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A Luca Mystery #4

Third Chances

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The clock is ticking…

…as the hunt for a serial killer continues.

Fear grips the city.

Frank’s fight with cancer continues, but it’s not keeping him off the job. This killer is clever. As chemo clouds his mind, he struggles with a nagging feeling that something isn’t right.

Is the killer toying with him?

Will he choose justice or vengeance?

His partner, Mary Ann, has her doubts, too. The leads are few and seem to be telling different stories. Her profiling skills are put to the test as she wonders if they’re chasing a single killer. Is she letting her affection for Frank cloud her judgment?

As the body count rises…

…the new sheriff doesn’t think Frank’s up to it.

Will they be able to stop the murders and save Frank’s job?

You’ll love this nail-bitter of a thriller, because justice comes in many forms.

Get it now.

** You can enter the Luca Mystery Series with any book.

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2018

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About the author

Dan Petrosini

174 books180 followers
Dan is a USA Today and Amazon best seller author, who wrote his first story at the age of ten and enjoys telling stories and jokes.

Dan gets his story ideas by exploring the question; What if?

In almost every situation he finds himself in, Dan starts exploring what if this or that happened? What if this person died, was hurt, or did something unusual or illegal?

Dan’s non-stop mind spin provides him with plenty of material to weave into interesting stories.

A fan of books and films that have twists and are difficult to predict, Dan crafts his stories to prevent the reader from guessing correctly. He writes each and every day, forcing the words out when necessary and has written over twenty novels to date. It’s not a matter of wanting to write, Dan simply has to.

Dan passionately believes people can realize their dreams if they focus and act, and he encourages just that.

His favorite saying is – “The price of discipline is always less than the cost of regret”

Dan likes to remind people to get the negativity out of their lives. He feels it is contagious and advises people to steer clear of negative people. He believes having a true, positive mind set makes it feel like life is rigged in your favor. When he gets off base, he tells himself, ‘You can’t have a good day with a bad attitude.’

Married with two daughters and a needy Maltese, Dan lives in Southwest Florida. A New York native, Dan teaches at local colleges, writes novels, and plays tenor saxophone in several jazz bands. He also drinks way too much wine and never, ever takes himself too seriously.

He has an active blog at http://danpetrosini.com, where you can sign up for a newsletter featuring articles, his writing and special deals.

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5 stars
186 (50%)
4 stars
134 (36%)
3 stars
38 (10%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
55 reviews
January 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this book!

I loved the book. Very interesting. I couldn’t put it down. Loved the Detectives so much! I couldn’t put the book done until I finished it! Thank you Dan for a great story. I can’t wait to read more! 🥰
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books36 followers
August 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This is the four book in the Frank Luca series, I have listened to the previous book and can say that each book is a stand alone, so you don't need to listen to them In order. Luca is a good main character and despite having cancer (which other than needing to go to the bathroom regularly isn't made a big deal of, for which I am grateful because I listen/read to get away from worries and like mysteries to solve, not get bogged down with the detectives lives), this makes him more real. The mystery was interesting and had you jumping from suspecting the two main suspects, along with the detectives. I look forward o the next book in the series being released.
Frank Luca has a serial killer on his hands and despite battling cancer, finding a new residences to live, keeping his relationship with his partner a secret he must work with an FBI agent to find the killer. First he must work out the reason for the killings is it a hate crime, righting a wrong or a killer seeking revenge? The only real lead is the connection to a church that all the victims had in common. With the bosses pushing for a quick solve Luca is worried he will be taken off the case, can he solve it before that happens or before someone else is killed?
I liked the narrator, this narrator was used for the first book and since then it has been a different narrator for each book as the author finds the right voice for Frank Luca and with this voice I think he has found it.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,196 reviews73 followers
September 6, 2018
Third Chance - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Detective Luca is recovering from chemotherapy for his bladder cancer in Book 4 of the A Luca Mystery series, Third Chances by the amazing Dan Petrosini.
He's also struggling to maintain his on/off relationship with partner Mary Ann Vargas, when called in as profiling officer for a serial killer before the next victim is murdered. Trying to get inside the killer's mind is a gruelling task for Luca under his present circumstances, but he does his best as always.
Is the maniac only targeting lone/unattached men? Are there actually two killers working either separately or in tandem?
As more corpses pile up, the local sheriff's keen to get the FBI to take over, citing Luca's failure to date and rising stress levels which are not good for him n his weakened condition. Yet Luca refuses to give up, especially now he's invested so much in solving the killer's deadly psychological games. If he loses the consequences will be destructive for Luca - and also for future victims. Can he solve the puzzles and save himself and the as yet unnamed men?
Buckle up for a bumpy ride as this all-action psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat all night. Get your copy now to find out who triumphs!
Profile Image for Hanny Carmel.
250 reviews10 followers
August 9, 2020
I really like this series, but for some reason, this book didn't feel the same as the others I've read.
I like detective Luca, and I enjoy learning about his thoughts about his personal relationship, as well as his medical problems.
I felt like from relatively early I knew who the murderer was, so the end didn't come as a surprise, which disappointed me a little.
Still, this was an enjoyable audiobook and the narrator did a great job.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 reviews
April 19, 2020
The Luca Mystery Series (only read 4 so far and on 5 right now) are a hidden gem.
An excellent police/mystery plot in each and Dan Petrosini deserves high recognition for introducing us to Frank Luca.
An added treat, starting with volume #2 is the fact the stories ar set in Naples FL
As a part-time resident, it's fun to read about all the streets, restaurants, beaches, etc. which
are so familiar. It's like reading about one's own neighbourhood.
16 reviews
October 28, 2018
Third Chances - Loved the story!

I mean this criticism in the best possible way, but Dan, please hire a really good book editor. The end of sentences do not have spaces before the period. And what is going on with starting sentences without a capital letter??
I will most likely continue to enjoy the Detective Frank Luca mysteries because I like the characters in stories.
Profile Image for Aparna J.
449 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2021
Wow.

It is an amazing thriller. Absolutely marvelous. Could not put down the book even for a moment. Frank Lucas's character is absolutely fantastic. His chemistry with Mary Ann Vargas is awesome. I liked the element of suspense continuing until the climax where readers are kept guessing about the true identity of the culprit.
Profile Image for Patricia Terry.
186 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2020
Great story line. This would make an excellent movie. I listened to the whole seven hours without stopping. I was riveted. I received a free review copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie Rathert.
38 reviews
November 12, 2019
A mystery to the end

I enjoyed the storyline. The relationship between Luca and Vargas was perfect. I enjoy this author and look FW to the next book I read.
Profile Image for Mrs Linda A Barber.
380 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2021
Got to love it

4th one I've read in this series about Luca and I've liked all of them so far. Next one downloaded,
Profile Image for Kurisu.
22 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2019
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review for onlinebookclub.org

Third Chances is a crime fiction novel written by Dan Petrosini. The story begins when a man was found dead with a gunshot wound. Frank Luca, the police investigator handling the case, believes that the victim deserves to die as he was a known criminal. Whoever killed him did a good job and made things easy for the police. While his co-investigator Mary Ann Vargas finds his reasoning foolish. Their job is to bring justice whoever the victim was. Days after, another felon was murdered. Its noticeable similarity with the first suggests that the crimes were in some way connected. However, they must hold a solid evidence to prove that angle.

Things went unseen. They never thought that they were dealing with a huge case as the numbers of dead bodies were increasing. Frank cannot deny that they are far from solving it. Individuals who know them, aren’t certain who’s to blame. And a church that identified the victims as members was shocked with the news. These people are taking chances of a renewed life. But why did the perpetrator steal that chance from them? Will Frank catch the culprit before another death occurs?

Third Chances is a story of retribution, a struggle for reformation and desire for an evil free world whether by law or by shedding blood. It also showed the imperfect world of criminal investigation. Like Frank Luca, the people of the law are always exposed to pressure, frustration and degrading situations once they fail to deliver the justice everybody wanted. The reality is, implementing peace and order becomes impossible when there are people who try taking justice by their own hands. The victim became an offender and the offender becomes the victim. On the other hand, one cannot avoid but recognize the cause why such thing ensues. First, evil is rampant. Second, justice is uncertain. But the bottom line is evil cannot be fixed by another evil.

What I like in the story was it’s a mind game, no bloody action scenes (except, of course, for the serial killings which has no gruesome details). To catch an intelligent killer, one must have his mind. The book also has a tricky narrative. At first, I thought that the killer’s identity has been unveiled so early. I already convinced myself that ‘this is not a murder mystery’ and I’m going to make sure to write it in this review to inform readers. However, I am wrong. I just have to read and wait for surprises.

The element of strong protagonists is present. Frank is good at using logic and instinct in solving cases. His competitive nature makes him effective though for some instance, he takes things immaturely. What I found off at him sometimes is his misgivings in his relationship with Mary Ann. For me, she is much likeable - a confident and dependable woman. I like how she gives her balanced judgment and mature opinion, every time her partner starts his childish reasoning. I’m doubtful in their chemistry at first because they have too much disagreement, but they have each others back. Their romantic relationship did improve at the end when Frank was able to recognize her importance while she’s not by his side. One inspiring line I got from her was: “When you do well, don’t let it get to your head, and when you do poorly, don’t let it get to your heart”.

At the same time I found scenes that weren’t neatly inserted. For example, a witness named Kelp, who was supposed to meet Frank has gone missing, not answering phone calls. The scene suggests what took place is kind of suspicious. But when at last they meet, Frank didn’t ask Kelp for an explanation for his disappearance. Another one is Mike Moler, who, all of a sudden, was named as a possible suspect. Usually when the investigators questioned persons, most of the leads will come from them. However, I didn’t remember encountering Moler’s name from someone’s statement on the previous chapters. I’m not sure if I’m over thinking but I just can’t avoid looking at these details. Nevertheless, it does not affect my enthusiasm to finish the book.

I recommend this to readers who likes crime, romance book and who prefers psychological thriller with light violence.

3 out of 4 stars.
Profile Image for G ☾.
37 reviews17 followers
April 8, 2019
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Onlinebookclub.org

Solving homicides is Detective Luca's calling and obsession. Using a combination of instinct and dogged determination, he gets inside the mind of a killer.

Luca feels his detective prowess is dulled by chemotherapy treatments all the while trying to navigate a new-found romantic relationship with his partner Mary Ann Vargas and solve a quadruple homicide.

Third Chances is the fourth instalment in the Luca Mystery Series by Dan Petrosini. Whilst I haven't read the first three Luca Mystery books, I'm happy to say that this book is just as promising as a standalone. Petrosini's writing is descriptive and insightful, as well as easy to follow.

Detective Frank Luca is a run of the mill, mild-mannered, detective. Tough as nails and tortured to boot. Whilst it wasn’t the most creative plot. Third Chances was still a solid story. Petrosini's novel read like a classic 'who done it?' and the overall atmosphere reminds me of a CSI episode. It was enjoyable to say the least.

Whilst the forensic elements translated very well in the novel, the trouble of this novel lies in its characters. I felt no loyalty to Detective Frank Luca, sometimes even being put off by his repulsive arrogance. This was mostly clear in the way he conducted himself around Mary Ann Vargas, his detective partner and supposedly his short-term girlfriend. His constant dismissiveness of her ideas, as well as undeserved annoyance at her left a sour taste in my mouth. This could be chalked down to the fact that I haven't read the other books, so I may not understand the dynamic between them, but more so I felt that Petrosini left her character underdeveloped and pushed to the side, whilst trying too hard to make Detective Frank Luca a badass who sticks to his guns. Overall his condescending character which was also subject to his boss and partner from the FBI initially, drew me out of the story and made it a much less enjoyable read

However, whilst the protagonist was extremely unlikeable, his attitude wasn't a complete deal breaker in this case. I still found myself incredibly immersed in the plot, and the constant suspense and twists and turns were more than enough to salvage my rating. Dan can truly write a good book.

Like everyone else, I did find a few grammatical errors, but they hardly count in my consideration. The ending was a little lacklustre in my opinion, and whilst there was limited action I can definitely say it’s a good mystery. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a classic mystery, this book packs a punch and is a solid read.

3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Krystal.
20 reviews12 followers
March 28, 2020
Third Chances by Dan Petrosini is a crime novel that is part of a Detective Luca Mystery series. Set in Southwestern Florida, a serial killer is on the loose. Detective duo, Frank Luca and Mary Ann Vargas tries to crack the case. The murder victims, ex-convicts who all turned to the same church to make a fresh start and walk down a new path in life. The serial killer, believes that he is performing the work of the lord.

This book was a good one, but not quite an exciting read. I often became bored at the length of the deliberation the detectives had with each other. The dialogues were filled with worthless exchange of words a lot of the times and I craved suspense.

There was very little encounters from the serial killer's point of view.

The story line was a good vision, however the execution of the plot was lacking mystery and character. Both detectives Luca and Vargas were not only work partners, but also in an intimate relationship and I really wanted to know more about them both as individuals and as a couple.

The book was written in first-person perspective and I was able to see through the eyes of the protagonist, who in fact, suffers the symptoms of being a cancer survivor. I really think the author could've built on character sketches and cut down on the length of empty conversations throughout the novel. I rate this 2 out of 5 stars because the book really had potential and could've been great if there wasn't so much time spent on dialogue and not engaging a relatable or emotional connection between the characters and the reader.

I wouldn't recommend this book. However, feel free to read it because everyone has their preferences. I personally think it lacked a lot of character and mystery. Not much excitement at all.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
February 11, 2021
4.25 Stars. This book has been the most intriguing so far in this compelling series. I kept going back and forth on the identity of the serial killer. This isn’t the first book I have read where the serial killer uses the Bible to justify his actions. I wonder if that aligns to real cases.
The differences in the personalities between Luca and Vargas adds entertainment to the plot. As a fan of the romantic suspense genre, which this is not, I wish this series drove into their relationship outside of work more. I wouldn’t mind exploring the chemistry between these two engaging characters. Minister Booth was a great addition to the story. I really respected his character. He would make a good lead character in his own series.
477 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2021
What a Plot

Another twisty plot with multiple suspects. The main characters again solve the crimes and see that justice is served. As always very realistic and gritty.
1,471 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2023
Good police thriller

This story kept you on your toes until the end. Loved how Luca kept picking at threads until he found the killer. Good read.
28 reviews
March 18, 2023
Good story line

I enjoyed the book but simply can't deal with a grown man saying Tummy to h girlfriend and using the word pee pee Men don't talk like that
89 reviews
July 23, 2023
Excellent! Only took me 3 sittings to read it. I had trouble putting it down.
2 reviews
July 29, 2024
Third Chances is a boo worth reading

The book is well written and keeps you guessing. I highly recommend this book, he's a great writer that holds you captive with his stories.
200 reviews
December 2, 2024
Interesting

Enjoyed the story, but sick of the grammatical errors within these books and the repetition . Is it Amazon or terrible editors ? Come on , please !
Profile Image for Mikyla Cardwell.
2 reviews
December 31, 2018
Some of the transitions in this book could have been better, and I counted a total of 78 spelling errors. Other than that, this was a great book, and I enjoyed reading it!!
2 reviews
August 7, 2024
muy buena

Excelente con mucho misterio y muy interesante me ayuda mentalmente para tener la mente ocupada gracias hasta la próxima gracias
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews