The Manhattan Red Ribbon Killer

Mancuso & O'Brian Crime Mystery, Book 3

By: Owen Parr

Narrated by: Fred Filbrich

In the riveting third installment of the Mancuso-O’Brian murder mystery series, prepare for an intensely personal case that will captivate and enthrall, Dr. Watson.

Meticulous NYPD cop-turned-private eye Joey Mancuso is summoned to assist the Midtown South precinct in unraveling a harrowing string of savage murders targeting young professional women. These chilling acts of violence echo the haunting words of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, who once proclaimed that murder is not driven by lust or violence, but by possession—a notion that now haunts the NYPD as three perplexing strangulation cases leave the midtown unit at a loss.

Initially, case number one appears to be a tragic outcome of an evening entangled in unconventional desires gone awry. However, when the second and third victims emerge, their bodies bearing the disturbing mark of a cross carved into their breasts, New York's finest recognize the telltale signs of a serial killer at large. The timing couldn't be more critical to enlist the aid of the wry Private Investigator Joey Mancuso and his brother, Father Dominic O’Brian. As Joey desperately grasps at straws and pieces together a psychological profile of the killer, his FBI agent girlfriend provides crucial insights. Why the macabre carving of the crucifix? And why are all the murders strikingly close to the NYPD's Midtown South Precinct?

The deeper Joey delves, the more he realizes that his victims are not merely casualties of calculated sex crimes, but targets of a narcissistic psychopath driven by an unknown agenda—one that may have ties to the precinct itself. With the support of his former partner, the audacious and elegant Detective Lucy Roberts, as well as the unwavering wisdom and guidance of Father O’Brian, Joey and his unconventional team of investigators race against the relentless ticking of the clock. From their new headquarters nestled behind the walls of Captain O’Brian’s Irish Pub, they are determined to apprehend the killer before he strikes again—because it's only a matter of time before he shatters the sanctity of their own homes.

Author Owen Parr skillfully channels the spirit of Holmes and Watson, adorning this book with all the enigmatic and adrenaline-pumping elements of a head-scratching puzzle. Enthusiasts of Holmes will relish the homage, while fans of gritty police procedurals by literary giants such as Raymond Chandler, Joseph Wambaugh, Lawrence Block, and Rex Stout will devour this series with equal fervor. Likewise, admirers of no-nonsense legal procedural protagonists, à la Dennis Carstens' Marc Kadella and Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason, will find themselves immersed in this gripping tale of suspense.

©2017 Owen Parr (P)2017 Owen Parr

Spellbinding!

Held my attention throughout! Owen Parr is an excellent mystery writer. Ties up all the loose ends very well.

Fred Filbrich has an excellent voice. Great diction and knows his characters well.

I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Thank You For Your Service, Detective Joey Mancuso

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

We listen to audiobooks to be entertained and to learn. This exciting book paints a movie in your mind. We ride with Detective Joey Mancuso while he trails a New York Serial Killer. It is long, hard, sometimes harrowing and always exhausting meticulous work. Owen Parr teaches us the finite points of good detecting. We learn the science involved, the team work required. The bravery and patience. Why would anyone do this job? Do they get recognition from their fellow citizens? Do they get paid big bucks? But hundreds of thousands of them do it every day-- solving crimes. But Joey Mancuso is a Detectives detective. We watch the best. And it is fun to watch and learn.

What did you like best about this story?

The forensic education and learning more about the finer points of detecting-- which requires constant thought and creativity.

What about Fred Filbrich’s performance did you like?

Fred is terrific ! His voice, his modulation, his theatrical contribution to the characters. Fred IS Joey and he IS the other characters. Truly amazing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just wondered, page by page, where the next rabbit trail was going to take us. I kept wrongly guessing the ending. A mental Hall of Mirrors. Lots of fun.

Any additional comments?

More !

Owen Parr Did it Again!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

This is the third book in the series of Mancuso & O'Brian Crime Mystery series and just as good as the two previous stories. I have become a fan of this author who really knows how to develop a story and keep you guessing until the very end. The characters by now have become old friends and I cannot but be happy that in this chapter of their collective lives, everyone gets what they deserve both bad and good. Though part of a series, you don't need to read or listen to the other stories to enjoy the book. It works very well as a stand-alone, but I'm pretty sure you will want to listen or read the previous ones after you finish this one.
The audiobook narration is also superb adding to the very pleasing listening experience.
A win, win on all fronts...

Fantastic PrIvate Investigator Procedural series...

This is the third book in the Mancuso/O'Brian series. I really like the other two books but I actually think this one is the best.
In this book someone is setting up dates with women whose jobs are in or on the periphery of law enforcement. After convincing them to experiment sexually they are then raped, cut and killed. The murderer uses a red ribbon to strangle and leaves behind fibers. Joey Mancuso and Father Dominic O'Brian's PI Agency is hired by the NYPD to consult on the case. Other then ribbon fibers there is no forensic evidence and the thought is that maybe the killer is in law enforcement. Meanwhile Joey Mancuso's girlfriend Marcy has still not been able to return to her job with the FBI due to injuries she got in the last book. During the course of his investigation in the red ribbon murders he notices the murdered women all resemble Marcy. There the book takes a predictable turn but towards the end it takes another turn that is not so predictable. This did keep me on the edge, both for the mystery and wondering if a prominent character from books 1 & 2 was going to be killed off.
Although each of these books can be read as a stand alone I would recommend reading them in order as there is some follow through. I've also noticed that as the series continues the plots are becoming more complex and the books are getting longer.
The narrator has changed in this book from the first two to Fred Filbrich. I thought he did an excellent job.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
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Thank You.

Serial Killers

This is the 3rd book in the series and absolutely loved it. It is about 2 brothers Joey Mancuso (ex-cop) and Father Dominic O’Brien who are doing consulting for NYPD for serial killer as well as running a pub and cigar bar. In this book I really enjoyed the characters of Joey, Patrick and Angela as they were the most involved with the case where serial killer was killing females similar to Joey’s girlfriend Marcy. Marcy and Tony Belford both with the FBI working together so Marcy could get back to work once she passes her gun requirement since injuries from previous case. At first I thought it was predictable about the killer then was totally surprise with the ending. Highly recommend this series if you enjoy a thrilling suspenseful mystery. Keep them coming! I was given this free review copy audiobook by author and have voluntarily left this review. THANK YOU!

Great story, mediocre reader

This is my third Joey Mancuso story and I'm buying more. Great story, ending with a twist. This narrator doesn't flow. His delivery is jerk with pauses in the wrong place. But he's not the worst. I'll buy the next book.

Great Story! Secrets Revealed

Owen Parr is an extremely talented author. I love this series. Both the characters of Joey Mancuso and Father Dom O'Brien are so endearing. I loved how this book had some really unexpected twists (especially at the end). The storyline was easy to follow, yet has great depth and character development. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was my favorite of the series so far. It is a standalone listen. Fred Filbrich performed the book wonderfully. He delivers distinctive voices for the various characters. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that I did not see the twist at the end. Kudos to the author revealing who the serial killers were.

pretty good

I really like the characters and the twist and turns and the unexpected surprises.

Totally amazing!!

"Fantastic book. Seamless reading. Sudden twists that will leave you totally surprised with this book. I totally enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more! Loved it!"

Mr Parr keeps getting better at his craft!

Mr Parr keeps getting better at his craft! I very much enjoyed this one, even though it was less of a mystery & more of a thriller. New Narrator was pretty good.