No Rest for the Wicked

by Vincent Alcaras

Nicolas Docrenzov is an ex-con freshly released after serving eight years in Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. Trying to escape the brutal mistake that had landed him in prison, he moves to Los Angeles to begin anew. Shortly after his arrival, he’s offered a job at Venezia, a gentlemen’s club, run by the alluring Isabella Rossi and he starts to believe that fortune is finally starting to turn in his favor. As sparks begin to fly between the ex-con and his boss, Nico is even more hopeful that he will have the life he’s always craved.
Harlan Colter, a determined and often times pig-headed Texan, is a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. Originally a Texas Ranger, he lost everything, including his marriage, after he was pushed out for not letting sleeping dogs lie. After relocating to Los Angeles, the gruff Texan found his second chance at being a lawman and he’s determined to do what he can to keep his new home safe. No matter the cost Harlan Colter will not be stopped; he will not be deterred.
Neither of these men could have foreseen what would bring them together. Just as Nicolas begins to settle into his life at Venezia, women associated with the club are being brutally, and impossibly, murdered one by one. As the case lands on Colter’s desk, all of the detective’s instincts tell him that somehow Nicolas is at the center of these terrible slayings despite the lack of any hard proof.
Despite the lack of evidence indicating Nicolas as the murderer, as the murders and the subsequent investigation unfold it does become apparent that these murders are oddly connected to his past. A past that no one in Los Angeles knows anything about. A past that has caught up to him in ways that he could never have imagined.
Can Nicolas not only prove his innocence, but discover who is perpetrating these terrible murders, and why? Will Detective Colter get his man, and continue protecting his new home? Will either man be able to live their lives on their own terms, or will they continue to be victims of their respective pasts?

Genres: Thriller

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2016

About the author

Vincent writes a darker shade of fiction, not afraid to delve into the grey area of human existence and morality.
Always known for being an observer of the human condition, Vincent expanded this understanding from the what, into the how and why of human nature by obtaining a degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo. After deciding he wanted to be an author, Vincent used that keen insight to develop stories that hit deep chords within us all and characters that jump off the page.
Those psychological insights are only bolstered by his upbringing. Having been raised in Buffalo living in a home with more first generation Italian immigrants than not, Vincent has developed a world view that is quite different from most. This blend of old school European and contemporary American mindsets shine through in the culturally diverse cast of characters he creates.

Reviews

[Daniell Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. The description sounded interesting so thought I would give this author a try and hope to win. I was one of the lucky ones. I started reading this book and it started out with a beginning I did not expect and almost in a way shocking to me. It wasn't so much what the character was doing but his joy in doing it. I actually put the book down and walked away for a couple days. I hate giving up on a book so picked it back up and started were I left off. I am really glad I did. There were some parts like the beginning that pulled you in that it was hard to not think of them, but with the rest of the story it all made sense and was important to make the story go where it needed to. The story pulled me in after that first walk away that I finished the rest of it that night. It was one of those stories that make you think. I didn't want it to end and actually went to see if Vincent Alcaras had more books to follow more with these characters. Would I recommend this author? Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes but would warn of the intensity of it. I got so pulled in that I cared what happened to the characters and went through a lot of emotions with them. Ok so I won't give spoilers away I will have to end this.

[Julie Siemek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea exactly, but the writer handled it pretty well.

[Ritchard Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book from new Author Vince Alcaras. Fast-paced action that keeps you reading. A tough book to put down!

[Chris Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy of No Rest for the Wicked in PDF form.

From the moment I started reading, the words drew me into the dark world of an ex-convict named Nico. I wondered who was watching him, and soon, theories formed as the body count and tension grew higher.

Vincent's ability to capture characters, painting them with different words and phrases to describe them is brilliant. In some ways, he reminded me of Stephen King - only grittier. His words engaged me with vicious intensity.

I'm looking forward to more of Nico.

Read it now. It's worth it.

[Tony Parsons]

Nicolas “Nico” Cain Docrenzov (ex- inmate, aka Nick the Dick) had just been released from Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.
He was headed for St. Regis Nursing Home to see Mr. Kurtis Benson.

Los Angeles, CA. Next stop Venezia’s Unique Cabaret. Isabella “Izzy” Rossi hired Nico on the spot as a bouncer.
Nico later met Darren (bartender), Sherry (dancer), Chantal (dancer), Courtland (dancer), & Stan Sharpton Isabella’s lover.
Katie Filps (Melanie’s daughter) was found dead.
Detective Harlan Colter (LAPD, former Texas Ranger), & Detective Jim Parelle (LAPD), were doing the murder investigation.
Chantel had the hots for Nico.

There was another female body Sherrylin “Sherry” Wallace body had been found hanging from a tree on the UCLA campus.
Detective Colter had spoken to Dr. Veronica Hayes (MD, psychiatrist; Safe Haven Psychiatric Hospital).
Nico was arrested, booked & interrogated.
Isabella had hired Mr. Falls (lawyer) for Nico.
Mr. & Mrs. Wallace had been contacted.
Nico was later released & went back to work.
Father Price had heard about Alfred’s murder.
What did Isabelle call Detective Colter about?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Five Count Publishing LLC.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been weeks since the last I read this, and I can still picture this story in my head. Usually that's a good thing. Not this time.

First, the writing is okay. I won't say it's bad, but it certainly leaves for improvement. The story was bland and predictable. It had a great concept, but had no real build up for me. Granted, you can say crime novels aren't usually my cup of tea. However, if you want me to be invested and actually care about the characters, you have to pull me in the first fifteen pages, regardless of the genre. Now, this didn't pull me in at any time, I felt like I was forcing myself to read this through, until about the last thirty pages... Maybe. I could practically see almost everything coming to happen in the book. The guy moving, having something special with him, lusts for the girl (eventually gets her too), gets accused by police that he's behind the crimes, police pull some bullshit to arrest him... so on and so on.

Second, the characters... the protagonist was okay, felt a bit bland at times, and randomly out of character during certain moments. Actually, a number of characters felt out character. Then the "love story" felt forced. There were times that I laughed out loud because I was thinking, "Seriously?" or "What the fuck?"

The only way I'll read the sequel is if the writing improved immensely and more engaging for me to be involved.

[Michelle Tuholski · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone that is new on the scene as an author, Mr. Alcaras does it like a veteran. The story was fast paced and as I read, I wanted more. As a long time reader I found the plot to be original, not a recycled version of another text. I particularly liked the way he described the actions of the characters. He picked up on little nuances that are often overlooked by other authors. This book was definitely a thrill ride and I can hardly wait until I can read more by Mr. Alcaras.

[Josh Brantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish No Rest grabbed me, pulled me in and never let go. I got so caught up in the story that I read it in one sitting. I am excited to read more from this author.