Predators & Prayers

by Philip Carlo

As a twisted killer targets priests throughout New York City, brutally murdering them at random, the Church and the Vatican race against time to silence this madman who embodies a dark and horrifying secret that could crumble the foundation of the Church. Original.

Genres: True Crime, Fiction

370 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2005

About the author

Philip Carlo was the author of The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer, his New York Times bestselling book about Richard “Ice Man” Kuklinski, murderer of 200 people and a favorite among all seven of the East Coast crime families. He was also the author of Gaspipe, The Butcher, and The Night Stalker, which chronicles the brutal career of serial killer Richard Ramirez. Carlo grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, amidst the world’s highest concentration of Mafia members. When he was 16, Carlo was shot in the head in a gang war, and while recuperating, he read voraciously, discovering the magic of books for the first time. His intimate knowledge of Mafia culture—their walk and their talk—helped Carlo become a successful crime writer. He died in 2010 from ALS.

Reviews

[Tamiya Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

so i thought this book was great. it was very detailed and u felt like u were right there doing the cop work with them. i felt like i was on a man hunt.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad. Very unsettling. Doesn’t leave you with a good feeling. Rest In Peace Philip Carlo.

[Georgiacyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare work of fiction by Philip Carlo! My interest in this book was spurred by reading "The Killer Within." Although the book is fiction, an incredible amount of research went into this book. Carlo developed an excellent storyline with great character development. The reading is straight forward and the action is exceptionally well paced. What I liked best about this book is that it carries that story past where most authors would have stopped to provide great closure, right down to the epilogue that provides a brief synopsis of what happens to each of the main characters after the story ends. Overall, a great book!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book for the sqeamish. This is a true story told by a man who spent time with the serial killers he writes about. Well written, and very graphic.

[STACY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime dramas aren’t usually my thing, but this gripping story of a serial killer targeting abusive Catholic priests, and the shocking way it ends, was incredibly well done.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predators & Prayers is the latest book by Philip Carlo, author of The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez. This book explores the story of a serial killer that preys upon members of the Catholic clergy and the detectives that seek to apprehend this man. The author's expert knowledge in the behaviour and psychology of serial killers really shows in this book giving the reader real insight into the mind of this serial killer as well as the men and women trying to catch him. As the story progresses, the reader will be both shocked and conflicted by the events that occur.

Predators & Prayers is one of those rare books that is so well crafted and seemingly true to life that it is extremely difficult to remember that the events and characters of the story are fictional. Not only are the characters fully and realistically developed but the story is action filled with thought provoking themes. These aspects make this book mesmerizing, virtually impossible to put down, and absolutely memorable. I can see this book becoming a blockbuster movie.

[Suba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every chapter can be visualized.Very well written.
The transition of chapters are very movie-like. ( scene-to-scene )

Loved the last few chapters right before the arrest and all after the arrest. Very touching..

Characters who kept me intrigued >
- Diane Pane
- Frank Cougan ( I wonder how he looks like! )
- Dr. Martock ( Creedmore hospital)
- The investigating squad in NYC and in Roma( forgot their names, heheheh :) )
- The Lawyer (forgot her name, heheheh :) )

[ and the book is back to its rightful owner, feel like owning this book just for frank cougan :)]

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is extremely intense and deals with child molestation, murder, and religious themes (priests as predators, etc.) It is often graphic and much language, but it was captivating all the same. Certainly, it makes a parent think twice in any situation with their children, be it church, scouts, camping, etc.