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Quint Adler #2
The Bay Area Butcher
A Zodiac-like killer brings Quint along for the ride.
After almost losing his life at sea, Quint Adler has been enjoying the downtime with his beautiful girlfriend, Cara. But the carefree days come to a crashing halt.
Bay Area police receive a letter. A man claims he’s about to start a killing spree that will go down in history. And he mentions Quint by name, drawing him into the case.
The killings begin and comparisons to The Zodiac abound, but it’s clear The Bay Area Butcher will surpass him in both victims and notoriety.
He continues sending letters, mocking the police, needling Quint, even giving the date that each set of murders will be carried out. It becomes an international story with The Butcher’s fascination with Quint at the forefront.
After almost losing his life at sea, Quint Adler has been enjoying the downtime with his beautiful girlfriend, Cara. But the carefree days come to a crashing halt.
Bay Area police receive a letter. A man claims he’s about to start a killing spree that will go down in history. And he mentions Quint by name, drawing him into the case.
The killings begin and comparisons to The Zodiac abound, but it’s clear The Bay Area Butcher will surpass him in both victims and notoriety.
He continues sending letters, mocking the police, needling Quint, even giving the date that each set of murders will be carried out. It becomes an international story with The Butcher’s fascination with Quint at the forefront.
- GenresThriller
241 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2020
258 people are currently reading
3196 people want to read
About the author
Brian O'Sullivan
18 books909 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 3, 2024
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Easy and fast read with a thrilling ending.
This read like a YA thriller meets Lifetime movie and that’s ok. It was fast and steady. Chintzy cat and mouse chase that was entertaining enough. The ending was pretty creepy. The main character was very likeable. I recommend if you want easy, breezy, cheesy thriller lol
This read like a YA thriller meets Lifetime movie and that’s ok. It was fast and steady. Chintzy cat and mouse chase that was entertaining enough. The ending was pretty creepy. The main character was very likeable. I recommend if you want easy, breezy, cheesy thriller lol
September 11, 2025
This was a damn good time !!! I really enjoyed the letters from the butcher. This was crazy.
December 5, 2024
Excellent job
Enjoyed this book. Mr O'Sullivan you have done it again. Quint is an excellent character. I hope there will be Quint Jr. I was on the edge of my seat.
Enjoyed this book. Mr O'Sullivan you have done it again. Quint is an excellent character. I hope there will be Quint Jr. I was on the edge of my seat.
July 26, 2024
**Bay Area Butcher** by Brian O’Sullivan, the second book in the Quint Adler series, deserves a full 5 out of 5 stars. Just like the first book, the narrative keeps you hooked and often had me at the edge of my seat. The suspense and intriguing plot twists made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. O’Sullivan's skillful storytelling and character development continue to impress. I fairly enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it to fans of the series.
December 12, 2020
My favorite crime-reporter-turned-gumshoe, Quint Adler, returns!
Brian O'Sullivan's latest installment is cleverly segued from the first novel of the series, while remaining completely stand-alone. As the title suggests, the San Francisco Bay Area is under threat of a psychotic serial killer, but this time Quint is not involuntarily entangled. He is intentionally implicated by the killer himself.
The author’s exploration of the universal fascination with serial killers is astute and informative. His background as former World Poker Champion is also put to thrilling use as the numbers game runs through methodical paces. And, as always, his characters are charismatic, and his world building is world class.
This is a series that deserves to be continued. I look forward to the next installment!
Brian O'Sullivan's latest installment is cleverly segued from the first novel of the series, while remaining completely stand-alone. As the title suggests, the San Francisco Bay Area is under threat of a psychotic serial killer, but this time Quint is not involuntarily entangled. He is intentionally implicated by the killer himself.
The author’s exploration of the universal fascination with serial killers is astute and informative. His background as former World Poker Champion is also put to thrilling use as the numbers game runs through methodical paces. And, as always, his characters are charismatic, and his world building is world class.
This is a series that deserves to be continued. I look forward to the next installment!
December 13, 2020
I hate to keep saying this, but this was O'Sullivan's best book yet! He just keeps writing better and better! I couldn't possibly even list the number of reasons I loved this book so much! It kept me up til the wee hours of the morning! It's just the ultimate page turner! Loved the plot, the thrills, the characters! Can't wait for Brian to write more about Quint and Cara!
January 28, 2025
4.5 rounded up to five.
Former crime writer turned amateur detective Quint does it again. I read this one for fun, not something realistic, kept me engaged the whole time.
Former crime writer turned amateur detective Quint does it again. I read this one for fun, not something realistic, kept me engaged the whole time.
August 29, 2024
Bay Area butcher
Book 2 of 7 done in this series. What’s quint gonna ne up to in the next one? Think we will see Elmo again?! LOL!
Book 2 of 7 done in this series. What’s quint gonna ne up to in the next one? Think we will see Elmo again?! LOL!
December 19, 2020
Great read!
I really enjoyed both Quint Adler books, but this one really knocked it out of the park. It was well written and hard to put down. I thought I knew where it was going but nope, not even close. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery/thrillers. I also enjoyed the way Quint and Cara worked as a team in this one.
I really enjoyed both Quint Adler books, but this one really knocked it out of the park. It was well written and hard to put down. I thought I knew where it was going but nope, not even close. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys mystery/thrillers. I also enjoyed the way Quint and Cara worked as a team in this one.
December 16, 2020
The Bay Area Butcher is the 2nd book in the Quint Adler Thriller series, and like the first book Revenge At Sea, it did not disappoint. Quint has gotten himself mixed up in another murder investigation. But this time he brings his girlfriend Cara along for the ride. As with all of this authors books, the writing was great, and the character development was phenomenal. This book will make you feel you are right there with Quint and Cara. I suggest you read Revenge At Sea, first. Both books are a five star read.
January 29, 2021
I did not read the first book in the series before reading this one. I was unaware there was another book before reading this one. I was pleased that I was able to follow along without having read the first, but intrigued enough that I want to go back and read the first. The storyline is very well played out in this book and the characters strong. I found myself trying to stay awake to read further to find out what was coming next. I felt like I had it figured out a couple of times until the reveal and I was floored. A good read for the crime junkies out there, you will enjoy this one for sure.
January 4, 2021
I have enjoyed Brian's various books. This one involves Quint Adler, the small town newspaper reporter, who this time is mentioned by a Zodiac type of killer. The killer taunts and goads Quint, who again is able to resolve the matter. Great page turner and fun read. I highly recommend O'Sullivan and his various books of fiction.
April 16, 2025
The Bay Area Butcher by Brian O’Sullivan follows Quint Adler, a former crime reporter turned reluctant investigator, as he’s pulled into a chilling new case. A serial killer known as the Bay Area Butcher is taunting the police—and Quint personally—by sending cryptic letters and leaving behind gruesome clues. As Quint digs deeper, the case turns personal, the body count climbs, and the twisted clues lead him into a web of secrets he may not escape from.
After finishing Revenge at Sea, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Bay Area Butcher, the second installment in the Quint Adler series—and it absolutely delivered. I already loved Quint’s sarcastic charm and relentless curiosity, but this time, the stakes felt even higher. And the fact that it’s set right here in the Bay Area? That made the whole story feel even more real. There's something eerie and exciting about reading a thriller that takes place in streets and cities you know.
I started this book in the morning and couldn’t put it down—I finished it by evening. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and filled with just enough twists to keep you constantly guessing. The central mystery around the Bay Area Butcher is chilling, and the added element of a cryptic poker-hand riddle made it even more compelling. I had to know who was behind it all and how it would end.
One of my favorite things about this series is Quint himself. His dry humor, bold instincts, and inner monologue make him feel like someone you’d want to grab a beer with—and also trust to solve a murder. I genuinely wonder if Brian O’Sullivan wrote Quint as a version of himself, because his voice comes through so authentically.
The Bay Area Butcher is perfect for fans of fast-paced crime thrillers, true crime vibes, and gritty detective work with a side of dark humor. It’s also a great pick for readers who appreciate familiar settings—especially Bay Area locals—since the story brings real locations to life in a chilling, cinematic way.
I’m officially hooked on this series and will definitely be picking up the next book. After that ending and everything Quint went through, I need to know what he’s getting himself into next.
After finishing Revenge at Sea, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Bay Area Butcher, the second installment in the Quint Adler series—and it absolutely delivered. I already loved Quint’s sarcastic charm and relentless curiosity, but this time, the stakes felt even higher. And the fact that it’s set right here in the Bay Area? That made the whole story feel even more real. There's something eerie and exciting about reading a thriller that takes place in streets and cities you know.
I started this book in the morning and couldn’t put it down—I finished it by evening. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and filled with just enough twists to keep you constantly guessing. The central mystery around the Bay Area Butcher is chilling, and the added element of a cryptic poker-hand riddle made it even more compelling. I had to know who was behind it all and how it would end.
One of my favorite things about this series is Quint himself. His dry humor, bold instincts, and inner monologue make him feel like someone you’d want to grab a beer with—and also trust to solve a murder. I genuinely wonder if Brian O’Sullivan wrote Quint as a version of himself, because his voice comes through so authentically.
The Bay Area Butcher is perfect for fans of fast-paced crime thrillers, true crime vibes, and gritty detective work with a side of dark humor. It’s also a great pick for readers who appreciate familiar settings—especially Bay Area locals—since the story brings real locations to life in a chilling, cinematic way.
I’m officially hooked on this series and will definitely be picking up the next book. After that ending and everything Quint went through, I need to know what he’s getting himself into next.
May 27, 2023
Wow, what a follow up to the first book in this series. Quint Adler was a small newspaper reporter that got up caught in a murder story he was writing. The turn out of this one, made Quint a local hero and he has been busy doing interviews and enjoying his new found celebrity. But it is not all that is meant to be as Quint just wants to go back to writing and be with his girlfriend, Cara.
This one was a thrill a minute. I hated to finish it, but I know there is a next one in the series. This time Quint has been referenced again by a serial killer and this one is diabolic! The killer has been dubbed The Bay Area Butcher for his first kills. Not only does he kill, he lets the police know where he might be and what date the killing will take place.
This is one of those books that you don't want to put down, I know I couldn't. The serial killer was one of the scariest I have read about and I love thrillers! Quint and his girlfriend, Cara, are wonderful together at solving the clues and riddles!! Don't miss this one, and I am on to the next!
This one was a thrill a minute. I hated to finish it, but I know there is a next one in the series. This time Quint has been referenced again by a serial killer and this one is diabolic! The killer has been dubbed The Bay Area Butcher for his first kills. Not only does he kill, he lets the police know where he might be and what date the killing will take place.
This is one of those books that you don't want to put down, I know I couldn't. The serial killer was one of the scariest I have read about and I love thrillers! Quint and his girlfriend, Cara, are wonderful together at solving the clues and riddles!! Don't miss this one, and I am on to the next!
February 1, 2021
I'm not usually a big thriller fan. I'm probably a bit of a book snob. But I read the first book in this series, and it was good, so I thought I'd read this one too. Wow. I started reading this book this morning, expecting to do a hundred pages and then move to something else. Didn't happen. I couldn't put it down. This one blows "Revenge at Sea" out of the water (so to speak). Quint is a lot smarter in this book, and he does a great job of chasing down the killer. Too many people die before he does, but that's the nature of a thriller, I guess. It's fun to try and work out the clues myself, but I did a very poor job on this one. I'm pretty stingy with five stars, but this is deserving. Bravo!
February 5, 2023
Good story!
I was thoroughly entertained with this one however, the deranged mind of the Bay Area Butcher was a bit over the top IMO. I did still enjoy this book. It’s engaging and riveting and very locally based near my hometown. It’s always fun reading about things you are familiar with. I love Quint but no matter how hard he tries to stay out of trouble, it always finds him.
There was horror, tragedy and despair but also excitement.
Liam DiCosimo performs these characters very well, and he’s especially creepy performing the “Butcher”. Well done. 👏👏
This is book 2 and can be read as a standalone.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I was thoroughly entertained with this one however, the deranged mind of the Bay Area Butcher was a bit over the top IMO. I did still enjoy this book. It’s engaging and riveting and very locally based near my hometown. It’s always fun reading about things you are familiar with. I love Quint but no matter how hard he tries to stay out of trouble, it always finds him.
There was horror, tragedy and despair but also excitement.
Liam DiCosimo performs these characters very well, and he’s especially creepy performing the “Butcher”. Well done. 👏👏
This is book 2 and can be read as a standalone.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
May 1, 2024
Just outstanding, top notch writing from a truly talented author. This is the first of Mr. O’Sullivan’s books I have read, it will not be the last. This author is on par with the top tier authors and far above the rest of the pack. This is my favorite genre and I’ve read a ton of books in my lifetime, this one ranks right up there with my other favorites. The cast of characters is fascinating, the protagonist is engaging and the rest of the characters just feel right. I read this book voraciously, but at the same time, not wanting it to end. My heartfelt gratitude to the author for this wonderful book.
February 17, 2025
This was a very exciting and enjoyable read. It begins with the killers first crime, a home invasion that he has previously warned authorities that it will be the first of five monthly killings. Unemployed reporter Quint is also addressed in these letters of warning, and he becomes involved in finding the "Bay Area Butcher".
The story is intriguing with the reader wondering what his next kill will be and how he manages to be one step ahead of the authorities.
I highly recommend this book and author. This is number 2 of a series, the first one is "Revenge At Sea", it is good also. I think the series is best read in order.
The story is intriguing with the reader wondering what his next kill will be and how he manages to be one step ahead of the authorities.
I highly recommend this book and author. This is number 2 of a series, the first one is "Revenge At Sea", it is good also. I think the series is best read in order.
March 5, 2021
This is another great read from the author! As much as I liked the 1st book in the "series" (you can actually read each as a stand-alone), I thought this one was even better. To be honest, I usually don't like reading the killer's viewpoint, but it was so well done in this novel that the story would have been lacking if it wasn't added. And, without giving anything away, the murders were believable and heart breaking at the same time so the reader actually could feel the terror and desperation of the characters. Another great job, Mr. O'Sullivan!
January 13, 2021
Stayed Up All Night Reading This
Started this book at midnight and didn't put it down until I was finished. Usually i can at least have some idea of who the killer is, but no clue with this . Lots of action and suspense. Can't wait for the next one. You won't be disappointed. Now I really need sleep.
Started this book at midnight and didn't put it down until I was finished. Usually i can at least have some idea of who the killer is, but no clue with this . Lots of action and suspense. Can't wait for the next one. You won't be disappointed. Now I really need sleep.
May 6, 2021
Superb story
Really enjoyed this. I haven't read the first in the series so it obviously stands alone. While I figured out who was the murder immediately, the story was so good it didn't matter. Loved Quint and since I grew up in he Bay Area, I really enjoyed revisiting it through Quint's eyes. Highly recommend. Would make a great TV series.
Really enjoyed this. I haven't read the first in the series so it obviously stands alone. While I figured out who was the murder immediately, the story was so good it didn't matter. Loved Quint and since I grew up in he Bay Area, I really enjoyed revisiting it through Quint's eyes. Highly recommend. Would make a great TV series.
May 27, 2021
Another Good One
Quint Adler is a.character you have to like and so is his girlfriend-partner, Cara. More importantly, his villains are meant to be hated, and you do. Good God almighty, you do. There are nasty people living in the mind of O'Sullivan, which is what makes him so good. Fingers crossed for books 3, 4, and more. Quint Adler, PI, perhaps?
We can only hope.
Quint Adler is a.character you have to like and so is his girlfriend-partner, Cara. More importantly, his villains are meant to be hated, and you do. Good God almighty, you do. There are nasty people living in the mind of O'Sullivan, which is what makes him so good. Fingers crossed for books 3, 4, and more. Quint Adler, PI, perhaps?
We can only hope.
November 25, 2024
3.5⭐️
I like the way Brian O’Sullivan writes with the killer perspective alongside the mystery. This series and some stand-alones just have some repetitive tendencies in plots and storylines which is the reason I couldn’t give it a higher rating. I did like that quint and Cara did this one together.
I like the way Brian O’Sullivan writes with the killer perspective alongside the mystery. This series and some stand-alones just have some repetitive tendencies in plots and storylines which is the reason I couldn’t give it a higher rating. I did like that quint and Cara did this one together.
March 24, 2025
Good story! Good sequel/ second in the series. The main male character is a little emotional for a man….. in fact it seems the author goes out of his way to make the males seem like sensitive ladies…. But it is California. I live in PA where your man card might get revoked if you act like that. That man cries more in this book than our whole family has cried ever.
June 24, 2025
HUGE SULLIE FAN 😍😍
Oh..my...goodness! I thought I loved the first book, but Brian has outdone himself!! My heart is still racing typing this out. My flabbers are gasted! I need two glasses of wine and I dont even drink 😅🤣 I cannot wait to keep reading more of Quint's adventures. If youre looking to get locked into a series, THIS IS IT 👏👏
Oh..my...goodness! I thought I loved the first book, but Brian has outdone himself!! My heart is still racing typing this out. My flabbers are gasted! I need two glasses of wine and I dont even drink 😅🤣 I cannot wait to keep reading more of Quint's adventures. If youre looking to get locked into a series, THIS IS IT 👏👏
January 12, 2021
Brian O'Sullivan writes in a conversational, plot focused style which is easy to read. His foreshadowing makes me feel smart when I read his stories. Some might say its predictable and at times one dimensional, but I've read 3 of his books now, all thrillers, and enjoyed them all.
June 12, 2021
Quint Adler has become my best Buddy when it comes to Whodunnits. Following his relationships and adventures is entertaining and I always learn a little something. This series is fun to read and a little scary.
July 18, 2021
Keeps your interest u til the end!
I really liked this book but as the wife of a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant , the police would not have been on the bridge, it would have been the CHP!!
I really liked this book but as the wife of a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant , the police would not have been on the bridge, it would have been the CHP!!
October 15, 2021
Another Great Read
Brian O'Sullivan is a great writer. ( Some times I wonder where they get their imaginative brains from! I gather they are born so talented) If you have read the Bartender then you will know! Loving this series, ready for the next one now!!
Brian O'Sullivan is a great writer. ( Some times I wonder where they get their imaginative brains from! I gather they are born so talented) If you have read the Bartender then you will know! Loving this series, ready for the next one now!!
April 27, 2022
Thrilling
So glad I read this book. It has humor along with terrifying moments. I am starting to really enjoy this Quint character! The narration reminds me of the old Dragnet shows!
So glad I read this book. It has humor along with terrifying moments. I am starting to really enjoy this Quint character! The narration reminds me of the old Dragnet shows!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews