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The Devil's Trident
Ten years after a top-secret mission in Afghanistan, retired NYPD Detective and Navy SEAL Michael Keough finds himself about to hit rock bottom. He’s divorced from his wife and instead married to the bottle. Then, on a cool fall evening, a volley of gunfire erupts outside his apartment. When he discovers his partner mortally wounded, it changes everything.
As the dust settles, Keough learns that three of the six people involved in the mission are dead. A fourth is missing. Keough can’t help but wonder if the rounds that cut down his partner were meant for him.
First Grade Detective, and media darling, Rocco Locatelli catches the case. He vows to follow the evidence wherever it leads. Locatelli, however, is ordered by department brass to stand down and close out the investigation. Having gone up against the department previously, Locatelli has been labeled a renegade – a designation he embraces. Locatelli pushes back against the department’s hierarchy in search of the truth; meanwhile, Keough is forced into a life and death situation and will have to face the consequences of his actions a decade earlier.
As the dust settles, Keough learns that three of the six people involved in the mission are dead. A fourth is missing. Keough can’t help but wonder if the rounds that cut down his partner were meant for him.
First Grade Detective, and media darling, Rocco Locatelli catches the case. He vows to follow the evidence wherever it leads. Locatelli, however, is ordered by department brass to stand down and close out the investigation. Having gone up against the department previously, Locatelli has been labeled a renegade – a designation he embraces. Locatelli pushes back against the department’s hierarchy in search of the truth; meanwhile, Keough is forced into a life and death situation and will have to face the consequences of his actions a decade earlier.
335 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2021
222 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
George P. Norris
7 books21 followersGeorge Norris is the Amazon Best Selling author of NYPD True and The Devil's Trident. In 2008, after over twenty years of service, George retired from the New York City Police Department. George was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 after working nearly two years in a precinct detective squad. In 2001, he was again promoted, this time to Sergeant Special Assignment. During his career Sgt. Norris amassed 248 medals for his actions as a police officer making him one of the most decorated officers in the history of the NYPD.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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February 12, 2023FreeBooksy
Jerry read the author info on George P. Norris
Jerry read the author info on George P. Norris
May 10, 2022
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
This book really surprised me, because it went off in a completely different direction than I think I expected. Based upon the cover, and upon reading the prologue, I had thought it would be a war novel. Based on the biography of the author, I thought maybe it could be a police procedural. As it turns out, it's a little bit of both, but more to the point, it's a really great character study from multiple points of view, and one in which I wasn't quite sure which way the story was going to go next.
Our protagonist, recently retired NYPD detective and former Navy SEAL Michael Keough, is a well written, fully fleshed out character with relatable issues; he represents the common man well although his work background is anything but. After a former co-worker is killed outside his door, Keough digs deeper with the help of the wonderfully named (and also brilliantly fleshed out) detective Rocco Locatelli and finds out that he was the target, and his friend was collateral damage. From there, the two race to find out who perpetrated the attack, and how it all ties in with the fact that many of his former comrades in the SEALs have been dying off at an alarming rate ...
George Norris knows how to write a propulsive story, and speeds you along through different times and time zones without ever losing you. The flow of the story is fantastic, and although it's a mid-sized book, I found myself speeding through it. The revelation midway through the story of a certain plot point / character was a wonderful stroke of genius that only enhanced my enjoyment of the novel.
My only qualm has to be with grammatical and spelling issues that abounded, especially towards the end of the book, but I'm OCD when it comes to things like that (I have been called a Grammar Nazi before); YMMV. However, if Mr. Norris is able to get a book deal with this -- HINT: HE REALLY SHOULD!!! -- it's nothing a good copy editor can't fix.
I thought this was a wonderful piece of entertainment. I don't know if Mr. Norris has any more stories up his sleeve involving Michael Keough, or even Rocco Locatelli, but even if he doesn't, he has a solid grip on storytelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece of fiction.
Nine mysterious murders out of ten.
This book really surprised me, because it went off in a completely different direction than I think I expected. Based upon the cover, and upon reading the prologue, I had thought it would be a war novel. Based on the biography of the author, I thought maybe it could be a police procedural. As it turns out, it's a little bit of both, but more to the point, it's a really great character study from multiple points of view, and one in which I wasn't quite sure which way the story was going to go next.
Our protagonist, recently retired NYPD detective and former Navy SEAL Michael Keough, is a well written, fully fleshed out character with relatable issues; he represents the common man well although his work background is anything but. After a former co-worker is killed outside his door, Keough digs deeper with the help of the wonderfully named (and also brilliantly fleshed out) detective Rocco Locatelli and finds out that he was the target, and his friend was collateral damage. From there, the two race to find out who perpetrated the attack, and how it all ties in with the fact that many of his former comrades in the SEALs have been dying off at an alarming rate ...
George Norris knows how to write a propulsive story, and speeds you along through different times and time zones without ever losing you. The flow of the story is fantastic, and although it's a mid-sized book, I found myself speeding through it. The revelation midway through the story of a certain plot point / character was a wonderful stroke of genius that only enhanced my enjoyment of the novel.
My only qualm has to be with grammatical and spelling issues that abounded, especially towards the end of the book, but I'm OCD when it comes to things like that (I have been called a Grammar Nazi before); YMMV. However, if Mr. Norris is able to get a book deal with this -- HINT: HE REALLY SHOULD!!! -- it's nothing a good copy editor can't fix.
I thought this was a wonderful piece of entertainment. I don't know if Mr. Norris has any more stories up his sleeve involving Michael Keough, or even Rocco Locatelli, but even if he doesn't, he has a solid grip on storytelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece of fiction.
Nine mysterious murders out of ten.
July 31, 2022
Although closer to 3 1/2 instead of 4 stars, The Devil's Trident is an engaging, well-written read by George P. Norris. It's the story of a retired NYPD Detective and Navy SEAL, Michael Keough, who is drawn into a web of intrigue after his former police partner, also retired, Vincent Cussico, is robbed and killed shortly after their traditional Sunday poker game but not before killing the assailant.
Besides being a 10-999 call, it looks like an open and shut case. A down-on-his-luck dishonorably discharged veteran picked the wrong mark, leaving both men dead. Except, this robbery wasn't a straight-up robbery. It was a hit. And Cussico wasn't the intended target, it was Keough.
The revelation comes to Keough slowly as seemingly unrelated events begin to look related, including one of his former SEAL team members committing suicide on the same night his partner is killed. This SEAL isn't the only one. Two more of the six who served on the same mission are dead, and a fourth is missing.
The story runs into some trouble, aside from being an old military mission cover-up, because the top-secret mission is based in part on a QAnon conspiracy theory that Osama bin Laden has a body double. Why Morris picked it is beyond me. It could have been any mission, and this doesn't lend anything exceptional. The person behind the cover-up has plenty of other baggage that is even more plausible.
In addition to this annoyance, Norris cheats the climax of his novel by tucking it away as an explanation in the epilogue is very problematic. In fact, he uses the mechanism to wrap everything up, including a needless mistaken identity tease that Norris uses to end the book. He would have been better off writing a few more chapters and leaving the tease out.
Still, Norris has talent and the ability to tell a good cop story. He served as a highly decorated officer of the law for 20 years.
While I originally received a free copy of the book to review (I review one indie author every three months or so), I decided to purchase my own to read on Kindle. The Kindle edition is mainly clean, except for two cases or so, where part of the narrative is accidentally caught on the wrong side of a dialogue quote mark.
Besides being a 10-999 call, it looks like an open and shut case. A down-on-his-luck dishonorably discharged veteran picked the wrong mark, leaving both men dead. Except, this robbery wasn't a straight-up robbery. It was a hit. And Cussico wasn't the intended target, it was Keough.
The revelation comes to Keough slowly as seemingly unrelated events begin to look related, including one of his former SEAL team members committing suicide on the same night his partner is killed. This SEAL isn't the only one. Two more of the six who served on the same mission are dead, and a fourth is missing.
The story runs into some trouble, aside from being an old military mission cover-up, because the top-secret mission is based in part on a QAnon conspiracy theory that Osama bin Laden has a body double. Why Morris picked it is beyond me. It could have been any mission, and this doesn't lend anything exceptional. The person behind the cover-up has plenty of other baggage that is even more plausible.
In addition to this annoyance, Norris cheats the climax of his novel by tucking it away as an explanation in the epilogue is very problematic. In fact, he uses the mechanism to wrap everything up, including a needless mistaken identity tease that Norris uses to end the book. He would have been better off writing a few more chapters and leaving the tease out.
Still, Norris has talent and the ability to tell a good cop story. He served as a highly decorated officer of the law for 20 years.
While I originally received a free copy of the book to review (I review one indie author every three months or so), I decided to purchase my own to read on Kindle. The Kindle edition is mainly clean, except for two cases or so, where part of the narrative is accidentally caught on the wrong side of a dialogue quote mark.
June 24, 2022
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Action-packed!
What a remarkably told story in The Devil's Trident by George P. Norris. I've read both nonfiction and fiction by this author, and both genres are written very well. Norris is an author that you want to keep reading the books that he writes, no matter the genre. The Devil's Trident introduces the reader to Michael Keough, a man struggling to not hit the bottom, but the bottle is practically his best friend. He's retired, both from the NYPD as a detective, and he was a Navy Seal. Quite the resume for a man practically falling apart. There is the one turning point that changes his life forever and puts him back on track. Gunfire. This book was amazing, as we could see the reasons for the falling and failing of Keough, and the fall out on his psyche. However, things change in a very explosive way, as the author brings the reader right into the middle of the action, not wanting to miss a single word. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. I just love, love, love this story. This story was very unpredictable. The Devil's Trident is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a remarkably told story in The Devil's Trident by George P. Norris. I've read both nonfiction and fiction by this author, and both genres are written very well. Norris is an author that you want to keep reading the books that he writes, no matter the genre. The Devil's Trident introduces the reader to Michael Keough, a man struggling to not hit the bottom, but the bottle is practically his best friend. He's retired, both from the NYPD as a detective, and he was a Navy Seal. Quite the resume for a man practically falling apart. There is the one turning point that changes his life forever and puts him back on track. Gunfire. This book was amazing, as we could see the reasons for the falling and failing of Keough, and the fall out on his psyche. However, things change in a very explosive way, as the author brings the reader right into the middle of the action, not wanting to miss a single word. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. I just love, love, love this story. This story was very unpredictable. The Devil's Trident is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
July 6, 2022
Some secrets should stay buried...
Years later, after a top secret mission, three members are dead. Coincidence?
After a fellow brother and former partner of Detective Keough is murdered Keough has unanswered questions.
Keough, Sheffield and Detective Locatelli work together to unravel the mystery that surrounds their deaths.
Mystery, suspense, action packed drama, betrayal, and military and police corruption keep you intrigued as they seek justice for the fallen.
Navy Seals, NYPD, Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.
There are quite a few type errors but don't let that stop you from reading this fabulous story.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Years later, after a top secret mission, three members are dead. Coincidence?
After a fellow brother and former partner of Detective Keough is murdered Keough has unanswered questions.
Keough, Sheffield and Detective Locatelli work together to unravel the mystery that surrounds their deaths.
Mystery, suspense, action packed drama, betrayal, and military and police corruption keep you intrigued as they seek justice for the fallen.
Navy Seals, NYPD, Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.
There are quite a few type errors but don't let that stop you from reading this fabulous story.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 14, 2022
I was completely engaged in this book from the beginning to the end. I love a good police procedural and with the author's real life experience in the NYPD, it helped make the characters and storyline incredibly relatable while also giving them the perfect amount of depth that I need as a reader.
That being said, I didn't love the ending. I didn't hate it either, it was just kind of...there. It was missing something that I normally need to make it feel wrapped up. Not in the sense of a cliffhanger just in regards to the revelation of the mission and overarching reasoning for murder. Thus the reason for my 4 stars.
I would definitely read something else by this author because I really did enjoy the read.
This book was sent to me by the author in return for my honest review.
That being said, I didn't love the ending. I didn't hate it either, it was just kind of...there. It was missing something that I normally need to make it feel wrapped up. Not in the sense of a cliffhanger just in regards to the revelation of the mission and overarching reasoning for murder. Thus the reason for my 4 stars.
I would definitely read something else by this author because I really did enjoy the read.
This book was sent to me by the author in return for my honest review.
February 21, 2024
an enjoyable tale
Not an author I’ve read before, nor one I know of, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find that this was his first release.
It felt less polished than many books by established writers, but it was still a good read, with some reasonable action scenes and a fairly credible story line to it, although it wouldn’t hold up against much challenge.
A few spelling errors and proof-reading issues that grated as a personal bugbear but, again, not that many that necessitated a loss of more than one star.
I will get the follow up and see how well the author develops his voice
Not an author I’ve read before, nor one I know of, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find that this was his first release.
It felt less polished than many books by established writers, but it was still a good read, with some reasonable action scenes and a fairly credible story line to it, although it wouldn’t hold up against much challenge.
A few spelling errors and proof-reading issues that grated as a personal bugbear but, again, not that many that necessitated a loss of more than one star.
I will get the follow up and see how well the author develops his voice
June 8, 2025
The NYPD, SEALs and black ops all come colliding together in this story. One man is in all three roles. His detective skills soon reveal that all is not as it appears. There is a reason that people go off grid and there is a reason good people end up dead. The logic is intertwined, if in a very obtuse way. Eventually the story weaves through the characters to reveal subplots that you were only guessing at. A well written story with some serious black ops action. Also lots of good detective work.
July 22, 2022
George Norris combines his vast experience as a decorated NYPD veteran with a harrowing military story full of action and intrigue. His characters are human and accessible. The reader will be on the edge of their seat until the very last page. I look forward to reading more from this talented author. I highly recommend The Devil’s Trident to readers of military and detective thrillers. This book is both.
February 22, 2024
A recommendation from @bookbub enjoyable read, well written & memorable concepts. I'm not a regular reader of this genre but it was good storytelling. The author clearly has a vast experience of realism which does translate well I feel simply gratitude to be one to read & rate. If I ever consider reading another it would be the Nypd book from this author. Truly a wonder of a tale, Iam simply intreged.
April 3, 2022
I was given a free copy of this book from the author through voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review. This was a great book. The characters were well done and easy to follow. The story line was really thought out and has some good twists and turns. The action scenes are good and done in detail. Overall it’s a great book.
June 9, 2024
intriguing read
A great story from start to finish. Humour built in to a fascinating story that could be true? Who knows.Military personnel, political ambitions and action mixed with your typical police careerism, grip that greasy pole and forget your subordinates. Looking forward to the next instalment.
A great story from start to finish. Humour built in to a fascinating story that could be true? Who knows.Military personnel, political ambitions and action mixed with your typical police careerism, grip that greasy pole and forget your subordinates. Looking forward to the next instalment.
March 9, 2022
Enjoyed this very much. Kept me engaged. Like the characters and plot. This is not, repeat not a Jack Reacher wanna be. Not nearly dark enough, not enough angst. Like those but this was different and I recommend it.
I recieved a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recieved a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2022
Review through Voracious Readers Only
Thoroughly enjoyed this high action thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the combo of NYPD and Navy Seals. Great characters. Liked the existing relationship between Keough and Dawn. Thought it was quite sweet. Recommend this read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this high action thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the combo of NYPD and Navy Seals. Great characters. Liked the existing relationship between Keough and Dawn. Thought it was quite sweet. Recommend this read!
April 24, 2022
great read
Thank you Mr Norris for an outstanding story. Absolutely great detail and the characters were awesome. Can’t remember when I have read such a great story. Thank you again and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you Mr Norris for an outstanding story. Absolutely great detail and the characters were awesome. Can’t remember when I have read such a great story. Thank you again and I look forward to reading more of your work.
February 13, 2023
outstanding story
The past and present work together for Michael Keough as he works as he investigates why his neighbor and friend had been killed. As action is exciting and suspense through the book. I will plan to reread the book several times. It is that engrossing.
The past and present work together for Michael Keough as he works as he investigates why his neighbor and friend had been killed. As action is exciting and suspense through the book. I will plan to reread the book several times. It is that engrossing.
March 25, 2025
So glad
I had book 2 but I couldn't read book 2 before reading book 1 so I bought book 1! I so enjoyed it, maybe because my daughter was a LT in the US NAVY and with the 5th Fleet deployed twice to the middle East. I look forward to book 2!
I had book 2 but I couldn't read book 2 before reading book 1 so I bought book 1! I so enjoyed it, maybe because my daughter was a LT in the US NAVY and with the 5th Fleet deployed twice to the middle East. I look forward to book 2!
March 12, 2022
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The action kicked off the first few pages and rarely let up until the end. The characters were very believable, three-dimensional, and relatable. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept this reader on her toes. I especially enjoyed the combination of military action and police procedural, two of my favorite types of reads. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for other books by Mr. Norris to check out.
December 9, 2022
Great read
When a great story. Fast paced and so believable. Characters were so well written and the plot was well developed. Ill read more by this author.
When a great story. Fast paced and so believable. Characters were so well written and the plot was well developed. Ill read more by this author.
January 16, 2023
Good Story
Being a former employee of NYPD and a veteran, I enjoyed the storyline and could relate to both agencies. Can't wait to read his next book. Keep up the good work.
Being a former employee of NYPD and a veteran, I enjoyed the storyline and could relate to both agencies. Can't wait to read his next book. Keep up the good work.
Read
April 24, 2023Excellent read. As a retired detective with 43 years service the plot, delivery and result are believable and well weaved together. Looking forward to next one
March 8, 2024
But of a far fetched plot and weak dialog made it a bit of work to get finished. Won't be reading any more books from this author.
January 20, 2025
Loved it!,
Easy to read with lots of action. Norris kept enough suspense so that I didn’t get some work done while continuing to read instead. Very enjoyable.
Easy to read with lots of action. Norris kept enough suspense so that I didn’t get some work done while continuing to read instead. Very enjoyable.
October 17, 2025
Love the Seals
It was an interesting spin on history, well hidden till almost the end. A good read for an ex navy guy.
It was an interesting spin on history, well hidden till almost the end. A good read for an ex navy guy.
March 5, 2022
This book deserves way more than 5 stars. A group of navy SEALs pull off a dangerous top secret mission in Afghanistan. 10 years later they complete the final part. One by one they are being killed off but why and who? One rogue cop is determined to help them find out even if it costs him his career. This is one action packed book that would make a fantastic film. A definite must read.
November 3, 2025
A good story
I enjoyed this book. All the characters were interesting and the story was fun to read. It ended well too.
I enjoyed this book. All the characters were interesting and the story was fun to read. It ended well too.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews