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Joe Court #9
The Man in the River
Detective Mary Joe Court returns in a gripping story of murder, madness, and revenge in the ninth novel of New York Times’ bestselling author Chris Culver’s Joe Court series.
Joe was driving home when her dispatcher called. An arsonist had doused a local home with gasoline and lit it on fire. The homeowner escaped without injury, and the damage is minimal. It’s a crime, but it’s not a tragedy.
Only the arsonist isn’t done.
He has ambitions and grievances, and he doesn’t care about houses. That was practice. His actual targets walk on two legs.
Joe dives into the case and finds herself confronted by an adversary barely clinging to reality, a man the media have dubbed the Flamethrower. Despite her years as a detective and experience investigating the most heinous crimes imaginable, Joe can’t wrap her head around this one. The Flamethrower’s actions make no sense. His attacks seem random.
That’s his secret. The flamethrower may be insane, but he’s supremely rational. He has a goal, and he won’t stop until he burns the world to ash…unless Joe gets him first.
The Man in the River is a riveting thriller with great twists. If you like Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or Lisa Gardner, you’ll love Chris Culver’s Joe Court series. Check it out!
Joe was driving home when her dispatcher called. An arsonist had doused a local home with gasoline and lit it on fire. The homeowner escaped without injury, and the damage is minimal. It’s a crime, but it’s not a tragedy.
Only the arsonist isn’t done.
He has ambitions and grievances, and he doesn’t care about houses. That was practice. His actual targets walk on two legs.
Joe dives into the case and finds herself confronted by an adversary barely clinging to reality, a man the media have dubbed the Flamethrower. Despite her years as a detective and experience investigating the most heinous crimes imaginable, Joe can’t wrap her head around this one. The Flamethrower’s actions make no sense. His attacks seem random.
That’s his secret. The flamethrower may be insane, but he’s supremely rational. He has a goal, and he won’t stop until he burns the world to ash…unless Joe gets him first.
The Man in the River is a riveting thriller with great twists. If you like Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or Lisa Gardner, you’ll love Chris Culver’s Joe Court series. Check it out!
- GenresMystery
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2020
432 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Chris Culver
39 books240 followersChris Culver is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Rashid series of mysteries. After graduate school, Chris taught courses in ethics and comparative religion at a small liberal arts university in southern Arkansas. While there and when he really should have been grading exams, he wrote The Abbey, which spent sixteen weeks on the New York Times bestseller's list and introduced the world to Detective Ash Rashid.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 31, 2022
So much going on, but that's the way of mysteries. Mary Joe Court's life, personal and professional, is a mess. She is a person of interest in the murder of her former boss. Her half-brother's adoptive parents are being threatened by a gangster. Meanwhile her current boss is a crook who gets caught up in his own web of deceit and contract killers. Sorry to see the series end, but a satisfying resolution.
March 6, 2021
My saddness at the ending of this wonderful series is balanced by the maturation of this character into a confident, directed detective with great qualities of honesty and altruism. My only complaint is that it hasn't been picked up and made into a Netflix series YET.
September 25, 2025
A great who done it in the series. You won't know who did it or why till the very end. A great series 👏
October 29, 2020
Excellent Series Conclusion
I am a huge fan of the authors books, especially the Joe Court series. I didn’t realize that this book would be the last. I’m glad I didn’t know it beforehand because it made the ending so much better for me. Mr. Culver created a relatable, multi dimensional character in Joe. I’m glad to see the conclusion to her story ended in a way that I felt complete closure. So many times, an author will leave a series abruptly and with so many unanswered questions. That’s not the case with Joe. I look forward to reading whatever comes next from Mr. Culver, as he has yet to disappoint me.
I am a huge fan of the authors books, especially the Joe Court series. I didn’t realize that this book would be the last. I’m glad I didn’t know it beforehand because it made the ending so much better for me. Mr. Culver created a relatable, multi dimensional character in Joe. I’m glad to see the conclusion to her story ended in a way that I felt complete closure. So many times, an author will leave a series abruptly and with so many unanswered questions. That’s not the case with Joe. I look forward to reading whatever comes next from Mr. Culver, as he has yet to disappoint me.
January 28, 2021
Fantastic series
I started this series like I do all of them, if I did not care for it ,I would not read any more. It was such a surprise to find a really really good book. They were all so good , I would quickly read this one,so I could move on to the next. I could hardly wait till I had time to get back to reading them. This is a very good author who grabs you from the beginning and keeps you there to the end. I very much hate that this series has ended and I do not get to hear anymore about Detective Mary Joe Court.I highly recommend this author and this series .
I started this series like I do all of them, if I did not care for it ,I would not read any more. It was such a surprise to find a really really good book. They were all so good , I would quickly read this one,so I could move on to the next. I could hardly wait till I had time to get back to reading them. This is a very good author who grabs you from the beginning and keeps you there to the end. I very much hate that this series has ended and I do not get to hear anymore about Detective Mary Joe Court.I highly recommend this author and this series .
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September 17, 2020Another great Joe Court story. Finally, Darren Rogers gets his due. Glad to see all the pieces come together as old bad guys and new ones are eliminated to end the corruption in St. Augustine.
As I said before in another review of Chris Culver's Joe Court series I hate to see her go. I was hoping she would become an assistant chief or get hired by the FBI or start her own detective agency, anything to keep the series going.
As I said before in another review of Chris Culver's Joe Court series I hate to see her go. I was hoping she would become an assistant chief or get hired by the FBI or start her own detective agency, anything to keep the series going.
December 18, 2022
I wanna throw rocks at the author for ending the series
In the culmination of watching Joe Court coming into her own, we have watched as she matured, made sense of and gotten closure to many facets of her hard start in life. I so enjoyed the authors portrayal of Joe, she was amazing.
The part that was shocking was just as he got her where we were hoping to see more, he ends the series. So, all I can say is I really hope he does a comeback book or 10 for this series.
In the culmination of watching Joe Court coming into her own, we have watched as she matured, made sense of and gotten closure to many facets of her hard start in life. I so enjoyed the authors portrayal of Joe, she was amazing.
The part that was shocking was just as he got her where we were hoping to see more, he ends the series. So, all I can say is I really hope he does a comeback book or 10 for this series.
April 20, 2023
Great series
I just finished Joe Court series. I've read a few police procedure series, I'd have was by far the best. All the books were fast paced. With lots of twists. I love the fact that Joe was human she had her issues and a past. You felt Joe's pain and you felt her happiness. She is character you enjoy rooting for. Bitter sweet that came to an end. You will be missed Joe.
I just finished Joe Court series. I've read a few police procedure series, I'd have was by far the best. All the books were fast paced. With lots of twists. I love the fact that Joe was human she had her issues and a past. You felt Joe's pain and you felt her happiness. She is character you enjoy rooting for. Bitter sweet that came to an end. You will be missed Joe.
September 14, 2020
Man in the River
I loved this book! It was exciting! I am so happy to find so much happened,and so many questions answered! Joe Court has gone through so much in her life. She a good cop, in a fictional story. Really enjoy Chris Culvers work. Hate seeing the series end,looking forward to the new series.But will never forget Detective Joe Court!
I loved this book! It was exciting! I am so happy to find so much happened,and so many questions answered! Joe Court has gone through so much in her life. She a good cop, in a fictional story. Really enjoy Chris Culvers work. Hate seeing the series end,looking forward to the new series.But will never forget Detective Joe Court!
September 14, 2020
I'm going to miss Joe Court! This series propelled me rapidly from one book to the next. All the books are well written, filled with intrigue. The story lines are believable and true to life.
I recommend this series to readers that enjoy solving mysteries and watching characters grow and develop. Need more of these.
I recommend this series to readers that enjoy solving mysteries and watching characters grow and develop. Need more of these.
September 29, 2020
I'm glad this series ended. Although sometimes difficult to follow, the outcome did end the series on a good note. I must say I was getting a little tired of "Joe" being humorless. Really never warmed up to her character and I really did want to. Still wish there was more Ash Rashid. Anyway, good ending to the series.
February 5, 2022
Amazing Author
I stumbled upon Chris Culver through his Joe Court series. I just spent the last few weeks blowing through his 9 book series in every spare moment I had... Completely addicted to his brilliant mind, bringing to life Joe Court. Looking forward to finding more of his books.
I stumbled upon Chris Culver through his Joe Court series. I just spent the last few weeks blowing through his 9 book series in every spare moment I had... Completely addicted to his brilliant mind, bringing to life Joe Court. Looking forward to finding more of his books.
June 14, 2022
This whole series is a winner!
I've never before bought 9 books in a series, one after another. As soon as I finished 1 book, I had to buy the next to see what new crimes Joe would get herself involved in. Excellent, page turner, keep you guessing, misdirection, edge of your seat series!
I've never before bought 9 books in a series, one after another. As soon as I finished 1 book, I had to buy the next to see what new crimes Joe would get herself involved in. Excellent, page turner, keep you guessing, misdirection, edge of your seat series!
November 28, 2023
Oh my, what a barn burner of a story. There are more twists in this story than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Detective Joe is a suspect in the murder of retired deputy with whom she had a contentious relationship. There are several intertwined story lines that help make this book a real page turner.
September 10, 2020
The Joe Court Series is Awesomr
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each of the nine books in this series. Chris Culver has a fantastic imagination. Each book has incredible twists and turns and surprises. The series is truly awesome!!!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each of the nine books in this series. Chris Culver has a fantastic imagination. Each book has incredible twists and turns and surprises. The series is truly awesome!!!
September 13, 2020
Great series
I have loved each and every Joe Court book I have read! They keep you racing to the end cuz you can’t put it down! Like me, the saddest book is the last one. I love Joe Court and cant imagine life without her😢Absolutely spell binding. Don’t miss out
I have loved each and every Joe Court book I have read! They keep you racing to the end cuz you can’t put it down! Like me, the saddest book is the last one. I love Joe Court and cant imagine life without her😢Absolutely spell binding. Don’t miss out
October 2, 2020
I read all the Joe Court books.
I enjoyed the continuity between books and the family dynamics of Joe and her half sibling and adopted family. I am an avid reader and follow author's that keep my interest. I will read The Abbey next.
I enjoyed the continuity between books and the family dynamics of Joe and her half sibling and adopted family. I am an avid reader and follow author's that keep my interest. I will read The Abbey next.
October 26, 2020
Disappointing series end
I read all the Joe Court books and looked forward to this one. The final book of the series was a waste of the author's and my time. Several storylines with no real solution. I should have quit while I enjoyed the series.
I read all the Joe Court books and looked forward to this one. The final book of the series was a waste of the author's and my time. Several storylines with no real solution. I should have quit while I enjoyed the series.
November 19, 2020
Joe Court
From the first book in the series to the last, I could not put them down. It was a refreshing series that I came to enjoy and sadden to see it end. I would definitely recommend this series.
From the first book in the series to the last, I could not put them down. It was a refreshing series that I came to enjoy and sadden to see it end. I would definitely recommend this series.
November 20, 2020
Wonderful series
I enjoyed these entire series and very sad to see it end. The characters are great and the crimes are realistic and thoughtful. Hope to read more from this author in the future.
I enjoyed these entire series and very sad to see it end. The characters are great and the crimes are realistic and thoughtful. Hope to read more from this author in the future.
December 27, 2020
Witty and entertaining
I really enjoyed reading this series. Joe Court is smart, funny and always up to her neck in trouble. I blew through all 9 books in a week. Very enjoyable reading.
I really enjoyed reading this series. Joe Court is smart, funny and always up to her neck in trouble. I blew through all 9 books in a week. Very enjoyable reading.
September 8, 2022
Peace
Joe has found her place at last. Corruption, mental illness, greed and all the usual suspects. This has been a great series , well written, easy to follow and with characters easy to understand.
Joe has found her place at last. Corruption, mental illness, greed and all the usual suspects. This has been a great series , well written, easy to follow and with characters easy to understand.
October 22, 2022
love the series
The entire series is wonderful reads!! Love how she gets herself finally an doesn’t let her past control her future or make her weak an keeps her self motivated. All 9 books I read glib a week an half … couldn’t put them down …
The entire series is wonderful reads!! Love how she gets herself finally an doesn’t let her past control her future or make her weak an keeps her self motivated. All 9 books I read glib a week an half … couldn’t put them down …
February 14, 2023
I am going to miss Joe Court - Thank goodness there are more books by Chris Culver to explore because he is an excellent writer who knows how to tell a good story. This last book was a roller coaster ride right to the end and I'm ready to go again with a new book.
March 30, 2023
RE: so sad it’s over
Maybe one day we will see Joe again. Until then, without spoiling things, Culver delivers a good story and gives readers closure with regard to several others in Joe's life. But I am still sad.
Maybe one day we will see Joe again. Until then, without spoiling things, Culver delivers a good story and gives readers closure with regard to several others in Joe's life. But I am still sad.
January 24, 2026
Thorough enjoyment
The books so what i want then to accomplish....... Making me forget my daily trials and tribulations. They are so well written and you feel like the author is very familiar with the locals.
The books so what i want then to accomplish....... Making me forget my daily trials and tribulations. They are so well written and you feel like the author is very familiar with the locals.
September 8, 2020
A good ending
A rather hectic story,had me confused several times,and never workedout who killed who until the end.What more can you ask for?
A rather hectic story,had me confused several times,and never workedout who killed who until the end.What more can you ask for?
September 9, 2020
Great last book in the series, wraps up storylines nicely. Will miss Jo Court!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
Sad to See It End (A Good Book)
I have enjoyed the Joe Court series. I am a bit sad to have finished. Good characters and stories. I like all 9 books
I have enjoyed the Joe Court series. I am a bit sad to have finished. Good characters and stories. I like all 9 books
October 11, 2020
he wound the story up in few pages, apparently wanted to retire the character
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews