The Rosary Girls (Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne, #1)

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The Rosary Girls (Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne #1)

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 1,710 ratings · 123 reviews

In his sleek, visceral novels Deviant Way, Kiss of Evil, and The Violet Hour, Richard Montanari slammed into the suspense field like a force of nature. Now Montanari has written an astounding novel that pits two besieged detectives against a fiercely intelligent serial killer.

Sprawling beneath the statue of William Penn, Philadelphia is a city of downtrodden crack houses a...more In his sleek, visceral novels Deviant Way, Kiss of Evil, and The Violet Hour, Richard Montanari slammed into the suspense field like a force of nature. Now Montanari has written an astounding novel that pits two besieged detectives against a fiercely intelligent serial killer.

Sprawling beneath the statue of William Penn, Philadelphia is a city of downtrodden crack houses and upscale brownstones. Somewhere in this concrete crazy quilt, one teenage Catholic girl is writing in her diary, another is pouring her heart out to a friend, and yet another is praying. And somewhere in this city is a man who wants these young women to make his macabre fantasy become reality. In a passion play of his own, he will take the girls–and a whole city–over the edge.

Kevin Byrne is a veteran cop who already knows that edge: He’s been living on it far too long. His marriage failing, his former partner wasting away in a hospital, and his heart lost to mad fury, Byrne loves to take risks and is breaking every rule in the book. And now he has been given a rookie partner. Jessica Balzano, the daughter of a famous Philly cop, doesn’t want Byrne’s help. But they will need each other desperately, since they’ve just caught the case of a lifetime: Someone is killing devout young women, bolting their hands together in prayer, and committing an abomination upon their otherwise perfect bodies.

Byrne and Balzano spearhead the hunt for the serial killer, who leads them on a methodically planned journey. Suspects appear before them like bad dreams–and vanish just as quickly. And while Byrne’s sins begin to catch up with him, and Balzano tries to solve the blood-splattered puzzle, the body count rises. Meanwhile, the calendar is approaching Easter and the day of the resurrection. When the last rosary is counted, a madman’s methods will be revealed, and the final crime will be the one that hurts the most.

Relentlessly paced and vividly told, The Rosary Girls is a smart, emotionally complex, fiercely gripping thriller from an author who takes chances, breaks new ground, and leaves readers haunted and moved long after the last page is turned.

From the Hardcover edition.(less)

Paperback, 432 pages

Published February 28th 2006 by Ballantine Books (first published January 18th 2005)

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Oct 21, 2012 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gostei muito deste livro, mas...
Os detectives estão muito bem caracterizados e despertam a nossa simpatia, pela sua coragem e fragilidade.
O enredo está muito bem construído, levando-nos a “devorar” página após página na ânsia de descobrir o final.
Mas... eu gosto de assassinos com personalidade...

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Aug 28, 2011 trishtrash rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-fiction-and-mystery

This is my first foray into Richard Montanari; no idea if he’s published before this or not, though it’s a first-in-a-series novel, introducing Detective Byrne and his rookie partner Jessica. In this, their first dual case, someone is murdering and mutilating young Catholic schoolgirls. A brutal crime with a religious/blasphemous edge isn’t exactly a new idea in the genre, and I wasn’t expecting much, but I was surprised and pleased to find a solid, clever story behind door number one, and a dén...more This is my first foray into Richard Montanari; no idea if he’s published before this or not, though it’s a first-in-a-series novel, introducing Detective Byrne and his rookie partner Jessica. In this, their first dual case, someone is murdering and mutilating young Catholic schoolgirls. A brutal crime with a religious/blasphemous edge isn’t exactly a new idea in the genre, and I wasn’t expecting much, but I was surprised and pleased to find a solid, clever story behind door number one, and a dénouement that didn’t disappoint.

So, Montanari, it turns out, writes with the sort of heart that Ed McBain brought to crime fiction, which goes a long way to absolving him of any minor writing sins; sometimes telling rather than showing, and a tendency to focus on description like a creative-writing student on his first assignment (okay, I may be overstating a little, but there’s a lot of lingering on the landscape of Philadelphia and the weather that could have been pared back, to perhaps even greater effect). His characters (grizzled older cop, young female rookie) should be stereotypes, but he’s brought such fresh vigour to their direction that you forget that’s been done before. His crime scenarios are disturbing enough, without overstretching for effect, and the plot has got legs that just won’t quit (it’ll walk you all around the block before getting you home).

I was a little put off by Byrne’s slightly psychic ability – partly because I was worried about Deus ex machina syndrome taking over the ending and, paradoxically, because it was so played down straight away and then took a long, long seat on the back burner, that I got the impression that that author didn’t know whether to poo or get off the pot with it. In the end, it was nicely balanced with deductive reasoning, helping the partners but not solving the case.

I liked The Rosary Girls enough to read the next one, and some things about it I liked a lot. This has stayed with me (is a sentimental sap): ***Spoiler Warning*** Just as Byrne realises he’s about to take a bullet, he arranges his hand into the deaf sign for ‘I love you’ – he has a deaf daughter, and this was just adorable. Of course, he didn’t do this on any of the other occasions that he almost died, but this (better late than never) was the point at which I was convinced of Byrne’s separation from the grey, impersonal crowd of stereotypical ‘gritty’ fictional detectives.
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Dec 15, 2012 Mónica Silva rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Opinião no blog http://howtoliveathousandlives.blogsp...

Este livro preenche todos os critérios para uma boa estória criminal: crimes mórbidos perpetrados em vítimas com quem desenvolvemos empatia facilmente, uma dupla de detetives fantástica, uma estória bem estruturada e um serial killer inteligentemente hediondo.

Este é um policial intrigante, um thriller emocionante, que cativa até à última página. O próprio desenlace é de cortar a respiração: intenso, cada pormenor revelado no timing perfeit...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Jay Jessmer rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading "Badlands" I had to double back to the first Byrne/Balzano book. I AM HOOKED. Seems like the reviews lump this in the old "love it or hate it" category. I'm obviously in the former here.
Montanari gets it. Much like John Sandford, he understands what fans of this genre like, and delivers. The pacing is swift, the characters are imperfect and balance each other, the plotline keeps you interested and guessing and it makes you want more.
Byrne has the edge you like in a detective and...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Maria João Fernandes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, minutos-contados, favorites

O autor Richard Montanari estreia-se em Portugal com o livro "As Raparigas do Rosário". No entanto, o escritor de thrillers e policiais, argumentos e inúmeros ensaios para publicações de renome, publicou a sua primeira obra "Deviant Way" em 1995 (infelizmente sem tradução em Português).
"As Raparigas do Rosário" é um romance fascinante que destaca o lado sórdido e obscuro da alma humana. A obra dá inicio a uma série cujos protagonistas são os detectives Kevin Byrne e Jessica Balzano, detectives d...more O autor Richard Montanari estreia-se em Portugal com o livro "As Raparigas do Rosário". No entanto, o escritor de thrillers e policiais, argumentos e inúmeros ensaios para publicações de renome, publicou a sua primeira obra "Deviant Way" em 1995 (infelizmente sem tradução em Português).
"As Raparigas do Rosário" é um romance fascinante que destaca o lado sórdido e obscuro da alma humana. A obra dá inicio a uma série cujos protagonistas são os detectives Kevin Byrne e Jessica Balzano, detectives da Brigada de Homicídios de Filadélfia.
A narrativa do livro "As Raparigas do Rosário" alterna entre a linha de investigação da brigada de homicídios e os pensamentos e acções de outras personagens, que desempenham um papel relevante no enredo. O leitor tem um acesso privilegiado, apesar de limitado, aos sentimentos íntimos e mente do perpetuador dos crimes que estão no centro da obra. A história é narrada nos contextos dos inspectores responsáveis pela investigação, da imprensa - de um jornalista em particular - e da vida dos envolventes principais, incluindo o próprio assassino.
O detalhe e qualidade das descrições permitem uma visualização quase palpável do que está a ser narrado. Senti-me como parte do enredo, como se vivesse na mesma realidade, em vez de ser uma simples observadora, alheia ao meio e às personagens envolventes. Apesar de não interagir com a história, senti-me como uma espectadora próxima daqueles que a protagonizaram.
Para mim, as relações entre as personagens e o relato das suas histórias pessoais é tão importante quando a própria história.
O destino e as coincidências (e acasos) da vida das personagens, que moldam as suas personalidades e a forma como enfrentam o dia-a-dia, culminam num desfecho surpreendentemente imprevisível, até para o leitor de policiais mais experiente.
Ao longo da leitura são-nos apresentadas tramas e vários indícios relativamente ao culpado e às razões porque tudo aconteceu. Contudo, eu só descortinei estas pequenas peças quando o puzzle já estava montado.
As personagens principais formam um par único, pelo qual senti, imediatamente e inconscientemente, uma enorme empatia. Cada um encontra-se embrenhado na sua vida presente, juntamente com os problemas e deveres que ela acarreta. Cada um vive na sua rotina atormentado por um passado já vivido, mas não esquecido. As suas histórias pessoais traçaram as características que os definem e distinguem dos demais e o leitor tem, gradualmente, acesso a todos os detalhes que melhor os descrevem, permitindo-o conhecer e compreender as suas atitudes, acções e pensamentos. Mais do que simples personagens, Kevin Byrne e Jessica Balzano adquirem contornos reais. Na sua natureza desvendei comportamentos verdadeiramente humanos: sofri quando estavam em baixo e sorri quando o seu sofrimento foi atenuado.
A descrição e apresentação cuidada de todas as personagens envolventes é um dos aspectos primordiais que aprecio imenso. Ninguém é dispensável do enredo; nenhuma das personagens é regalada para segundo plano, nem mesmo as que interpretam um papel mais secundário.
Tive imenso prazer em conhecer este autor e sinto-me, de certa forma, privilegiada por ter tido a oportunidade de ler a sua única obra traduzida em Português. Durante a leitura, surgiu no meu pensamento o nome do escritor de policias Henning Mankell e devo dizer que Richard Montanari se iguala a este autor sueco, tanto na qualidade e originalidade da escrita e do enredo, como na genialidade e perspicácia.
Nunca antes, nos meus comentários, mencionei o trabalho desempenhado pelos tradutores. Um trabalho que considero indispensável e essencial para todos os leitores. Sendo a tradução o meu ofício, vou pronunciar-me sobre este aspecto em relação a este livro. Apesar de apenas ter lido a obra traduzida e não ter tido acesso ao original, sinto que a tradução foi mais do que bem executada: a escrita é fluída e a escolha de palavras bastante pertinente.
Para concluir quero fazer uma pequena, mas importante, advertência: não é um livro adequado para os leitores mais sensíveis!
Com "As Raparigas do Rosário", Richard Montanari cria a sua própria definição para o termo "thriller", através de uma narrativa intensa e um ritmo implacável, que não dá descanso ao leitor. É uma obra inteligente e emocionalmente complexa. É um thriller terrivelmente apaixonante e envolvente de um autor que não tem medo de correr riscos, nem de explorar novos caminhos, deixando o leitor encantado e comovido durante muito tempo após o virar da última página.
Um dos melhores livros que li até hoje. Se possível, tinha-o lido de uma vez só.(less)

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Jul 14, 2012 Barbra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A suspenseful thriller that hooks you instantly.

Back Cover Blurb:
In the most brutal killing crusade Philadelphia has seen in years, a series of young Catholic women are found dead, their bodies mutilated and their hands bolted together. Each clutches a rosary in her lifeless grasp.
Veteran cop Kevin Byrne and his rookie partner Jessica Balzano set out to hunt down the elusive killer, who leads them deeper and deeper into the abyss of a madman's depravity. Suspects appear before them like bad drea...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Iezati Najlaa Ibrahim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have mixed feeling about this book when I first saw it in my friend's hands but boy isn't this is one awesome crime/thriller book. I don't really know what makes a crime book a good book, but this is my second time, as long as I can recall (after 'Before I Go to Sleep') that set my heart beating so fast towards the end because I am so very scared and confused as hell as who's the killer. The conclusion I can make is that as long as I couldn't figure out as who's the killer is, the book's good...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Wayne Simmons rated it 4 of 5 stars

THE BLURB...

God Help Them ...

In the most brutal killing crusade Philadelphia has seen in years, a series of young Catholic women are found dead, their bodies mutilated and their hands bolted together. Each clutches a rosary in her lifeless grasp.

Veteran cop Kevin Byrne and his rookie partner Jessica Balzano set out to hunt down the elusive killer, who leads them deeper and deeper into the abyss of a madman's depravity. Suspects appear before them like bad dreams - and vanish just as quickly. Whi...more THE BLURB...

God Help Them ...

In the most brutal killing crusade Philadelphia has seen in years, a series of young Catholic women are found dead, their bodies mutilated and their hands bolted together. Each clutches a rosary in her lifeless grasp.

Veteran cop Kevin Byrne and his rookie partner Jessica Balzano set out to hunt down the elusive killer, who leads them deeper and deeper into the abyss of a madman's depravity. Suspects appear before them like bad dreams - and vanish just as quickly. While the body count rises, Easter is fast approaching: the day of resurrection and of the last rosary to be counted ...

THE REVIEW...

Although the first book chronologically in Montanari's Byrne and Balzano series, THE ROSARY GIRLS is actually the second I've read. I started off with the third in the series, the most excellent BROKEN ANGELS. And while I enjoyed TRG a great deal, it doesn't reach the dizzy heights of the third book.

That's not to say it isn't a great book in its own right - it is great. With bells on, great, in fact. But, for me, this was a book where the author was still getting to know his protagonists. The Kevin Byrne of TRG is quite a different Byrne to who we meet in BA. Less reserved, more gun-toting and pulpy. Not a bad thing, per se, but lacking the subtleties and finesse of book 3's Byrne, for sure.

That aside, this is as tightly written a crime novel as you'll find and, while Byrne may have fallen a little short for me in this one, Montanari's characterisation in general is second-to-none. It's a well researched book, the police procedural element both accessible and credible. The mystery itself will lead you round the houses of the book's cast of suspects and, right up until the very end, leave you guessing as to who's dunnit.

THE ROSARY GIRLS is yet another example of where crime fiction has delivered more horror than a lot of horror fiction I've read. As a serial killer novel, it ticks all the boxes and joins all the dots. But Montanari's writing really comes alive in places, painting a more vivid picture of the victims than you'd perhaps ask for.

And for a round-the-block gorehound such as I, that's a great thing. (less)

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Feb 24, 2012 Tim Warner rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was thoroughly taken in by Richard Montanari. He is probably the "darkest" of the crime writers I read, but he is also a great writer. However, this book was a big disappointment. It contained all of the elements of a serial killer thriller except a genuine "soul" to the book. It is as if Montanari applied all of the tricks and techniques used to produce a riveting page-turner that I can't put down and yet failed in the most crucial of ways. The bones and the flesh are there, but no heart, no...more

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Sep 04, 2011 X5-494 rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 31, 2010 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Four-stars for the quality of writing and intriguing, likeable protagonists. The book is pretty dark, nothing cute or quirky about it and I liked that for a change. Think the author cheats a bit with the ending and the reveal of the serial killer's identity (Montanari actually commits what's considered a cardinal sin in mystery writing - pun intended) but can't say more without giving away too much. Also, kind of a big "duh" moment for two smart detectives when it takes them until near the end o...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Marley rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this book at Goodwill the other day. The title alone, spoke to me, but the blurb on the back by James Ellroy promising "satisfaction" clinched it. So, to make this fast, if a serial killer kidnapping Catholic school girls, bolting their hands together and sewing up their vaginas and posing them in Station of the Cross scenarios during Holy Week appeals to you, then this book is for you. The end was a bit Lifetime Movieish at times, but I'm willing to forgive that minor lapse. And the pro...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Robert Beveridge rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Catholic schoolgirls

Shelves: 2010-goal-list, cuy-co-pub-lib, finished

Richard Montanari, Rosary Girls (Ballantine, 2005)

I always approach a new (well, new-to-me) ongoing mystery series with trepidation. Not because I fear I'll hate it. In fact, I have a lot fewer problems with those I hate, since I can just abandon them. But, you see, I'm a reader of George R. R. Martin. I've waited ten years for what is, essentially, volume four of A Song of Ice and Fire (A Feast for Crows, which popped up six years ago, was the first half of volume four. A Dance with Dragons, su...more Richard Montanari, Rosary Girls (Ballantine, 2005)

I always approach a new (well, new-to-me) ongoing mystery series with trepidation. Not because I fear I'll hate it. In fact, I have a lot fewer problems with those I hate, since I can just abandon them. But, you see, I'm a reader of George R. R. Martin. I've waited ten years for what is, essentially, volume four of A Song of Ice and Fire (A Feast for Crows, which popped up six years ago, was the first half of volume four. A Dance with Dragons, supposedly coming out in July 2011, is the second half. And I'll believe it's coming out when I'm holding it in my hands; this is the fifth release date I've seen for it). No, I'm afraid I'm going to love it, in which case I will end up, at one point, waiting for new volumes to come out. So despite my curiosity about the Balzano and Byrne books from Richard Montanari, which have garnered a good deal of good press over the years, I resisted trying them. Then Badlands came out, which was widely hailed as the best of the lot, and I figured I should probably start reading these things. So I took Rosary Girls, the first in the series, on vacation with me last month and gave it a whirl. I figured what the heck, I have a week to get through it if it doesn't capture my interest. Thankfully, that night my wife was sleeping downstairs (taking night shift with a cousin's new baby), so I didn't have to turn the light off early. And twenty-four hours later, I was turning to the next piece of fiction I'd brought on the trip, because I'd blasted through this.

The jacket copy made me think Byrne was your basic maverick cop, but I didn't really get that from the beginning of the book; I thought he was perhaps a little more gung-ho, but not Dirty Harry. (This actually becomes very important later in the book; always beware of trusting your jacket copy.) Soon after we open, Byrne is called to the scene of a homicide in Philadelphia: a Catholic school girl has been found dead, in a pose that suggests a piece of religious artwork. It's nasty stuff indeed, and it only gets worse at the autopsy. Balzano's new partner—his old one is laid up in the hospital post-heart troubles—is young, inexperienced, but sharp Jessica Byrne, and it's she who places the school uniform: her own alma mater. And thus the chase begins. But this being a modern detective novel, where single murders are about as common as white roses growing naturally at the north pole, a second body turns up, and Balzano and Byrne start closing in on a suspect. Unfortunately, the Diocese of Philadelphia, perhaps the most powerful force in the city, may have some interest in keeping their suspect out of the hands of the police. And then there's a tabloid journalist who really, really wants to get Kevin Byrne in some sort of scandal and bring him down...

Montanari kicks things off in high gear and only gets faster from there; there's not a page in this book that isn't breakneck. The mystery is very well-architected, the characters are strong (interesting in a book that's the first of a series; so many series authors these days are taking multiple books to really get into their characters), and while I haven't lived in Philadelphia for a good deal longer than I'd like to admit to, it felt right, from an expatriate's perspective anyway. The ending seemed a bit contrived (not as “the resolution to the mystery”, but as “the beginning to the series”), but I generally don't count points off for it because I'm so used to it these days. A solid beginning to the series, and I'm looking forward to reading more of it. *** 1/2
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Aug 12, 2011 Sian Wadey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: murder-mysteries

The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari

Right from the off, I didn't like Kevin Byrne which was one of the main reasons I only gave this three stars. I thought he was a thug and he twisted the law to suit himself, but the addition of Jessica saved this book. She's a likable character, even if she's unrealistic. There were also more characters than necessary, extra cops that I don't think added anything to the book.
The plot on the other hand was good. I felt like Montanari had done his research abou...more

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Dec 22, 2008 Meinar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ngeri rasanya membayangkan bila di kota tempat kita tinggal, ternyata berkeliaran seorang serial killer yg amat sangat obsesif dan psycho. Pembunuhan yg dia lakukan benar2 rapi, sulit ditebak, amat sangat terencana, dan yg pasti benar2 sadis (bayangkan saja bila tubuh kita dijahit tanpa obat bius), hanya karena satu motif yg sebenarnya simple.

Adrenalin saya semakin terpacu ketika banyak fakta2 yg seolah memaksa saya untuk menebak salah satu tokoh sebagai pelaku, namun WHAT ?! ternyata tokoh ters...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime-suspense-thriller, series-1st, 2013-wom-challenge

Great Suspense thriller. I thought I knew who it was and then a curve ball (that doesn't happen often). The characters were amazing, I loved Kevin and Jessica. I loved that they weren't cookie cuter characters. The pace of the book was progressive without being boring. How everything came together was just great. I will definitely be continuing this series.

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Jan 16, 2009 Daniel Lassiter rated it 5 of 5 stars

What I always like to do if I ever get a book with characters that are in a series, I try to read the first book so I can get a feel and clear understanding why these people were partnered up. As for The Rosary Girls, Montanari explains it well why the characters are together and how they co-exsist. A very good book from beginning to end.

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Aug 02, 2012 Ellis Spicer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 50-book-challenge

I really love crime novels and the genre in general, and it actually took some effort for me to cheat on my favourite author from this genre, Val McDermid. I really enjoyed this book, enough to make me consider reading more by Montanari, specially as there is a Jessica Belzano/Kevin Byrne series. Definitely one for my wish list :)

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Dec 01, 2011 Shauna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, crime-fiction, serial-killers-fiction, richard-montanari

The Rosary Girls reminded me of an episode of Criminal Minds or C.S.I: N.Y. The characters were all interesting, and the plot was well thought out. I was, however, just a little disappointed when the identity of our killer was revealed. Don't get me wrong, it was certainly plausible and ended the story neatly, but I always prefer books were the killer turns out to be the cool, unshakeable psychopath. The killer in this, while a touch crazy, has a very definite reason as to why he started his kil...more

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Jul 07, 2010 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book if you are into murder mystery. This book has several twists and turns that keep you guessing and wondering about everything!! Amazing, slightly disturbing at points but definitely a must read!! I read basically the entire book in just mere hours, once you start you can't put it down!!!

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Oct 01, 2012 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I listened to this as an audio book. I think the reader (Scott Brick) really made this an exciting book. There were parts that I thought were long and drawn out, but the actual mystery was a good one. I wonder if I had actually “read” the book if my thoughts would be the same.

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Aug 28, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first in a series featuring Detectives Byrne and Balzano, this was really well written with a complex, edgy story. The two detectives are likeable and well described. The crimes themselves are brutally told so you feel like you've attended the crime scene. Richard Montanari is now on my favourites list!

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Jul 11, 2012 Dawn Olson-Thorner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! I wasn't sure in the first 10 pages if I would enjoy the writing style, but the characters developed nicely and I found myself liking the main characters and completely enjoyed the storyline. Will definitely look for other books from this author!

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Feb 13, 2010 Marianne Stehr rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it, one of the best new (new to me) authors and stories I have read in a long time, the last 75 pages are to be read together there is no way to put that book down at that point, it is a rollercoaster ride to the finish. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

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Dec 07, 2009 Katie Bateman rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 18, 2009 Deb rated it 5 of 5 stars

First in a series of books with religious undertones that will hook you into reading them. Serial killer stuff, but no the killers are not involved in the church. Really keeps you guessing theme. Great series!

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Jul 23, 2011 Elaine rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book lacked heart. It tried but failed miserably. I had quite high hopes but I'm afraid Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano just didn't hook me into their world. It was like reading a report instead of a novel.

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Apr 16, 2013 Tracey rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book surprised me totally! For a rare change I had no idea who the killer was at the end of penultimate chapter. I liked the partnership between Jessica and Kevin. I must read the second book!

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May 08, 2008 Galen Johnson rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mysteries-thrillers

Veteran homicide detective Kevin Byrne and novice homicide detective Jessica Balzano are the primary investigators on the homicide of a young Catholic school girl killed and then posed in prayer in the basement of an abandoned ghetto building in Philadelphia. It is Holy Week, and within days it is apparent that the killer has abducted and killed multiple school girls. Numerous false leads frustrate the detectives, who are both dealing with personal trials of their own.

Suspenseful, with believabl...more

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Aug 11, 2009 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars

book on tape during vacation.
not in car too much. its not the same as when i'm commuting to school.
very creeping bad guy. "a novel of suspense." but I finished it.

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About Richard Montanari

Richard Montanari is the Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling author of Rosary Girls and Skin Gods, as well as the internationally acclaimed thrillers Kiss of Evil, Deviant Ways and The Violet Hour. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Series:
* Jack Paris
* Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne

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The Rosary Girls (Jessica Balzano & Kevin Byrne #1)

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