BOOK REVIEWS OF PREDATORS & PRAYERS

"Predators & Prayers is the latest book by Philip Carlo, author of The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez. This book explores the story of a serial killer that preys upon members of the Catholic clergy and the detectives that seek to apprehend this man. The author's expert knowledge in the behavior and psychology of serial killers really shows in this book, giving the reader real insight into the mind of this serial killer as well as the men and women trying to catch him. As the story progresses, the reader will be both shocked and conflicted by the events that occur.

Predators & Prayers is one of those rare books that is so well crafted and seemingly true to life that it is extremely difficult to remember that the events and characters of the story are fictional. Not only are the characters fully and realistically developed but the story is action filled with thought provoking themes. These aspects make this book mesmerizing, virtually impossible to put down, and absolutely memorable. I can see this book becoming a blockbuster movie. Predators & Prayers by Philip Carlo is available at Amazon.com."

~Reviewed by Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

"There are some books that grab your attention from the first word, such is the case with this outstanding work, Predators & Prayers. Priests in New York City are being brutally killed, mutilated, degraded and the pressure is on to find this madman. That was the job set before Captain Tony Flynn, a man who has seen more than his fair share of murders, but this case would run into deep un-charted waters, waters he didn't like being in as they stirred memories that he had tried to forget. This one would be personal.

As for our killer, he has his reasons for what appears to be senseless death, and as the author details the deep-seated pain of his past you must rebuke the urge to cheer him on, knowing within yourself murder is never the answer, two wrongs do not make a right. Yet, the author takes you so deep into the pain in the soul of this man that you bleed within for the sorrow that was his life.

We are introduced to Carole Cunningham, a hard nose attorney from the DA's office, who is carefully working another angle of the case. The author worked this side of the investigation in allowing you to know facts that otherwise would be left by the wayside. That was a good move and really enhanced the read.

The story is quick paced as the killer travels to Rome, his quest, the death of the Pope. We are introduced to Nino Maranzano, the Italian Chief of police who merges forces with Flynn to stop this killer. Mr. Carlo builds character upon charter, defining each one so vividly that they nicely layer the story and pull you into the core of this book, the lives of these people.

There are many emotional surges throughout this work and some surprising twists, such as the first true feeling of love our killer experiences for a wonderful woman named Diane, and the final chapter that brings closure to a life wracked in pain. As details are revealed you want to laugh, you want to cry and your emotions spiral within you.

I really can't say enough good things about this work. Philip Carlo brings out a hidden truth of sexual abuse that plagues the very institution that should be a haven of safety, the Catholic church. Yet, understand this, he makes it plain that it is not the belief in God, nor the soundness of such a belief that is to fault, but the concept that predators always find openings to feed upon their prey. He opens our eyes to a problem that is sweeping our country, infiltrating many sacred institutions and touching those who cannot defend themselves.

This read is one of pain, revenge, love, hate, forgiveness and frank honesty that you will never forget. This is a must read that you will not be able to put down. Highly, highly recommended."

~Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer, MidWest Book Review