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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Richard Montanari's THE ROSARY GIRLS.
Amherst2@sc.rr.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No, but after reading THE ROSARY GIRLS I probably will.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown, John Grisham, James Patterson, Carl Hiaasen (I'd include him, humor or no).
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I enjoyed it. I found it to be both surprisingly literate and literary, a step above others in the genre. I had just finished LONDON BRIDGES and, if asked to choose between the two, would recommend THE ROSARY GIRLS.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes.
bjbookman@msn.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I have read all three previous novels by Richard Montanari.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read Steve Hamilton, Tami Hoag, M.J. Rose, Karin Slaughter, Kent Kruger, George Chesbro and many others.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
At first I was surprised it did not take place in Cleveland, but as I read it, I didn't care about the location. I received the book on Friday and finished it on Sunday afternoon. The book had everything that I look for in a novel. The relationship between Byrne and Balzano was just right and totally well thought out. I always find that if the characters are not well developed then the book is not enjoyable. I enjoyed every aspect of this novel. I went where the leads took me and was surprised at the ending. I never looked back and thought he should have done this or that. It was very well written.
I am looking forward to Richard's book signings so I can buy this book and add it to my collection. I do believe that this book WILL be his breakout novel. Richard is too good of a writer to be ignored. I hope his relationship with Ballantine is a long one and he keeps writing about Byrne and Balzano.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Most definitely. I lead two mystery book groups in Twinsburg, Ohio. We read Richard's KISS OF EVIL last year. I will plan on doing this book at my other group.
blosskl@lisd.net
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
Wow! It was a great book. I had never read or heard of Richard Montanari but will definitely do so in the future!!
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
My initial response when I began reading was that it was just too creepy. But then, the introduction of the characters of the detectives made it more readable to me. I finished it in a day. Couldn't put it down till I knew who the killer was. I was moved by the humanity of Byrne throughout but the ending was a tear jerker!
Bobbewig@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
I read two books by Richard Montanari --- THE VIOLET HOURS and KISS OF EVIL.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I am a huge fan of Suspense/Thrillers and read a variety of authors, such as: James, Patterson, Jeffery Deaver, Daniel Silva, Boris Starling, James Siegel, Dean Koontz, David Baldacci, James Grippando, Ridley Pearson and many more.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I enjoyed THE ROSARY GIRLS very much. Found it to be very suspenseful, lots of surprising twists and turns and interesting with well-developed characters.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
I would definitely read other books by Montanari in the future.
caddgirl7@yahoo.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
I've never read anything by Richard Montanari before. But I was anxious to read this book. It's a suspense/thriller, my favorite genre and it takes place in my hometown, Philly. I wanted to see if my fair city was portrayed accurately. I wasn't disappointed.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read a lot. Some of my favorite authors are: Mo Hayder, Boris Starling, Thomas Harris, Keith Ablow, Jeffery Deaver, Jonathan Kellerman, Larry Brooks, etc., etc., etc. I think I can add Richard Montanari to this list.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
This was a fast read for me. I couldn't put it down. Nothing better than a good read, with characters I care about and a psychopathic serial killer with a fascinating MO.... Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, cities within a city, all of them very different in culture and economics. I only found a few oversights and they did not detract from the story. We don't ride 'the SEPTA'. We ride SEPTA or take SEPTA. Richard, please leave out the 'the'. Also, we went to Wanamaker's not Wanamaker. And the eagle we met at was actually a bronze sculpture.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
I'll definitely be looking for his previous books and any new ones to come.
dright2828@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
I have not read any other books by Richard Montanari.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read James Patterson, Iris Johansen, David Baldacci and John Sandford.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
THE ROSARY GIRLS was well-paced, with likable protagonists and a "keep you guessing" ending. I look forward to the next book with Kevin and Jessica.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I would read more books by the author.
gri1@cornell.edu
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I have read DEVIANT WAY and VIOLET HOUR.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Thomas Harris (always) , Andrew Klavan (usually), James Siegel (so far) and Greg Iles (sometimes). I recently gave up on Jeffery Deaver and Stephen Hunter.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I usually have no problem with suspension of disbelief when reading a thriller, as long as it's thrilling. This novel asks the reader to have a very high tolerance for the coincidence factor. Yet despite the occasional jaw-dropper I really enjoyed this book. Sure, the climactic scene in the basement was straight out of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, but if you're going to steal you might as well steal from the best. The bottom line is that THE ROSARY GIRLS is a fast, very compelling read that ultimately satisfies.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
I don't know. I am not a big fan of series characters, and I'm guessing that this is where the author is heading with the detectives in this book. This particular book was good enough to recommend and definitely an improvement over the previous two that I've read by this author.
jkoonce@earthlink.net
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No, I haven’t.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
The usual suspects: Grisham, Lescroart, Michael Connelly, Linda Fairstein and Harlan Coben, etc.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I enjoyed it. It’s a look at a world I don’t know very much about, so it was discovery for me as well as a good story.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I would.
kkoverman@opera-stl.org
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No, this was the first.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, Kyle Mills, Jonathan Kellerman, Christopher Reich, Daniel Silva, Dan Brown, Greg Iles, Tami Hoag, Iris Johansen, Harlan Coben, Lisa Gardner, John Saul, Mary Higgins Clark and basically whatever else I can get my hands on.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It seemed to start off slow, however, as I got used to his writing style it sucked me in and held me hostage on the sofa.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
I'm hooked. Now I have another "must read" author.
MA2PETENTY@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
This is the first book I have read by Richard Montanari.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I enjoy reading James Patterson, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell and Nelson DeMille.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I enjoyed reading THE ROSARY GIRLS. Several times I thought I had it figured out only to discover I was wrong. While I didn't find the writing to be equal to DeMille or Grisham, I would definitely consider reading other books by Montanari.
MarxC@jocolibrary.org
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I think this is a good start to what could become a very popular series. The characters are well developed and there are many elements that create a lasting impression. The subplots kept me interested in what was going to happen to each of the characters next and it gave me insight into the decisions they made and reactions they had. The interaction was true to life and managed to keep some light about it even though the murders were incredibly disturbing. I can see how this book could be incredibly offensive and a real turn-off to some readers of the Catholic faith.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes.
njpa94@cableone.net
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
I have never read a book by Richard Montanari.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Authors I read are Jeffery Deaver, Ridley Pearson and Nelson DeMille.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I thought THE ROSARY GIRLS was exceptional. I would never have picked a novel about a serial killer but I am glad I had the opportunity to read such a talented author.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
I will look for any book by Richard Montanari.
quinn.77@nd.edu
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
Sadly, I had not.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Michael Crichton, James Patterson, J.D. Robb, John Sandford, Stephen Woodworth, all the usual.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I was more than impressed. My only hesitation in buying his next book would be the sleep I'd loose reading it, I couldn't put this one down. It was very well written, with a fast paced story. The characters, more than
anything, are believable, they are fascinating and flawed. Byrne and Balzano the two main characters are a wonderful combination. They lead you through a world existing in moral shades of grey.
As a writer Richard Montanari's descriptions bring to mind John Steinbeck in that both have the unusual ability to give the reader an almost photographic image with few but extremely well written phrases. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author will do with his next book.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Without hesitation.
rabock@optonline.net
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
I have not read any previous books by Richard Montanari
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I particularly like Daniel Silva. I recently enjoyed books like Lisa Scottoline and Brad Meltzer.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I liked it. Suspenseful. Excellent twists in the storyline. Good character development. Great sense of place. As promised, the book was very cinematic in its descriptions and pacing. A really good read --- perhaps more a great summer or beach read than anything else --- but very engaging.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I would read other books by Richard Montanari.
richardmitchell@mindspring.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Crais
Connelly
Child
Rucka
Flynn
Pelecanos
Follett
Martin Cruz Smith
Leonard
Silva
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
Very good read. I have recommended it to a number of friends who like this type of fiction. Thanks for the opportunity.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes.
tammyc44@adelphia.net
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No, I have not read Richard before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Mostly Mary Higgins Clark.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I just read THE ROSARY GIRLS. All I can say is "give me more." Richard keep me on the edge of my chair. I really could not put this book down. My husband says all I have to do is hold a book or movie up to my forehead and I know who did it. NOT this time. Richard had me guessing to the end. Yet when he finally had mercy on me and showed us who done it my response was "of course...." I think that for a book with all the stories going on at the same time I was never lost as to who, what, when and where.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Based on this book, if Richard Montanari writes a phone book I would read it.
Towandalhc@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
My favorite suspense author is Ruth Rendell, who also writes under the name Barbara Vine. I also read: Mary Higgins Clark and Jonathan Kellerman. I consider Montanari's work to be a police procedural as well as suspense; in that category, I also enjoy Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
THE ROSARY GIRLS is a great page-turner! I found the characters believable and inviting. The story was very suspenseful without using gratuitous violence/gory details (I appreciate that). The layout of the novel was well done; using the POV of different characters kept the tension fresh. The red herrings were well placed, as were the real clues. This was a hard book to put down and the conclusion was ultimately satisfying.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Yes, I would. I notice he has written three other novels and I intend to read all three.
whiteReyRay@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Richard Montanari?
No, this was my first time reading any of his work.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I regularly read Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, Micheal Connelly and Dan Brown.
What did you think of THE ROSARY GIRLS?
I thought that it was a brilliantly plotted and written novel. Montanari does an excellent job of bringing you the environment of Philadelphia and into the minds of his protagonist. He keeps you asking questions as he changes the point of view that the story is being told and makes you question what you think you know. Kevin Byrne is a difficult character to understand because although he has good intentions he does seem to take the law into his own hands and that's disconcerting. Very good novel overall.
Would you read a future book by Richard Montanari?
Definitely.
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