What do you think?
Rate this book
Saint Tommy, NYPD #5
Crusader
He might be on his last crusade Still working abroad, Detective Tommy Nolan has a hot tip that leads him to Germany. Women and children are disappearing from Catholic Bavaria. The local police have their hands tied. Tommy is the last hope for answers.
Yet again, Tommy is in over his head. What starts as a sex trafficking ring turns into a terrorist conspiracy to unleash Hell on Europe. To stop it, Tommy must fight Nazi vampires, terrorists, and a swarm of succubi who want him as their next meal. Tommy has always crusaded for justice. But now he might be on his last crusade.
Yet again, Tommy is in over his head. What starts as a sex trafficking ring turns into a terrorist conspiracy to unleash Hell on Europe. To stop it, Tommy must fight Nazi vampires, terrorists, and a swarm of succubi who want him as their next meal. Tommy has always crusaded for justice. But now he might be on his last crusade.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
268 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2022
13 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Declan Finn
108 books749 followersDeclan Finn is the NYC based author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the 2016 Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror, Honor at Stake, 2017 for Live and Let Bite, and 2018 for Codename: Unsub in best Apocalypse. He is known for "his strong fight scenes and is romance novels are sexy without being dirty, providing enough sexual tension to curl toes."
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 31, 2022
This was the ninth novel I have read by Declan Finn 8 in the last 2 months. I have now read the first five in his Saint Tommy Series, starting with Hell Spawn and Death Cult. I now understand why so many people rave about his works. Before reading book 1, I had also picked up White Ops Book 1, but got going on the Saint Tommy Series first. I have also previously picked up several anthologies that Finn has contributed to, that I have not got around to reading. They have been bumped up in my ‘to be read pile’. The hard part of discovering a new favourite author who is very prolific is there are many works to choose from. I believe at the time of writing this that Finn has 38 published books and short stories, including this series which is to be up to 12 books within a few months. As of late my fiction reading I have been alternating books by Finn, Andrew Grant (aka Andrew Child), and J.D. Kirk, but having finished Grant’s back catalogue Finns will be in more frequent rotation. I am currently reading 2 in this series and then a White Ops book, two more then a Pius Man book as well.
The description of this story is:
“He might be on his last crusade Still working abroad, Detective Tommy Nolan has a hot tip that leads him to Germany. Women and children are disappearing from Catholic Bavaria. The local police have their hands tied. Tommy is the last hope for answers.
Yet again, Tommy is in over his head. What starts as a sex trafficking ring turns into a terrorist conspiracy to unleash Hell on Europe. To stop it, Tommy must fight Nazi vampires, terrorists, and a swarm of succubi who want him as their next meal. Tommy has always crusaded for justice. But now he might be on his last crusade.”
I said before I was a little hesitant to start this series. It seemed a little over the top. And from the authors, publishing people, and friends it was so hyped I was afraid it would disappoint. It did not! In fact before I had finished the first 3 I picked up a dozen other works from Finn’s pen. And this series is getting better and better. The fist story was great, the second even better, the third was most excellent, the fourth amazing, and there is a shorter work between 3 and 4 that is well worth the read as well. But back to this volume.
Declan definitely pushing the line with these works. He is not afraid to punt political correctness out the door. He uses fiction to write about issues, and concerns that most media completely ignores. He is willing to confront the expodential growth in rape gangs in Europe, human trafficking. And Several other issues. But Written into a story about a New York Cop just trying to do the right thing and live his faith. Tommy Nolan wants his actions to live up to his theology, which is something I can greatly respect. But he is also willing to trust that God can do almost anything. Some examples include using charisms typical of saintly men and women in the past; speaking in tongues, fluent in speaking German which he has never learned. Sensing and smelling evil. And even miraculous healings. But Finn also writes with a great deal of humour. Reminiscent of Robert Asprin’s Phules Company Books, and Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat Saga. Some examples are:
“Hey, Michael,” I muttered. “You want to see me do my John Wick impression?”
I darted forward, the rifle at my shoulder, aimed at the stairs. I had switched to single fire. I would need the ammunition.
I came to the stairs and kept my eyes down the staircase as I walked around it and the glass rail and banister that kept people from falling down drunk onto the stairs. There was nothing that said I had to play fair with the forces of darkness. These people were in league with a succubus. They had walked through the holy water mist and hadn’t changed their minds. They hadn’t fled the club when a connection should have been severed. They knew what Jayden was, and they knew what was being done here.
I was almost certainly a dead man. My main hope was that I would stop enough of them so that Pearson could get out alive when the fighting was over.”
Also:
““Depends. Did Germany ever get to see John Wick?”
Berger smiled. “Ah, yes. Keanu. ‘Whoa.’ I understand.”
He pointed to the pile of bodies on the floor by the truck. The forensics on all of that was ruined. Everyone from the truck had stepped in, on, or around the dead kidnappers.
“They were dead when I got here,” I told him, which was the truth. “I have no direct knowledge of what happened to them.” This was also the truth.
Berger cocked his head. “How very … precise you are in your language.””
Who knew he would end up battling Nazi, Muslim, and Vampire devil worshipers? Throw in some succubi and politicians that turn a blind eye. Add a combat chaplain exorcist and you are in for some serious action.
Like the other stories in the series I really appreciate what Finn is trying to do. For some these books will be quick entertainment. For Some they will raise serious questions or faith and faith in action. And For some they will raise awareness of situations going on around the world. However I did not enjoy this one as much as the other books in the series. Finn really pushed the boundary with the succubi, their powers to inflame passion, and often being naked, really was a bit much for me, not so much that I won’t read the next installment. But there were parts of this one that were too uncomfortable for me. I still love Tommy recalling prayers and praying his way through the battles, it is always entertaining.
This is an entertaining story an excellent series. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series, and other offerings from Declan’s masterful pen.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
The description of this story is:
“He might be on his last crusade Still working abroad, Detective Tommy Nolan has a hot tip that leads him to Germany. Women and children are disappearing from Catholic Bavaria. The local police have their hands tied. Tommy is the last hope for answers.
Yet again, Tommy is in over his head. What starts as a sex trafficking ring turns into a terrorist conspiracy to unleash Hell on Europe. To stop it, Tommy must fight Nazi vampires, terrorists, and a swarm of succubi who want him as their next meal. Tommy has always crusaded for justice. But now he might be on his last crusade.”
I said before I was a little hesitant to start this series. It seemed a little over the top. And from the authors, publishing people, and friends it was so hyped I was afraid it would disappoint. It did not! In fact before I had finished the first 3 I picked up a dozen other works from Finn’s pen. And this series is getting better and better. The fist story was great, the second even better, the third was most excellent, the fourth amazing, and there is a shorter work between 3 and 4 that is well worth the read as well. But back to this volume.
Declan definitely pushing the line with these works. He is not afraid to punt political correctness out the door. He uses fiction to write about issues, and concerns that most media completely ignores. He is willing to confront the expodential growth in rape gangs in Europe, human trafficking. And Several other issues. But Written into a story about a New York Cop just trying to do the right thing and live his faith. Tommy Nolan wants his actions to live up to his theology, which is something I can greatly respect. But he is also willing to trust that God can do almost anything. Some examples include using charisms typical of saintly men and women in the past; speaking in tongues, fluent in speaking German which he has never learned. Sensing and smelling evil. And even miraculous healings. But Finn also writes with a great deal of humour. Reminiscent of Robert Asprin’s Phules Company Books, and Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat Saga. Some examples are:
“Hey, Michael,” I muttered. “You want to see me do my John Wick impression?”
I darted forward, the rifle at my shoulder, aimed at the stairs. I had switched to single fire. I would need the ammunition.
I came to the stairs and kept my eyes down the staircase as I walked around it and the glass rail and banister that kept people from falling down drunk onto the stairs. There was nothing that said I had to play fair with the forces of darkness. These people were in league with a succubus. They had walked through the holy water mist and hadn’t changed their minds. They hadn’t fled the club when a connection should have been severed. They knew what Jayden was, and they knew what was being done here.
I was almost certainly a dead man. My main hope was that I would stop enough of them so that Pearson could get out alive when the fighting was over.”
Also:
““Depends. Did Germany ever get to see John Wick?”
Berger smiled. “Ah, yes. Keanu. ‘Whoa.’ I understand.”
He pointed to the pile of bodies on the floor by the truck. The forensics on all of that was ruined. Everyone from the truck had stepped in, on, or around the dead kidnappers.
“They were dead when I got here,” I told him, which was the truth. “I have no direct knowledge of what happened to them.” This was also the truth.
Berger cocked his head. “How very … precise you are in your language.””
Who knew he would end up battling Nazi, Muslim, and Vampire devil worshipers? Throw in some succubi and politicians that turn a blind eye. Add a combat chaplain exorcist and you are in for some serious action.
Like the other stories in the series I really appreciate what Finn is trying to do. For some these books will be quick entertainment. For Some they will raise serious questions or faith and faith in action. And For some they will raise awareness of situations going on around the world. However I did not enjoy this one as much as the other books in the series. Finn really pushed the boundary with the succubi, their powers to inflame passion, and often being naked, really was a bit much for me, not so much that I won’t read the next installment. But there were parts of this one that were too uncomfortable for me. I still love Tommy recalling prayers and praying his way through the battles, it is always entertaining.
This is an entertaining story an excellent series. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series, and other offerings from Declan’s masterful pen.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
September 17, 2019
He is in Europe when he is pulled into another problem as women and children are disappearing. It seems they may be taken for the sex trade but it is not so simple as it soon leads to terrorists. What is going on? Will he find out? Can he saved them all? See if he can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2019
Crusader by Declan Finn is an amazing story that I have had the privilege of reading. This is book number five in this amazing series that I have loves since I have started the series. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading about vampires, succubi and horror in thier stories than this one is right up your alley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2024
Saints as Supernatural Super Heroes?
…that’s what I’ve always thought. Apparently Mr. Finn does too.
Astounding escalation, and hints it will only get better.
This historian turned author is not limited to NYC. He knows his way around thousands of years of Europe, too! And probably far beyond.
Simply amazing.
…that’s what I’ve always thought. Apparently Mr. Finn does too.
Astounding escalation, and hints it will only get better.
This historian turned author is not limited to NYC. He knows his way around thousands of years of Europe, too! And probably far beyond.
Simply amazing.
February 8, 2020
Good story. Bad guys get a beatdown and good guys live to fight another day.
July 21, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Crusader is the fifth in the Saint Tommy Nolan series and Declan Finn’s tale is as exciting in this one as in the others. Not an easy accomplishment. It has held my interest throughout the series. There is always something new and exciting in each book with new worlds, new demons, and new problems. I love his ability to drag me into hell without my getting singed the least bit.
But Tommy did have a few problems and quite a few injuries. He encountered the sultry beauty of Jayden, an enticing Vampire. By far the most difficult demon he has faced to date he needs all the help he can get to send her back where she came from. With the added assistance of priests, police and golems, Tommy fights a battle that cannot be lost. There are women and children to be saved from a fate worse than death and demons to be disintegrated. And, Jayden must be destroyed. The world depends on Saint Tommy!
Crusader is the fifth in the Saint Tommy Nolan series and Declan Finn’s tale is as exciting in this one as in the others. Not an easy accomplishment. It has held my interest throughout the series. There is always something new and exciting in each book with new worlds, new demons, and new problems. I love his ability to drag me into hell without my getting singed the least bit.
But Tommy did have a few problems and quite a few injuries. He encountered the sultry beauty of Jayden, an enticing Vampire. By far the most difficult demon he has faced to date he needs all the help he can get to send her back where she came from. With the added assistance of priests, police and golems, Tommy fights a battle that cannot be lost. There are women and children to be saved from a fate worse than death and demons to be disintegrated. And, Jayden must be destroyed. The world depends on Saint Tommy!
July 11, 2019
Tommy goes to Europe to stop human traffickers who aren't exactly human. There are succubi, demons, Nazis, Nazi vampires and terrorists to stop before they turn Europe into a wasteland. Another thrilling installment in the Saint Tommy series. The only problem I have with these books is the inability to put them down. They are incredibly action packed, fast and easy reads. I love the characters more with each book and the world is so believable even with all the supernatural and evil characters in it. I can't say enough about how I love this entire series and have purchased all but this book. I shall have to rectify that immediately. Each book is a stand alone as well as an amazing part of an incredible series. I would read anything that Declan Finn wrote because it's all amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
The books keep getting better even as Amazon's Kindle interface keeps getting worse
No joke this is the third try to review this book on the Kindle touch screen. I'm going to keep trying because this series absolutely deserves it. From the first satisfying tale of a NYC cop pulled into a demonic world of political and institutional corruption to the current cracking adventure, the writing gets more fluid , and the editing tighter. Each book has exciting fight scenes, great world-building and a faithful Christian hero. It brings Robinson Crusoe into a 21st century action film.. with monsters. Read the whole series
No joke this is the third try to review this book on the Kindle touch screen. I'm going to keep trying because this series absolutely deserves it. From the first satisfying tale of a NYC cop pulled into a demonic world of political and institutional corruption to the current cracking adventure, the writing gets more fluid , and the editing tighter. Each book has exciting fight scenes, great world-building and a faithful Christian hero. It brings Robinson Crusoe into a 21st century action film.. with monsters. Read the whole series
August 14, 2019
Finn delivers again
Building on the world set up in Hell Spawn, Death Cult, Infernal Affairs and City of Shadows, Declan Finn takes us deeper into the chaos that swirls around Detective Tommy Nolan. Once again the threat builds, but Tommy’s gifts grow with them. Yet Finn avoids a “Mary Sue” moment through connecting Tommy with allies that do some heavy lifting. With likable characters and terrifying hints at the problems faced in current day, Crusader delivers a potent spark of action tempered with deep abiding faith. Once again I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Building on the world set up in Hell Spawn, Death Cult, Infernal Affairs and City of Shadows, Declan Finn takes us deeper into the chaos that swirls around Detective Tommy Nolan. Once again the threat builds, but Tommy’s gifts grow with them. Yet Finn avoids a “Mary Sue” moment through connecting Tommy with allies that do some heavy lifting. With likable characters and terrifying hints at the problems faced in current day, Crusader delivers a potent spark of action tempered with deep abiding faith. Once again I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
October 10, 2019
Tommy Nolan bears an amazing resemblance to John Ryan. Both are good men with huge responsibilities and bigger hearts. For all that Tommy Nolan is as badass as Quincy Harker, he is still very humble, very compassionate, very human with all the frailities and moral strengths that implies. I particularly like the very personal action of his adoption of an orphan. Why this particular orphan I will leave to the readers to find out for themselves.
I received a copy of this ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
This new book in the Saint Tommy, NYPD series is just as intense as the others I have read. There are so many supernatural beings and yet the author makes these stories seem so real. The world-building is incredible and the story is so well written that you cannot stop reading until the entire book is finished.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2019
Another hit in the series about Tommy Nolan. Violence, humor and some quirky characters inhabit this story. The visualizations are well done and I have to compare some of his writing to Laurence Sanders’ Deadly Sins series. Even if you haven’t read any other in this series you can pick up the story but it is more fun the better you know the characters. Waiting for the next (and final?) installment.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 4, 2019
This is the fourth book I have read but I believe it is the fifth in the series. I absolutely love this series. I missed the first book but all of the other books are so awesome I will save money to get the first book (I am really broke!). But this series is very good and I have become addicted to the series! A compelling read with lots of action, this is an entire series you should not miss!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2019
Tommy ventures into Europe once more and encounter new friends, adventure and plots with a 'common' enemy and their boss. Get swept away to distant lands and small towns. Meet new and exciting heroes and 'legends'. Can't wait to see what else could happen to Tommy. A must read 3rd book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2019
I wounder if all the small details in the book are accurate or not? I do LOVE the ending. Plus it should have to be continued on it. Very exciting and very informative if the details are true. I look forward to the next book. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
August 5, 2019
Darn - he did it again! I love these books the bad guys are just so nasty and the good guys are flawed and likeable and on the side of all that is good and right and just in world. The progression of Tommy Nolan has been a wonderful journey and I am waiting - impatiently - for the next story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews