two in my library.
This book flew through my hands in one sitting. Great storyline and lots of action. Already have book two in my library.
September 27, 2021
Without Sin
Liked the story. Rated it 5 Stars. Would recommend it to readers who like good mystery. It was a little lengthy for me. Still Good book
Liked the story. Rated it 5 Stars. Would recommend it to readers who like good mystery. It was a little lengthy for me. Still Good book
October 18, 2021
Never finished it. Didn’t really care for it.
August 16, 2023
interesting
I liked the way this character observed things and how he developed through the book. I am invested in the supporting cast.
I liked the way this character observed things and how he developed through the book. I am invested in the supporting cast.
August 27, 2025
This book didn’t suck but I really didn’t connect with it or find anything special about it.
July 28, 2025
Without Sin: an Owen Day Thriller, my thirty-third highly enjoyable read from author Rachel Ford. No matter the genre a Rachel Ford book can be counted on to be entertaining & enjoyable. A Rachel Ford read is like a visit with an old friend. This one delves into the realm of crime thrillers and appears to be the first book in a new series. “I received a complementary Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 16, 2021
The Nursery Rhyme Killer is on the loose and you don't want to meet him! Owen's brother was taken by the NRK but that was a mistake, and now the killer is about to find out how much of a mistake that was.
This is a great suspense mystery, well developed plot and characters. I hope this becomes an ongoing series! This is definitely an author to watch - I couldn't turn the "pages" fast enough!
This is a great suspense mystery, well developed plot and characters. I hope this becomes an ongoing series! This is definitely an author to watch - I couldn't turn the "pages" fast enough!
August 20, 2021
An absolutely intriguing book that had me hooked from the start. Owen is great at his job but when his brother is targeted, it’s totally different. Loved every bit of the story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews