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Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne #5
The Echo Man
It is fall in Philadelphia and the mutilated body of a man is found in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of the city. The victim has been viciously tortured to death. It's the work of a sadistic mind in free fall.
When homicide detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano investigate, they soon realize that their crime scene is linked to the past. Eight years ago, another body was found in the same place, in the same position, killed in the same manner. That case was never closed. Apart from their killer's unusual calling cards, the crime scene photos - past and present - are identical.
As another brutalized body appears, then another, it becomes horrifyingly clear that someone is recreating unsolved murders from Philadelphia's past in the most sinister of ways. And the killer is closer than they think...
When homicide detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano investigate, they soon realize that their crime scene is linked to the past. Eight years ago, another body was found in the same place, in the same position, killed in the same manner. That case was never closed. Apart from their killer's unusual calling cards, the crime scene photos - past and present - are identical.
As another brutalized body appears, then another, it becomes horrifyingly clear that someone is recreating unsolved murders from Philadelphia's past in the most sinister of ways. And the killer is closer than they think...
464 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2011
128 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Richard Montanari
25 books885 followersRichard Montanari is the Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling author of The Rosary Girls, The Killing Room, The Stolen Ones and the upcoming thriller, The Doll Maker.
Series:
* Jack Paris
* Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne
Series:
* Jack Paris
* Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
October 26, 2021
Ο λόφος των κολασμένων.
Το 1891 η Αρχιεπισκοπή είχε δώσει άδεια να χτιστεί ένα μοναστήρι και να λειτουργήσει ως γυναικεία μονή.
Το κεντρικό κτίριο είχε τελειώσει το 1893 και στέγαζε πάνω απο πενήντα μοναχές.
Το 1907 τέσσερις μοναχές κρεμάστηκαν απο ένα δοκάρι του καμπαναριού.
Έκτοτε η εκκλησία δεν έβρισκε δόκιμες για το μοναστήρι. Πούλησε τα κτίρια και το κτήμα στην Κοινοπολιτεία της Πενσυλβάνια.
Πέντε χρονια αργότερα, αφού στο αρχικό κτίσμα έχουν κάνει τέσσερις καινούργιες πτέρυγες που στέγασαν μεταξύ άλλων, δυο νεκροτομεία και ένα υπερσύγχρονο χειρουργείο και σε έναν από τους οπωρώνες χτίστηκε ένα παρεκκλήσι που δεν ήταν αφιερωμένο σε κανένα συγκεκριμένο δόγμα-άνοιξε τις πύλες του το κέντρο ψυχικής υγείας Κόνβεντ Χιλ.
Με διακόσια κρεβάτια, μεγάλους κήπους και εξειδικευμένο προσωπικό,σύντομα απέκτησε μεγάλη φήμη ως το πιο μοντέρνο νοσοκομείο των ανατολικών Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών.
Στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του ‘50 η χρηματοδότηση άρχισε να λιγοστεύει, μέλη του προσωπικού απολυόταν τα κτίρια έπρεπε να συντηρούνται, τα μηχανήματα πάλιωσαν και άρχισαν να εμφανίζουν βλάβες. Ταυτόχρονα άρχισαν να κυκλοφορούν φήμες για απάνθρωπες συνθήκες διαβίωσης, στις αρχές του 1971 ντοκιμαντέρ που γυρίστηκε εκεί έδειχνε καταστάσεις που προκαλούσαν φρίκη και αποτροπιασμό, η κατακραυγή που ξέσπασε ήταν γενική και αμέσως στα ταμεία της πολιτείας εισέρρευσαν ένα εκατομμύριο δολάρια από δωρεές.
Το 1980 τό Κόνβεντ Χιλ ξεχάστηκε για ακόμα μια φορά. Τότε άρχισαν να ακούγονται ιστορίες για διαφθορά και μεσαιωνικές συνθήκες.
Έκλεισε οριστικά το 1992 και οι τρόφιμοι του μεταφέρθηκαν σε άλλα δημόσια ψυχιατρικά ιδρύματα ή σωφρονιστήρια της νέας Υόρκης και της Πενσιλβάνια.
Για 20 χρόνια ήταν έγκλειστη εκεί μία από τις πρωταγωνίστριες της πλοκής και της εξέλιξης σε αυτό το πάγιο αστυνομικό θρίλερ.
Κρίστα Μαρή.
«ξέρεις οι σιωπές» είχε πει !…
είχε να κάνει με τις σιωπές ανάμεσα στις νότες, χρόνο που χρειάζεται να μεσολαβήσει για να ακουστεί η μουσική σαν ηχώ, η Κρίστα Μαρή ήταν μία από τις καλύτερες μορφές της μουσικής στο χώρο του κλασικού ρεπερτορίου.
Όταν την συνέλαβαν για φόνο ήταν λίγο μετά τα μεσάνυχτα της γιορτής του Χαλοουίν.
Επειτα, στις επόμενες δεκαετίες, οι φόνοι που ακολούθησαν,τα αποτρόπαια εγκλήματα, οι στερεοτυπικά πανομοιότυπες σφαγές, τα πτώματα !…μπέρδεψαν το παζλ των νεκροταφείων και της εκδίκησης.
Καταβάθος, όλα είχαν ξεκινήσει με εκείνη και όλα θα τελείωναν με εκείνη.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο είναι οι νεκροί που περιφέρονται ανάμεσα στους ζωντανούς,τους βοηθούν, τους μπερδεύουν.
Εδώ περιφέρονται οι δολοφονημένοι, οι τρελοί και ξεχασμένοι.
Αν πλησιάσετε την ηχώ του κακού θα καταλάβετε ότι αυτό που ουρλιάζει δεν είναι μόνο ο άνεμος.
Όσοι πήγαν εκεί!..δεν έφυγαν ποτέ.
Κάποιος που προσπάθησε να αυτοκτονήσει δυο φορές και ο λαιμός του είναι γεμάτος βαθιά σημάδια, μιλάει μόνο ψιθυριστά, η φωνή του είναι σαν ξερός άνεμος σε νυχτωμένη ερήμο.
Δύο αδερφές που προσπάθησαν να φάνε η μία τις σάρκες της άλλης. Τις βρήκαν σφιχταγκαλιασμένες τυλιγμένες με αγκαθωτό συρματόπλεγμα με το αίμα να στάζει από τα χείλη τους.
Όλοι μαζεύονται γύρω απο το χάος, οι φωνές τους υψώνονται σα χορωδία της ίδιας της τρέλας, βαδίζουν οι ζωντανοί με την αγαπημένη μόρφη, βαδίζουν με τους νεκρούς.
Ανατριχιαστικό ανατρεπτικό αγωνιώδες μπορεί να σταθεί επάξια στο βάθρο της δεύτερης ή τρίτης θέσης των νικητών του αστυνομικού θρίλερ με υπερένταση και ψυχολογική ένταση.
Πολλοί πρωταγωνιστές, πολλοί ήρωες, πολλοί νεκροί, πολλοί ζωντανοί ανάμεσα σε νεκρούς. Πολλοί οι θύτες,πολλά τα θύματα , αλήθειες,ψέματα, μπερδεμένα όλα μαζί σε μια ιστορία που απεικονίζει ακραία σαδιστικά μυαλά.
Καλή ανάγνωση.
Πολλούς και σεμνούς ασπασμούς.
Το 1891 η Αρχιεπισκοπή είχε δώσει άδεια να χτιστεί ένα μοναστήρι και να λειτουργήσει ως γυναικεία μονή.
Το κεντρικό κτίριο είχε τελειώσει το 1893 και στέγαζε πάνω απο πενήντα μοναχές.
Το 1907 τέσσερις μοναχές κρεμάστηκαν απο ένα δοκάρι του καμπαναριού.
Έκτοτε η εκκλησία δεν έβρισκε δόκιμες για το μοναστήρι. Πούλησε τα κτίρια και το κτήμα στην Κοινοπολιτεία της Πενσυλβάνια.
Πέντε χρονια αργότερα, αφού στο αρχικό κτίσμα έχουν κάνει τέσσερις καινούργιες πτέρυγες που στέγασαν μεταξύ άλλων, δυο νεκροτομεία και ένα υπερσύγχρονο χειρουργείο και σε έναν από τους οπωρώνες χτίστηκε ένα παρεκκλήσι που δεν ήταν αφιερωμένο σε κανένα συγκεκριμένο δόγμα-άνοιξε τις πύλες του το κέντρο ψυχικής υγείας Κόνβεντ Χιλ.
Με διακόσια κρεβάτια, μεγάλους κήπους και εξειδικευμένο προσωπικό,σύντομα απέκτησε μεγάλη φήμη ως το πιο μοντέρνο νοσοκομείο των ανατολικών Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών.
Στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του ‘50 η χρηματοδότηση άρχισε να λιγοστεύει, μέλη του προσωπικού απολυόταν τα κτίρια έπρεπε να συντηρούνται, τα μηχανήματα πάλιωσαν και άρχισαν να εμφανίζουν βλάβες. Ταυτόχρονα άρχισαν να κυκλοφορούν φήμες για απάνθρωπες συνθήκες διαβίωσης, στις αρχές του 1971 ντοκιμαντέρ που γυρίστηκε εκεί έδειχνε καταστάσεις που προκαλούσαν φρίκη και αποτροπιασμό, η κατακραυγή που ξέσπασε ήταν γενική και αμέσως στα ταμεία της πολιτείας εισέρρευσαν ένα εκατομμύριο δολάρια από δωρεές.
Το 1980 τό Κόνβεντ Χιλ ξεχάστηκε για ακόμα μια φορά. Τότε άρχισαν να ακούγονται ιστορίες για διαφθορά και μεσαιωνικές συνθήκες.
Έκλεισε οριστικά το 1992 και οι τρόφιμοι του μεταφέρθηκαν σε άλλα δημόσια ψυχιατρικά ιδρύματα ή σωφρονιστήρια της νέας Υόρκης και της Πενσιλβάνια.
Για 20 χρόνια ήταν έγκλειστη εκεί μία από τις πρωταγωνίστριες της πλοκής και της εξέλιξης σε αυτό το πάγιο αστυνομικό θρίλερ.
Κρίστα Μαρή.
«ξέρεις οι σιωπές» είχε πει !…
είχε να κάνει με τις σιωπές ανάμεσα στις νότες, χρόνο που χρειάζεται να μεσολαβήσει για να ακουστεί η μουσική σαν ηχώ, η Κρίστα Μαρή ήταν μία από τις καλύτερες μορφές της μουσικής στο χώρο του κλασικού ρεπερτορίου.
Όταν την συνέλαβαν για φόνο ήταν λίγο μετά τα μεσάνυχτα της γιορτής του Χαλοουίν.
Επειτα, στις επόμενες δεκαετίες, οι φόνοι που ακολούθησαν,τα αποτρόπαια εγκλήματα, οι στερεοτυπικά πανομοιότυπες σφαγές, τα πτώματα !…μπέρδεψαν το παζλ των νεκροταφείων και της εκδίκησης.
Καταβάθος, όλα είχαν ξεκινήσει με εκείνη και όλα θα τελείωναν με εκείνη.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο είναι οι νεκροί που περιφέρονται ανάμεσα στους ζωντανούς,τους βοηθούν, τους μπερδεύουν.
Εδώ περιφέρονται οι δολοφονημένοι, οι τρελοί και ξεχασμένοι.
Αν πλησιάσετε την ηχώ του κακού θα καταλάβετε ότι αυτό που ουρλιάζει δεν είναι μόνο ο άνεμος.
Όσοι πήγαν εκεί!..δεν έφυγαν ποτέ.
Κάποιος που προσπάθησε να αυτοκτονήσει δυο φορές και ο λαιμός του είναι γεμάτος βαθιά σημάδια, μιλάει μόνο ψιθυριστά, η φωνή του είναι σαν ξερός άνεμος σε νυχτωμένη ερήμο.
Δύο αδερφές που προσπάθησαν να φάνε η μία τις σάρκες της άλλης. Τις βρήκαν σφιχταγκαλιασμένες τυλιγμένες με αγκαθωτό συρματόπλεγμα με το αίμα να στάζει από τα χείλη τους.
Όλοι μαζεύονται γύρω απο το χάος, οι φωνές τους υψώνονται σα χορωδία της ίδιας της τρέλας, βαδίζουν οι ζωντανοί με την αγαπημένη μόρφη, βαδίζουν με τους νεκρούς.
Ανατριχιαστικό ανατρεπτικό αγωνιώδες μπορεί να σταθεί επάξια στο βάθρο της δεύτερης ή τρίτης θέσης των νικητών του αστυνομικού θρίλερ με υπερένταση και ψυχολογική ένταση.
Πολλοί πρωταγωνιστές, πολλοί ήρωες, πολλοί νεκροί, πολλοί ζωντανοί ανάμεσα σε νεκρούς. Πολλοί οι θύτες,πολλά τα θύματα , αλήθειες,ψέματα, μπερδεμένα όλα μαζί σε μια ιστορία που απεικονίζει ακραία σαδιστικά μυαλά.
Καλή ανάγνωση.
Πολλούς και σεμνούς ασπασμούς.
August 13, 2019
The thing with serial killer stories is that with shows like Criminal minds the source of ideas should by now be depleted and yet we get quite a few of the serial killer books published. It does take jessica Balzano and her partner Kevin Byrne quite some time before they realize the context of their killers desire and it all goes back to Byrne's first case for the homicide squad.
While the book is fairly well written the whole context and set-up for this serial killer was in personal opinion somewhat of a stretch, it left me feeling a bit cheated and feeling cheap simply because of the plot and solution. If the previous book I read left me not convinced about this series this book was no improvement.
This series feels like a decent try in this genre but is has no fan with me, I have read better and more entertaining versions of good serial killer books. This one left a lot to be desired.
While the book is fairly well written the whole context and set-up for this serial killer was in personal opinion somewhat of a stretch, it left me feeling a bit cheated and feeling cheap simply because of the plot and solution. If the previous book I read left me not convinced about this series this book was no improvement.
This series feels like a decent try in this genre but is has no fan with me, I have read better and more entertaining versions of good serial killer books. This one left a lot to be desired.
May 31, 2018
9,5/10
Μετά από ένα μέτριο προς καλό βιβλίο, ευτυχώς επανήλθε δυναμικά! Έλα όμως που το επόμενο της σειράς δεν έχει μεταφραστεί στα Ελληνικά... Μπαίνω άμεσα να το πάρω στα Αγγλικά, δεν γίνεται να το αφήσω έτσι. Είμεθα και ψυχαναγκαστικοί βεβαίως βεβαίως.
Μετά από ένα μέτριο προς καλό βιβλίο, ευτυχώς επανήλθε δυναμικά! Έλα όμως που το επόμενο της σειράς δεν έχει μεταφραστεί στα Ελληνικά... Μπαίνω άμεσα να το πάρω στα Αγγλικά, δεν γίνεται να το αφήσω έτσι. Είμεθα και ψυχαναγκαστικοί βεβαίως βεβαίως.
June 25, 2018
Σε γενικές γραμμές μου αρέσει ο Μοντανάρι, αλλά αυτή τη φορά δεν τα βρήκαμε αρκετά! Ίσα ίσα περνάει την τάξη!
2.5*
2.5*
April 27, 2020
A complex + elaborate thriller from Montanari; I'd expect nothing less! A fantastically gritty read with an abundance of shocks to keep you guessing throughout
July 28, 2024
This wasn’t as good as the rest of the series I’ve read… too much fluff in the middle.
January 20, 2015
"The Echo Man" is the fifth in author Richard Montanari's Balzano/Byrne series of crime mystery/Thrillers set in Philadelphia. Byrne the grizzled old vet, and Balzano a detective with limited time in homicide partner together perfectly . The fifth book in this series was an enjoyable read. I've really had a ball reading all five of author Montanari's Philly series to date. The author knows every nook and cranny of this city. His protagonist team of Jessica Balzano and Kevin Bynre are surperbly crafted and molded very well from the previous four books. The other characters are also developed very well from within the Philly police department. However in this novel, his bad guys become far too fuzzy. I think the fact of the book running 518 pages really hurt it overall. From the 350th page on, I just wanted to get to the conclusion and wrap up the crime spree. The book's plot dealt with a series of 7 bodies being dropped in the oddest of places and reasons. I felt too many of the side characters kept getting in the way. Mr. Montanari could have wrapped up this thriller much easier and quicker. Does that take away from the overall plot as a puzzle ? Probably. But the second half of the book needed a jolt that never really happened until it was too late. Don't get me wrong, I really had a blast reading this one. I only gave it 4 stars out of a possible 5 because of it's length. This should be a five star book. Many will see it that way. Just the fact that the author could keep this Philly kid interested into what sections, and neighborhoods this book ran through was great. I can't wait to jump into the sixth Balzano/ Byrne thriller from Richard Montanari. This is a fantastic series if you haven't come across it. Start out with his first in series and keep going. You won't be disappointed. All in all a fine effort for "The Echo Man" a very enjoyable read.
February 14, 2020
Ουάου! ΟΥΑΟΥ λέμε!!!
October 25, 2018
Started brilliantly, but bogged down horribly with unnecessary complication and some short-cut characterisation that I actively disliked.
The opening chapter promises much, with two believable female cops making the most of a sting operation. Sadly, that potential is frittered away in the rest of the story - one is sidelined entirely, and the other woman is saddled with the usual maternal baggage.
Similarly, another intriguing female character is soon relegated to the role of victim, despite the opportunity to present her as a gritty survivor.
That all would've been bearable if the plot had held up its initial momentum, but instead it sprawls and sags until I found myself plodding to the unremarkable ending just to find out actually whodunit.
So five stars at the stars: two stars at the end...
5/10
The opening chapter promises much, with two believable female cops making the most of a sting operation. Sadly, that potential is frittered away in the rest of the story - one is sidelined entirely, and the other woman is saddled with the usual maternal baggage.
Similarly, another intriguing female character is soon relegated to the role of victim, despite the opportunity to present her as a gritty survivor.
That all would've been bearable if the plot had held up its initial momentum, but instead it sprawls and sags until I found myself plodding to the unremarkable ending just to find out actually whodunit.
So five stars at the stars: two stars at the end...
5/10
May 31, 2019
Πολύ καλή ιδέα, σωστά δομημένη. Το τέλος λυτρωτικό και συγκινητικό. Έχω κι άλλον Montanari στα αδιάβαστα οπότε έχουμε μέλλον οι δυο μας 😊
August 22, 2018
i did enjoy reading most of this but just lost interest by the time of the reveal.
April 28, 2015
>>Diese Rezension und viele mehr findet ihr auch hier: http://wort-welten.blogspot.de/
Ein Mann, der in einem verlassenen Haus tot aufgefunden wird, ist für die Detectives Jessica Balzano und Kevin Byrne nun wirklich nichts Neues mehr. Ein Mann, der gefesselt, dem anschließend das Ohr und die Stirn zerschnitten und der erst danach mit einem Draht ermordet wurde, allerdings schon. Nimmt man dann allerdings noch die Tatsache hinzu, dass er von Kopf bis Fuß rasiert ist und einen Papierstreifen über Augen und Stirn gelegt bekommen hat, der mit Siegelwachs verschlossen wurde, wird es allerdings doch ein wenig kurios.
Dass der Mann genau an der Stelle liegt, an der vor Jahren die Leiche einer jungen Frau gefunden wurde, die das aktuelle Opfer getötet haben soll, gibt weitere Rätsel auf. Und dann tauchen immer mehr Leichen auf. Mörder, die dem Gesetz entgangen sind - und ihre Komplizen. Alle werden so hergerichtet wie Kenneth Beckman, das erste Opfer. Zudem führt die Suche nach dem Mörder ganz besonders Kevin Byrne an seine Grenzen. Denn wie es scheint, begann die ganze Geschichte, die mysteriösen Morde, alles, bereits vor zwanzig Jahren, als er in seinem ersten Mordfall als leitender Detective die weltbekannte Cellistin Christa-Maria Schönburg wegen des Mordes an ihrem Psychiater festnahm ...
Im 6. oder auch 5. Fall ermitteln Balzano und Byrne nun schon. Und ich muss sagen, ein Fall war spannender als der andere. So also auch Echo des Blutes. Eine wahrhaft meisterhaft erzählte Geschichte eines reichlich kranken Mörders. Schier unerträgliche Spannung. Immer dann, wenn ich sicher war, nun endlich zu wissen, wer der Mörder ist, brachte Montanari mich wieder auf eine völlig neue Fährte. Ein wahrhaft genialer Thriller.
Ein Mann, der in einem verlassenen Haus tot aufgefunden wird, ist für die Detectives Jessica Balzano und Kevin Byrne nun wirklich nichts Neues mehr. Ein Mann, der gefesselt, dem anschließend das Ohr und die Stirn zerschnitten und der erst danach mit einem Draht ermordet wurde, allerdings schon. Nimmt man dann allerdings noch die Tatsache hinzu, dass er von Kopf bis Fuß rasiert ist und einen Papierstreifen über Augen und Stirn gelegt bekommen hat, der mit Siegelwachs verschlossen wurde, wird es allerdings doch ein wenig kurios.
Dass der Mann genau an der Stelle liegt, an der vor Jahren die Leiche einer jungen Frau gefunden wurde, die das aktuelle Opfer getötet haben soll, gibt weitere Rätsel auf. Und dann tauchen immer mehr Leichen auf. Mörder, die dem Gesetz entgangen sind - und ihre Komplizen. Alle werden so hergerichtet wie Kenneth Beckman, das erste Opfer. Zudem führt die Suche nach dem Mörder ganz besonders Kevin Byrne an seine Grenzen. Denn wie es scheint, begann die ganze Geschichte, die mysteriösen Morde, alles, bereits vor zwanzig Jahren, als er in seinem ersten Mordfall als leitender Detective die weltbekannte Cellistin Christa-Maria Schönburg wegen des Mordes an ihrem Psychiater festnahm ...
Im 6. oder auch 5. Fall ermitteln Balzano und Byrne nun schon. Und ich muss sagen, ein Fall war spannender als der andere. So also auch Echo des Blutes. Eine wahrhaft meisterhaft erzählte Geschichte eines reichlich kranken Mörders. Schier unerträgliche Spannung. Immer dann, wenn ich sicher war, nun endlich zu wissen, wer der Mörder ist, brachte Montanari mich wieder auf eine völlig neue Fährte. Ein wahrhaft genialer Thriller.
October 31, 2011
After writing an essay about Music compositions and Composers , it seems appropiate to write a review on Richard Montanari's latest novel "The Echo Man".
If you are a fan of Richard's novels , then you know it follows two main detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano and their force of policemen and women. The novel has two main storylines running through it , the first one less important than the main murder case is the AA Killer , a guy who preys on young women at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and the second one a murder that first started in 1990 when a violinist was found in the home of her tutor who had been murdered . Sentenced to a insane aslyum , the girl stayed till just recently when she was released , now somebody is killing in the same exact fashion - however this time the murders are related to a fire that caused a girl by the name of Alexandra Chang to die. One by one everyone associated with her murder and the day she died is being killed in a way that reminded me eerily of the Dexter Killings - see the books by Jeff Lindsey. As the deaths become more and more , it seems that someone has taken also to recreating Philadelphia's unsolved crimes ? Is this an inside job , someone who has access to the files and been on the force for a long time ? Be Prepared for a shocking twist as we see one of our regular and long-running characters finding themselve in handcuffs and behind bars ?
All this and more in another relentless and suspensful fast-paced thriller from Richard Montanari
If you are a fan of Richard's novels , then you know it follows two main detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano and their force of policemen and women. The novel has two main storylines running through it , the first one less important than the main murder case is the AA Killer , a guy who preys on young women at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and the second one a murder that first started in 1990 when a violinist was found in the home of her tutor who had been murdered . Sentenced to a insane aslyum , the girl stayed till just recently when she was released , now somebody is killing in the same exact fashion - however this time the murders are related to a fire that caused a girl by the name of Alexandra Chang to die. One by one everyone associated with her murder and the day she died is being killed in a way that reminded me eerily of the Dexter Killings - see the books by Jeff Lindsey. As the deaths become more and more , it seems that someone has taken also to recreating Philadelphia's unsolved crimes ? Is this an inside job , someone who has access to the files and been on the force for a long time ? Be Prepared for a shocking twist as we see one of our regular and long-running characters finding themselve in handcuffs and behind bars ?
All this and more in another relentless and suspensful fast-paced thriller from Richard Montanari
August 15, 2011
The book, Echo Man, is over 1100 pages in length - something that I found to be about five hundred pages too long. A lot could have been cut out or done with more brevity. Long books work only if the topic continues to evolve with excitement and character. This book seemed to drag on to me.
The good thing about the book is the attention to detail. Mr. Montanari takes pages to describe simple things in extreme detail leaving little room for the imagination. He did manage to keep the identity of the killer a secret till close to the end - usually I have it figured out by the middle of a book but this time it took longer which is a sign of experienced weaving.
The book is about a duo of detectives who are trying to solve a rash of killers where the victim's head is wrapped in paper and a small tattoo is place on their finger. The killer is making a statement, creating a symphony to be revealed towards the end of the book. It comes to a head on Halloween.
I was given an advance copy of this book from Netgallery in return for writing a review. The review does not have to be a good one but needs to be based on the entire book. There were definitely parts to the book that I enjoyed - investigating the crime scenes was one of them.
I would give this book a B- due mostly to the excessive length and it's snails pace. If you want to settle in with a book - say during a three day snow storm - I would recommend this one.
The good thing about the book is the attention to detail. Mr. Montanari takes pages to describe simple things in extreme detail leaving little room for the imagination. He did manage to keep the identity of the killer a secret till close to the end - usually I have it figured out by the middle of a book but this time it took longer which is a sign of experienced weaving.
The book is about a duo of detectives who are trying to solve a rash of killers where the victim's head is wrapped in paper and a small tattoo is place on their finger. The killer is making a statement, creating a symphony to be revealed towards the end of the book. It comes to a head on Halloween.
I was given an advance copy of this book from Netgallery in return for writing a review. The review does not have to be a good one but needs to be based on the entire book. There were definitely parts to the book that I enjoyed - investigating the crime scenes was one of them.
I would give this book a B- due mostly to the excessive length and it's snails pace. If you want to settle in with a book - say during a three day snow storm - I would recommend this one.
April 5, 2017
Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne are back an on the hunt two killers. The first one is targeting young women as they leave their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. But then they find a mutilated body. Upon further inspections they learn that there was an old murder case in the same location. Then more bodies start turning up, heads wrapped in paper, and a small tattoo on a finger. But the catch is that the bodies are left in old murder scene locations that these people had a connection to. It seems someone has been going through the old case files and staging the murders. It looks like someone on the police force has become a vigilante.
I really liked this story. There were a lot of twists and turns and I didn’t expect the killer until the reveal. Jessica and Kevin work well together. I enjoyed following along as they put the pieces of the puzzle slowly together.
My only complaint is that the book is just over 500 pages long. Long books don’t bother me if they keep me engrossed in the story. Unfortunately there were parts that started to drag or felt like things were just thrown into the story to take up pages.
Beyond that, this is my first Balzano and Byrne story. I really enjoyed it and would like to read the other books in the series to see what I have missed.
I received The Echo Man from Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
I really liked this story. There were a lot of twists and turns and I didn’t expect the killer until the reveal. Jessica and Kevin work well together. I enjoyed following along as they put the pieces of the puzzle slowly together.
My only complaint is that the book is just over 500 pages long. Long books don’t bother me if they keep me engrossed in the story. Unfortunately there were parts that started to drag or felt like things were just thrown into the story to take up pages.
Beyond that, this is my first Balzano and Byrne story. I really enjoyed it and would like to read the other books in the series to see what I have missed.
I received The Echo Man from Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
October 19, 2011
This is big book, lots and lots of pages and while I do love Richard Montanari and would list him amongst my favourite authors, I don't think this is his best book by a long mile. It started out quite good, the end was crazy. The relationship between Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano is endearing and entertaining, their interaction can be quite witty. The story is about bodies that turn up at old crime scenes and the victims have all been suspects in the original crimes. So, the simple answer would be a vigilante at work, redressing injustices. NO, it was more complex than that, this is a fictional crime thriller after all and the author deemed it necessary to make the motive, way more off the wall than necessary. It was good as I said, up to a point, but I feel the plot was well and truly lost towards the end. The usual red herrings (kippers more like, cos they stunk), and you knew you were being conned as you read them. I really think these writers need to get back to basics and put a little realism into their plots. I am on the verge of giving up on this genre if this keeps up. It's not just Montanari, of late, I have become increasingly disillusioned in several authors.
February 21, 2015
Balzano & Byrne no 5. The best one of the series so far, in my opinion. A good decent story, with lots of twists and turns, which had me guessing right until the end.
August 10, 2025
This started out really brilliantly with two female cops taking down an absolute low life of a human being in an epic sting operation before pivoting into the start of a serial murder case where it seems a vigilante is taking down those the justice wasn't able to. While the story does stay pretty strong throughout, it does lose the momentum it started with, even taking a bit of a pivot with the two detectives the book opened with, one all but disappearing from view and the other becoming more stereotypical in her drives and worries. From the the outset Byrne is the typical tortured detective but that suits him and the story well and gives rise to hints of something deeper going on too. While I did enjoy much of the story, it was the ending that really got me, it felt a little rushed or as though some key chapters had been edited out as the climax was more than a little left field, either that or I missed a lot of clues along the way!
June 4, 2019
Montanari keeps getting better with this series, he keeps the reader fooled until the end
July 2, 2018
Εξαιρετικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα που σε κρατάει έως το τέλος. Σίγουρα θα μπορούσε να είναι 50 σελίδες μικρότερο αλλά παρ'όλα αυτά το προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα.
March 20, 2017
I found this novel to be a psychological thriller of a different style. It's the first I've read of the series and because of that, I was a bit confused. One of the detectives, Byrne, has impressions or visions. He worked independently of his partner, Jessica Balzano, much of the time. His actions were confusing to me and I may have understood them better if I had read the previous novels in the series.
The plot revolves around a serial killer who is murdering the major suspect in several unsolved murders. Byrne and Jessica are on the case. While Jessica investigates in a traditional way, Byrne is in touch with a woman from his past. She is mentally ill but seems to have insight into the case. To make the plot more complex and confusing, a young woman who was kidnapped as a child is added to the plot. Lucy's story has nothing to do with the serial killer. The only connection, I think, is that Byrne knows her. Nonetheless, she is involved in the suspense at the end of the novel. That was odd as I thought there was no reason for her to be in that location.
I always like to learn something when I read a novel and in this case it was about music. The mentally ill woman Byrne knows plays the cello. Music, the movements of a symphony, etc., play an important part in solving the case.
I always find it interesting when authors write main characters of the opposite sex. Since Byrne is off doing his thing in most of the novel, Jessica is our main character. She is a wife and mother and police detective. At one point, she fixes a dinner for her young daughter and then goes off to do evening police work. There is no mention of who would be taking take of her daughter at home. This is the kind of oversight from a male author that female readers will pick up on.
I would recommend that the earlier books in the series be read before this one. It would also be helpful if readers had an interest in music as it is prominent in the novel. The psychological aspect of the novel is more prominent than the suspense aspect so readers who like that will better enjoy this novel. I do like Montanari's writing style and that kept me interested.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot revolves around a serial killer who is murdering the major suspect in several unsolved murders. Byrne and Jessica are on the case. While Jessica investigates in a traditional way, Byrne is in touch with a woman from his past. She is mentally ill but seems to have insight into the case. To make the plot more complex and confusing, a young woman who was kidnapped as a child is added to the plot. Lucy's story has nothing to do with the serial killer. The only connection, I think, is that Byrne knows her. Nonetheless, she is involved in the suspense at the end of the novel. That was odd as I thought there was no reason for her to be in that location.
I always like to learn something when I read a novel and in this case it was about music. The mentally ill woman Byrne knows plays the cello. Music, the movements of a symphony, etc., play an important part in solving the case.
I always find it interesting when authors write main characters of the opposite sex. Since Byrne is off doing his thing in most of the novel, Jessica is our main character. She is a wife and mother and police detective. At one point, she fixes a dinner for her young daughter and then goes off to do evening police work. There is no mention of who would be taking take of her daughter at home. This is the kind of oversight from a male author that female readers will pick up on.
I would recommend that the earlier books in the series be read before this one. It would also be helpful if readers had an interest in music as it is prominent in the novel. The psychological aspect of the novel is more prominent than the suspense aspect so readers who like that will better enjoy this novel. I do like Montanari's writing style and that kept me interested.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 15, 2018
Extremely exciting read and the second book in a row from the author. What a fast paced and twisted plot. I don't want to spoil anything but you wouldn't have guessed the villain, I'm sure about it. Grisly murders and extremely well described criminal investigations. It's better than watching a movie. Montanari makes you feel you're very close with the characters. Excellent descriptions and research. I can only highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. It's a long book but at the end you wish it even longer. Top recommendation!
March 11, 2014
Terrific thriller from Montanari that continues the exploits of Kevin and Jessica as they hunt down a killer who is murdering other killers who got away with their crimes. Taut writing and a faced-paced story keeps things moving along nicely and the ending is satisfying, if a bit implausible in one aspect. Looking forward to his next entry in the series.
August 22, 2017
Wow, absolutely wow, this book has left me speechless and in awe of the author. It just amazes me how the author continues to keep coming up with these amazing plot ideas.
This is an edge of ure seat gripping crime thriller, I could not put this book down, was completely taken in by the story from beginning to end.
As always I love the characters in this ongoing series of books. :-)
This is an edge of ure seat gripping crime thriller, I could not put this book down, was completely taken in by the story from beginning to end.
As always I love the characters in this ongoing series of books. :-)
March 30, 2016
I don't remember how many names where in this book. 30, 40 names ? After the 15 first names I started to write them down, in order to remember them. It's unacceptable for such a good and experianced writer to stuff the story with over 40 names. Zero stars.
December 2, 2018
Κατώτερο των προσδοκιών. Ανούσια ιστορία, κακογραμμένο γραμμένο μάλλον για αγγαρεία. Ισα ίσα για να περάσεις την ώρα σου....
May 17, 2015
A Very enjoyable read, full of twists and turns. i did get a bit lost at times but soon got back on track.
March 30, 2017
Another excellent book in series. Fantastic plot!
Love quote in book:
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone momuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
― Pericles
Love quote in book:
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone momuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
― Pericles
February 3, 2018
3.5 stars
October 21, 2017
Everything I love about serial killing novels
I have never read any Richard Montanari books before and I was a little concerned that The Echo Man might continue a story thread from the previous books that I have not read. However, this was not the case. The only element of the book that I think is a continuation of the Philadelphia series is the characters of Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne. Other than that, I don't think it is necessary to read all the previous books in order to enjoy The Echo Man; it works perfectly well as a stand-alone read.
I love crime thrillers about serial killers and Montanari's book had it all: victim after victim; a clever but brutal killer; vividly gory descriptions and a tense, addictive and riveting plot. There were moments of light-hearted humour that made me smile, particularly because it showed the bond between Jessica and Kevin. At times, I thought the plot was digressing to characters and events that had nothing to do with the serial killer case but I was pleasantly surprised when these subplots linked in with Jessica and Kevin's case. The character depth was great because I felt that I was seeing Jessica and Kevin as real people, not just police detectives. Their personal lives were woven into the main plot which really brought these two characters alive for me. The last 20 chapters or so had me completely hooked; I was desperate to find out who the killer was and how the novel would end.
Overall, The Echo Man is a thrilling crime novel about a serial killing case. It will have you sitting in a chair with your body tense and your heart racing as you are so eager to find out how the case will end. I would thoroughly recommend this book to those who enjoy serial killer crime novels.
I have never read any Richard Montanari books before and I was a little concerned that The Echo Man might continue a story thread from the previous books that I have not read. However, this was not the case. The only element of the book that I think is a continuation of the Philadelphia series is the characters of Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne. Other than that, I don't think it is necessary to read all the previous books in order to enjoy The Echo Man; it works perfectly well as a stand-alone read.
I love crime thrillers about serial killers and Montanari's book had it all: victim after victim; a clever but brutal killer; vividly gory descriptions and a tense, addictive and riveting plot. There were moments of light-hearted humour that made me smile, particularly because it showed the bond between Jessica and Kevin. At times, I thought the plot was digressing to characters and events that had nothing to do with the serial killer case but I was pleasantly surprised when these subplots linked in with Jessica and Kevin's case. The character depth was great because I felt that I was seeing Jessica and Kevin as real people, not just police detectives. Their personal lives were woven into the main plot which really brought these two characters alive for me. The last 20 chapters or so had me completely hooked; I was desperate to find out who the killer was and how the novel would end.
Overall, The Echo Man is a thrilling crime novel about a serial killing case. It will have you sitting in a chair with your body tense and your heart racing as you are so eager to find out how the case will end. I would thoroughly recommend this book to those who enjoy serial killer crime novels.
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