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Saints of New York
Frank Parrish had a famous father: a Saint of New York, an NYPD detective who helped rid the city of Mafia control in the 1980s. John Parrish is a tough act to follow - a legend in his own right - and Frank already has an insubordination rap to beat.Summoned for daily Police Department interviews, he's also trying to work out how the death of a young heroin dealer might connect to his innocent teenage sister, who's just been found dead.There are more questions than answers, not just as the homicides escalate, but as Frank battles with his own demons. He must find the truth, and bring the trail of murder to an end.
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2010
37 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Ellory
51 books459 followersRoger began his first novel on November 4th, 1987 and did not stop, except for three days when he was going through a divorce from his first wife, until July of 1993. During this time he completed twenty-two novels, most of them in longhand, and accumulated several hundred polite and complimentary rejection letters from many different and varied publishers.
He stopped writing out of sheer frustration and did not start again for eight years.
In the early part of September 2001 he decided to start writing again. This decision was based on the realization that it was the only thing he had ever really wanted to do.
Between August 2001 and January 2002 he wrote three books, the second of which was called ‘Candlemoth’. This was purchased by Orion and published in 2003. ‘Candlemoth’ was translated into German, Dutch and Italian, and has now also been purchased for translation in numerous other languages. The book also secured a nomination on the shortlist for the Crime Writers’ Association Steel Dagger for Best Thriller 2003. His second book, ‘Ghostheart’, was released in 2004, and his third book, ‘A Quiet Vendetta’, was released in August 2005. In 2006 he published ‘City of Lies’, and once again secured a nomination for the CWA Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of that year. His fifth book – ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ - was published in August 2006, and in the latter part of the year it was selected for the phenomenally successful British TV equivalent of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, the Richard and Judy Book Club.
‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ went on to be shortlisted for the Barry Award for Best British Crime Fiction, the 813 Trophy, the Quebec Booksellers’ Prize, The Europeen Du Point Crime Fiction Prize, and was winner of the Inaugural Prix Roman Noir Nouvel Observateur. It has since been voted Best Thriller of 2009 in The Strand Magazine. The book was also optioned for film, and Roger has recently completed the screenplay for Oscar-winning French director, Olivier Dahan.
Following on from ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’, Roger released ‘A Simple Act of Violence’, again securing a nomination for Best British Crime Fiction of 2008. In late 2009 he released ‘The Anniversary Man’ to rave reviews.
He stopped writing out of sheer frustration and did not start again for eight years.
In the early part of September 2001 he decided to start writing again. This decision was based on the realization that it was the only thing he had ever really wanted to do.
Between August 2001 and January 2002 he wrote three books, the second of which was called ‘Candlemoth’. This was purchased by Orion and published in 2003. ‘Candlemoth’ was translated into German, Dutch and Italian, and has now also been purchased for translation in numerous other languages. The book also secured a nomination on the shortlist for the Crime Writers’ Association Steel Dagger for Best Thriller 2003. His second book, ‘Ghostheart’, was released in 2004, and his third book, ‘A Quiet Vendetta’, was released in August 2005. In 2006 he published ‘City of Lies’, and once again secured a nomination for the CWA Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of that year. His fifth book – ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ - was published in August 2006, and in the latter part of the year it was selected for the phenomenally successful British TV equivalent of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, the Richard and Judy Book Club.
‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ went on to be shortlisted for the Barry Award for Best British Crime Fiction, the 813 Trophy, the Quebec Booksellers’ Prize, The Europeen Du Point Crime Fiction Prize, and was winner of the Inaugural Prix Roman Noir Nouvel Observateur. It has since been voted Best Thriller of 2009 in The Strand Magazine. The book was also optioned for film, and Roger has recently completed the screenplay for Oscar-winning French director, Olivier Dahan.
Following on from ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’, Roger released ‘A Simple Act of Violence’, again securing a nomination for Best British Crime Fiction of 2008. In late 2009 he released ‘The Anniversary Man’ to rave reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 16, 2024
DNF! Ik kom er werkelijk waar gewoon niet doorheen! Heb ook geen zin het boek op te pakken, dat is voor mij al geen goed teken... Dus niet uitgelezen en dat gaat ook nooit gebeuren 😅
May 9, 2012
This is the second Ellory book I’ve read. The other – A Quiet Belief in Angels – I found a rather extraordinary and emotionally exhausting read. The Saints of New York feels somewhat of a lesser book all round, but then it had a lot to live up to. The story is still a bit of an emotional ride as it tracks Parrish’s fragile state of mind and psychological transformation and the unfortunate lives of young girls being grabbed for snuff movies, but it doesn’t quite plumb the depths of the A Quiet Belief in Angels. And given the subject matter I’m not going to say it was an enjoyable read. It was certainly engaging in parts, but the more the book progressed the more ambivalent I became. The story felt stretched out and from a long way it out it was clear as to how the narrative would unfold – this is after all a story of a fall from grace and redemption. Parrish is the archetypal solo, me-against-the-world, drinks to forget cop, who breaks every rule and pisses all his colleagues and family off, and constantly teeters on the edge of being drummed out of the force, all in the name of justice. There is no denying, however, the quality of the writing. Ellory can certainly string sentences together and produce a multi-layered read. The start is as gripping as they come. For those who like a psychological inflected police procedural, The Saints of New York will be a welcome tonic.
August 17, 2011
‘There were few phone calls that did not have a dead body at the other end.’
The novel opens with NYPD Detective Frank Parrish trying desperately to talk a man out of a murder-suicide. Although he fails, it is clear that Parrish lacks neither courage nor determination: he cares, and wants to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Frank Parrish has his own demons and obsessions and is close to losing his career and further estranging his family. In short, Frank Parrish is a deeply troubled man who is undergoing enforced counselling following the death of his previous partner.
The murder of a heroin dealer’s teenage sister doesn’t make sense, and while it becomes clear to Frank Parrish that there is a disturbing pattern emerging between this and other murders of young teenaged females, it takes time for him to convince others. As Parrish’s investigation proceeds, with the assistance of his new partner, his counselling sessions lead us through the story of his past.
Frank Parrish is the son of a celebrated New York detective, John Parrish, one of the officers credited with extraordinary success in combating the mafia. This unit became known as the Saints of New York. But Frank Parrish knows better: he knows that his father was corrupt. Frank Parrish will learn that there is more than one way to be a saint.
A number of aspects save this novel from being about yet another angst-ridden police officer. The strengths and flaws of Frank Parrish are covered sensitively, and the case he is working on has some twists and turns of its own before the truth is known. This is a dark novel: flawed characters battling both internal and external demons; in a world where corruption seems widespread and redemption is not always possible.
‘Sometimes people just stopped looking.’
I enjoyed this novel. The juxtaposition of Frank Parrish’s personal battles with his investigation into the murders made the novel work for me, by making Parrish’s quest more desperate and more urgent. Will he win, or will he lose? Does he have enough time to solve the case before his own problems overwhelm him? This is the second R J Ellory novel I have read, and I’m looking forward to reading the others.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The novel opens with NYPD Detective Frank Parrish trying desperately to talk a man out of a murder-suicide. Although he fails, it is clear that Parrish lacks neither courage nor determination: he cares, and wants to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Frank Parrish has his own demons and obsessions and is close to losing his career and further estranging his family. In short, Frank Parrish is a deeply troubled man who is undergoing enforced counselling following the death of his previous partner.
The murder of a heroin dealer’s teenage sister doesn’t make sense, and while it becomes clear to Frank Parrish that there is a disturbing pattern emerging between this and other murders of young teenaged females, it takes time for him to convince others. As Parrish’s investigation proceeds, with the assistance of his new partner, his counselling sessions lead us through the story of his past.
Frank Parrish is the son of a celebrated New York detective, John Parrish, one of the officers credited with extraordinary success in combating the mafia. This unit became known as the Saints of New York. But Frank Parrish knows better: he knows that his father was corrupt. Frank Parrish will learn that there is more than one way to be a saint.
A number of aspects save this novel from being about yet another angst-ridden police officer. The strengths and flaws of Frank Parrish are covered sensitively, and the case he is working on has some twists and turns of its own before the truth is known. This is a dark novel: flawed characters battling both internal and external demons; in a world where corruption seems widespread and redemption is not always possible.
‘Sometimes people just stopped looking.’
I enjoyed this novel. The juxtaposition of Frank Parrish’s personal battles with his investigation into the murders made the novel work for me, by making Parrish’s quest more desperate and more urgent. Will he win, or will he lose? Does he have enough time to solve the case before his own problems overwhelm him? This is the second R J Ellory novel I have read, and I’m looking forward to reading the others.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 16, 2012
As an alcoholic with an estranged wife, no friends, and a habit of bucking authority, Detective Frank Parrish is one big police novel cliche. Yet the book he inhabits is edgy and brilliant, a dark tale that stands head and shoulders above the sea of other detective stories as something altogether better. Parrish is more than just a jaded career cop: as he enters compulsory counselling for his mistakes, we learn about his complex past, and when he deals with the seamier side of the Big Apple, we really feel for him and support his quest for the truth. With enough American patois to keep the dialogue realistic and a keen knowledge of New York geography, you might be surprised that the author is a Brit who resides in England. Don't let that put you off. His writing style is deceptively simple, with a lyrical, almost poetic quality to the prose, and his plot is tense enough to keep you turning the pages. He does not seem to write franchise novels about the same characters, so this may be the only window through which we get to see Detective Parrish - but it's an impressive view. If you haven't tried Ellory yet, please do. Your effort will be rewarded with a fine reading experience.
January 9, 2011
Although I am a big fan of crime fiction this is the first R J Ellory book that I have read. It is hard to say that I enjoyed it, given the subject matter, but I found it engrossing and also informative with lots of information on policing and corruption in New York. The main protaganist Frank Parrish could so easily have been a cliche but he is so much more than that. The clever device of Frank's daily enforced sessions with the police psychologist enable the reader to explore Frank's complex relationship with his dead father who is regarded as a hero, with his estranged family and also with his work. The book is beautifully written and so authentic that it is hard to believe that the author is actually British.
All in all I am glad to have discovered this author and am looking forward to reading his other books.
All in all I am glad to have discovered this author and am looking forward to reading his other books.
July 14, 2017
J'adore cet auteur c'est définitif !
Oui, ces ouvrages sont plus long que les thrillers en général. Ils peuvent même paraître trop long pour certains. Mais tout rien n'est superflu, même les petits détails futiles peuvent nous paraître importants. Même si le personnage est plein de défauts, on finit tout de même par s'y attacher et à ressentir des choses à son égard
Cet auteur est vraiment talentueux !
Oui, ces ouvrages sont plus long que les thrillers en général. Ils peuvent même paraître trop long pour certains. Mais tout rien n'est superflu, même les petits détails futiles peuvent nous paraître importants. Même si le personnage est plein de défauts, on finit tout de même par s'y attacher et à ressentir des choses à son égard
Cet auteur est vraiment talentueux !
May 28, 2021
Een ding staat vast R.J. Ellory kan schrijven en heeft een erg spannend verhaal op papier gezet. Rauw en zeker niet voor watjes, maar erg indringend. Frank Parrish is een rechercheur bij de New Yorkse politie net als zijn vader die een held was. Maar de werkelijkheid is anders. Na een traumatische gijzeling moet Frank verplicht naar een psychologe, maar dat zint hem helemaal niet, want er zijn een aantal moorden op te lossen, namelijk die op een kleine drugsdealer en zijn zus. Maar bij de psychologe vindt hij uiteindelijk de vrijheid om de over zijn vader te praten. Ondertussen krijgt hij een nieuwe partner, Jimmy Radick. Samen vinden ze nog soortgelijke vermoorde meisjes die allemaal door een instelling met elkaar verbonden zijn, maar de wegen van Frank gaan nogal over de politiegrenzen.
Absoluut een aanrader voor iemand die van spannende politiethrillers houdt.
Absoluut een aanrader voor iemand die van spannende politiethrillers houdt.
April 17, 2024
Sfeervolle slowburn thriller met iets te veel expositie in de dialogen. Door de korte hoofdstukken las het als een trein.
August 12, 2012
Frank Parrish est un flic paumé, alcoolique, divorcé, père absent et la seule idée d’être son coéquipier à la brigade criminelle ferait fuir plus d’un policier chevronné. Le livre s’ouvre sur une scène violente : Frank essaie d’empêcher un junkie de tuer sa petite amie déjà salement amochée et de se tuer lui-même. Mais ce sera une explosion de sang. Le décor est planté : dans la police de New York, on n’est pas là pour rigoler, on n’est pas dans ce genre de film où le flic réussit toujours à sauver la situation. Ici, c’est la vraie vie. Et des morts tous les jours. Emporté sur l’enquête de la mort d’une jeune adolescente et de son frère, Parrish a tout à coup une intuition. L’intuition que cette fille pourrait être le début, ou plutôt la fin, d’une longue série. L’intuition que ce qui lui est arrivé pourrait recommencer. Mais que fait-on avec une intuition ? Pas grand-chose… L’enquête n’est qu’un prétexte pour faire évoluer le personnage central, Frank, qui est vraiment le cœur du roman.
Parce qu’il vient de perdre son coéquipier, Frank se voit contraint de parler avec une psychologue. Progressivement, il parle, de son divorce, de ses enfants, et surtout de son père. Dans la police de New York, la vie est tellement dure qu’il y a deux types de flics : ceux qui se laissent aller à la corruption, qui couvrent les crimes de la mafia pour dormir tranquille et ceux qui se battent tous les jours pour sauver des vies. Frank est l’un de ceux-là, mais son père, John Parrish, la légende du Bureau de contrôle du crime organisé, ces fameux Anges de New York, de quel côté était-il ? Dans ses ténèbres, Frank n’a qu’une seule certitude : il est différent de son père. Mais dans son enquête, s’il veut empêcher un autre crime, il devra sortir de la légalité. Et dans ce cas, qu’est-ce qui le différencie de son père ?
Ce roman puissant est un remarquable portrait. Ce personnage, pourtant peu original, prend toute son ampleur parce qu’on suit l’enquête à travers ses yeux, ses réactions et ses sentiments, ses doutes. L’ombre de son père permet une réflexion poussée sur le bien et le mal, la frontière entre les deux, cette zone grise où le bien prend la forme du mal et vice-versa. Frank Parrish devient petit à petit persuadé de l’identité du coupable, mais il n’a aucune preuve. Sans rien dire à sa hiérarchie ni à son coéquipier, il traque ce suspect jusqu’à la faute. Mais il n’a aucun droit de le faire. Alors si ce type est vraiment coupable, où est le problème ? “La fin justifie les moyens”, etc. Mais je n’ai pu m’empêcher de penser : et s’il est innocent ? et si Frank Parrish harcelait un homme innocent juste sur une intuition ? Les lois ne sont-elles pas aussi là pour nous protéger ? Je vous laisse le lire pour découvrir ce qu’il en est vraiment .
Cette lecture suscite beaucoup de questions, parce que l’auteur nous met dans des situations où il souhaite que nous nous posions ces questions. Rien n’est jamais tout blanc ni tout noir. La plume d’Ellory renforce ce procédé par sa justesse et en même temps sa violence. Frank Parrish n’est pas un tendre, son monde non plus, et le langage s’en ressent. Mais cela ne fait qu’ajouter au réalisme abrupt de ce récit et à son incroyable pouvoir d’attraction. Ellory a encore frappé et j’en redemande.
Parce qu’il vient de perdre son coéquipier, Frank se voit contraint de parler avec une psychologue. Progressivement, il parle, de son divorce, de ses enfants, et surtout de son père. Dans la police de New York, la vie est tellement dure qu’il y a deux types de flics : ceux qui se laissent aller à la corruption, qui couvrent les crimes de la mafia pour dormir tranquille et ceux qui se battent tous les jours pour sauver des vies. Frank est l’un de ceux-là, mais son père, John Parrish, la légende du Bureau de contrôle du crime organisé, ces fameux Anges de New York, de quel côté était-il ? Dans ses ténèbres, Frank n’a qu’une seule certitude : il est différent de son père. Mais dans son enquête, s’il veut empêcher un autre crime, il devra sortir de la légalité. Et dans ce cas, qu’est-ce qui le différencie de son père ?
Ce roman puissant est un remarquable portrait. Ce personnage, pourtant peu original, prend toute son ampleur parce qu’on suit l’enquête à travers ses yeux, ses réactions et ses sentiments, ses doutes. L’ombre de son père permet une réflexion poussée sur le bien et le mal, la frontière entre les deux, cette zone grise où le bien prend la forme du mal et vice-versa. Frank Parrish devient petit à petit persuadé de l’identité du coupable, mais il n’a aucune preuve. Sans rien dire à sa hiérarchie ni à son coéquipier, il traque ce suspect jusqu’à la faute. Mais il n’a aucun droit de le faire. Alors si ce type est vraiment coupable, où est le problème ? “La fin justifie les moyens”, etc. Mais je n’ai pu m’empêcher de penser : et s’il est innocent ? et si Frank Parrish harcelait un homme innocent juste sur une intuition ? Les lois ne sont-elles pas aussi là pour nous protéger ? Je vous laisse le lire pour découvrir ce qu’il en est vraiment .
Cette lecture suscite beaucoup de questions, parce que l’auteur nous met dans des situations où il souhaite que nous nous posions ces questions. Rien n’est jamais tout blanc ni tout noir. La plume d’Ellory renforce ce procédé par sa justesse et en même temps sa violence. Frank Parrish n’est pas un tendre, son monde non plus, et le langage s’en ressent. Mais cela ne fait qu’ajouter au réalisme abrupt de ce récit et à son incroyable pouvoir d’attraction. Ellory a encore frappé et j’en redemande.
January 1, 2015
This lengthy novel could easily have been split into two or three books: a police procedural, a psychological study of a troubled man, or even a look into the lives of a troubled family or two. Instead, it wraps up all three themes in a single volume with Frank Parrish, a gifted but undisciplined NYPD detective, as the protagonist.
Parrish, the son of one of the most respected and decorated NYPD detectives, knows that his father was dirty. And because of that, he attempts to follow a different path. Nevertheless, in trying to do the right thing, he too often breaks the rules, and so is on a short leash at the job. He also drinks heavily, has his license suspended and is forced to undergo psychotherapy. He also is divorced, and has a troubled relationship with his daughter and ex-wife.
Frank becomes obsessed with a single case, involving what appear to be young girls being made to participate in snuff movies. He discovers at least six such cases, all tied by a common thread: the girls were orphaned and under the jurisdiction of family services, leading to the conclusion that someone in that organization was responsible either for the murders or for identifying potential victims for someone else.
The plots run together, as Parrish seeks to discover the truth: of his relationship with his deceased father and of his children, as well as the case that drives him to virtual distraction. At times, this reader felt the novel was overwritten and badly in need of editing. However, maybe this approach is necessary to achieve the full picture of the tormented character. In any event, despite those reservations, the novel is recommended.
Parrish, the son of one of the most respected and decorated NYPD detectives, knows that his father was dirty. And because of that, he attempts to follow a different path. Nevertheless, in trying to do the right thing, he too often breaks the rules, and so is on a short leash at the job. He also drinks heavily, has his license suspended and is forced to undergo psychotherapy. He also is divorced, and has a troubled relationship with his daughter and ex-wife.
Frank becomes obsessed with a single case, involving what appear to be young girls being made to participate in snuff movies. He discovers at least six such cases, all tied by a common thread: the girls were orphaned and under the jurisdiction of family services, leading to the conclusion that someone in that organization was responsible either for the murders or for identifying potential victims for someone else.
The plots run together, as Parrish seeks to discover the truth: of his relationship with his deceased father and of his children, as well as the case that drives him to virtual distraction. At times, this reader felt the novel was overwritten and badly in need of editing. However, maybe this approach is necessary to achieve the full picture of the tormented character. In any event, despite those reservations, the novel is recommended.
June 11, 2013
I would have liked this book more of they had cut half of it out....I didn't think the whole back story of the possibly corrupt cop father added anything to the story, which should actually just have been about finding there was a serial killer out there and catching him.
Whenever we moved off that topic,I almost found myself saying "blah blah blah"
Whenever we moved off that topic,I almost found myself saying "blah blah blah"
lookedinto-decidedagainst
March 6, 2014
February 11, 2016
A perfect detective/crime novel. Emotional depth, believable sophistication. I will certainly look for others by this author.
February 23, 2017
Nogmaals, je voelt zeer goed dat dit één van zijn eerste boeken was en hoe sterk deze auteur gegroeid is in zijn schrijven, toch weer een bescheiden aanrader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
Fantastic. Simply fantastic. Tense, human, humane, real. It reminded me of The First Deadly Sin: highly personal, great character development. I’m straight into another book by Ellory.
February 26, 2011
Several copies of this book were send to me by Bookdagger's RealReader's programme for my book club to read and discuss. The book club meeting will take place in four days time and I will add notes about that discussion to this review. In the meantime, here are my personal thoughts.
R.J. Ellory writes good stories. They are realistic, with characters you can believe in finding themselves in situations which seem all to possible. There are no saints in Ellory's books (despite the title) and although plenty, if not all, of the characters may be called sinners to some extend or another, they all remain people you might meet any day, anywhere.
Frank Parrish has been a cop for 18 years and finds himself on probation with the Police Department for challenging his superiors once too often. He's made to talk to a councellor and advised to be on his best behaviour if he wants to keep his job.
When Frank's called out to the death of a young drugs dealer, Frank isn't too concerned about the murder. Death is the sort of thing that inevitably happens to those who are addicted to drugs or move in that environment. But when he also finds the young man's teenage sister dead, strangled, he can't help feeling that something more than a drugs deal gone wrong has to be going on.
When further investigation reveals that more young teenage girls have died under similar circumstances and that all of them were under the care of the child protection service, Frank knows that he's dealing with something potentially very nasty. Something he has to stop if he wants to protect other vulnerable young girls. But proof of anything is hard to find, and breaking the rules to stop those he suspects are guilty, might just cost Frank the job that is his life.
At the same time, Frank is struggling with his personal life. His biggest issue is the legacy of his father. A much decorated and admired cop, and member of the "Saints of New York", a group of police officers who supposedly rid New York of the influence of the mob, he is a hard man to life up to. But Frank knows things about his father that others don't. Things that make his father and his colleagues look less good, things that have left Frank bitter about his father's memory.
Over the course of his councelling sessions and the murder investigation Frank comes face to face with a lot of issues he has suppressed and finds himself having to face new truths, having to let go of old certainties, and having to make decisions that might change his life for ever.
I really enjoyed this book. Although it is a great mystery story it's not a traditional pageturner. The thoughts, feelings and development of the main character are at least as important as the question who done it and how do we stop him.
While reading this book I really felt that I got to know and understand Frank. I didn't agree with every decision he made and didn't always like what he did, but it all made sense and worked in the story.
Ellory strikes a very nice balance between the inner thoughts and feelings of his character and the action needed to drive the story onwards.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I have not been disappointed. I'm looking forward to discussing this book with my book club as well as reading the rest of Ellory's work.
As promised, here is my report of the discussion my bookclub had about this book:
On Tuesday February 22, the Bailieborough Library Book Club got together for its monthly book discussion. The book we discussed was SAINTS OF NEW YORK by R.J. Ellory of which we had received 10 copies from Bookdagger. It turned out to be a very interesting event.
Let me start by saying that this was probably the most lively and best book discussion my book club has had so far.
Let me also say that I now know why Holland has created a separate genre named “literary thriller”, and that I think we could do with such a category over here. It does give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to some titles.
The members of my book club took me completely by surprise today. I thought I had a pretty good idea of who would enjoy this book and who would be less enthusiastic about it. I know which of my members read and like mysteries and thrillers and who usually stay away from that genre, and had based my assumptions on that knowledge.
You can therefore imagine my surprise when it turned out that the “thriller readers” were less enthusiastic than those who claim to not like that sort of story.
And that brings me back to my statement about literary thrillers. I guess that how much we enjoy a book has at least a little bit to do with the expectations we have before we start reading. And with a genre indication like “literary thriller” on the cover the reader would know to expect more than a standard mystery or thriller. It would make it clear that while the story contains a mystery, it is at least as much about character development, and the thoughts and feelings of the main character(s).
For the people who were expecting a straightforward thriller this book delivered too much background information, too much introspection and not enough action. They just wanted to solve the mystery and get on with it already. The sessions with the therapist and the background story regarding Frank Parrish’s father didn’t interest them a lot and they felt those parts got in the way of the “real” story.
And then there were those who really weren’t looking forward to having to read a mystery at all. It was them who came back gushing about the story, having thoroughly enjoyed the book because it was about so much more then "just" the murders and solving the mystery.
Another one of the members used to live in New York for years and was very impressed how Brooklyn just jumped off the pages for her. The description of the place took her back there, an experience she really enjoyed and a writing skill she admired. Her admiration was only increased by the knowledge that the author isn’t actually American.
I have already posted my thoughts about this book in an earlier blog and explained why I loved this book so much. And while I’m sorry that not everybody shared my admiration for this book, I’m not surprised by it. Reading is such a personable experience. It is so hard to predict what anybody might or might not enjoy at any given time that I find myself at times reluctant to recommend a book to anyone, which is probably not the right attitude for a librarian to have.
I really enjoyed this discussion though, especially because the reasons some people gave for loving the book were the exact same as the reason others gave for not enjoying it as much.
There were a few things the whole group did agreed on though; our gratitude towards the author for answering the questions we had at such short notice, to Bookdagger's Real Readers for providing us with the copies of this book, and that this was probably the most inspired discussion we have had so far. Any book club looking for a good discussion could do a lot worse then picking this book as their next read.
The copies of the book we received will now be donated to County Cavan Libraries and will make a welcome addition in this time of budget cutbacks and dwindling resources for new books.
R.J. Ellory writes good stories. They are realistic, with characters you can believe in finding themselves in situations which seem all to possible. There are no saints in Ellory's books (despite the title) and although plenty, if not all, of the characters may be called sinners to some extend or another, they all remain people you might meet any day, anywhere.
Frank Parrish has been a cop for 18 years and finds himself on probation with the Police Department for challenging his superiors once too often. He's made to talk to a councellor and advised to be on his best behaviour if he wants to keep his job.
When Frank's called out to the death of a young drugs dealer, Frank isn't too concerned about the murder. Death is the sort of thing that inevitably happens to those who are addicted to drugs or move in that environment. But when he also finds the young man's teenage sister dead, strangled, he can't help feeling that something more than a drugs deal gone wrong has to be going on.
When further investigation reveals that more young teenage girls have died under similar circumstances and that all of them were under the care of the child protection service, Frank knows that he's dealing with something potentially very nasty. Something he has to stop if he wants to protect other vulnerable young girls. But proof of anything is hard to find, and breaking the rules to stop those he suspects are guilty, might just cost Frank the job that is his life.
At the same time, Frank is struggling with his personal life. His biggest issue is the legacy of his father. A much decorated and admired cop, and member of the "Saints of New York", a group of police officers who supposedly rid New York of the influence of the mob, he is a hard man to life up to. But Frank knows things about his father that others don't. Things that make his father and his colleagues look less good, things that have left Frank bitter about his father's memory.
Over the course of his councelling sessions and the murder investigation Frank comes face to face with a lot of issues he has suppressed and finds himself having to face new truths, having to let go of old certainties, and having to make decisions that might change his life for ever.
I really enjoyed this book. Although it is a great mystery story it's not a traditional pageturner. The thoughts, feelings and development of the main character are at least as important as the question who done it and how do we stop him.
While reading this book I really felt that I got to know and understand Frank. I didn't agree with every decision he made and didn't always like what he did, but it all made sense and worked in the story.
Ellory strikes a very nice balance between the inner thoughts and feelings of his character and the action needed to drive the story onwards.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I have not been disappointed. I'm looking forward to discussing this book with my book club as well as reading the rest of Ellory's work.
As promised, here is my report of the discussion my bookclub had about this book:
On Tuesday February 22, the Bailieborough Library Book Club got together for its monthly book discussion. The book we discussed was SAINTS OF NEW YORK by R.J. Ellory of which we had received 10 copies from Bookdagger. It turned out to be a very interesting event.
Let me start by saying that this was probably the most lively and best book discussion my book club has had so far.
Let me also say that I now know why Holland has created a separate genre named “literary thriller”, and that I think we could do with such a category over here. It does give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to some titles.
The members of my book club took me completely by surprise today. I thought I had a pretty good idea of who would enjoy this book and who would be less enthusiastic about it. I know which of my members read and like mysteries and thrillers and who usually stay away from that genre, and had based my assumptions on that knowledge.
You can therefore imagine my surprise when it turned out that the “thriller readers” were less enthusiastic than those who claim to not like that sort of story.
And that brings me back to my statement about literary thrillers. I guess that how much we enjoy a book has at least a little bit to do with the expectations we have before we start reading. And with a genre indication like “literary thriller” on the cover the reader would know to expect more than a standard mystery or thriller. It would make it clear that while the story contains a mystery, it is at least as much about character development, and the thoughts and feelings of the main character(s).
For the people who were expecting a straightforward thriller this book delivered too much background information, too much introspection and not enough action. They just wanted to solve the mystery and get on with it already. The sessions with the therapist and the background story regarding Frank Parrish’s father didn’t interest them a lot and they felt those parts got in the way of the “real” story.
And then there were those who really weren’t looking forward to having to read a mystery at all. It was them who came back gushing about the story, having thoroughly enjoyed the book because it was about so much more then "just" the murders and solving the mystery.
Another one of the members used to live in New York for years and was very impressed how Brooklyn just jumped off the pages for her. The description of the place took her back there, an experience she really enjoyed and a writing skill she admired. Her admiration was only increased by the knowledge that the author isn’t actually American.
I have already posted my thoughts about this book in an earlier blog and explained why I loved this book so much. And while I’m sorry that not everybody shared my admiration for this book, I’m not surprised by it. Reading is such a personable experience. It is so hard to predict what anybody might or might not enjoy at any given time that I find myself at times reluctant to recommend a book to anyone, which is probably not the right attitude for a librarian to have.
I really enjoyed this discussion though, especially because the reasons some people gave for loving the book were the exact same as the reason others gave for not enjoying it as much.
There were a few things the whole group did agreed on though; our gratitude towards the author for answering the questions we had at such short notice, to Bookdagger's Real Readers for providing us with the copies of this book, and that this was probably the most inspired discussion we have had so far. Any book club looking for a good discussion could do a lot worse then picking this book as their next read.
The copies of the book we received will now be donated to County Cavan Libraries and will make a welcome addition in this time of budget cutbacks and dwindling resources for new books.
January 20, 2025
The death of a young heroin dealer occasions no great concern for New York Detective Frank Parrish
Danny Lange is just another casualty of the drug war. But when Danny's teenage sister winds up dead, questions are raised that have no clear answers.
As the homicides continue--and a disturbing pattern emerges--Frank tries desperately to make sense of the deaths, while battling his own demons. Trying to live up to the reputation of his father - a legendary NYPD Detective and one of the original 'Saints of New York' - the crew who worked with the authorities to rid New York of the final vestiges of Mafia control in the 1980s - Parrish struggles with the broken pieces of his own life. But, as the murder rate escalates, he must discover the truth before there are further innocent victims.
I never know what to say about R J Ellory novels because they are always so good. This one is really no exception. Frank Parrish our main character is fighting the demons on the street and his own personal ones. I did feel the tome of a book ended very quickly and there was no twist at the end like some of his books, and the baddie was who Frank expected all along. I went to see R J Ellory at an author event and he was very good and a really nice guy. A must for fans of the author and give the book a try if you have never read any of his, you wont be disappointed.
Danny Lange is just another casualty of the drug war. But when Danny's teenage sister winds up dead, questions are raised that have no clear answers.
As the homicides continue--and a disturbing pattern emerges--Frank tries desperately to make sense of the deaths, while battling his own demons. Trying to live up to the reputation of his father - a legendary NYPD Detective and one of the original 'Saints of New York' - the crew who worked with the authorities to rid New York of the final vestiges of Mafia control in the 1980s - Parrish struggles with the broken pieces of his own life. But, as the murder rate escalates, he must discover the truth before there are further innocent victims.
I never know what to say about R J Ellory novels because they are always so good. This one is really no exception. Frank Parrish our main character is fighting the demons on the street and his own personal ones. I did feel the tome of a book ended very quickly and there was no twist at the end like some of his books, and the baddie was who Frank expected all along. I went to see R J Ellory at an author event and he was very good and a really nice guy. A must for fans of the author and give the book a try if you have never read any of his, you wont be disappointed.
April 1, 2024
This is a really compelling police procedural. There are many tropes here--the driven, alcoholic detective whose personal life is a mess; a new partner whom he doesn't know if he can trust; corruption in high places; a careful, twisted serial killer who preys on teenaged girls.
But this story never descends into stereotypes. We are with detective Frank Parrish every inch of the way, rooting for him despite the drinking, the defensiveness, the sarcasm. Frank has bent the rules too many times--one more act of insubordination and he will lose his job, his pension, his reason for living. He's been forced to meet with a therapist every work day. But the murder of a junkie dealer, and then the discovery of his dead sister's body, begins a case with deeply personal implications for Frank.
This is a thriller and a real page turner. Frank may lose his job, but the deeper he investigates a series of murders of young girls, it's not only his job that is on the line--it's his sanity, and even his life. It's a tribute to Ellory's writing that we care so much about Frank and his quest for justice.
Seriously, if you like crime fiction and have never read RJ Ellory, like myself, you are in for a treat.
But this story never descends into stereotypes. We are with detective Frank Parrish every inch of the way, rooting for him despite the drinking, the defensiveness, the sarcasm. Frank has bent the rules too many times--one more act of insubordination and he will lose his job, his pension, his reason for living. He's been forced to meet with a therapist every work day. But the murder of a junkie dealer, and then the discovery of his dead sister's body, begins a case with deeply personal implications for Frank.
This is a thriller and a real page turner. Frank may lose his job, but the deeper he investigates a series of murders of young girls, it's not only his job that is on the line--it's his sanity, and even his life. It's a tribute to Ellory's writing that we care so much about Frank and his quest for justice.
Seriously, if you like crime fiction and have never read RJ Ellory, like myself, you are in for a treat.
January 22, 2025
J’étais d’abord réticent à lire ce livre de 550 pages dont le titre évoque pour moi la période de gloire de Giuliani, maire de New-York à l’époque, et qui s’est avéré un véritable escroc dans la saga Trump et élection 2020. Si la tête des anges était Lucifer, ça ne donne pas beaucoup de crédibilité au reste. Je ferme cette parenthèse. . Mais bon, comme avec Ellory, on passe toujours un bon moment, je me lance. Et franchement pas déçu. Un flic de NeeYork, qui a pour seul ami et famille sa bouteille de Bushmill et son boulot. Il a bousillé sa famille, déteste son défunt père qui fut à la tête des anges, mais qu’il sait avoir été corrompu. Il est littéralement révolté et ça détint sur sa vie qui va à vau-l’eau. Il se raccroche à la justice, la contre partie de se que son père lui a laissé. L’enquête qu’il mène ne le laissera pas indemne professionnellement, mais on s’y attend sachant que ce flic ne gère pas bien les procédures et règlements. Au travers de la résolution de l’enquête , un secret va resurgir du passé et l’amènera à lâcher prise, comme si on lui avait enlevé un cancer dans le bide et il se révélera qu’il n’est pas si différent de son père.
March 1, 2020
🇳🇱 ‘Frank Parrish is een ongelikte beer. Hij zuipt, verwaarloost zijn lichaam en lapt veel (politie)voorschriften aan zijn laars. Maar hij is wel een politieman in hart en nieren. Wanneer er een zaak op zijn pad komt waarin zowel een drugsdealer als zijn jonge zusje dood worden aangetroffen bijt hij zich hier volledig in vast. Tegelijkertijd worstelt hij met de demonen uit zijn verleden.’
Wauw, deze thriller is zo veel meer dan alleen maar een spannende zoektocht naar de dader. Ellory weet er feilloos een tweede laag in te verweven, namelijk dat van iemand die in het reine moet zien te komen met zijn verleden. Het lijkt allemaal zo duidelijk te zijn waar zijn drang tot zelfvernietiging vandaan komt: hij is de zoon van een veelgeprezen, vermoorde politieman, waarvan maar weinig mensen op de hoogte zijn dat hij zo corrupt was als wat. Maar dit blijkt toch allemaal wat anders te zijn dan het lijkt.
Dit was het tweede boek van R.J. Ellory wat ik las. Na het eerste boek was ik nog niet helemaal overtuigd maar na dit boek weet ik het zeker: ik wil meer!
Wauw, deze thriller is zo veel meer dan alleen maar een spannende zoektocht naar de dader. Ellory weet er feilloos een tweede laag in te verweven, namelijk dat van iemand die in het reine moet zien te komen met zijn verleden. Het lijkt allemaal zo duidelijk te zijn waar zijn drang tot zelfvernietiging vandaan komt: hij is de zoon van een veelgeprezen, vermoorde politieman, waarvan maar weinig mensen op de hoogte zijn dat hij zo corrupt was als wat. Maar dit blijkt toch allemaal wat anders te zijn dan het lijkt.
Dit was het tweede boek van R.J. Ellory wat ik las. Na het eerste boek was ik nog niet helemaal overtuigd maar na dit boek weet ik het zeker: ik wil meer!
May 8, 2019
Saints of New York builds steadily but isn't really a page turner. In Detective Frank Parrish we're deep inside the NYPD as his career is often overshadowed by that of his late father who , on the surface at least, achieved sainthood status in the New York force.
Frank knows better than the reputation that echoes through the watch houses. Frankl knows first hand, as well as anecdotally that his father John was a corrupt cop, and also a second rate father.
His job is to find the perpetrators of a drugs cartel which is claiming a growing litany of lives on his patch, his teenage sister included. His own life is a mess but he is determined to honestly serve his Shield, pretty much as a reaction to the continuing revelations he learns about his father.
This isn't a fast read book, but its satisfyingly ok.
Frank knows better than the reputation that echoes through the watch houses. Frankl knows first hand, as well as anecdotally that his father John was a corrupt cop, and also a second rate father.
His job is to find the perpetrators of a drugs cartel which is claiming a growing litany of lives on his patch, his teenage sister included. His own life is a mess but he is determined to honestly serve his Shield, pretty much as a reaction to the continuing revelations he learns about his father.
This isn't a fast read book, but its satisfyingly ok.
March 8, 2025
Saints of New York is centered around a deeply cliche, tired version of a New York police detective. Although the opening sequence was captivating and intense, the book quickly lost steam. Frank Parrish, the character at the center of Saints, is the same divorced, alcoholic, emotionally stunted man found in police procedurals since the beginning of police procedurals. Oh, and big shocker, Detective Parrish doesn’t follow the rules. I found myself hoping that Ellory would introduce a character of substance, yet each fell entirely flat. The highlight of this book were the interactions between Parrish and his somewhat unconventional therapist, Dr. Griffin. Even then, so much of the dialogue was tired. There were so many chances to show Parrish’s growth through his therapy sessions, yet, somehow it all got pushed to the end, making his development seem rushed and ingenuine. It only took about 400 pages, but the book did get good. The climax had my palms clammy, but they dried up in a flash— the sequence of events that unfolded were entirely too predictable. There was no plot twist, or at least not one shocking enough for me to consider it so, just a man driven by obsession until it gave him the guy he was after. But, I’ll give it to Ellory, the case details of the murders that Parrish and Radick—his partner—were attempting to solve did have some merit. I’m sure this book fits the taste of some, but it most certainly wasn’t mine.
September 3, 2022
Oorspronkelijke titel Saints of New York.
Daarom de vraag: Wat is het verschil tussen Helden en Heiligen?
We hebben twee verhaallijnen:
1/ het oplossen van moorden
2/ het verhaal van zijn vader( helden of heiligen) bij een psycholoog.
Mooie geschiedenis over N.Y. , de politie en de maffia.
Soms wel storend wanneer het spannend was op lijn 1 en dan overgaan naar lijn 2.
Spannend tot het einde.
Dit verhaal speelt zich af in N.Y. en meer bepaalt in Brooklyn. Vraag natuurlijk wel wat opzoekwerk want dat deel is minder bekent dan Manhattan.
Een mooie dag om te sterven speelt dan weer af in Manhattan.
Zeer zeker een aanrader ongeacht het storende element soms.
Daarom de vraag: Wat is het verschil tussen Helden en Heiligen?
We hebben twee verhaallijnen:
1/ het oplossen van moorden
2/ het verhaal van zijn vader( helden of heiligen) bij een psycholoog.
Mooie geschiedenis over N.Y. , de politie en de maffia.
Soms wel storend wanneer het spannend was op lijn 1 en dan overgaan naar lijn 2.
Spannend tot het einde.
Dit verhaal speelt zich af in N.Y. en meer bepaalt in Brooklyn. Vraag natuurlijk wel wat opzoekwerk want dat deel is minder bekent dan Manhattan.
Een mooie dag om te sterven speelt dan weer af in Manhattan.
Zeer zeker een aanrader ongeacht het storende element soms.
March 7, 2023
A book that I was in doubt whether I should finish it or not. And then I liked it very much, followed by not being sure I wanted to finish reading.
I think that was part of the way Frank's story was told. Lots of going back to earlier days, when his father was still alive & serving as a police officer. And to the more recent past, when he lost his partner. His relationships with his ex, his children, his new partner and Eve, all are more or less analyzed or talked about in his conversations with Marie.
If you're fond of depressed, alcoholic, disrespectful but very persevering main characters, then this book is just one for you!
I think that was part of the way Frank's story was told. Lots of going back to earlier days, when his father was still alive & serving as a police officer. And to the more recent past, when he lost his partner. His relationships with his ex, his children, his new partner and Eve, all are more or less analyzed or talked about in his conversations with Marie.
If you're fond of depressed, alcoholic, disrespectful but very persevering main characters, then this book is just one for you!
August 6, 2025
C’est un plaisir que j’ai découvert lors de mon inscription à la médiathèque en début d’année : pouvoir choisir un auteur que l’on a pas (ou peu) lu et se dire, tiens je lirais bien ses anciens romans. C’est comme ça que ce polar de 2010 s’est retrouvé entre mes mains. Et que je me suis plongée dans sa lecture avec le même bonheur que lorsque je visionne un vieux Scorsese sur Netflix. Le même bonheur parce que l’écriture de R.J. Ellory est très cinématographique. Alors bien sûr’ 15 ans après les ville a changé et on imagine que la NYPD aussi. Mais c’est quand même un roman 5 étoiles.
January 20, 2019
Het duurde erg lang voordat ik echt in het verhaal zat. Ik was bijna halverwege het boek toen het me pas echt begon te boeien, en ruim op 2/3e toen ik moeite kreeg om het weg te leggen.
Ik vind wel dat het alcoholisme van de hoofdpersoon goed is neergezet, en zijn verstoorde relatie met zijn kinderen is ook goed uitgebeeld.
Ik vond het ook meer een misdaadroman dan een echte thriller, er zat voor mij te weinig spanning in het boek.
Ik vind wel dat het alcoholisme van de hoofdpersoon goed is neergezet, en zijn verstoorde relatie met zijn kinderen is ook goed uitgebeeld.
Ik vond het ook meer een misdaadroman dan een echte thriller, er zat voor mij te weinig spanning in het boek.
June 17, 2019
A slow and rather dated thriller. The lead character, a New York detective, is a complete stereotype: a jaded, cynical, Irish Catholic, hard drinking, rule breaking, separated and married to the job. Much of the novel is introspective with little happening. Some of the back story of the lead character's father, a hero cop from the 80s, is informative, but little else retains the reader's interest.
January 1, 2020
My head read this book in the voice of Humphrey Bogart.
Not that era - it’s set in 2000’s but it has that gritty, nui yoik feel about it.
Likeable yet annoying lead - you wanted him to be right ; you wanted him to be the good guy - you wanted him to always do the right thing no matter how frustrated it became
One of those books I wanted to read for another week - but wanted it resolved at the same time
Not that era - it’s set in 2000’s but it has that gritty, nui yoik feel about it.
Likeable yet annoying lead - you wanted him to be right ; you wanted him to be the good guy - you wanted him to always do the right thing no matter how frustrated it became
One of those books I wanted to read for another week - but wanted it resolved at the same time
May 22, 2024
Only my second r j Ellery book and it was an enjoyable police story about a New York detective who is troubled by his past as well as the ghost of a heroic police officer father who Frank knows was not the Saint he appeared.
When he and his new partner start to investigate 2 murders the link to something more sinister leads Frank on a maverick investigation.
When he and his new partner start to investigate 2 murders the link to something more sinister leads Frank on a maverick investigation.
October 26, 2022
A very readable book despite a dark,gritty core.Frank is the kind of damaged,wise cracking NYPD who can really hold together a narrative that explores the depraved depths to which some hateful individuals can stoop.
Not a book for your granny!
Not a book for your granny!
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