168 books
—
100 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Good Killer” as Want to Read:
The Good Killer
by
In the newest thriller from best-selling author Harry Dolan, Sean Tennant stops a deadly mass shooter. And that act of courage may get him killed.
Sean Tennant and Molly Winter are living quietly and cautiously in Houston when a troubled, obsessive stranger shatters the safety they have carefully constructed for themselves. Sean is at a shopping mall when Henry Alan Keen, s ...more
Sean Tennant and Molly Winter are living quietly and cautiously in Houston when a troubled, obsessive stranger shatters the safety they have carefully constructed for themselves. Sean is at a shopping mall when Henry Alan Keen, s ...more
Get A Copy
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
The Good Killer,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about The Good Killer
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of The Good Killer
Entertaining!
The Good Killer is a psychological thriller about a man in hiding, who in the blink of an eye, becomes a nationally revered hero. Now exposed to the world, he must take cover and run to keep enemies at bay as there is a price on his life.
Aptly titled, there is a constant push and pull between good and bad. "The Good Killer," Sean, appears to be a good person who happens to be a killer. However, he is keeping dark secrets that might reveal that he is not such a good person. Several ...more
The Good Killer is a psychological thriller about a man in hiding, who in the blink of an eye, becomes a nationally revered hero. Now exposed to the world, he must take cover and run to keep enemies at bay as there is a price on his life.
Aptly titled, there is a constant push and pull between good and bad. "The Good Killer," Sean, appears to be a good person who happens to be a killer. However, he is keeping dark secrets that might reveal that he is not such a good person. Several ...more
This is a good book. Dolan is my go-to author one that when his book comes out I'm first in line to get it. Loved, Bad Things Happen, Very Bad Men, The Last Dead Girl, these books have a mystery construction and are more cerebral reads with a broader depth in character development and focus on prose. With The Good Killer, Dolan shifts to a thriller construction. Pure and simple this is a chase plot with nothing really different or unique from other chase plots. What sets this book a part is the
...more
Exceptional cat & mouse thriller structured by strong, well conceived characters with interesting backstories and powered by tight, concise prose. Like most of my esteemed GR friends, I'm on a lifetime quest to discover talented authors I'm unfamiliar with. Harry Dolan is clearly one of those authors.
...more
Not so thrilling. Pretty good reader. This was a good idea, but I lost interest.
“The Good Killer” opens with a chilling narrative. Grammar and sentence construction with a present tense narrative, brief details, and clipped conversations create a mysterious, tense, and chaotic atmosphere. Characters meet at the mall, the encounters appear unorganized and frantic, and then, the shooting. There is a killer on the run, a good guy with a gun.
An unusual narrative takes shape. There is danger on every front from the hunter, the hunted, and the pursuer of both. Jumbles of people ...more
An unusual narrative takes shape. There is danger on every front from the hunter, the hunted, and the pursuer of both. Jumbles of people ...more
The Good Killer by Harry Dolan
Character driven story with each new segment introduced by the name of someone new or a returning player. I found this book a bit like watching a movie and could see it adapted for and easily produced for the big screen.
My thoughts:
* Complex plot
* Well written
* Action-packed
* What is right and what is wrong - truly
* Shades of gray
* Choices are not always clear-cut
* Love trumps all – usually
* Twisted people do twisted things
* Redemption may be possible
* Revenge doe ...more
Character driven story with each new segment introduced by the name of someone new or a returning player. I found this book a bit like watching a movie and could see it adapted for and easily produced for the big screen.
My thoughts:
* Complex plot
* Well written
* Action-packed
* What is right and what is wrong - truly
* Shades of gray
* Choices are not always clear-cut
* Love trumps all – usually
* Twisted people do twisted things
* Redemption may be possible
* Revenge doe ...more
Fantastic read. Enjoyed it from beginning to end. 4.5 bumped to 5 for the superior writing.
Jul 09, 2020
Jen Ryland
added it
Harry Dolan is an author who is new to me. (I tend to prefer psychological thrillers as opposed to more male-dominated ones like this one.) But I thought this was a good, well-executed thriller. There were a lot of moving pieces and multiple POVs (one of which was so brief I'm not sure if it was even warranted) and as a result, not as much character development as I would have liked (pretty much Jack Reacher level) but it was still a gripping read, a story about how past crimes and mistakes can
...more
It is only February, but there have been some excellent books published so far this year. Chief among them is THE GOOD KILLER by Harry Dolan. You should file him at the top of your reading list under “Should be a household name.” I say that based not only on the strength of this new novel, which is perfect in every way, but also on the previous four that Dolan has written.
THE GOOD KILLER primarily concerns Sean Tennant and Molly Winter, who are living quietly and cautiously in Houston for reason ...more
THE GOOD KILLER primarily concerns Sean Tennant and Molly Winter, who are living quietly and cautiously in Houston for reason ...more
another great book from one of my favorite authors. this time we get fast paced thriller told from many points of view. the pages turn fast and there is plenty of action and a few surprises in this chase adventure. the main character has some flaws and I didn't get as attached as I have to some of Dolan's other main character's so not quite 5 stars but a definite 4+. thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy.
...more
4.5 stars. Loved it! I can't wait for Harry Dolan to come out with a new book and this one didn't disappoint. Edge of your seat game of cat and mouse. So many players and so many ways this story could've ended. Things go sideways and I had no idea how this story would wrap up until it was over. I love a story that grabs you and you can't put down. Two thumbs up. The only downer is the wait for this authors next book.
...more
This page turner starts out with an interesting premise, but some of the characters seemed a little flat and some of their actions didn’t make a lot of sense to me. If you enjoy thrillers with chase plots, this might be right up your alley; I thought it was pretty good but not memorable.
A complete stranger has taken out his revenge for his failed past relationships among a shopping mall full of people as Sean finds himself squarely in the middle of this rampage.
Sean is no stranger of gun violence as a former soldier and quickly stops the escalation of violence exiting the scene rapidly before anyone has a chance to ask questions.
His notoriety from this incident leads other past rivals to him & they both seek revenge.
Revenge for a past they blame him for squarely putting the pre ...more
Sean is no stranger of gun violence as a former soldier and quickly stops the escalation of violence exiting the scene rapidly before anyone has a chance to ask questions.
His notoriety from this incident leads other past rivals to him & they both seek revenge.
Revenge for a past they blame him for squarely putting the pre ...more
Some years ago, I read Dolan’s first novel, “Bad Things Happen”. I thought it was brilliant. When I ran across it again while packing up books, I wondered what he had been up to, and so purchased a copy of his sophomore outing, “Very Bad Men”. It was very disappointing. Skip past two more titles, and I see that this year he has released “The Good Killer”. I decide to give it a try.
That’s not without trepidation. One of my favorite films of recent years is “A History of Violence”. It is the story ...more
That’s not without trepidation. One of my favorite films of recent years is “A History of Violence”. It is the story ...more
This is the second book I have read from this author. The second time around is a winner. Instantly. I was drawn to Sean and Molly and this storyline. You could say that I was sucked into the story. Which by the way, this book should come with a warning..."Don't start it before bed unless you don't plan on sleeping."
Once, I started reading, I could not stop reading. There are a handful of characters in this story but they are all major players within the story. I was on the edge of my seat as Se ...more
Once, I started reading, I could not stop reading. There are a handful of characters in this story but they are all major players within the story. I was on the edge of my seat as Se ...more
I liked the idea - a couple, creating new lives under new names to escape a past we don't immediately know about. The execution of it, though, left me feeling a bit meh.
Sean and Molly are living in Houston under new names, years after ripping off an art dealer in a heist in which Sean's friend Cole, was killed. The art dealer wants revenge and the stolen materials back, and the dead man's father (who seems to be some kind of low level gangster) just wants revenge.
One day, when Sean is at a mall ...more
Sean and Molly are living in Houston under new names, years after ripping off an art dealer in a heist in which Sean's friend Cole, was killed. The art dealer wants revenge and the stolen materials back, and the dead man's father (who seems to be some kind of low level gangster) just wants revenge.
One day, when Sean is at a mall ...more
A psychological thriller following a man in hiding who is suddenly a national hero. But it’s not always good to be in the lime light. His enemies from a past left behind now know who and where he is and they’re coming for him.
This book had me hooked from the first chapter in true Harry Dolan style.
This was a fast paced read, an action packed page turner. The writing style and story line kept me interested and invested.
Certainly not my favorite of his books but a good read none the less.
Thank ...more
A guy, hiding out from mistakes in his past, kills a mall shooter and gets his picture/video on news outlets everywhere. This sets off a chain of events causing him and his girlfriend, hiding out with him, to run for their lives. This time with police, FBI, and two sets of bad guys looking for them, they finally bring conclusion to the past events that caused them to hide.
Harry Dolan is not a prolific writer, but I look forward to his new books when they come out. This one does not disappoint. ...more
Harry Dolan is not a prolific writer, but I look forward to his new books when they come out. This one does not disappoint. ...more
Aug 25, 2020
Elaine Theriault
added it
A good read about revenge. Holy -- get over it and move on. I enjoyed it.
Really good book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Solid summer thriller.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Mysterious Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.
Sean and Molly Tennant live very private lives until one day Sean stops a gunman from committing mass murder in a local mall. Sean flees before the police arrive at the scene. As the police investigate they realize that Sean Tennant doesn't exist, so who is he really. After a news report on his heroics in stopping the gunman and his disappearance, Sean has more than just ...more
Sean and Molly Tennant live very private lives until one day Sean stops a gunman from committing mass murder in a local mall. Sean flees before the police arrive at the scene. As the police investigate they realize that Sean Tennant doesn't exist, so who is he really. After a news report on his heroics in stopping the gunman and his disappearance, Sean has more than just ...more
This is a book that did not need to be written. The story is unoriginal, there is no character development, and the dialogue is perfunctory. The story involves four elements: Sean and Molly, who have changed their identity after robbing an art dealer, the cop and FBI agent pursuing them, and two groups of bad guys who are also chasing Sean and Molly. The book is essentially one long chase scene. By an incredible set of coincidences, all four elements converge at the end of the book, the bad guys
...more
When Sean stops a mass shooting at a mall in Texas, that act of heroism may have just cost him his life.
Sean and Molly have been living their lives as discreetly and cautiously for the past 6 years. After Sean, a former soldier, takes out an active shooter, in Houston’s largest shopping mall, he flees the scene. Everyone wants to know about the hero who saved them, but Sean doesn’t want the exposure. Unfortunately, the two men him and Molly have been hiding from catch wind of the story, and now ...more
Sean and Molly have been living their lives as discreetly and cautiously for the past 6 years. After Sean, a former soldier, takes out an active shooter, in Houston’s largest shopping mall, he flees the scene. Everyone wants to know about the hero who saved them, but Sean doesn’t want the exposure. Unfortunately, the two men him and Molly have been hiding from catch wind of the story, and now ...more
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview The Good Killer by Harry Dolan. This was an unexpected surprise book - I loved it. Fast paced and vividly written. The novel centers on a young man, Sean, an Iraqi vet who, with his best friend, Cole, have been through thick and thin. Sean has been a lost soul, but he has met Molly and she centers him, she loves him, and she sticks by him even though his past is "chasing" him all over the country.
Sean lives a quiet life with Molly - that's until ...more
Sean lives a quiet life with Molly - that's until ...more
DNF at 55%. I thought the premise of this book was really interesting. Sean and Molly have been living quietly and staying under the radar. Until one day when Sean ends up at the mall and is able to stop a mass shooter. That act of bravery ends up getting his face on national news and suddenly they have to run.
At first I was intrigued - I wanted to learn who they were hiding from and why and see what was going to happen. However it ended up quickly getting very convoluted with multiple people ch ...more
At first I was intrigued - I wanted to learn who they were hiding from and why and see what was going to happen. However it ended up quickly getting very convoluted with multiple people ch ...more
High stakes chase cross country
Sean and Molly have been living a life under the radar for the last six years, keeping a low profile.
This comes to an end when Sean kills a shooter at a local mall in Houston, a shooter driven by unrequited love.
Now Sean's picture is being shown on all the news shows and he and Molly are again being hunted for events that happened to Sean six years ago.
This was a great story, one I enjoyed thoroughly. I enjoyed the storyline and the way it wrapped around all the ma ...more
Sean and Molly have been living a life under the radar for the last six years, keeping a low profile.
This comes to an end when Sean kills a shooter at a local mall in Houston, a shooter driven by unrequited love.
Now Sean's picture is being shown on all the news shows and he and Molly are again being hunted for events that happened to Sean six years ago.
This was a great story, one I enjoyed thoroughly. I enjoyed the storyline and the way it wrapped around all the ma ...more
My gratitude to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Mysterious Press for providing me an early copy for an honest review.
I loved it.
First of all, I love the writing style. It is fitting for the type of book The Good Killer is - cold and calculative, quizzical where it needs to be.
Secondly, Harry Dolan spun an enticing tale of Sean and Molly - a kindly, soft-spoken couple who have skeletons in their closet. Sean's got a history, and so does Molly. History both of them tried to leave behind years ago but ...more
I loved it.
First of all, I love the writing style. It is fitting for the type of book The Good Killer is - cold and calculative, quizzical where it needs to be.
Secondly, Harry Dolan spun an enticing tale of Sean and Molly - a kindly, soft-spoken couple who have skeletons in their closet. Sean's got a history, and so does Molly. History both of them tried to leave behind years ago but ...more
I really love this author! Sean and Molly are living a quiet life in Houston, when something happens that turns their life into a fight for survival. They are good at staying off the grid, keeping their lives private, and for good reason - there are two men looking to kill them. The race is on, and they are on a cross country run to try and escape the men hunting them down. Harry does a terrific job of ratcheting up the suspense and making us truly care about his characters.
Although I'm not in with the super-glowing reviews I surely enjoyed reading the book. It started exciting and with a perfect pace, got a bit too long-winded in the middle for my taste but was a good read until the end.
A chase all through the country - and a good main character Sean. I'm sure the thriller-lovers will love it!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy! ...more
A chase all through the country - and a good main character Sean. I'm sure the thriller-lovers will love it!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy! ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
HARRY DOLAN is the author of the mystery/suspense novels BAD THINGS HAPPEN, VERY BAD MEN, THE LAST DEAD GIRL, and THE MAN IN THE CROOKED HAT. His new novel THE GOOD KILLER comes out on February 4, 2020, from The Mysterious Press/Grove Atlantic. He graduated from Colgate University, where he majored in philosophy and studied fiction-writing with the novelist Frederick Busch. A native of Rome, New Y
...more
Related Articles
If you ask us, it's always the perfect time to lose yourself in a page-turning mystery. To help you sleuth out a new read, we asked the...
18 likes · 9 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
