BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Richard Montanari's The Echo Man.
In his sleek, visceral novels Deviant Way,... read full description
In his sleek, visceral novels Deviant Way,... read full description
reviews
Aug 28, 2011
trishtrash
rated it: 
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 d
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Sep 04, 2011
X5-494
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 31, 2010
Kristy
rated it: 
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
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Mar 21, 2011
Robert
rated it:
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 D More...
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 D More...
Jan 08, 2008
Mark
rated it:
I "won" this at a prison bingo game a couple weeks ago. I will never actually read it, but as a treasure-trove of bad writing it's mildly inspiring. Here is the opening:
There is a wintry sadness about this one, a deep-rooted melancholy that belies her seventeen years, a laugh that never fully engages any sort of inner joy. Perhaps there is none.
Oh and here's the "sentence" that opens Chapter 7:
Simon Close, the star reporter for Philadelphia More...
There is a wintry sadness about this one, a deep-rooted melancholy that belies her seventeen years, a laugh that never fully engages any sort of inner joy. Perhaps there is none.
Oh and here's the "sentence" that opens Chapter 7:
Simon Close, the star reporter for Philadelphia More...
Aug 12, 2011
Sian
rated it:
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 hi More...
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 hi More...
Aug 09, 2011
One of the best books I have read in a long while. There are hundreds of crime fiction books in the market but this one really stands out. It is fresh, fast pace, good intriguing plot with many twists and turns. I also particularly liked his writing style as it is extremely graphical. Very engaging. Note of warning, the crimes are gruesome. Will definately read another Montanari.
Feb 07, 2010
Meinar
rated it:
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 ?! ternyat More...
Adrenalin saya semakin terpacu ketika banyak fakta2 yg seolah memaksa saya untuk menebak salah satu tokoh sebagai pelaku, namun WHAT ?! ternyat More...
Jan 16, 2009
B.d.
rated it: 
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.
Dec 01, 2011
Shauna
rated it:
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
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Jul 07, 2010
Megan
rated it:
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!!!
Feb 13, 2010
Marianne
rated it:
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.
Dec 07, 2009
Katie
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 18, 2009
Deb
rated it:
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!
Jul 23, 2011
Elaine
rated it:
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.
May 08, 2008
Galen
rated it: 
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, More...
Suspenseful, More...
Aug 11, 2009
Steve
rated it:
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.
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.
Jun 14, 2011
Mahareni
rated it:
Keren...keren...keren,meski pnjelasan tt ritual2 agama Katolik bner2 bkin mumet.Pelakunya bner2 gak tertebak smp si Jessica trperangkap.Kirain dia cm tempelan sj,trnyataaaa....
Sep 26, 2011
Mojca
rated it:
I wasn't convinced. Too many "outer stimuli" in the form of side-stories of characters' woes and the rather redundant glimpses into the killer's mind.
Oct 30, 2009
Hapzydeco
rated it:
A real who-dunit. Suspects are woven in and out as the plot unravels. Being a Catholic would help unlock the mystery behind the villian's mode.
Jan 06, 2012
Penny
rated it:
This was a new author to me - several people recommended it. It is the story of a pair of homicide detectives - one a new female officer - who have a serial murderer of Catholic school girls. There were several side plots going on which I found added richness to the story whilst creating tension as the main story is put on hold for a chapter. The plotting is well-crafted and I did not guess the murderer, plenty of twists, red herrings and danger. My only comment is that it was slighlty more
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Sep 05, 2010
Barb
rated it:
Very good read. Could not put this book down. Read it in a couple of days. Will look for other titles by this author.
Jul 28, 2011
Jayne
rated it:
I LOVED this one.. The first I have read by Richard Montanari.. Will deffo be checking out some more of his.. :)
Aug 17, 2010
Soteria
rated it:
pembunuhan berantai berbau agama...
sadis dan menyeramkan..
tapi layak untuk dibaca...
gw suka ceritanya...
sadis dan menyeramkan..
tapi layak untuk dibaca...
gw suka ceritanya...
Aug 10, 2011
Really enjoyed the book, with several twists. I couldn't sleep until I'd finished it!
Sep 07, 2011
KRaKen
rated it:
The heavy, dirty, atmosphere gave me post-reading headache. A good book, nonetheless.
Mar 22, 2010
Judy
rated it:
A gruesome thriller with lots of strong characters. Twists and turns right to the end. I loved it!
Feb 06, 2012
Brianleedurfee
rated it:
such a great, well-written book to be saddled with such a lame cover.
Dec 17, 2009
Jenifer
rated it:
I was looking for a gory, serial killer mystery and found it in The Rosary Girls. I was in a "serial killer" sort of mood, and while this wasn't necessarily a GOOD book, it had what I was looking for and had enough cheap thrills that I would consider it a page-turner. The characters were interesting, but underdeveloped, and I had the mystery mostly solved by the middle of the book, knowing full well that the author was trying trip me up. All in all, it wasn't great, but it was entertai
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Aug 19, 2010
nurmawati
rated it:
gak ketebak siapa pembunuhnya....
tapi ceritanya berat..lebih cocok buat dipilemin aja>>>
tapi ceritanya berat..lebih cocok buat dipilemin aja>>>
