Merciless: A Novel of Suspense

by Richard Montanari

Book Overview

When the first body is found, mutilated and strangled on the riverbanks, Philadelphia homicide detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano suspect yet another case of random urban violence. Then it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345492404
• ISBN13: 9780345492401
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 399 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Another fantastic page turner.

Wow!! Alls I can say is wow!!. This is another fantastic installment to the Bryne and Balzanno series. The plot is sort of complex, only because there are about 4 plots going on at the same time. Usually, I don't like it when authors do that, but Montanari does a wonderful job and devotes the proper amount of time to each plot. The main plot is about a killer that picks his victims very carefully. They have to meet the killers needs, and not everyone can be his victim. The crafty killer is following a set of rules and has to follow certain guidelines for his victims. What is the killers guidelines? Well, you'll have to read it to find out. If you told you here, it would be a major spoiler, and I don't want to take away the surprise. I'll just say.....it was interesting. One other plot line I'll mention is that a man blames Bryne for the death of his wife, and then targets Bryne, and plans to make him pay. Montanari has a wonderful writing style that will keep the reader hooked to the very last page. We can't help but want to spend time with Bryne and Balaznno. The characters have a lot of depth, all of them, even the killer. There are a lot of wonderful plot twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. This book has one draw back, If you start it, I can promise you that you'll lose sleep because you'll want to know what happens next. I kept on say, "Just one more chapter.....just one more chapter...." This is that good. If you've read the first two books in the series, then you know what a powerful writer Montanari is. If you haven't, then start the series. I can promise you, you won't be sorry. I know I wasn't. I can't wait to start the next installment.

Montanari at BEST!

Excellent detective work. serial killer of young girls...many suspects...many twists and turns...well worked/researched drama. RE:NICE geography/history connections to Philadelphia landmarks. LOVED it. Couldn't put it down.

A psychological thriller. . .

This is my third book by Richard Montanari that I have read. He is clearly not a "one book fluke," because Merciless is just as good his other work. Montanari reminds me of Thomas Harris, both are master storytellers. Merciless is an excellent police procedural with great characters throughout the book. The gore and brutality in this book is not for the squeamish. If you enjoy a suspenseful thriller then you should take a chance on Merciless. Richard Monatanari is an author who I will be buying more from in the future.

Philly city mystery

3rd great novel in series with a great detective team. Keeps you on the edge of your seat! Pat's Steaks, soft pretzels, and a Montanari thriller - what more do you need!!

Definitely another winner for Montanari!

This author is one of my favorites. If you like creepy, scary, serial killers, then you will like this guy. He drops subtle hints along the way and you think you know who the bad guy is, but..........you don't! Montanari is very good. My only complaint is he does not write fast enough!