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Raymond Donne Mystery #2
Crooked Numbers
When one of Raymond Donne’s former students is found stabbed to death under the Williamsburg Bridge, Ray draws on his past as a cop to find the truth in Tim O'Mara’s second New York mystery.
Raymond Donne’s former student Douglas Lee had everything going for him thanks to a scholarship to an exclusive private school in Manhattan, but all of that falls apart when his body is found below the Williamsburg Bridge with a dozen knife wounds in it. That kind of violence would normally get some serious attention from the police and media except when it's accompanied by signs that it could be gang related. When that’s the case, the story dies and the police are happy to settle for the straightforward explanation. Dougie's mom isn’t having any of that and asks Ray, who had been a cop before an accident cut his career short, to look into it, unofficially. He does what he can, asking questions, doling out information to the press, and filling in some holes in the investigation, but he doesn’t get far before one of Dougie’s private school friends is killed and another is put in the hospital.
What kind of trouble could a couple of sheltered kids get into that would end like that? And what does is have to do with Dougie's death? None of it adds up, but there's no way Ray can just wait around for something to happen.
Following on the heels of his acclaimed debut, Tim O’Mara’s Crooked Numbers is another outstanding mystery that brings the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan to life and further solidifies O’Mara’s place among the most talented new crime fiction writers working today.
Raymond Donne’s former student Douglas Lee had everything going for him thanks to a scholarship to an exclusive private school in Manhattan, but all of that falls apart when his body is found below the Williamsburg Bridge with a dozen knife wounds in it. That kind of violence would normally get some serious attention from the police and media except when it's accompanied by signs that it could be gang related. When that’s the case, the story dies and the police are happy to settle for the straightforward explanation. Dougie's mom isn’t having any of that and asks Ray, who had been a cop before an accident cut his career short, to look into it, unofficially. He does what he can, asking questions, doling out information to the press, and filling in some holes in the investigation, but he doesn’t get far before one of Dougie’s private school friends is killed and another is put in the hospital.
What kind of trouble could a couple of sheltered kids get into that would end like that? And what does is have to do with Dougie's death? None of it adds up, but there's no way Ray can just wait around for something to happen.
Following on the heels of his acclaimed debut, Tim O’Mara’s Crooked Numbers is another outstanding mystery that brings the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan to life and further solidifies O’Mara’s place among the most talented new crime fiction writers working today.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2013
7 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
Tim O'Mara
15 books164 followersTim O’Mara has been teaching math and special education in the New York City public schools since 1987, 12 of them in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Sacrifice Fly, his first novel, introduces schoolteacher/ex-cop Raymond Donne and was nominated for the 2013 Best First Novel Barry Award. Other Donne mysteries: Crooked Numbers, Dead Red, Nasty Cutter, slated for release in the U.S. January 1, 2017. His short story, "The Tip," is published in Unloaded: Crime Writers Writing Without Guns and his novella, "Smoked" is available in Triple Shot: 3 Authors, 3 Novellas. Tim O'Mara lives and teaches in Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 28, 2021
Startlingly good story of a middle school teacher in the wilds of Brooklyn who gets involved in a student's murder. This is the second of a series but the first one I've read. Absolutely first-rate writing, great characters, and a true sense of place. I'm sold on this teacher-writer! He is going on my list of writers to watch. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2014
A very good follow up to the first Ray Donne mystery. The author's style reminds me of Reed Farrell Coleman's books. In the current case one of Donne's former students is murdered and the student's mother asks Ray to help her keep the investigation alive so the police do not loose interest. To accomplish this he enlists the help of a female reporter to write an article in the local paper. The same characters that appeared in the first book make into this story, Edgar, Muscle and Ray's uncle and sister along with several new ones.
I found the dialogue in this book a lot better and crispier than the first book. Ray and his personal life come more into focus and his relationship with his uncle takes more of a center stage. The relationship that Ray has with his students continues from a different point of view, he is a school Dean. Finally the police dark humor has not left the pages in the second book. If you enjoyed the first book, this one will not disappoint. Look forward to the next installment.
I found the dialogue in this book a lot better and crispier than the first book. Ray and his personal life come more into focus and his relationship with his uncle takes more of a center stage. The relationship that Ray has with his students continues from a different point of view, he is a school Dean. Finally the police dark humor has not left the pages in the second book. If you enjoyed the first book, this one will not disappoint. Look forward to the next installment.
August 22, 2020
I said in my review of Tim O'Mara's first book, "Sacrifice Fly" that I'd be happy if the second book was just as good. Well, forget that! There will be no settling, this book was terrific. O'Mara draws you in to chronic good guy, Ray Donne. You get the feel that Donne is into teaching for all the right reasons, BUT he can't drop a mystery or leave a grieving mother empty. Under the educator persona, Ray remains the detective.
"Crooked Numbers" really showcases O'Mara's writing ability. He makes you see through the tough, but compassionate eyes of Donne and includes some wit and romance. The plot, though not bad, is secondary to the dialogue and Donne's introspection.
The conclusion was the weakest aspect, though while believable like the rest of the story, it
seemed anticlimactic. It left me wanting more and a little empty. Maybe it was because the explanations seemed a little empty and made up post-factum. I almost knocked this novel down to 4 stars, but the strengths far outweigh any negatives. This wasn't the best book I've read this year, but definitely top tier.
"Crooked Numbers" really showcases O'Mara's writing ability. He makes you see through the tough, but compassionate eyes of Donne and includes some wit and romance. The plot, though not bad, is secondary to the dialogue and Donne's introspection.
The conclusion was the weakest aspect, though while believable like the rest of the story, it
seemed anticlimactic. It left me wanting more and a little empty. Maybe it was because the explanations seemed a little empty and made up post-factum. I almost knocked this novel down to 4 stars, but the strengths far outweigh any negatives. This wasn't the best book I've read this year, but definitely top tier.
September 2, 2013
If you want a fast-paced thriller, this isn't it. If you want edge of your seat suspense, not that either.
However if you want a mystery that takes you from first thought to the guilty party, this is the book for you. In a lot of mysteries the protagonist will "easily" come across clues or find the guilty party, and the reader is left in the dark as to how he did it. That is not the case here. Each action comes from a logical conclusion that Raymond Donne has either discovered or been given by someone else. Also, he has help. Too many times the detective seems to be on his own.
There are a couple good subplots, one involving a student at his school, which are wrapped up nicely.
I had only two problems with this book. The first was that the end felt rushed. I wanted it to be a bit more suspenseful. And it should have been from the way the author teased you.
Second, I hated that throughout the book the detective in charge told him to stay off the case. He'd said okay. Then he'd jump right back in without a very good excuse. Usually he'd just tell himself "it might be nothing". Of course, it never was. Got to be a bit hinky after a while.
I would however suggest this book to anyone looking for a good mystery. It keeps you guessing until the end. It's an easy read for a rainy day.
However if you want a mystery that takes you from first thought to the guilty party, this is the book for you. In a lot of mysteries the protagonist will "easily" come across clues or find the guilty party, and the reader is left in the dark as to how he did it. That is not the case here. Each action comes from a logical conclusion that Raymond Donne has either discovered or been given by someone else. Also, he has help. Too many times the detective seems to be on his own.
There are a couple good subplots, one involving a student at his school, which are wrapped up nicely.
I had only two problems with this book. The first was that the end felt rushed. I wanted it to be a bit more suspenseful. And it should have been from the way the author teased you.
Second, I hated that throughout the book the detective in charge told him to stay off the case. He'd said okay. Then he'd jump right back in without a very good excuse. Usually he'd just tell himself "it might be nothing". Of course, it never was. Got to be a bit hinky after a while.
I would however suggest this book to anyone looking for a good mystery. It keeps you guessing until the end. It's an easy read for a rainy day.
February 28, 2021
This fantastic series is greatly overlooked. I have heard no one ever mention it in reviews, etc. It was published in 2013 which might explain it somewhat. It just needs to have people reading it and not sitting on shelves. It is well written and shows what teachers who have true compassion and empathy for their students can do. The main character is a former cop who was injured on the job and left the profession to become a teacher. He still investigates when something happens to a student or a former student in this case. Even after being chastised by his uncle who is the police chief he still continues to help investigate the murder of this former student.
When one of Raymond Donne’s former students is found stabbed to death under the Williamsburg Bridge, Ray draws on his past as a cop to find the truth in Tim O'Mara’s second New York mystery.
Raymond Donne’s former student Douglas Lee had everything going for him thanks to a scholarship to an exclusive private school in Manhattan, but all of that falls apart when his body is found below the Williamsburg Bridge with a dozen knife wounds in it. That kind of violence would normally get some serious attention from the police and media except when it's accompanied by signs that it could be gang related. When that’s the case, the story dies and the police are happy to settle for the straightforward explanation. Dougie's mom isn’t having any of that and asks Ray, who had been a cop before an accident cut his career short, to look into it, unofficially. He does what he can, asking questions, doling out information to the press, and filling in some holes in the investigation, but he doesn’t get far before one of Dougie’s private school friends is killed and another is put in the hospital.
What kind of trouble could a couple of sheltered kids get into that would end like that? And what does is have to do with Dougie's death? None of it adds up, but there's no way Ray can just wait around for something to happen.
Following on the heels of his acclaimed debut, Tim O’Mara’s Crooked Numbers is another outstanding mystery that brings the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan to life and further solidifies O’Mara’s place among the most talented new crime fiction writers working today.
When one of Raymond Donne’s former students is found stabbed to death under the Williamsburg Bridge, Ray draws on his past as a cop to find the truth in Tim O'Mara’s second New York mystery.
Raymond Donne’s former student Douglas Lee had everything going for him thanks to a scholarship to an exclusive private school in Manhattan, but all of that falls apart when his body is found below the Williamsburg Bridge with a dozen knife wounds in it. That kind of violence would normally get some serious attention from the police and media except when it's accompanied by signs that it could be gang related. When that’s the case, the story dies and the police are happy to settle for the straightforward explanation. Dougie's mom isn’t having any of that and asks Ray, who had been a cop before an accident cut his career short, to look into it, unofficially. He does what he can, asking questions, doling out information to the press, and filling in some holes in the investigation, but he doesn’t get far before one of Dougie’s private school friends is killed and another is put in the hospital.
What kind of trouble could a couple of sheltered kids get into that would end like that? And what does is have to do with Dougie's death? None of it adds up, but there's no way Ray can just wait around for something to happen.
Following on the heels of his acclaimed debut, Tim O’Mara’s Crooked Numbers is another outstanding mystery that brings the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan to life and further solidifies O’Mara’s place among the most talented new crime fiction writers working today.
October 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Main character Ray Donne, former cop and now school teacher gets involved with investigating the suspicious death of a former student. The story developed very slowly with little suspense or action and the plot was fairly predicable. It seemed as though hardly a night went by that Ray wasn't in a bar nursing 2 or 3 beers while working on the case. The author spends just as much time rehashing the evidence – so there's no chance for one not to be able to follow the storyline. I also grew weary of Ray continually getting his hand slapped by the police for butting into their investigation.
March 23, 2019
Raymond Dunne, the former NYPD cop now teaching middle school, is back for his second adventure.
One of his former students has been murdered. The police think it is drug related. But the boy's mother thinks otherwise and she asks Dunne to look into the killing.
The cast of characters expands a bit (for the good side), the pace is quick and the writing engaging. It's a good regional mystery series (Brooklyn) and it's bound to get better.
One of his former students has been murdered. The police think it is drug related. But the boy's mother thinks otherwise and she asks Dunne to look into the killing.
The cast of characters expands a bit (for the good side), the pace is quick and the writing engaging. It's a good regional mystery series (Brooklyn) and it's bound to get better.
December 13, 2017
I enjoyed this story about a former cop, now a teacher. It was evident that O'Mara has spent time in the schools and loves the students. Not only is this book a sound, clean mystery, Raymond's understanding and love for his students shines through.
November 20, 2018
Loved it!
This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I was constantly intrigued and could not stop turning pages especially when I knew I had to get up the next day for work. Work interfered 😕. I've recommended to a few friends already and they are reading it now!😉
This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I was constantly intrigued and could not stop turning pages especially when I knew I had to get up the next day for work. Work interfered 😕. I've recommended to a few friends already and they are reading it now!😉
August 10, 2017
This was a great murder mystery with loveable characters.
March 19, 2020
An excellent read. Our library is now closed due to the Corona virus so back to ebooks for a while.
May 27, 2021
Interesting series about an ex-cop turned NY teacher who keeps getting pulled into the chaos of his students' lives.
May 5, 2014
In his second novel, the sequel in the Raymond Donne series following the terrific “Sacrifice Fly,” and because of the events which took place in that book, culminating in a four-story drop from a fire escape, Donne is no longer a cop: “It’s not all that rare for cops who’ve been injured on the job to be given promotions and higher paychecks. It wasn’t how I pictured my career path, so I left.” (And this despite the fact that his uncle is the police chief.) For the past several months he has been the dean of the Brooklyn middle school where he used to teach. The interactions of Donne with the students under his care, as well as their parents, is empathetically and realistically shown, owing perhaps to the fact that the author is himself a teacher in the New York City school system.
In the opening pages, Douglas William (“Dougie”) Lee, who had been one of Donne’s students for two years, studying math, literature, history and science, is viciously stabbed to death one night “on the cold, dark tennis courts under the Williamsburg Bridge.” The bridge itself becomes somewhat symbolic in Mr. O’Mara’s hands, metaphorically connecting Brooklyn on one side and Manhattan on the other, and the public housing projects and its gangbangers on either side. Dougie was not quite 17 years old, and despite the fact that at first blush the cops, finding a few bags of pot on the body, believe he was into gangs and drugs, the thought being that he was “just another black boy killed, dealing drugs and hanging around the wrong people,” Donne is convinced otherwise. At the behest of the murdered boy’s mother, Donne promises to try to find the person stabbed the boy a dozen times, and to use his connections with the police and the newspapers in that effort. To that end, it helps that Dennis Murcer, the detective assigned to the case, had gone through the academy with Donne and used to date his sister, and that the very attractive Allison Rogers, the crime reporter assigned to cover the story, agrees to help Donne by keeping up the coverage which would in turn perhaps amp up the pressure on the cops to investigate the crime beyond their initial impressions.
At the time of his death, Dougie had been a scholarship student at a private school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Within a few days of his death, one of his best friends is killed and another is hospitalized. The story takes some very unexpected turns as Donne continues to investigate what was going on in their lives, convinced that these things must be connected. The novel is well-plotted, and the author’s writing “style,” for lack of a better word, makes this a very fast and enjoyable read. It is highly recommended.
In the opening pages, Douglas William (“Dougie”) Lee, who had been one of Donne’s students for two years, studying math, literature, history and science, is viciously stabbed to death one night “on the cold, dark tennis courts under the Williamsburg Bridge.” The bridge itself becomes somewhat symbolic in Mr. O’Mara’s hands, metaphorically connecting Brooklyn on one side and Manhattan on the other, and the public housing projects and its gangbangers on either side. Dougie was not quite 17 years old, and despite the fact that at first blush the cops, finding a few bags of pot on the body, believe he was into gangs and drugs, the thought being that he was “just another black boy killed, dealing drugs and hanging around the wrong people,” Donne is convinced otherwise. At the behest of the murdered boy’s mother, Donne promises to try to find the person stabbed the boy a dozen times, and to use his connections with the police and the newspapers in that effort. To that end, it helps that Dennis Murcer, the detective assigned to the case, had gone through the academy with Donne and used to date his sister, and that the very attractive Allison Rogers, the crime reporter assigned to cover the story, agrees to help Donne by keeping up the coverage which would in turn perhaps amp up the pressure on the cops to investigate the crime beyond their initial impressions.
At the time of his death, Dougie had been a scholarship student at a private school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Within a few days of his death, one of his best friends is killed and another is hospitalized. The story takes some very unexpected turns as Donne continues to investigate what was going on in their lives, convinced that these things must be connected. The novel is well-plotted, and the author’s writing “style,” for lack of a better word, makes this a very fast and enjoyable read. It is highly recommended.
December 3, 2013
Another book off the new mystery shelf at my local library. Book was not bad and kept the interest going until all the dots were connected too early in the game. Not sure on my recent Brooklyn mystery count reading but apparently hip is where it is now. Nobody in the story drinks single malt or high priced potato juice and Raymond drinks local crafted beer. His best laptop buddy in the coppers bar drinks Bass with tomato juice. As in most recent solve all the crimes cases by Googling the internet the bar owner has recently installed WIFI which helps the story end at page 305. Without access that it might have taken a lot longer to find the killer.
Detectives or mystery solvers seem to come in all types and sizes. Using a middle school dean that was a former New York cop in an interesting selection. He still has his five shot S&W 38 short barrel with speed clip and ankle holster which might satisfy the genre requirement about spelling out some ballistics.
Giving subway instruction and street names and a occasional bridge reference plus weather seems to follow the normal requirements for story telling.
Probably the best part was about the bird watching and Finch naming Ray Raven. And also the part in Central Park where the German tourists are taking pictures of the squirrels and feeding them peanuts cause there are not any squirrels in Germany.
I love it when I have to fact check the author and discover something. Red squirrels and grey: the native German red squirrel in serious decline makes for a very interesting conflict in nature.
Detectives or mystery solvers seem to come in all types and sizes. Using a middle school dean that was a former New York cop in an interesting selection. He still has his five shot S&W 38 short barrel with speed clip and ankle holster which might satisfy the genre requirement about spelling out some ballistics.
Giving subway instruction and street names and a occasional bridge reference plus weather seems to follow the normal requirements for story telling.
Probably the best part was about the bird watching and Finch naming Ray Raven. And also the part in Central Park where the German tourists are taking pictures of the squirrels and feeding them peanuts cause there are not any squirrels in Germany.
I love it when I have to fact check the author and discover something. Red squirrels and grey: the native German red squirrel in serious decline makes for a very interesting conflict in nature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2013
Tim O'Mara is a new author for me, and one I will follow from now on. He's a teacher in the New York City public school system, as is his protagonist Raymond Donne.
In his second mystery in the series, one of Donne's former students is found stabbed to death at a local tennis court. The deed most foul mystifies Donne--this poor kid from Brooklyn was recruited by one of the finest private schools in Manhattan, was an excellent student, and never got in trouble. And then...one of the kid's schoolmates dies.
A former cop, Donne quickly dons his cop hat and, at the request of the kid's mother, begins looking for clues. Nobody is happy about this, least of all Donne's former mates on the police force.
O'Mara has a great ear. I love the dialog of the street kids--several realistic dialects--not to mention the spot-on situations of some of his students. A golden moment is Donne's first encounter with an young man with Asperger's.
O'Mara's a talented writer. I can't wait to read his first book,
In his second mystery in the series, one of Donne's former students is found stabbed to death at a local tennis court. The deed most foul mystifies Donne--this poor kid from Brooklyn was recruited by one of the finest private schools in Manhattan, was an excellent student, and never got in trouble. And then...one of the kid's schoolmates dies.
A former cop, Donne quickly dons his cop hat and, at the request of the kid's mother, begins looking for clues. Nobody is happy about this, least of all Donne's former mates on the police force.
O'Mara has a great ear. I love the dialog of the street kids--several realistic dialects--not to mention the spot-on situations of some of his students. A golden moment is Donne's first encounter with an young man with Asperger's.
O'Mara's a talented writer. I can't wait to read his first book,
October 18, 2013
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. This is the second book of a series and having not read the first book I missed some of the references to Mr. Donne's past. Raymond Donne is an ex-cop turned school dean who hasn't been able to completely let go of his former career. When a past student, Dougie Lee, is found dead, Dougie's mother seeks his help. Dougie had been on a scholarship to a wealthy Manhattan school and was friendly with some of the privileged students. Mr. Donne contacts Allison, an acquaintance who is a newspaper reporter to put more focus on Dougie's murder. Together they conspire to put the clues together to find Dougie's killer. When another student skateboards into a bus, and another ends up in the hospital with a possible drug overdose, it appears to be more than a drug deal gone bad. Left guessing until the very end, I enjoyed the plot twists and the character development. I may have to read Sacrifice Fly.
January 16, 2014
I was so very excited to get this book! I won this on Goodreads and couldn't wait to start reading it. This is a fantastic little mystery with a very likeable main character, Raymond Donne. Donne is an ex-cop turned school teacher in New York City. He is very involved in his students lives and the parents feel comfortable calling on him and talking to him about most anything. He has infiltrated himself into the community in which he works which really helps him in solving this case. Not only is there one murder to solve, but possibly two, both involving young students--one of whom used to be his student. O'Mara does an excellent job bringing his cast of characters alive including Donne's reporter girlfriend and the chief of police, Donne's uncle. I look forward to another Raymond Donne mystery!!
July 28, 2014
O'Mara's main character is Raymond Donne, a former policeman who as the result of a serious accident switched to a career in education. He has been a special needs teacher, a counselor and now a middle school dean. Ray gets involved in Crooked Numbers, the second book in this delightful series, helping the mother of a former student who has been murdered understand what actually happened to her son. The mysteries are unique and Raymond Donne's interactions with his students are realistic and often hilarious. As a retired teacher, the only piece I find unbelievable, is Ray's ability to leave school whenever he wanted/needed. I look forward to listening to Tim O'Mara, the main speaker at this year's Kerrytown Bookfest in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
October 5, 2015
Crooked Numbers, Tim O’Mara
This is the second Raymond Donne mystery. Ray is a teacher, an ex policeman and the nephew of NYC’s police chief. When one of his former students is murdered, he gets drawn into finding answers. Then another student is killed and yet another ends up in the hospital. It’s all tangled and Ray pushes to keep inquiries going by eliciting the help of Allison, a reporter, and then end up....Well, that’s getting ahead of the story.
Reading O’Mara is like getting into Crais and Connelly. There is a marvelous sense of place, full-bodied characters, an enticing plot and tension galore.
I’m doing this backward, so I’ll have to read O’Mara’s maiden novel Sacrifice Fly soon.
This is the second Raymond Donne mystery. Ray is a teacher, an ex policeman and the nephew of NYC’s police chief. When one of his former students is murdered, he gets drawn into finding answers. Then another student is killed and yet another ends up in the hospital. It’s all tangled and Ray pushes to keep inquiries going by eliciting the help of Allison, a reporter, and then end up....Well, that’s getting ahead of the story.
Reading O’Mara is like getting into Crais and Connelly. There is a marvelous sense of place, full-bodied characters, an enticing plot and tension galore.
I’m doing this backward, so I’ll have to read O’Mara’s maiden novel Sacrifice Fly soon.
November 23, 2013
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
A really good whodunit with a protagonist to root for. I like how the book delved into social issues like class structures and racism, & how these highly influenced Raymond Donne's approach to the case. Donne appears to have a chip on his shoulder about privileged private school kids, at times judging them with unnecessary harshness (e.g. labelling them frivolous and spoiled before they even do anything) but other characters (Mrs Lee especially) have a more balanced view & the story shows how even the rich kids have far from perfect lives.
A really good whodunit with a protagonist to root for. I like how the book delved into social issues like class structures and racism, & how these highly influenced Raymond Donne's approach to the case. Donne appears to have a chip on his shoulder about privileged private school kids, at times judging them with unnecessary harshness (e.g. labelling them frivolous and spoiled before they even do anything) but other characters (Mrs Lee especially) have a more balanced view & the story shows how even the rich kids have far from perfect lives.
April 12, 2015
This is my second read by this author. His first book, Sacrifice Fly introduces you to Raymond Donne, ex-cop and now a teacher in the NYC public school system. In Crooked Numbers, you find yourself on the hard streets, back alleys and the school hallways of the area. Strong characters, gritty language and the mysterious death of former student, Dougie Lee, takes Raymond back on the streets and into our hearts to find the answers.
This is a great read with Donne as a street wise guy that you want to root for.
This is a great read with Donne as a street wise guy that you want to root for.
March 5, 2014
I think....
Tim O'Mara followed up 'Sacrifice Fly' with another excellent story.
It is very refreshing to read an author who can spin a gripping tale of crime mystery without stooping to the modern trend of graphic descriptions, bloody torture, flayings and beheadings etc.
I fervently hope there will be more of Raymond Donne or anything else by Mr.O'mara. Love him!
*** What I do not care for is the way-too-detailed story reviews by too many Goodreads contributors.
I often feel no need to read a reviewed book anymore ***
Tim O'Mara followed up 'Sacrifice Fly' with another excellent story.
It is very refreshing to read an author who can spin a gripping tale of crime mystery without stooping to the modern trend of graphic descriptions, bloody torture, flayings and beheadings etc.
I fervently hope there will be more of Raymond Donne or anything else by Mr.O'mara. Love him!
*** What I do not care for is the way-too-detailed story reviews by too many Goodreads contributors.
I often feel no need to read a reviewed book anymore ***
January 21, 2014
What a delightful find. An author reminiscent of Joseph Wambaugh. A good old fashioned crime, cop with some personal flaws and history, quirky characters, and just enough depth to keep you interested. I am not sure why I read his second book first, but I will follow up and read the first - Sacrifice Fly. I hope to hear more from him. Love the way the teacher - Raymond - handles kids. A lesson to all who deal with them.
November 13, 2013
The second novel in O'Mara's series about Brooklyn teacher Raymond Donne is even better than the first, with Donne getting involved in the death of a promising student. Real life teacher O'Mara brings his life experience to the table, making what is more or less a standard private eye type novel (without actually being one) something special. O'Mara also delivers the goods in terms of pacing, character and plot and this is a tight, well constructed and entertaining novel.
January 10, 2014
A well-written book which kept my attention and interest right up to the totally unexpected ending. I never saw the ending coming that did, nor the way that the book concluded. This is his second book, away from his full-time job as teacher in the public schools of New York City. I have tried to find book #1, and will continue the search until I do. I am also looking forward to another book in this series featuring a teacher who had once been a cop.
August 22, 2014
This was another good read from our local author Tim O'Mara. This is his second book with Raymond, a school teacher as the main character. I am enjoying the character development of Ray, but I also think Edgar is great and a lot of fun. My new fav is Elliot, I am kind of hoping Tim can weave him into the next book. The setting is NYC and Tim does a great job letting you know that where we are in the book (Tim's territory these days). Looking forward to the next one!
September 1, 2013
Thanks to Goodreads for the chance to read this book.
This was a well written, quick read. The story was very well developed and the mystery was well thought out. I enjoyed seeing the main character in his day job and how he handled those situations as well as how he came about solving the crime on the side.
Will be looking for the first book now.
This was a well written, quick read. The story was very well developed and the mystery was well thought out. I enjoyed seeing the main character in his day job and how he handled those situations as well as how he came about solving the crime on the side.
Will be looking for the first book now.
January 3, 2014
It's 21st Century crime fiction, but it also harkens back to the genre's roots in the 1920's and perhaps back to Arthur Conan Doyle. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, O'Mara creates characters you could swear used to live in that not so great building you were glad to get out of when you got your first decent job. And they're all up to mischief. A wonderful book.
September 30, 2014
OMara has found a niche in the art of mystery writing by marrying the two professions of education and law enforcement in the person of his protagonist Raymond Donne. The hero is believable and likable and the book is well plotted, the prose colloquial, but accurate for New York City. it was a fun read.
November 12, 2013
Good sophomore followup to Sacrifice Fly.
Ray Donne, ex-cop who can't keep his nose out of police work, is an engaging character who I'll enjoy reading more about.
The mystery was a bit obvious to me and the ending a bit unsatisfying. But again, I will look forward to the next one.
Ray Donne, ex-cop who can't keep his nose out of police work, is an engaging character who I'll enjoy reading more about.
The mystery was a bit obvious to me and the ending a bit unsatisfying. But again, I will look forward to the next one.
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