A ruthless pair of quirky, sociopathic killers-for-hire. A father figure returned from the grave. A series of killings so cleverly executed, murder is not suspected in some instances - much less a connection to other deaths. These elements and more combust in Dead Man's Dance.
Robert Ferrigno is an American author of crime novels and of speculative fiction. I've written twelve novels in the last twenty years, most crime thrillers. Sins of the Assassin was a finalist for the Edgar, Best Novel, by the Mystery Writers of America in 2008, and my comic short story, "Can I Help You Out?" won the Silver Dagger, Best Short Story, by the Mystery Association of Great Britain.
Another book picked up at a rummage sale. Overall, I would have loved to rate this a 4 or higher but just couldn't do it. The pace was a little on the slow side and it seemed like there were too many side stories coming in and out. Like the main characters ex (whom they bothered seemed to be very much in love with each other, but already in new relationships) and child were going to move to Paris. Then nothing about it for a long time. Just seemed like it would have been better if it focused more on the main story, given a little more depth to that area, and had less side stories. Also felt like this was written as part of a series when it was not. Some backstories were left vague at times, like they were part of a different story. I still did enjoy reading this though, just felt it could have been better.
Weird intriguing and unsympathetic characters for which I can imagine full and complicated backstories. Sociopaths all though in the end, thanks to Quinn, some sort of justice prevails. Unsatisfying family and romantic relationships throughout with no real explanation of cause. I'll read more, but with an edge...
I really like mysteries and this one is a good one. The characters are great. The inter-relationships are great. I had a little trouble keeping up with the sequence of what was happening.
Two killers invade the home of California Superior Court Judge Teddy Krammerson, the judge meets death with dignity, but not before slamming one of his attackers in the face with a telephone In the face of rampant evil, the judge's stepson, investigative reporter Quinn, shows similar courage as he digs into the murder. The web of deceit involving new ripples from long-ago crimes that Quinn uncovers is so tangled, that the reader yearns for some violent action to cut it clean. But there's no relief until the final chapters, when Ferrigno thrusts Quinn into two shockingly bloody battles.
Along the way, a gallery of memorable characters-the two killers, eccentric and scary angels of death; their wealthy, corrupt patron; Quinn's mysterious family friend who reappears after 28 years in prison-boost the sleuthing. And an affecting subplot about Quinn's loyalties in love-he is torn between his girlfriend and his estranged wife and daughter-enriches the tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Two killers invade the home of California Superior Court Judge Teddy Krammerson the stepfather of investigator Quinn. Quinn wanted to find the people who liked his stepfather, but when he does he will find secrets that he never expected and so when he finds these secrets he then realizes that his whole life has been a lie. The story line that this novel goes along is very realistic. It is about a robbery and murder. I like books that have a realistic story line because it can connect with you in a way and discusses topics that can make you think about real life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a realistic murder novel.
This has been languishing on the shelf for a few years. It's a pretty typical book of it's kind - nothing too special that would make me pick up another by this author but nothing that made it stand out as unenjoyable, either.