Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

C.T. Ferguson #14

Concrete Angels: A C.T. Ferguson Crime Novel

Rate this book
The serenity of a Baltimore church courtyard . . .

Is broken by the corpse of a priest.

Who would commit such a terrible crime?

Another reverend hires private investigator C.T. Ferguson to solve the case. C.T. learns the murdered man was popular with a wide range of church and community members.Someone clearly hated him, however . . . and the killer focuses on C.T.When he uncovers questionable connections in the priest’s history—ranging from local gangs all the way to City Hall—C.T. wonders why so many people might want a man of the cloth dead.As soon as C.T. thinks he has an angle on the homicide, his secretary T.J. discovers new information which complicates the case and muddies the waters.Can C.T. identify the killer before his body is the next to turn up?Concrete Angels is the 14th gripping novel in the C.T. Ferguson crime fiction series. Each story stands alone, so you can enjoy the mysteries in whatever order you discover them.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

289 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Tom Fowler

277 books134 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
231 (50%)
4 stars
160 (34%)
3 stars
56 (12%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
1,465 reviews29 followers
May 7, 2023
The C.T. Ferguson Series:
The Reluctant Detective #1 – This is my first read by this author and I like it. This story fits into one of my all-time favorite genres with plenty of humor, action and investigations. The storylines are good and realistic, and I like that the PI is a privileged person instead of a Mickey Spillane stereotype. C.T. also has an interesting past that plays a large part in this introduction. Add in his parents, his older police Detective cousin and a good supporting cast, which all make it difficult to put the book down. The pace is steady without any boring bits. This is one of the better edited books I’ve seen from an Indie author. 4*

The Unknown Devil #2 - Another difficult to put down fast paced pages full of intrigue, suspense and action. Unfortunately, this is my fourth read, instead of my second, but that did not detract from the meshing of previous storylines with the current lines. This book is well thought out in plot and character development along with realistic dialogues, realistic fight scenes and a smart mouthed character full of himself with plenty of good humor. There is infrequent use of vulgar language considering the criminal elements involved. Interesting information about the hacking of cellphones and other electronics. There is a bit too much detailing of insignificant information: clothing; cooking; etc., but still a worthy read. 4*

The Workers of Iniquity #3 - Even with the relaxed pace, this is another hard to put down book. There are multiple storylines happening and if that is not enough to hold your interest, here are a few more added. The characters are interesting and they have good dialogues and work in their roles. C. T. has been a PI for almost a year at this point. The solutions and the way problems are handled are entertaining; some have a good revenge edge and others bring rewards. The crime topics are more than loan sharking. 4*

Already Guilty #4 – I could not put this book down. Well written, fasted paced, and intriguing with great storylines and characters, a real page-turner. Bits reminded me of Lithgow and Denzel’s revenge movie, but the author does well making this his work. There are plenty of good characters, old and new, and the storylines merge well with the story’s plot and the past books. Of course, there is always something or someone to mess up the flow, but that is what makes the series interesting. C.T. is C.T. and you cannot help but respect him and his efforts, and he has a hard row to hoe this time with his special case. I do not know how the previous books flowed since I have only read the first of this series. 5*

Daughters and Sons #5 - I enjoy reading this series. Even though I have not read all of them, I have not missed anything due to the author's talent for storytelling. The past is not thrown at the reader to figure out or reminisce over. C.T. continues to develop as more of his personality appears. He has good supporting characters, which is perfect to go along with the intriguing and interesting storylines. There is enough detail to make the reader a fly on the wall without the Hollywood dramatics or the usual stupidity found in this genre. Realistic with storylines, dialog and actions while immersed with good humor and quite a bit of smart mouth from C.T. 5*

A March From Innocence #6 - This story picks up a couple of weeks after Daughters ended. Well thought out storylines; good action scenes; intelligent dialogues; well developed characters on both sides of the law; and good humor with some romance. Clean but the topic is disgusting. Young children. Older men. Add some interesting ways that C. T. handles things makes this a difficult book to put down. 5*

Inside Cut #7 - Oh, dear. My first C. T. book that did not work for me. It felt incomplete, like not everything was there, no enthusiasm on Mr. Fowler's end. True, I do not care much for college sports so the topic was not my cup of tea. I did like a past method coming to play; never think if something (or someone) is outdated that it cannot work in the present or future. Lack of education and experience is easy to beat. The storylines dragged a bit for me but the characters were good, like always. I disagree with the outcome on Eddie, the old family friend should have his due. Although, the way the storyline went on involving Bruno in the first place did not work for me. C. T. came through and did his usual good work helping others and correcting the outcome of an uncovered crime. While this story is not on par with the others in this series, it is still an OK read. 3*

The Next Girl #8 - C. T. is back again with new storylines that move at a fast pace through the frustrations, the investigations and the pain of his newest case. Well thought out and vividly told, this is a difficult story to put down. The new characters run the gamut while the old do their jobs. It is easy to figure out the who and the why, but it is still an interesting, intriguing read. 5*

Dead Cat Bounce #11 - I missed a few books in this series but it was easy to get back in the groove. While I think some of the previous books were better, which may be due to the missing books gap, this story is still a good read. Interesting. Good storylines and good characters. TJ is a good addition to the mix. It was easy to finish the book without interruptions. 4*

Don't Say Her Name, C.T. Ferguson #12 - This is one of my favorite characters and series. There is plenty of interesting characters, an interesting writing style and interesting story lines. It is best to start with the first book since there is a continuous building of new onto the old, BUT it is not necessary. Fortunately, Fowler does not rehash the past in great detail in his books, he keeps the present book interesting. There is action, romance and humor. Language is mostly clean; a very minimum on the vulgar, which is character-related. The romance is clean without the stupid arguments and ridiculous mind sets that other authors add for drama, but mischievous and adult dialog between the two lovers. There is the mysterious disappearance of a client's father but C.T. has to figure out the who of why he and his family are targets. Another in one sitting read. 5*

Night Comes Down, C.T. Ferguson #13 - Interesting. I like that this book is about hacking and revenge. Well written with interesting story lines, a good blending of old and new, along with some intense bits made this another hard to put down read. 5*

Concrete Angels, #14 - Pretty interesting with a bigger role in the narration and duties for TJ. The good story lines kept me involved in the book and some of the characters are doozies. 5*

Novellas:
Hong Kong Dangerous, prequel - This is an interesting introduction to C.T. and his cousin Rick. The events in this short, quickly read novella lays the path to C. T. becoming PI. C.T. is in HK hacking and being a nuisance to the Chinese government. He and his cohorts are arrested and C.T. finds himself in prison. Rick is a sergeant in the Bmore police force working hard to become a detective. A few of the other repeat characters are mentioned but not in detail. 4*

3.5 Red City Blues - This is an interesting read perfect for quick getaway. The timeline is a year after he starts his PI business. A basic well told story with none of the usual detailed cooking or running scenes. 4*
The C.T. Ferguson Series end.
6,030 reviews45 followers
April 9, 2023
Another drama and action packed experience with CT Ferguson

His assistant TJ seems to be really coming into her own, making strides with her education, her legitimate earnings, her sense of self aside from her past, and establishing herself with a car and apartment that are comfortable for her.

A case takes them back to working with the Archdiocese.

The murder of a priest who helped immigrants to settle in and find work, regardless of gang affiliation or immigration status is found slain and posed in a denigrating way.

As CT and TJ face the ghosts of their victim and of their own pasts, disturbing connections become clear. Their lives seem to be in the line, more than once.

CT also faces some bumps in the road with his newlywed wife.

It was great to see how much TJ had grown and grown up. Her spreading her wings and beginning to help others out is painted as a painful process that she faces with characteristic toughness.

I look forward to seeing her develop more muscles to flex as she grows in her investigative roles and personal dynamics.

Profile Image for Connie Charron.
193 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2023
C.T. gets some of the strangest cases from unexpected places & people. No one expected Fr. David to be in search of C.T.'s services again, least of all C.T. When the police don't get answers to you quick enough, you never know the extent people will go to get them on their own, or through alternate channels. That's the case in the murder of Father Shawn Cooper, murdered in the church courtyard. Working with what little info he has to go on C.T. believes that his murder has something to do with Fr. Shawn giving jobs to illegal immigrants and gang members instead of it going to union members. The course of this mysterious story will keep you guessing until the end. I love that T.J. is getting more involved and that C.T. is not letting her get away with staying in her comfort zone. Making her do the hard stuff will only benefit both of them, as well as their clients. Great storyline that'll keep you reading long into the night.
1,751 reviews13 followers
April 21, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In the story a priest has been killed and CT is asked to look into it. Once he starts he has TJ helping him out. He has been training her and she has become a big help since she joined his operation. With very little to go they both begin looking by first visiting the scene where the murder happened. They gathered information relating to construction jobs being performed on the church and rectory. Using this information, they visited the local union headquarters to see if anything might jump at them. They left after talking to the union boss with very little to go on.

As their hunt was going on TJ ran into a former friend who work the same profession that TJ had. TJ tried to convince her friend to meet with her mentor who got her started in her current life. Later she received a call to meet up and discovered that her friend wanted her to do something that was in her old life. TJ left angry and told her friend not to contact her till she was ready to change what she was doing. As it so happened, her friend was somehow associated on the case she was working with CT on.

CT and TJ narrow their suspect list down and after getting more confirmation if who the responsible party was. After being involved with the discovery of another body, the two set a trap for the killer.

To discover why the priest was killed, who were the individuals involved, what part TJ's friend played and how everythong was cleared up in the end, then you need to read this book.

This is a definite winner in this series and you need to read it.
219 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2023
Another exciting mystery falls into private investigator CT’s lap. The Archdiocese has hired him to solve an unsolved murder of a “good” priest whose mutilated body is found in a courtyard of a Baltimore church. The police have shelved the murder and have moved on to others. A friend of CT, a reverend in a different church in Baltimore, hires CT to solve the murder. CT of course loves challenges, and this one is definitely a challenge. Who would want to murder a we;;-loved priest and why? CT begins investigating, and after a old friend of his secretary, TJ, is almost killed, she joins in the hunt and helps CJ investigate. When CT and TJ feel like they are getting closer to the killer, or killers, they suddenly become the prey. This 14th CT thriller is excellent. I really enjoy the interaction of all of the characters. Even though each book is complete on its own, it’s much more interesting to read as many of them in order so you can track how the characters evolve. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
226 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2023
Action and humour in one thrilling book.
Another C.T Ferguson Thriller, this one being the 14th book so far in the series
A complicated case for C.T when he is asked by a local clergy to look into a brutal murder of a priest stabbed a dozen times. C.T with the aid of his secretary T J they dig deep into Shawn Cooper to try and find why somebody would kill a man of the cloth in what seems to be a dedicated liked local priest who would help everyone; including some bad people in the local gangs. As soon as C.T uncovers one connection, his secretary T J uncovers new information but then the killers start to put pressure on them to stop and it becomes obvious they need to identify the killer before more bodies turn up! Also TJ’s past catches her up when an old friend suddenly turns up and she might somehow just be involved; or not? T J goes one step further than just being just his secretary being much more active and involved in the case and she tries to help her friend out.
Although part of a series this is also a standalone story as are the others and a real page turner.
197 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2023
The 14th C T Ferguson crime novel is up to the author's usual enjoyable standard. Witty, cynical PI and sidekick(though she would beat the daylights out of me for calling her this) initially investigate the death of a priest only to see more damaged or dead bodies pile up. Throw in some attempted murders, chain yanking of the local police force, Union corruption and casual sex to create a melting pot of confusing hints and an enjoyable story.
It is a sad reflection on our present society that the automatic question one asks when a priest is murdered is whether he was interfering with children. I'm pleased to say that once this question is answered then the trail follows different directions.

An easily read story full of interpersonal exchanges that will bring a few smiles to a reader as well as engendering some sympathy for prostitutes. For the record I got an ARC copy but these views are my own.
178 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2023
The spotlight is on TJ, his secretary/assistant, in this new episode of the CT Ferguson saga. A friend from her past suddenly reappears and soon becomes involved in their latest investigation. TJ's new role is a positive variation to the general theme, definitely an enrichment in the cast of characters, which is, as usual, composed of lively and assorted personalities.
CT and his new wife, Gloria, are merrily adjusting to the marital life; his police lieutenant cousin and his colleagues are becoming less aggressive and, at times, even cooperative. Finally, the bad guys (and girls) are wickedly mean.
The plot is engaging, making the reader feel sorry for the victims and upset at the culprits.
Overall, Concrete Angels is an intriguing mystery with a captivating cast of characters, resulting in a pleasant reading experience.
Profile Image for Uma.
218 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
An astounding, awesome and amazing adventure!!

This is a riveting, absorbing crime story that involves the heinous murder of a Catholic Priest Father Cooper. Private Investigator C.T Ferguson and his assistant T.J are involved in the resolution of this heinous crime along with other similar crimes.

How C.T. and T.J get absorbed in the goings-on of the solution of this mystery, the various resources and the situations that they come across, the different characters that are part of the story, and the ultimate analysis of the events that lead to the absorbing finale of the mystery that leads to the final solution is the wonderful aspect of this book. The narrative is exemplary, the characterization is superb, and the amazing ending is totally riveting.

Thank you for a wonderful story, Mr. Tom Fowler.
Profile Image for Teresa Collins.
1,121 reviews19 followers
April 13, 2023
Concrete Angels is just what I have come to expect from Tom Fowler: a captivating story with great characters (both good and bad), plenty of action, suspense, unexpected developments, and a few red herrings along the way to keep the reader guessing. I enjoyed having T.J. take a more active role in this case and discover a bit more about her background and about who she is. I hope Mr. Fowler allows her to further develop her skills and her position with C.T. She deserves only the best. Now if we could come up with a significant other who is worthy of her, I really would be happy.
If you haven't read any of the C.T. Ferguson series I highly recommend them. They are some of the best in the P.I. genre.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
967 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2023
CT and TJ r fantastic in this book. I’m glad TJ gets to get out of the office. Now she must confront her past which is never easy especially when he runs into a close friend from her previous life! This book had it all priests, union bosses, thugs and so much more. I couldn’t put this book down. There was plenty of action and dangerous situations our hero’s have to find a way out of. CT is surprised at how good a fighter TJ is. But it makes sense that she learned early on to protect herself. I love all the growth and maturing TJ has done since first working for CT! I really enjoyed this book! I highly recommend this book if u want a high octane ride! I love this author! I look forward to reading the next book he writes!
227 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2023
Another action filled detective thriller by Tom Fowler! Concrete Angels is an easy, fun to read PI detective procedural. Mr. Fowler has created some new, enjoyable characters that add to those he already made to live in the mystery world of C.T. Ferguson. Readers of the C.T. Ferguson series will love the evolution of T.J.'s character, however this easily reads as a standalone novel thanks to the clear, descriptive description of the author. I do not reiterate storylines as I feel it steals from a reader's enjoyment. I recommend this to those who enjoy mystery or detective genres. I received an ARC and this is my honest evaluation of this novel.
92 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
C. T. Ferguson is becoming one of my favorite P.I.s. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone as well. What I like about reading the series though, is watching how each character grows as the series continues. C.T. starts out as The Reluctant Detective, but quickly learns the ropes and becomes more confident in his career choice. His secretary/assistant, T.J., is becoming a valuable part of the story too, and I’m enjoying her thought processes when she assists C.T. I highly recommend the C.T. Ferguson series as well as the author’s John Tyler series.

I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
42 reviews
May 28, 2023
Murder, mystery and humour

Fowler's books just keep improving. His humorous phrases and commentary add levity and personality. This is a recounting of murder and lesser crimes that intersect and those unfortunates who fall victim to the mayhem. Fowler develops his characters, and their individual flaws advance the story. Some clients and friends from previous books are re-introduced. This is a light read (not dripping in blood) but has the requisite mystery, fights, car chases, danger, close calls and testing of wits and skills with a bit of romance. C.T.'s cyber expertise prods me to learn more. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Geraldine M.
254 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2025
CT is hired by a church to investigate the murder of a beloved priest. With virtually no leads to go on and the police at a standstill in their investigations, CT & TJ his assistance start digging for answers. Read more about TH’s past that happens to coincide the case. meanwhile CT & Gloria are struggling with trying to figure out which house they’re going to reside in — his or hers. Tom Fowler adds a lot of twists and turns, some expected, but most not at all and the winding road this master storyteller takes you on leads to the killer you never saw coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
262 reviews
November 25, 2025
This is actually a 3.5-star rating. It was an enjoyable, easy read. I was somewhat disappointed in the revelation of the killer; it almost seemed an afterthought to the other stories taking place: CT and his wife; TJ and her still-active prostitute friend; CJ and his relationships to the priests in the story; the union president and his attractive wife (how many times do we need to hear how "hot" she is?). the murdered priest seems to be pretty unimportant in the overall story. So, an OK read but I'm not tempted to read any others in this series.
Profile Image for BJayne.
151 reviews18 followers
May 9, 2023
There’s nothing better than a well-written mystery. This book has it all. A murder (of a priest, no less!), multiple suspects, each with something to hide, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end when we finally find out whodunnit. It’s a well-written mystery with believable characters. Definitely worth your time!

I received an advance copy of the book and an voluntarily leaving this review.
77 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2023
CT Ferguson is hired to solve a complicated murder of a priest. This is more than a simple detective novel. Stop is full of suspense, secrets, drama, murder and a bit of humor.
I especially liked TJ getting out in the field with CT. They really complement each other. It was very interesting to learn more about TJ’s background and added to the story and her character.
Highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a well written PI procedure story that’s a gripping page turner.
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
469 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2023
Awesome Murder Mystery!
This is a great story that C.T. gets involved in, and it is not one that is really wanted... who wants to investigate something as horrible as a murdered priest? This is a very interesting turn for C.T., and when you start reading this story, you (at least I) don't get much sleep until you finish it!
Thank you, Tom Fowler for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Carolyn Valdez.
502 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2023
What another great adventure for C.T. I love the fact that C.T. is letting T.J. help him more with his investigations, and that he’s training her to do more than just be a secretary. I also love the camaraderie between the two of them. I love this whole series, and I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys mystery and suspense. And here’s five stars to the Yeti!!! Love it, can’t wait for more adventures.


I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
282 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
The murder of a well liked priest sets PI C.T. Ferguson and his wise cracking secretary T.J. down a dangerous rabbit hole. Full of twists, turns and ever present danger this murder mystery is tough to crack. I loved that we got to know more about T.J. and see her more involved. If you love murder mystery thrillers with lots of action and fun banter you'll love this book. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
51 reviews
June 16, 2023
Great read! This is book #14 of Fowler’s “C.T. Ferguson” series. Have read and enjoyed them all.

The author has a great sense of humour which he weaves throughout the book, along with the drama and dangerous situations. The main character C. T. Ferguson, a private investigator, is a computer expert, which he puts to good use when involved in a case, but he’s also a risk taker, all of which add to the intrigue of the storyline.

A fun and easy read!
597 reviews
August 29, 2025
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, but Ugly, Goes to the Bone

Mary's beauty was only skkin deep. Her inner values were rotten to the core, her husband Brent was no better. CT and TJ had to figure out what they were really like. Amy/Velvet knew she needed to get out of the work but was too intrigued with her adoration of her mentor. This is an exciting story and well worth the five stars
2,587 reviews45 followers
April 2, 2023
I was on the wrong trail for most of the story. It took me a while to pick up on the clues. I do enjoy a good chase. As the saying goes, " no good deed goes unpunished ". The greed and the lengths they go to to justify their greed just makes me ill. I love how the PI solves the crimes
"correctly " before the cops do. Lol. A great mystery.
7,767 reviews50 followers
April 8, 2023
Asked by a clergyman to look into the case of a priest he had known.
He had been murdered and posed in the church courtyard by concrete angels.
CJ is intrigued and can he solve, and to know why.
The man was well liked as a priest and a man.
When greed comes into play, murder often follows
A good flowing clues, with hidden hints for readers to enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review
2,528 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2023
CONCRETE ANGELS is a great murder mystery. There are reasonable clues but plenty of fog to keep you guessing. C.T. and T.J. are absolutely wonderful with supporting characters who run a close second. I love C.T.‘s dry wit and really enjoyed this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
80 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2023
The novel is just great. It’s a riveting story about a priest being murdered. I couldn’t put the book down. It grabs you from the beginning and won’t let you go till it’s over. I really enjoyed that TJ is getting more involved with the investigation. You have no clue till the end who killed the priest. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good thriller.
93 reviews
May 11, 2023
Another unputdownable read

Full of action, danger, heat searching moments and humour this book is unputdownable. It's a real page turner. T.J. features more and is becoming much more ' detective savy'. It was good to have appears by the gang of cops,the books wouldn't be the same without them. Waiting patiently ( not) for the next book.
608 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2023
A great addition to the series. A nice light read, with a few twists and turns involving a murdered priest and people from T.J.'s (C.T.'s secretary/assistant) past. It is great to see C.T. training T.J. in investigation along with her natural talents. I am enjoying the books in the series that I have read.
C.T.'s sarcasm is always fun to read.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.