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One Man's Castle
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Walter Buczyno tried to make his dying wife's last days at home happy ones. But a vicious crime forever shattered the devoted husband's world—and his faith in the law. All he's left with is his and Dottie's home, and he's determined to keep it safe at any cost. Then the culprit breaks in again to silence an inconvenient witness for good…
Until Walter flips the script…and gets his revenge. But one small mistake soon has him fleeing from the police and anguished memories of the past. Now every refuge is a lethal trap, every lucky break just another nail in his coffin. And using the law against itself will be his only chance to survive. Or it may just be the last stand he'll ever take.
Walter Buczyno tried to make his dying wife's last days at home happy ones. But a vicious crime forever shattered the devoted husband's world—and his faith in the law. All he's left with is his and Dottie's home, and he's determined to keep it safe at any cost. Then the culprit breaks in again to silence an inconvenient witness for good…
Until Walter flips the script…and gets his revenge. But one small mistake soon has him fleeing from the police and anguished memories of the past. Now every refuge is a lethal trap, every lucky break just another nail in his coffin. And using the law against itself will be his only chance to survive. Or it may just be the last stand he'll ever take.
Paperback
First published April 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 31, 2013
This is a truly amazing book that isn't getting as much credit as it deserves
I'm what you would call a slow reader, not because I can't read fast, but because I choose to read slow and fully enjoy the contents of the books that I read. Now with this said, I finished this book in just over a day because I simply couldn't put it down.
I hope once you read this book and see how amazing it is you will try to get the word out about this book to as many people as you know, like I'm trying to.
I'm what you would call a slow reader, not because I can't read fast, but because I choose to read slow and fully enjoy the contents of the books that I read. Now with this said, I finished this book in just over a day because I simply couldn't put it down.
I hope once you read this book and see how amazing it is you will try to get the word out about this book to as many people as you know, like I'm trying to.
June 11, 2013
A surprise find at the Printer's Row Lit Fest in Chicago over the weekend, I picked up ONE MAN'S CASTLE by J. Michael Major and had a really hard time putting it down. It's set in the burbs of Chicago, and asks the question, what would it take to make YOU snap and become a serial killer? Major's book plumbs issues like victims' vs criminals' rights and how the past affects what we become today.
In this book, one of the main characters has killed four people - all of whom broke into his home. Is he a serial killer? A vigilante? Or just someone trying to balance the books in his own head? The detectives who are assigned the case can't quite figure things out. Indeed, things seem to be going really wrong much of the time for them.
I thought the story was thought provoking and compelling, and the characters popped to life in my head as I read. It was a very well written novel, and I will definitely read more by this author.
In this book, one of the main characters has killed four people - all of whom broke into his home. Is he a serial killer? A vigilante? Or just someone trying to balance the books in his own head? The detectives who are assigned the case can't quite figure things out. Indeed, things seem to be going really wrong much of the time for them.
I thought the story was thought provoking and compelling, and the characters popped to life in my head as I read. It was a very well written novel, and I will definitely read more by this author.
February 19, 2013
Loved it! Great story from beginning to end, I highly recommend it!
July 25, 2019
J Michael Major's One Man's Castle features police detectives pursuing a serial killer with a fresh, complex story that follows the humanity of its characters rather than familiar formulas. The results are highly engaging, suspenseful and, ultimately, quite moving. This is a tense, sharply written novel with heart and soul.
September 27, 2026
Met J. Michael Major at a book signing. Never imagined this mild-mannered author could write such an intense crime drama. I was hooked in the first 10 pages.
The characters draw you in from the beginning. The plot moves so quick you have to hold on with both hands. The ending offers satisfaction.
I look forward to his second novel.
The characters draw you in from the beginning. The plot moves so quick you have to hold on with both hands. The ending offers satisfaction.
I look forward to his second novel.
July 31, 2017
Pretty solid first novel.
March 1, 2014
I don't usually read this type of mystery detective book, but it was a book club selection mainly because it was written byt the dentist of one of the members! Michael lives in our High School district and his son was in band with my daughter! I really liked the book. And we had a discussion group with the author that really added to the fun. The murders are a bit gory for my taste, but the rest of the novel was interesting and well written. His descriptives make the details come alive and I hope he writes more!
July 21, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Characters are well drawn and the story moves along quite well. It raises some interesting questions about protection of criminals and victims.
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
September 2, 2013
Disappointing
October 31, 2015
Fascinating writing; imaginative story line and characters; enjoyable read.
Want to Read
January 2, 20151.1.15 on WYCC TV interview , a Chgo writer
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews