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Detective Jack Murphy #1
The Cruelest Cut
When a killer plays mind games with a cop, There Are No Rules.
The first victim is attacked in her home. Tied to her bed. Forced to watch every unspeakable act of cruelty--but unable to scream. The second murder is even more twisted. Signed, sealed, and delivered with a message for the police, stuffed in the victim's throat. A fractured nursery rhyme that ends with a "There will be more." For detective Jack Murphy, it's more than a threat. It's a personal invitation to play. And no one plays rougher than Jack. Especially when the killer's pawns are the people he loves. . .
"A must-read, can't-put-down adventure." --John Lutz
"A jaw-dropping thriller." --Gregg Olsen
"A tornado of drama." --Shane Gericke
"As authentic and scary as thrillers get." –Nelson DeMille
The first victim is attacked in her home. Tied to her bed. Forced to watch every unspeakable act of cruelty--but unable to scream. The second murder is even more twisted. Signed, sealed, and delivered with a message for the police, stuffed in the victim's throat. A fractured nursery rhyme that ends with a "There will be more." For detective Jack Murphy, it's more than a threat. It's a personal invitation to play. And no one plays rougher than Jack. Especially when the killer's pawns are the people he loves. . .
"A must-read, can't-put-down adventure." --John Lutz
"A jaw-dropping thriller." --Gregg Olsen
"A tornado of drama." --Shane Gericke
"As authentic and scary as thrillers get." –Nelson DeMille
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
184 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
About the author
Rick Reed
13 books229 followersMy writing career began in 2004 with the true crime book, BLOOD TRAIL. In 2009 I began writing fiction. Police thrillers based somewhat on my experiences as a Detective in the Homicide/Violent Crime Unit.
As of February 2020 there are nine thriller novels in the Detective Jack Murphy series published by Kensington Publishing.
My books have been translated and/or sold in many countries and can be obtained as eBook, paperback, and audio books.
Check out my website:
www.rickreedbooks.com
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickreedbooks/
Watch for upcoming releases, contests, and chats.
As of February 2020 there are nine thriller novels in the Detective Jack Murphy series published by Kensington Publishing.
My books have been translated and/or sold in many countries and can be obtained as eBook, paperback, and audio books.
Check out my website:
www.rickreedbooks.com
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickreedbooks/
Watch for upcoming releases, contests, and chats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 2, 2019
A decent police procedural-thriller. Jack is a good main character & his partner Liddell backs him up well in all ways. There's an excellent reveal midway through that changes things quite a bit & made it much more interesting. The information is parceled out well, not usually just dumped, & there's some teasing that kept me wanting to hear more. Very well narrated.
For all that, the ending was a let down in many ways. Some of it was just unbelievable. I know stuff gets swept under the rug, but in this case several things were just too blatant to really be allowed, IMO. Oh well. I'll listen to at least one more.
For all that, the ending was a let down in many ways. Some of it was just unbelievable. I know stuff gets swept under the rug, but in this case several things were just too blatant to really be allowed, IMO. Oh well. I'll listen to at least one more.
December 10, 2010
I enjoyed it~ While some of the descriptions were definitely not for the faint hearted.
I really liked the witty exchanges between Jack and Liddell, despite the dark setting of the story, their partnership was very enjoyable to watch.
Will definitely read the next installment, if anything to find out Jack's involvement with his shrink and what happens to his ex-wife and now ex-girlfriend. Plus I hope there'd be loads more exchanges between Liddell and Jack.
I really liked the witty exchanges between Jack and Liddell, despite the dark setting of the story, their partnership was very enjoyable to watch.
Will definitely read the next installment, if anything to find out Jack's involvement with his shrink and what happens to his ex-wife and now ex-girlfriend. Plus I hope there'd be loads more exchanges between Liddell and Jack.
November 2, 2016
This was quite long and sometimes drawn out but I really enjoyed it. We know who the killer is early on, so it's not such a mystery as it is a look at all these messed up characters. I was glad at some of their fates and annoyed at others. There was a little twist that I thought was very clever about halfway through. I really like Jack and his partner Liddell was very funny which helped with this subject matter. I'll definitely read more.
February 13, 2017
Meh this book was just okay. It was longer than it should have been. Also it was corny and predictable.
March 10, 2019
In Rick Reed's The Cruelest Cut, the first installment in the Detective Jack Murphy police procedural mystery thriller, this debut is so twisted and would make your head spin. It all started for Jack, and his partner Liddell Blanchard for the Evansville PD, that they've come across two dead bodies at the fresh crime scene. And that's when they've found a riddle stuffed inside of their mouths. That had started the body count for Jack and Liddell when they were after a serial killer. Besides that, they also dealt with their new Chief of Police, Richard Dick, who's ruthless and corrupted as they come. When they received the call of another dead body, the crime scene was similar in nature--the same could be said for the same notes stuffed in the mouth of the corpse. As Maddy Brooks wanted to make a name for herself for her local station, she became the center of attention and dubbed the serial killer the "Mother Goose killer--each note had to do with a selected nursery crime. Later on, they discovered the connection to Jack's past, a ruthless criminal who haunted and taunted Jack with this rhymes. And when they discovered who he is and how twisted it could be, Jack would do anything to protect Susan Summers, his girlfriend, and his ex-wife Katie, even if he had to shoot first and ask questions later in a shocking ending.
September 20, 2016
This book is not for the faint of heart. It was downright gruesome. In fact, it was way too violent for my taste which detracted from any enjoyment I got out of reading the book. The sad thing was I really liked the characters. I had already read one book by the author which was why I picked this one up. I just wish it hadn't been so gory. I didn't see the need for it unless the author was going for the shock factor.
Otherwise, this was very well written and the whole revenge idea made for some very intense moments. Jack Murphy is the detective investigating the serial killer, Mother Goose. The bad guy leaves notes at the scene of each crime. They refer to a Mother Goose nursery rhyme, each a clue as to who the next victim might be. Some have Jack's name attached to them, alerting Jack and his partner that someone has an axe to grind with Jack.
Unfortunately, this makes anyone even remotely connected with Jack a possible target. The killer wants Jack to suffer before he comes to kill Jack, himself. Its a race to identify the killer and discover the reason he's focused on Jack. This one kept me turning the pages to see what happened in spite of the graphic crimes.
Otherwise, this was very well written and the whole revenge idea made for some very intense moments. Jack Murphy is the detective investigating the serial killer, Mother Goose. The bad guy leaves notes at the scene of each crime. They refer to a Mother Goose nursery rhyme, each a clue as to who the next victim might be. Some have Jack's name attached to them, alerting Jack and his partner that someone has an axe to grind with Jack.
Unfortunately, this makes anyone even remotely connected with Jack a possible target. The killer wants Jack to suffer before he comes to kill Jack, himself. Its a race to identify the killer and discover the reason he's focused on Jack. This one kept me turning the pages to see what happened in spite of the graphic crimes.
October 18, 2016
Excellent police thriller
Fast paced with some great characters,I enjoyed my first read of this author. There is violence, but you see the same or worse on the news daily,and the story moves along quickly ,not staying to highlight the violence. Detective Murphy is a very interesting main character and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Fast paced with some great characters,I enjoyed my first read of this author. There is violence, but you see the same or worse on the news daily,and the story moves along quickly ,not staying to highlight the violence. Detective Murphy is a very interesting main character and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 20, 2024
Excellent crime drama that I got on impulse during a Kobo sale! I will definitely read more in the series!
November 17, 2017
In 'The Cruelest Cut', a serial killer is leaving messages at every crime scene specificially for detective Jack Murphy. As Jack and his colleagues race against time to halt the body count, the killer is growing more and more restless. What is the killer's motive and more importantly, when will Jack finally put this lowlife behind bars?
I read slightly more than half of the book before stopping then and there once I realized that I definitely had no interest to continue. The story started off good but it quickly deteriorated due to numerous things that I simply couldn't overlook. I found the author's tendency to jump from different characters' respective points of view to distract from the story. Furthermore, there were way too many characters introduced every now and then - most of them were unnecessary yet there was plenty of background information on them.
The writing was long-winded and filled with pointless descriptions as well as paragraphs. For instance, details about the exact food that the characters were going to have for breakfast and the characters' physical characteristics. The chapters were frustratingly short and ended in such a way that made it hard not to roll one's eyes. Chapters usually end with something that keeps you turning the pages, not mindless dialogue that clearly serves as filler to pad up the book.
The crime / investigative aspect was executed very poorly. Instead of focusing on the actual investigation comprising gathering information, interviewing witnesses or potential suspects, collecting evidence and analyzing the perpetrator's actions, office politics took the front seat. It was tiring reading about the new chief Richard Dick (one of the worst names ever - what was the author thinking? Wait.. he probably wasn't.) who behaved unprofessionally. The same applied to Jack as he lacked tact and control.
It didn't help that the identity of the murderer was revealed from the beginning hence there was zero suspense. However, considering the author's terrible writing, it wouldn't have made a difference to the quality of the book either way. That aside, I actually preferred reading the parts featuring the killer because that was refreshing compared to Jack's boring 'love' life and vacuous office chatter. The twist about was laughable since it was obvious from the get-go.
Overall, 'The Cruelest Cut' was easily one of the worst crime / mystery books I've ever read as it failed to deliver in every possible aspect. It was painfully dull and mediocre - staring at the wall would be far more entertaining.
I read slightly more than half of the book before stopping then and there once I realized that I definitely had no interest to continue. The story started off good but it quickly deteriorated due to numerous things that I simply couldn't overlook. I found the author's tendency to jump from different characters' respective points of view to distract from the story. Furthermore, there were way too many characters introduced every now and then - most of them were unnecessary yet there was plenty of background information on them.
The writing was long-winded and filled with pointless descriptions as well as paragraphs. For instance, details about the exact food that the characters were going to have for breakfast and the characters' physical characteristics. The chapters were frustratingly short and ended in such a way that made it hard not to roll one's eyes. Chapters usually end with something that keeps you turning the pages, not mindless dialogue that clearly serves as filler to pad up the book.
The crime / investigative aspect was executed very poorly. Instead of focusing on the actual investigation comprising gathering information, interviewing witnesses or potential suspects, collecting evidence and analyzing the perpetrator's actions, office politics took the front seat. It was tiring reading about the new chief Richard Dick (one of the worst names ever - what was the author thinking? Wait.. he probably wasn't.) who behaved unprofessionally. The same applied to Jack as he lacked tact and control.
It didn't help that the identity of the murderer was revealed from the beginning hence there was zero suspense. However, considering the author's terrible writing, it wouldn't have made a difference to the quality of the book either way. That aside, I actually preferred reading the parts featuring the killer because that was refreshing compared to Jack's boring 'love' life and vacuous office chatter. The twist about was laughable since it was obvious from the get-go.
Overall, 'The Cruelest Cut' was easily one of the worst crime / mystery books I've ever read as it failed to deliver in every possible aspect. It was painfully dull and mediocre - staring at the wall would be far more entertaining.
March 1, 2012
Great new character in the world of tough, sexy yet vulnerable hunky detectives. More importantly Jack is a believable character and his behavior and his actions are always in context with the story. I totally disagree with the person who said there was too much graphic violence. There is violence but it is not gratuitous nor overly graphic. It fits the story. I am looking forward to reading the next Jack Murphy story. I highly recommend this!
December 1, 2010
This book was an interesting thriller, never a dull moment. This is not a book for the weak, there is some serious evil in this book. I enjoyed it, and look forward to reading another book Rick Reed. He knows how to keep a reader on the edge of their seat.
December 31, 2023
My interest in this book resembled a bell curve: rough start, interesting middle, mediocre ending.
January 5, 2020
I chose this thriller above other available ones from my library based on the Shakespearean allusion in the title. Shouldn’t have. It was ok but just ok, and it certainly never alluded to the betrayal implied by the title.
November 18, 2018
This was a 2 book Series which I read out of order. It was good but not as good as book 2, which I gave 5 Stars... However Rick Reed is still a GREAT Author!!!
February 10, 2016
"Maddy would be furious with him that they had not given her the exclusive story. But he was confident that people would be calling for results in the investigation, and of course, Dick would be their man. He would take Pope's position as chief of police and then suspend Murphy for mishandling the case. Even if they never solved it, he could always blame the results on Pope and Murphy. It was the perfect plan...."
I just had the pleasure of reading the second book in the "Detective Jack Murphy" series, "The Coldest Fear." I thought I'd go back and get the first one and was pleased to find Netgalley offering it. Now I found out how "Jack Murphy" was introduced to us. This is an excellent crime thriller series.
In this first Detective Murphy book we find a twisted killer doing unspeakable things to his victims. He's challenging Jack to find him. If he can. When those Jack loves are threatened, well it's a game that Jack doesn't plan to lose.
Jack is returning to work after surviving a knife attack that left his face scarred. With the help of Susan, his girlfriend, he's recovered enough to return to get back to the job. Jack still has his ex wife Katie as well. Susan and Katie have become friends.
The criminal element that left him scarred is plotting their revenge. One just got of jail, and these criminal brothers detest Jack.. They'd like nothing better than to finish what they started. At least that's what it appears to be. Is it really them or is it someone else?
Jack and his partner, Liddell Blanchard, are called to the homicide scene of someone Jack knows, and the mayhem has begun. Time for them to track down these killers. How many innocents will die first? Or will they be the ones who get away again? After all they did escape Jack once. Jack and his crew will also have to fight among the people whom they work alongside to get results. Just because they're in a position of power or a cop doesn't make them any less selfish about their own careers. Abuse of power can sometimes lead to loss of life. Jack may be the only man to unravel it, although he does seek help from those around him.
While very graphic, this is a detective/crime/thriller you won't be able to put down. I absolutely love this author. Lots of scary moments. I know its not real but it has a real feel to it. The author have obvious experience in this subject. I love these stories, but a child murder always bothers me. Still an excellent read. More "Jack Murphy's" are in the works! I plan to read them, you should too.
I just had the pleasure of reading the second book in the "Detective Jack Murphy" series, "The Coldest Fear." I thought I'd go back and get the first one and was pleased to find Netgalley offering it. Now I found out how "Jack Murphy" was introduced to us. This is an excellent crime thriller series.
In this first Detective Murphy book we find a twisted killer doing unspeakable things to his victims. He's challenging Jack to find him. If he can. When those Jack loves are threatened, well it's a game that Jack doesn't plan to lose.
Jack is returning to work after surviving a knife attack that left his face scarred. With the help of Susan, his girlfriend, he's recovered enough to return to get back to the job. Jack still has his ex wife Katie as well. Susan and Katie have become friends.
The criminal element that left him scarred is plotting their revenge. One just got of jail, and these criminal brothers detest Jack.. They'd like nothing better than to finish what they started. At least that's what it appears to be. Is it really them or is it someone else?
Jack and his partner, Liddell Blanchard, are called to the homicide scene of someone Jack knows, and the mayhem has begun. Time for them to track down these killers. How many innocents will die first? Or will they be the ones who get away again? After all they did escape Jack once. Jack and his crew will also have to fight among the people whom they work alongside to get results. Just because they're in a position of power or a cop doesn't make them any less selfish about their own careers. Abuse of power can sometimes lead to loss of life. Jack may be the only man to unravel it, although he does seek help from those around him.
While very graphic, this is a detective/crime/thriller you won't be able to put down. I absolutely love this author. Lots of scary moments. I know its not real but it has a real feel to it. The author have obvious experience in this subject. I love these stories, but a child murder always bothers me. Still an excellent read. More "Jack Murphy's" are in the works! I plan to read them, you should too.
November 10, 2011
I read this out of order, therefore some of the material was odd to me since i thought I knew what was going on ahead of time, this is the first book in the series, start with it. It is graphic, but not too disgusting. It is a good story, moves fast and keeps you interested ( however not guessing what is going to happen).
April 14, 2018
I listened to, and did not finish, the audio version.
For the first chapter or so, I thought this book was written 20-30 years ago. There is an uppity female reported, closeted gay lover, stand by your man wife. Then, discussion of the internet, and cell phones let me know it was more recent.
The book is gory, the characters are cardboard cutouts.
For the first chapter or so, I thought this book was written 20-30 years ago. There is an uppity female reported, closeted gay lover, stand by your man wife. Then, discussion of the internet, and cell phones let me know it was more recent.
The book is gory, the characters are cardboard cutouts.
April 4, 2011
Rick Reed's newest novel is full of suspense, a little bit gruesome in parts with very descriptive murders, but a mystery that is difficult to put down. Wanted to stay up till I finished! Look forward to his next novel coming out later this year.
February 22, 2012
I love the fact that the story is based in Evansville, Indiana. I know the areas in the book. Jack Murphy seems like someone I could be friends with. The last chapters were so good I had to finish the book to see what was going to happen. It is a book you can't put down.
September 2, 2013
Awful. Too bad because it appeared to have a lot of potential. I found it extremely disjointed, hard to follow, introduced new characters and situations WAY too frequently. If that's his idea of a cliffhanger, well, too bad. ugh.
April 16, 2014
AWESOME
Once you start reading this book you really will want read it straight through.The detail of the novel and how it flow from one point the next.This book is a must read if you.enjoy an good thriller.
Once you start reading this book you really will want read it straight through.The detail of the novel and how it flow from one point the next.This book is a must read if you.enjoy an good thriller.
August 23, 2011
A thriller but very graphic!
August 25, 2011
This was an excellent book! Fast paced and hard to put down, action beginning to end. Great storyline, with lots of twists, but if blood bothers you don't read this one!
October 16, 2011
Excellent book. Well written and kept me in suspence and turning pages.
August 8, 2018
My first book by this author. An excellent thriller, fast paced and with interesting characters. This is the the first of a new series, and I am eager to read the rest.
January 16, 2017
Evansville, IN. Detective Jack Murphy (Evansville PD) & his other officers were on stakeout.
Bobby Solazzo (leader) & his Solazzo gang members, & Eddie Solazzo (brother) were on the run after 2 were left dead at the liquor store robbery holdup.
Days later Turley’s Jewelry was their next target.
Dr. Anne Lewis (wife, psychiatrist) & Don Lewis (husband, retired) in their own home were bound/gagged. The 2 of them had been beaten pretty bad.
They later were murdered.
Timmy Ryan was fishing on the Ohio river.
Jack who lived close by liked to fish in the same area.
Maddy Brooks (Channel 6 news reporter, widow, retired HS teacher), Dex (Channel 6 news cameraman) were already at the murder site.
Detective Murphy & Detective Liddell “Bigfoot” Blanchard (partner, Evansville PD) arrived at the crime scene.
Corporal Timmons informed them an old man & his white Jack Russell terrier mix dog pulled the body out of the river.
Officer James “Kooky” Kuhlenschmidt (21) was scoping out the area.
Mayor Thatcher Beauregard Hensley Jr. wanted to know how Deputy Chief Marlin Pope’s (AA, (U of Louisville, MS criminology, Indiana St. U MBA) team was doing on the Dr. Lewis case.
Dr. Carmodi (coroner) was examining the deceased.
Deputy Chief Richard Dick (Evansville PD, aka Double Dick) & Mayor Hensley were discussing the recent murder investigations.
Timothy “Timmy” Ryan was the dead boys name.
Both bodies had a written rhyming poem note jammed down their throats.
Elaine Lamar (29, Homeowners Ass. member, divorced, 3 kids, realty firm office mgr.) had come home to a horror scene.
Jenny (10, daughter), Jeremy (4, son, Germy), & Ricky (3, son, Icky) had been brutally murdered & their bodies laid out on their beds.
Mrs. Geraldine Truitt (83, widow, neighbor) had heard screams but thought the 3 were just playing.
Detective Murphy & Detective Blanchard arrived at the crime scene.
The note had been written on the wall in blood.
Elaine was in St. Mary’s Hospital heavily sedated.
Maddy had been accosted by some unknown thug.
Detective Murphy, Detective Blanchard & Captain Franklin were doing the investigation.
Bill Goldberg (TV Channel 6 station mgr.) was there also.
Sheriff Tanner Crowley (Dubois County) called to confirm they had a murder at Patoka Lake.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mark “Bubba” Crowley (son) & Sheriff Tanner Crowley took Detective Murphy to the crime scene.
Deputy Sheriff Vodka Wilson was already there.
The next victim was Tisha Carter (25, nurse, physical therapist, St. Mary’s Hospital, lesbian).
The bloody message was on the TV screen.
Another victim Kyle Bannock was found at Kids’ Kingdom.
How many more victims will turn up before the Mother Goose serial killer is caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery psychological murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Kensington publishing corp.; Lyrical Underground; Penguin Random House Publisher Services; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Bobby Solazzo (leader) & his Solazzo gang members, & Eddie Solazzo (brother) were on the run after 2 were left dead at the liquor store robbery holdup.
Days later Turley’s Jewelry was their next target.
Dr. Anne Lewis (wife, psychiatrist) & Don Lewis (husband, retired) in their own home were bound/gagged. The 2 of them had been beaten pretty bad.
They later were murdered.
Timmy Ryan was fishing on the Ohio river.
Jack who lived close by liked to fish in the same area.
Maddy Brooks (Channel 6 news reporter, widow, retired HS teacher), Dex (Channel 6 news cameraman) were already at the murder site.
Detective Murphy & Detective Liddell “Bigfoot” Blanchard (partner, Evansville PD) arrived at the crime scene.
Corporal Timmons informed them an old man & his white Jack Russell terrier mix dog pulled the body out of the river.
Officer James “Kooky” Kuhlenschmidt (21) was scoping out the area.
Mayor Thatcher Beauregard Hensley Jr. wanted to know how Deputy Chief Marlin Pope’s (AA, (U of Louisville, MS criminology, Indiana St. U MBA) team was doing on the Dr. Lewis case.
Dr. Carmodi (coroner) was examining the deceased.
Deputy Chief Richard Dick (Evansville PD, aka Double Dick) & Mayor Hensley were discussing the recent murder investigations.
Timothy “Timmy” Ryan was the dead boys name.
Both bodies had a written rhyming poem note jammed down their throats.
Elaine Lamar (29, Homeowners Ass. member, divorced, 3 kids, realty firm office mgr.) had come home to a horror scene.
Jenny (10, daughter), Jeremy (4, son, Germy), & Ricky (3, son, Icky) had been brutally murdered & their bodies laid out on their beds.
Mrs. Geraldine Truitt (83, widow, neighbor) had heard screams but thought the 3 were just playing.
Detective Murphy & Detective Blanchard arrived at the crime scene.
The note had been written on the wall in blood.
Elaine was in St. Mary’s Hospital heavily sedated.
Maddy had been accosted by some unknown thug.
Detective Murphy, Detective Blanchard & Captain Franklin were doing the investigation.
Bill Goldberg (TV Channel 6 station mgr.) was there also.
Sheriff Tanner Crowley (Dubois County) called to confirm they had a murder at Patoka Lake.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mark “Bubba” Crowley (son) & Sheriff Tanner Crowley took Detective Murphy to the crime scene.
Deputy Sheriff Vodka Wilson was already there.
The next victim was Tisha Carter (25, nurse, physical therapist, St. Mary’s Hospital, lesbian).
The bloody message was on the TV screen.
Another victim Kyle Bannock was found at Kids’ Kingdom.
How many more victims will turn up before the Mother Goose serial killer is caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery psychological murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Kensington publishing corp.; Lyrical Underground; Penguin Random House Publisher Services; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 22, 2024
Eine kleine Stadt wird von einem Serienmörder in Angst und Schrecken versetzt. Mehrere Leichen werden in kurzen Abständen gefunden - bei allen entdecken die Ermittler*innen mit Wachsmalstiften geschrieben Kinderheime, die zu den nächsten Opfern führen.
Nach knapp 100 Seiten habe ich das Buch abgebrochen. Der Schreibstil ist sehr eigen und verleitete mich immer wieder dazu, die Seiten nur zu überfliegen. Zunächst führten innerhalb der Kapitel mehrere Orts- und Personenwechsel dazu, dass ich den Geschehnissen nicht wirklich folgen konnte. Dazwischen wurden kurze, aber extrem scheußlich brutale Szenen gestreut, die aus dem Nichts kamen und gar nicht in das Setting passten. Es kam mir vor, als ob man nur versuchte, etwas möglichst Schockierendes zu schreiben. Als ich entschied, abzubrechen, ging die Story schon einige Seiten nicht mehr voran. Mich hatten weder die Hauptcharaktere, noch die Intention des Mordenden in ihren Bann gezogen.
Nach knapp 100 Seiten habe ich das Buch abgebrochen. Der Schreibstil ist sehr eigen und verleitete mich immer wieder dazu, die Seiten nur zu überfliegen. Zunächst führten innerhalb der Kapitel mehrere Orts- und Personenwechsel dazu, dass ich den Geschehnissen nicht wirklich folgen konnte. Dazwischen wurden kurze, aber extrem scheußlich brutale Szenen gestreut, die aus dem Nichts kamen und gar nicht in das Setting passten. Es kam mir vor, als ob man nur versuchte, etwas möglichst Schockierendes zu schreiben. Als ich entschied, abzubrechen, ging die Story schon einige Seiten nicht mehr voran. Mich hatten weder die Hauptcharaktere, noch die Intention des Mordenden in ihren Bann gezogen.
March 20, 2019
Quite an intense story. Really well developed characters, packed with lots of emotions and action. Story included a psycho killer, political shenanigans in the police department and mayor's office, and a tough police detective.
Jack Murphy returns to work after being almost killed and starts investigating a series of brutal murders. The slayings are very vicious and are targeted to catch his attention. A woman TV reporter is also involved and has communication with the killer. The mayor and deputy police commissioner are trying to oust the current police chief and place the blame at Jack's feet. They are hoping Jack messes up the case. The killer is using nursery rhymes as clues.
Jack is suspended at one point and has several of his friends help until he is reinstated. He uses all the resources he can to solve these horrible crimes.
Jack Murphy returns to work after being almost killed and starts investigating a series of brutal murders. The slayings are very vicious and are targeted to catch his attention. A woman TV reporter is also involved and has communication with the killer. The mayor and deputy police commissioner are trying to oust the current police chief and place the blame at Jack's feet. They are hoping Jack messes up the case. The killer is using nursery rhymes as clues.
Jack is suspended at one point and has several of his friends help until he is reinstated. He uses all the resources he can to solve these horrible crimes.
July 31, 2021
Kick off book to a series introducing Detective Jack Murphy & his partner Liddell investigating a grisly murder of a child near Jack's home. The killers know Jack and are starting to play a game of murder while leaving notes in the bodies with nursery rhymes inviting Jack to play. Meanwhile, the local news station reporter Maddie is receiving the same notes with more clues. Demanding access to the murders she, the power hungry deputy chief of police, & the mayor all dog the investigations for their own purposes. Jack & Liddell's team work around them to try and find the suspects before more murders happen. A string of killings and rhymes with challenges to Jack pull him deeper into the depths of the killers depravity. Fast paced, intriguing, and can't put down read.
September 30, 2025
“The Cruelest Cut”, first in the 'Detective Jack Murphy' series, is unusual in that the reader knows the identity of the serial killer long before the police do.
Ex-con Eddie Solazzo (and his mostly silent brother Bobby) has his sights firmly set on Det. Jack Murphy.
He intends to kills everyone Murphy holds dear, plus anyone who gets in his way.
It's quite brutal.
Murphy, blissfully aware at the start of his own involvement, has enough on his hands with Evansville P.D. Politics, one local TV reporter in particular, and riddle based on 'Mother Goose.'
It's overly long but the author's first-hand experience as a police officers means that it rings true - right down to the grumbling and grousing.
3 Stars.
Ex-con Eddie Solazzo (and his mostly silent brother Bobby) has his sights firmly set on Det. Jack Murphy.
He intends to kills everyone Murphy holds dear, plus anyone who gets in his way.
It's quite brutal.
Murphy, blissfully aware at the start of his own involvement, has enough on his hands with Evansville P.D. Politics, one local TV reporter in particular, and riddle based on 'Mother Goose.'
It's overly long but the author's first-hand experience as a police officers means that it rings true - right down to the grumbling and grousing.
3 Stars.
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