One by One

A Danny Ryan Mystery

A twenty-year-old grudge and a rich cast of characters make this mystery continually surprising.

Philadelphia journalist Danny Ryan is still recovering from the loss of his wife and son when he is called upon for help by an old high-school acquaintance, who is receiving threatening biblical passages via text message. Eventually, Danny discovers that most of the members of the high school football team’s starting lineup have been gunned down in the years since graduation. As an ancillary member of the “Awesome Eleven”—he had been their drug dealer—Danny struggles to determine what twenty-year-old grudge could still be relevant today.

Equal parts mystery and thriller, and with a somewhat violent resolution, what sets this novel apart from other titles in the genre is its cast of characters. Danny’s family, friends, and enemies—both past and present—are continuously introduced almost to the end, and Cain manages to keep them all three-dimensional and authentic.

One By One is a mystery that progresses just fast enough to move the plot forward, with enough surprises to keep suspense alive throughout.

Reviewed by Ilyssa Wesche

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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