The Night Watchman: And Other Stories

Told in first person from Ray's point of view, we get to see him the best. He is a completely fleshed out character, with flaws, issues, strengths, weaknesses. He has the wittiest humor even at the expense of other characters that will have you in stitches. I know it did me! Crevis, ray's compatriot, is another winner character.

The spunky would-be cop is a perfect counterpart to Ray and, while never shown in as much detail as Ray, gets his own highlights. We see his motivation for becoming a cop, his dedication to Ray, and his innocence. The last character that really stood out to me was Mike Vitaliano. Other characters, such as Pam, Mario, Chance, Oscar, and Ashley, are sideline, but they are much more fleshed out than I have seen many a primary character. Also noteworthy, characters change in the course of this book particularly Ray , something that is welcome and beautiful to watch. The surroundings are real!

Mynheir does a superb job describing his surroundings, where his characters are, and where they are moving. I was immersed in his knowledge, right there with the characters as they drove, investigated and fought. The pacing is incredible! I mean, literally, once you pick this up, you will not want to put it down. If you take a look at my reviews, you may note how widely spaced out the books are. I finished this book in five days. I was staying up late at night, reading on my lunch, after work, any time I could find to learn what happened and who killed David and Jamie!! I know that the copy I received was an advanced copy, but I would be remiss if I didn't at least bring up in passing that the latter half needed more editing.

The Night Watchman and Other Stories

Spelling errors, "so" instead of "to", repetition, and a general hastiness and somewhat sloppiness prevail in the last half. Hopefully, this is remedied in the on-sale version. Now on to real problems. The ending was a far too pat, and there were too many conclusions, almost like the ending of the Lord of the Rings. Trying not to divulge too much Even the ones circumspectly mentioned. Lastly, while I understand that Pampas was a poor investigator, his ending smarted far too much of what happens when you face off with a Mary Sue e. Language is very tame. I can't think of any actually used in the book.

Four murders occur in the entire novel. None of them are told in particularly gruesome detail. Ray's prior injury is recounted, along with an unsolved 11 month old mystery. There are also some hand to hand scuffles. The mystery revolves around the exotic dancer and the Club she worked with. Other than that, deftly avoided. If you love mystery, you need to buy this book.

Heck, I am considering buying the sale version, just so I can have all the edits! This is a winner of a mystery, sure not to disappoint. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. E-Lib I picked this because it takes place in Orlando, and we were going to be there, but I couldn't finish it. I can't believe this book was written in the s. For whatever reason, it seemed so dated. I kept having to remind myself that it was a modern book.

I gave up at the halfway point. Jun 21, Bruce Judisch rated it it was amazing. In a genre in which it's becoming increasingly difficult to find something unique, something fresh, The Night Watchman is indeed a uniquely fresh find. Mynheir delivers a no-punches-pulled story that delves deeply into the struggle between unrelenting evil in its most vile form and the tenacity of a man's spirit in its most glorious form--underpinned by the power of God's grace. Ex-detective Ray Quinn, formerly of the Homicide Division of the Orlando Police Department OPD , is a near-cripple In a genre in which it's becoming increasingly difficult to find something unique, something fresh, The Night Watchman is indeed a uniquely fresh find.

A year ago, two of three 9-mm slugs fired at point-blank range forced his reliance on a cane. The guilt he assumes over her death--paired with the pain and hopelessness of his new, barely ambulatory life--gives him no rest, haunting his nights and clouding his days. The shooting remains unsolved, the trail gone cold. Ray now languishes as the night watchman at an upscale condominium complex, wasting away his nights over a Sudoku book and his days over a whiskey glass. His shift partner, Crevis Creighton, is a young buck with law-enforcement aspirations, more enthusiasm than gray matter, and he drives Ray nuts.

A suicide-murder at the complex involving an urban missionary and an exotic dancer brings Pam White into Ray's life. Pam is the pastor's sister, a vibrantly unapologetic Christian, and a fierce adherent to the belief that her brother is innocent of the crime. She convinces Ray to investigate what she believes to be a double murder.

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Pam is attractive, tenacious, prayerful, and she drives Ray nuts. Circumstances--but mostly his ascerbic personality--alienate Ray from his former boss and co-workers in the Homicide Division, and force him to accept Crevis' and Pam's help in tracking down the truth surrounding the crime.

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The stumbling investigation of this unlikely trio takes them into the seedy world of "adult" entertainment, the smoke-filled backrooms of the local political establishment, and even the crowded offices of Ray's old workplace--the OPD. Together, they keep one limping half-step ahead of the police and the bad guys through the final twist of this serpentine tale of intrigue, deception and murder. Mynheir for an innovative spin on a story that, in less capable hands, could've been just another whodunnit with a quirky cast.

His innate knowledge of the subject matter, skillful character development, and subtlely devised plot progression make The Night Watchman a truly enjoyable read. Good stuff; highly recommended! Dec 04, Natalie rated it really liked it. The booze he pours down helps wash out some of the memories, but only long enough to help him sleep. Now, the most exciting thing in his life is the Sudoku puzzle he does each night at his job as a night watchman for an upscale condominium complex.

An exotic dancer and a pastor turn up dead in one of the condo units where he works, an apparent murder-suicide. Grudgingly and armed with a surly attitude and less than enthusiastic desire, Ray takes a look into the case. The language, actions and police procedures shown by the characters are so realistic you feel as though you are being led behind-the-scenes into the world that cops live each and every day.

This review was written for Armchair Interviews at www. Jun 08, Sandie rated it liked it Shelves: I got what I expected plus a little more. Watchman is in a class of its own, and I'm not just referring to the well written story and interesting characters. This book is a Christian Murder Mystery Author Mark Mynheir has created an intriguing, perceptive, somewhat flawed yet charismatic hero in Ray Quinn, an ex-homicide detective, currently working as a night watchman at a posh Orlando condo complex following a deadly ambush that left him permanently disabled and his partner who also happened to be the love of his life dead.

When an apparent murder-suicide involving a minister David Hendricks and a stripper occurs at the condos, David's sister Pam enlists Rays' help in clearing her brothers' name. The development of the dynamic between Ray Quinn and his "partner by default", Crevis Creighton, is one of the highlights of the book. Crevis was raised by a less than loving father, aspires to being a cop, and is as loyal and devoted to Ray as a new puppy. Crevis is cast as Dr. Watson to Quinn's Sherlock Holmes. While Holmes drug of choice was cocaine, Quinn relies on his old friend "Jim" Beam and John Wayne movies to relieve his physical and mental anguish.

As for the ultimate outcome of the story, suffice to say that The Night Watchman is a smorgasbord of potential suspects, evidence gathering techniques, and intertwined stories certain to satisfy the palate of the most finicky reader. Oct 19, bookme4life rated it liked it Shelves: Waterbrook Press sends out chapter previews to new books to notify readers of their new titles and to give a taste of what a book has to offer. As such, The Night Watchman arrived in my inbox.

And I laughed and laughed and went out and got a copy to read. Ray Quinn is a retired homicide cop, but not voluntarily. He barely survived a shooting now is stuck in a broken body with the glamorous job of night watchman at an apartment building. Ray entertains himself at work doing Sudoku puzzles a Waterbrook Press sends out chapter previews to new books to notify readers of their new titles and to give a taste of what a book has to offer.

Ray entertains himself at work doing Sudoku puzzles and finding creative ways to get rid of the kid he shares the night shift with.

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Home is a blur of Jim Bean and John Wayne films. Rather against his will Ray is convinced by the sister of one of the victims to look into a case that the police fast-tracked and closed without real resolution. The guy has just the right brand of sarcasm to make him hysterical.

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Without him the story is just a generic mystery that would do nothing to stand out. Recommended for some entertaining reading. Ray Quinn Series — Book 1. May 01, Samantha rated it it was ok Recommended to Samantha by: This is the start to Mark Mynheir's new Ray Quinn series. It's billed as a police procedural and Christian fiction series.

Not sure that it's real good at either. I know most first books in series are just to set the scene and grab you into the world. Well this one doesn't grab you. It's borderline boring and really unbelievable. You have to believe that the Orlando police are slow, dimwitted and can't solve cases once Ray Quinn is shot and crippled. He becomes a night watchmen where there just This is the start to Mark Mynheir's new Ray Quinn series.

He becomes a night watchmen where there just happens to be a murder. The sister of the murdered pastor is a Christian who somewhat preaches the word of God to Ray but not really. It gets on Ray's nerves but I didn't even think it was that bad. I felt this conversion story is going to be a slow one throughout the series and that's fine. It's actually a good start. However, the police procedural is where it's lacking.

The clues just seem to fall into place from no where and the people run in and out of the story so it seems like the end comes from left field. I'm not sure that I'll give book two a shot, but I might. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy this genre. Feb 20, Bookmom rated it really liked it.

Former Homicide Detective Ray Quinn has become a Night Watchman for a condominium, one of the few jobs he can do after being crippled in an ambush that took the life of his partner eleven months ago. A pastor turns up dead in his apartment in an apparent murder-suicide with a stripper. His former unit believes it's an open and shut case. The pastor's sister convinces Ray to look into it, and things just don't add up. Ray's life is endangered as he uncovers a bigger picture that involves adult ent Former Homicide Detective Ray Quinn has become a Night Watchman for a condominium, one of the few jobs he can do after being crippled in an ambush that took the life of his partner eleven months ago.

Ray's life is endangered as he uncovers a bigger picture that involves adult entertainment, a group of influential people in high places, and a dirty cop. This is the first book in a new series following the investigative skills of Ray Quinn.

This who-dunit is a page turner that describes for us how and why things are done as Ray teaches a young guy who has hopes of someday being a cop. The identification of the bad cop is not obvious, even when the reveal has started.

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Ray struggles with the pain and limits he now has with his mobility and must drink to sleep. But except for one scene when he finally has a meltdown over how his life has turned out, the book is not overloaded with angst and depression.

Book Review: The Night Watchman

I enjoyed the humor along with the intrigue. Read for Library Thing Apr 27, Christy Lockstein rated it really liked it. The Night Watchman by Mark Myrnheir is the first in the Ray Quinn series about a retired police officer who can't seem to get detective work out of his blood. Now he's working as a night watchman at a condo that doesn't require any more of his skills than his ability to do countless Sudoku puzzles to while away the hours.

When a pastor and a prostitute are found shot to death in one of the condos, Quinn starts The Night Watchman by Mark Myrnheir is the first in the Ray Quinn series about a retired police officer who can't seem to get detective work out of his blood.

Myrnheir has created a great cast of characters for a possibly long running series: Ray is an easy character to like with his love of all things John Wayne and his refusal to let the bad guy get away. His injury creates vulnerability as well as making sure that he can't be a superman who can fight his way through every battle. Ray has to rely on his wits and allies far more than most private detectives, and that makes me want to come back to read more of his investigations soon.

May 02, Heather rated it it was ok Shelves: The sister of the priest who allegedly committed the murder and then suicide, talks Ray into investigating further, as she's sure her brother didn't do it. Ray reluctantly gets sucked into the investigation, dragging his co-worker, Crevis, along for the "fun". Ray comes off as the stereotypical down and out detective, however he does grow and we learn more about him as the story develops. Crevis is a quirky side kick, who adds humor to the story.

The character of the priest's sister is so flat, I can't remember her name even though I just finished the book yesterday. Overall, it was a good read, just not great. There's mystery, but it's never really that suspenseful, I never really felt that any of the main characters were really in danger or that the bad guys were that bad. I also thought the ending was wrapped up just a little too neatly, everything just sort of falls into place.

I did think it was good enough that I'll give the second book in the series a try. Dec 27, Dale rated it really liked it. In my defense, it is rather wordy Anyway, it was not until that point that I realized that this was actually a "Christian" cop book. That doesn't bother me since I'm a Christian. But, my experiences with Christian fiction have been mostly negative.

A lot of it is clumsy, to say the least. So, I guess this is a long way to say that this one was not clumsy. Instead, it was different. It is a "Christian" detective story in which the main character is not Christian. He carries a big gun and he uses it lots of times. He suspects that church-going people are weak and does not believe that God can change a person's life.

The Night Watchman and Other Stories : Michael Kelly :

So, on to the book. The main character is Ray Quinn, a homicide detective that has been forced to retire due to injury. He walks very slowly with a cane. Now, he's the night watchman at a condo building. He becomes convinced that Aug 21, Amanda rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is the first book in the Ray Quinn detective series. I received the second book from one of my review programs, so of course, I had to read the first one I don't usually review the preceding books in these situations, but I actually liked The Night Watchman better than The Corruptible, so I decided to post reviews for both.

This is a "Christian" book, but Ray Quinn isn't the Christian. He's more of a smart-alec, stand-on-your-own, rogue ex-cop. His way of coping with the tragedies i This is the first book in the Ray Quinn detective series. His way of coping with the tragedies in his life is to spend quality time with his buddy Jim. That would be his best friend, Jim Beam. His partner at work, and eventually in crime-solving, is the over-zealous Crevis. Hey, I just realized that rhymes! This is a well-written book, and I love a mystery that isn't easy to figure out, but the best part of the book is the humor.

I laughed my way through this book. There is a little sadness, as Ray shares about the death of his former partner, but that's a small part. And most of the humor is at Crevis's expense. Ray really isn't the nicest guy on the block, but Mynheir writes in such a way that you have to love Ray anyway. Aug 02, Crystal rated it liked it. Ex-cop Ray Quinn struggles with his past as he attempts to uncover the truth behind a case that is either a simple murder-suicide or a tangled plot of political intrigue.

Of course, nothing is ever simple in a good murder mystery. One of the most impressive aspects of the book is that Quinn has a gimp leg that actually causes him physical and emotional duress -- it's not just there for show. Mynheir manages to allow Quinn and his not-so-trusty sidekick to develop throughout the book wh Premise: Mynheir manages to allow Quinn and his not-so-trusty sidekick to develop throughout the book while holding on to his personal quirks The best part of the book, perhaps, is that Mynheir develops the murder mystery plot line and does not allow the Christian message to overshadow the suspense.

It is, fortunately, first suspenseful and religous second. The author did an excellent job of weaving in the morality through an unfortunately flat character without sacrificing the excitement. By the time I realized Quinn will eventually become "Brother Ray" I predict book 7 , I was already hooked and had to finish. Overall, the characters felt tangible and when coupled with a decent mystery they make this book worth reading.

May 05, Tabitha rated it really liked it. Ray Quinn, a retired homicide detective, stuck in a job as a night watchman and drowning his grief and depression over a job related disability in alcohol. This encourages him to search for the truth despite warnings from his former boss. Once I committed to this book, I could not set it down. There were many breaks at work I wanted to extend only to read a little more. He was born and attended elementary school in Picton which is a small town at the Northern tip of the South Island.

It is the southern terminal of the frequent ferry service from Wellington the capital city in the North Island. After five years secondary education in the nearby large town of Blenheim, Owen moved to Christchurch, the major city of the South Island, where he graduated as at a Pharmacist and established a Community Dispensing Pharmacy catering for the medical needs of his district. Upon retirement he attended several courses on writing at the University of Canterbury.

He has published two other books. Owen is married to Nola who is one of New Zealand's most respected ceramic artists. She was director of the City's Centre of Contemporary Arts Gallery for ten years prior to her retirement. They have three sons and three Grandchildren. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Would you like to tell us about a lower price?

If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support? These short stories from New Zealand originated as submissions to a Writing Club. They are based on the author's experiences growing up and living in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a little larger than the UK, and about the same size as the State of Colorado. I hope that the readers of this book may be motivated to join the millions of tourists who visit New Zealand and appreciate all that a vacation in this country can offer.

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