The Night Watchman

Ray Quinn #1

by Mark Mynheir

Eleven months ago, Ray Quinn was a tough, quick-witted Orlando homicide detective at the top of his game--until a barrage of bullets ended his career…and his partner’ s life.

Now medically retired with a painful handicap, Ray battles the haunting guilt for his partner’s death. Numbing the pain with alcohol and attitude, Ray takes a job as a night watchman at a swanky Orlando condo.

But when a pastor and an exotic dancer are found dead in one of the condos in an apparent murder-suicide, Ray can no longer linger in the shadows. The pastor’s sister is convinced her brother was framed and begs Ray to take on an impossible case--to challenge the evidence and clear her brother’s name.

Ray reluctantly pulls the threads of this supposedly dead-end case only to unravel a murder investigation so deep that it threatens to turn the Orlando political landscape upside down and transform old friends into new enemies. As Ray chases down leads and interrogates suspects, someone is watching his every move, someone determined to keep him from ever finding out the truth--at any cost.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

339 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2009

About the author

Mark is a former Marine who's worked in law enforcement over twenty-eight-years. In his career, Mark has served as a patrol officer, an undercover narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. Team member, and a homicide detective.

Mark has parlayed his police experiences into a successful speaking and writing career. He has written articles for Focus on the Family's Breakaway magazine, Lookout magazine, and Christian Fictiononline and is also the author of five novels: Rolling Thunder, From the Belly of the Dragon, The Void, The Corruptible, and the Christy nominated The Night Watchman. Mark has also co-written two books with Max Lucado—Pocket Prayers for Dads and Pocket Prayers for Military Life.

He and his family currently live in central Florida.

Reviews

[Kathy Penn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. My only hesitation is there is a Christian element to it that is a bit in your face. That's not what I expect to read in my mystery novels. I'll try the next one to see if this element continues to be pronounced.

[Janna Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, yes! Awesome! You can tell when an author really knows his subject matter and boy does Mark Mynheir know about detectives and police work. Of course it helps that he is actually a detective, but he can really bring a story to life. Mark introduces us to Ray Quinn, a medically retired detective that was shot 11 months ago when his partner was killed. He can hardly walk now but is thrown in the middle of a murder/suicide at the building where he is a nightwatchman. From there we meet an amazing and quirky supporting cast and get thrown in the middle of the private investigation Ray goes on. He is skeptical, sarcastic, cranky, rude and a loner. His best friend is Jim (Bean) and that is the way he likes it. He figures God ruined his life 11 months ago and that is that. Can he find purpose in his life and the killer at the same time? Things start to twist and turn back in on themselves and bodies start dropping. He's getting close, maybe too close. Can he get the right questions answered?

I thought I had figured out the mysterious inside bad guy about halfway through, I'm happy to say I was wrong and Mark keeps things turning til the end - I loved this book and can't wait to go back and read his other books!

[Michelle Griep · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge detective/who-dunnit kind of gal, but I really did enjoy this one. Sometimes I forget that there's a whole other world out there besides historical fiction.
At first I wasn't sure about the style, but it certainly sucked me in after a few chapters. Either I'm not mystery savvy or Mynheir did a great job of keeping me wondering who the real killer was until the very end.
I liked the way the story brought me into an alternate reality--the seamy side of Orlando, Florida is way different than my Midwest whitebread experience.
I would definitely pick up another Mynheir novel.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to read more by this author; that is all there is to it. The writing just flowed. Ray is a wonderfully drawn character. The mystery/ suspense kept me with my nose to my Kindle into the wee hours of the morning. I cannot wait to see what Ray and his cast of lovably quirky supporting characters gets up to in book 2!

[Shorewalker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a break from some serious reading and also a good "who done it" mystery. This book met the criteria. Well paced story with the appropriate twists and turns to keep you turning the page, results in a fast read but a good one. I think I'll look for more from this author.

[A.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. Hope Mynheir writes more with these characters, they were great!!

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't care for mysteries told in the first-person because the characters come across as cocky and arrogant--not qualities I find endearing in a protagonist. In "The Night Watchman," though, the protagonist Ray Quinn is anything but cocky.

Ray's frustration, self-doubt, and genuine wit pair perfectly with the first-person narrative, drawing me into the story immediately. I especially appreciated the fact that Ray is a retired, injured detective without the full backing of the police. He's got a crime on his hands, and he needs help to solve it. This adds a realism to the story that other mysteries lack, and it makes the reader more sympathetic and caring toward the characters. Even the secondary characters (especially Crevis!) are memorable and complex.

Of course, as in all his books, author Mark Mynheir brings his police expertise to each scene, adding texture to the murder mystery. It's obvious within the first few pages that Mynheir didn't just do his homework, he's lived this life.

Lastly, readers (Christian and non-believers alike) will appreciate the authentic way that hope and faith begin to shine through the story--not over-the-top or blatant, but in an honest, subtle way that makes me want to read the next book to see what happens.

I really have no criticism to add. I'm sure you'll enjoy "The Night Watchman" as much as I did!

[Symon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I semi-enjoyed this book and read it relatively quickly. I must say it felt like a made-for-TV-crime-scene mystery, rather than an original big-screen-blockbuster (and aren’t we all a little over the crime-scene mysteries these days).

This book is an anomaly in the genre of Christian crime fiction however, as the protagonist is a fairly anti-God, self-centered, bitter alcoholic who doesn’t find God at the book’s conclusion. Also surprising, is the minimal violence which may (or may not) encourage more readers.

Author Mark Mynheir, is a real-life detective and therefore this story is highly realistic. The plot, characters, and crime-solving techniques are all highly believable. Realism may be the book’s Achilles Heel though, as it does make for a somewhat predictable, ‘no-surprises-there’ read.

The Night Watchman is receiving rave reviews and has been nominated for a Christy award. Avid Christian crime-fiction/mystery fiction buffs will enjoy. For me, it was goodish but definitely not great – Maybe I’m getting harder to please in my old age, or perhaps Ted Dekker has raised the bar too high for most.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY FAVORITE MYSTERY/ SUSPENSE BOOK THIS YEAR!

What’s not to love about this book?!!! It has great mystery, nail biting suspense and action and realistic and colorful main characters. It was hard to put this book down...I loved every page. The author, Mark Mynheir is a former homicide detective and you can tell he really knows his stuff and it comes out on to the pages for a really believable and interesting read. I love how he interweaved the spiritual aspect into the book so seamlessly. This is my first time reading this author and I can’t wait to read more!

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my 2024 bookish things reading challenge prompt called for a Christian fiction book and this one fit the prompt. I got it as a free offer for my nook and it sat on mount tbr for ages. I liked our main character, a disabled police officer whose career ended when he and his partner were shot. Ray Quinn gets pulled back into the police works as he uncovers a murder mystery which has long been written off by the local pd. Overall, a good book. There was a Christian message in it but I didn’t feel it was over the top.

[Greg Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Night Watchman is a quick moving police drama involving a retired police officer who becomes immersed in a murder-suicide that happened where he worked as a night watchman. The story, written by a former policed detective, has many moments of authentic police work.

While Mynheir uses his experience to pen an engrossing tale, he too often resorts to trite, commonplace expressions and idioms. The end is predictable, with little left to the imagination of any reader.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good clean detective novel

Retired detective, Ray just wants to find the person that killed his partner and crippled him. When a woman begs him to look into her brothers death, the only thing more annoying than her persistence is her faith in God. Ray isn't interested in the case or in hearing about God's love.
Mark Mynheir has proven that good clean, quality books can be written without all the unnecessary foul language. I will be looking for more of his work

[Vicky Olatunji · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, one I thoroughly enjoyed. From the characters and their humanities to an intricate plot that tied nicely at the end, what's not to love? Although at first, I felt the beginning pages were quite slow but I'm glad I stuck to the end. The suspense came in later, with my heart thumping and my eagerness to know what eventually happened. I enjoyed it.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is classified as a Christian mystery, a genre that is new to me. It was a fast read with a good plot plus a quirky but quick-witted main character that I particularly liked. I was in the dark about whodunit until the final unveiling. If you like mysteries that are not filled with vulgarities, I recommend you try this one.

[Sharon George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it a 3, but debated between a 3 and a 4. It was a good plot with well-developed characters but felt it could have been developed a little better. However, I plan to read the next book in the series to see how it goes.

[Thabat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from start to end , suspensful and written with beautiful catchy language..l liked the twists and fast paced events that took place ..overall it was enjoyable and highly recommended for everyone who loves reading crime , mystery and detection novels.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one. I liked this author. Liked the main character. Really liked that the author wrote a story involving murder and exotic dancers without including foul language and adult situations. Will read his other books.

[Karla Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this police drama/mystery. The "back story" and development of the characters made it believable, and the intriguing plot kept me turning the page. Definitely looking forward to more books in the series!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, just because of the tone of narration, which is kind of wry, and the main character, who is going through a lot of changes. Otherwise, it's just a classic detective story. It's the first in a series and I'll probably try another.

[Hamman Banjiram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not boring and not too interesting; it is above average. It fuelled the fire of investigation in me.

[John Helgeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story will look for the next in the series.
fun read

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked within a few pages. Ray was amusing and really had me invested in his life and the people he met. I love it. Great read!

[Joni Truex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! Realistic look into the work of police detectives. Suspense, action, and interesting characters. Worth the read!

[Paschalis]

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[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are likable - even Ray Quinn, who can be pretty miserable. A good, interesting escape in the days of Covid and civil turmoil.

[K Nuttall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery with a Christian influence. God is able to reach each one of us even when we believe our choices have placed us far from His love.

[rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too cliche for my taste. But not horrible

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I enjoyed the characters and the growth in them all. Good guy vs. bad guy! love it.

[Seasielle ... · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, I got this book when we went to the Logos Hope floating book fair. It ducked to Manila last Feb and stayed there until March. As a book lover or in simple terms - I'm addicted to books! Every time there's an event which showcases the finest or bestselling books, I'm present. :) The only time I'm maybe absent means we don't have enough money. :(

Upon hearing that Logos Hope has over 5,000 books to offer, I insisted my parents that we should go and take a look. I guess you already knew the answer - they agreed that's why I had a chance to grab this spectacular book.

My first book to read that is written by an author who's a member of a Christian guild for writers.

Suspense/thriller/mystery is my world. Revolving my mind in this world means escaping reality just a bit. :)

Well, "The Night Watchman" did not fail my expectations. Living in the world of detectives and unfolding mysteries are the best part of being a human. I guess so. :D And should I say that this story ravels those parts which really arouse my interest to its fullest.

To give you more glimpse about the book, let's start with the characters. Heading up the starting line is Ray Quinn - a former Orlando homicide detective. For me, he's the symbol of those people who loses Hope with their lives because they don't know yet their purpose. But as they uncover their true purpose, they regain Hope for real. Pam - she's the sister of a pastor who believes that God has a purpose for everything. She symbolizes every people who trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding. Those people who believe that everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for everyone. Crevis - should I say that he's the sidekick/friend/assistance of Ray. He symbolizes those people who believe that nothing is impossible as long as you will try. The only impossible thing is when you do not try. The other characters are not that so important so never mind to give some details about them. Also, if I do, my review will have some spoilers which I don't want to happen. Though I know that sometimes it is inevitable.

Well, I guess that in every book that I had read I always got some moral lessons to live by. Suprisingly, I just don't gained some moral lessons, but I also known God above all. I think it's the most important lesson that one can get from a book.

I'm not selfish so I will share the moral lessons that the book imparted to me. First, we always think that our lives are miserable for we can't get/have the things that we want. But you know the truth is - before we think that we are miserable, THINK AGAIN! There are other people who are happy and who feel so blessed by just eating three times a day, but we, we can't just have the things we want and we think we are now miserable. What a mentality! Second, we should always value the things that we have and the people around us, for in just a blink of an eye, they can be all gone. Third, we are so blessed because what we have are the things that other people want to possess, so let us not be jealous. Fourth, we think that there's no other way and everything is impossible. The visible truth is - there's always a way for God will make a way when there seems no way. Also, nothing is impossible with God, for everything is possible. Fifth, let us put our FAITH in God. Remember, Faith can move mountains. Next, let us be Contented for what we have. Yes! You read it right. We always feel unlucky, incomplete, unhappy, unworthy, miserable, etc. the truth is, we only lack Contentment for we always think that we can have more. We desire to have more than what we already own which is utterly wrong. All we need to have is CONTENTMENT. Nothing more, nothing less. Seventh, know your friends, but know your enemies better. In this world of ours, we don't know who are our true friends and who are our so-called friends, so always put your trust to a few for it is a better way to know who are your enemies. Trust no one except yourself and God. Eight, remember that God has a plan for everyone. Everything that is happening in our lives has a purpose. God will never give us hindrances if He knows that we can't do it. Ninth, always Pray to God. Prayer is the most powerful weapon one can have against all adversaries. Lastly, let us put ourselves in God's graces every moment of our lives. Let us put God first against all odds. Let God enters our hearts and gives us more blessings in order to direct our way. Remember, with GOD in our hearts, we will never loose Hope and we will see a bigger picture of our purpose.

Hope you enjoy reading my review. :) Thanks for allotting your time in reading my own story. ROTFL :D

P.S. It took me almost a week to finish this book for it was a holiday and our family had an awesome vacation.

May God bless you more. God Bless. :) :D

[Kenny Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Night Watchman

Who hasn’t had an amazing phase in life only to notice as the years tick by that your best years may be behind you? Ray Quinn was a man of men, a cop of cops, and the worst possible events happened in less that ten minutes. But the story isn’t over because former Detective Ray Quinn is not a quitter and follows his unusual hunches.