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Righteous Assassin: A Mike Stoneman Thriller Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 921 ratings

A thrilling page-turner with twists you’ll never see coming from Kevin G. Chapman, winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award for best mystery/thriller.

A MOB BOSS IS EATEN ALIVE BY TIGERS AT THE BRONX ZOO. . . .A sweatshop owner is mutilated and left to bleed out . . . .A pharmaceutical baron is tortured and frozen to death . . . .A fashion designer is poisoned in her Upper East Side apartment.

Four months, four unsolved murders – each on the last Saturday of the month. NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson must stop the elusive killer before he completes his decathlon of death. Each month, a new murder adds a piece to the killer’s puzzle, but even unravelling the clues and finding the killer’s pattern may not be enough to catch him.

The task force includes an FBI profiler, and Mike gets an assist from Medical Examiner Michelle McNeill, who seems to be on his mind a lot lately. She’s an asset to the investigation, but is this any time to be starting a romance?

Each month is a race against the calendar. Only one thing is certain – on the last Saturday of the month, there will be blood.

Amazon's AI-generated summary of 799 customer reviews says: "
Customers find the storyline compelling, with nice twists and turns. They describe the book as a great read, terrific, and exciting. Readers praise the main characters as well-developed and colorful. They appreciate the writing quality and pacing." (AI-generated from the text of customer reviews. Scroll down to read all reviews)

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From the Publisher

Kevin G. Chapman, Author

Join Kevin G. Chapman in Mike Stoneman's World

The Mike Stoneman Thriller Series was born from a short story called Fool Me Twice, which won first prize in a 2012 short story writing competition. You can find Fool Me Twice on the Mike Stoneman Thriller Series page. When we meet up with Mike in the first full-length novel, Righteous Assassin, Mike has a new partner, a young Black detective named Jason Dickson. Mike and Jason don't get along in the beginning. Mike thinks Jason got special treatment because he's Black. Mike thinks Jason hasn't paid his dues. But it's Jason who puts the first pieces together to link four murders to a possible serial killer. Mike is also struggling his way through the first stages of what he hopes will be a romance with the county medical examiner, Michelle McNeill. In the later books, Jason's romance with Rachel Robinson becomes an important part of the story. Come along with Mike, Jason, Michelle, and Rachel as their adventures take them on a Bermuda cruise, and a trip to Las Vegas.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I loved the plot"
-- Big Al's Books and Pals (5-stars)

"The Mike Stoneman books are great police procedurals with an authentic New York flavour."
--
Crimefictionlover magazine

"
Absolutely Twisting and Thrilling. What a magnetically charged story!"
-- Amy's Bookshelf Review (Uncaged Book Reviews, March/April 2022)

This is from a retired Federal Special Agent....great writing. Plausible and exciting, a honest to goodness "PAGE TURNER". The COP book you've been waiting for. - Kenneth R. Carlton (July 2022)


"Kevin Chapman is the East Coast distributor of tension.
Righteous Assassin eats it, drinks it and breathes it."
-- Greg Prince, Author of Faith and Fear in Flushing


"A taut thriller that moves with lightning speed. If you enjoyed Seven, you're in for a treat."
-- Anna Willett, author of Small Town Nightmare


"Mike Stoneman [is] the kind of nuanced, complex character that rises above genre while enhancing it and raising the bar for authors to come."
-- New Mystics Reviews


"Move over Harry Bosch, there's a new guy in town. . . . Detective Michael Stoneman can match wits with Harry any day of the week."
-- Authors Show Linda


"The writing is excellent, with a good mix of believable dialog and descriptive storytelling."
-- Bruce M. Perrin, author of Mind in Chains


"Written in perfect tempo . . . the most enthralling story I have read since my days reading John Grisham."
-- Angie's reads


"As creative as it is disturbing....A must read!"
-- Heather Harrison


"A very impressively written story. Righteous Assassin is a definite recommendation."
-- Amy's Bookshelf Reviews


"Righteous Assassin is one I recommend for those looking for a well-done captivating read.... "
-- bookn.all.night


"The climax of the story is exciting, and I had a hard time putting the book down. If you are a fan of dramatic police stories, you will want to take a look at this book!"
-- Books and Games


"And the twist at the end??? Oh how I loved that. Thank you Mr. Chapman."
-- Carly Rheilan on Goodreads


"If you are a fan of a police procedural, hunting for a serial killer and keen on experiencing the emotional rollercoaster ride of the hunt, then this is the book for you!"
-- Featz Review


"I've enjoyed Righteous Assassin very much. The author kept me in suspense until the end as the detective raced against time to catch the killer."
-- Read or Rot


"I thoroughly recommend!"
-- Rich Reads

From the Author

Righteous Assassin grew out of a character I created for a short story writing competition in 2010. That short story, Fool Me Twice, featured NYPD homicide detective Mike Stoneman, a grizzled veteran who has no patience for incompetence, from civilians or from other cops. But, he found that he had a soft spot for a young girl who was apparently abused and vulnerable. How wrong he was about her, as it turned out. The short story is available free on amazon and on my website. Righteous Assassin is the story of Stoneman and his new partner, Jason Dickson, as they track a clever and sophisticated serial killer. The story allows me to delve into the relationships between Mike and his partner, as well as Mike and his recent love interest, the NYC Medical Examiner, Michelle McNeill. Both relationships are tricky, and they intertwine, along with the chase for the killer. Once again, Mike has some surprises in store for the reader, and for himself. It's a fun read (and I can say that after reading it twenty times). I hope you enjoy it.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07JJDZZC1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kindle Direct Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 18, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 375 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1723898730
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Mike Stoneman Thriller
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 921 ratings

About the author

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Kevin G. Chapman
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Winner of the 2023 CLUE Award GRAND PRIZE (best suspense/thriller for The Other Murder) and the 2021 Kindle Book Award (for Lethal Voyage, Mike Stoneman Thriller #3), Kevin G. Chapman is, by day, a buttoned-down corporate labor & employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars and has taught legal writing to law students. Writing about law, crime, politics, and social issues has come naturally to Kevin since his short story, Fool Me Twice, won a legal short-story contest in 2012. You can get a FREE copy of Fool Me Twice by visiting Kevin's website or contacting him directly.

When not busy writing, Kevin enjoys playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets. Kevin loves talking fiction with readers (especially book clubs), or talking law, politics, or baseball with anyone who wants to listen. Find Kevin's website - KevinGChapman . com. Follow Kevin on Facebook (KevinGChapman - Author), Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X).

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
921 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this thriller for its compelling storyline with nice twists and turns, and appreciate the well-developed characters, with one review noting how the main character's reflections keep the plot balanced. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a well-written complex police procedural. The book maintains a suspenseful pace with heart-pounding moments throughout. However, the characterization receives mixed reactions, with some finding it creative and disturbing. Additionally, customers disagree on the book's readability.

64 customers mention "Suspenseful story"64 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of this thriller, which features nice twists and turns throughout.

"...is excellent with just the right blend of detail and action to paint a vivid picture while ensuring that you will keep flipping pages late into the..." Read more

"...The author is skillful in keeping the plot rolling, bringing in different approaches to murder, torture, and ways for CG to elude law enforcement at..." Read more

"...“blog” of the murderer is a bit long-winded, it helps you to understand his mental instability and how he believes he is doing what God has ordained..." Read more

"...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story Ultimately used my on arbitrary rating system to come up my rating...." Read more

46 customers mention "Enjoyment"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as an interesting read with great suspense, and one customer notes that it "crossed every T and dotted every I."

"...in a murder investigation from beginning to end, this is your kind of book...." Read more

"...turns, a shock or two, a connection I completely missed and reveals worth the wait! AfterThought: I love a good vigilante thriller...." Read more

"Really enjoyed this book which grabs you from the beginning...." Read more

"...You watch his prey die, which is the most brilliant part of the book and my personal favorite...." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with standout performances from the main character and the outstanding villain, while one customer notes that the protagonist's reflections keep the plot balanced.

"...Very entertaining story, pretty well written. I liked the interplay between the characters, as it had an air of authenticity...." Read more

"...thriller that sets itself apart with excellent writing, good character development, edge-of-your-seat pacing, and significant, sometimes explicit..." Read more

"...You did do some great narration on the murders. Developed characters alright but for what purpose?. You have promise...." Read more

"...The character of the killer was really well done, and I liked the flashbacks that gave the reader a look into his mind leading up to and after each..." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing quality"24 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its smooth and perfect tempo, with one customer describing it as a well-crafted police procedural.

"...The writing is excellent with just the right blend of detail and action to paint a vivid picture while ensuring that you will keep flipping pages..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the writing and the plot and would read something else from this author in the future." Read more

"...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story Ultimately used my on arbitrary rating system to come up my rating...." Read more

"...prototypical, crime thriller that sets itself apart with excellent writing, good character development, edge-of-your-seat pacing, and significant,..." Read more

22 customers mention "Pace"18 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with the suspense being heart-pounding at times, and one customer noting how the action keeps readers turning the pages.

"...The plot is imaginative and quickly grabbed my full attention making it hard to put the book down for silly mundane things like eating, sleeping or..." Read more

"...apart with excellent writing, good character development, edge-of-your-seat pacing, and significant, sometimes explicit violence...." Read more

"...The prologue immediately grabbed my attention and by the end of the first chapter, I knew I was going to read this book in one sitting...." Read more

"...and thrills, but there’s plenty of it mixed in with the slower pace of police investigation. In other words, it’s realistic...." Read more

6 customers mention "Development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the development of the book, with reviews noting its thoroughness and intelligent approach.

"...Michelle McNeill (the love interest and Medical Examiner) – are well developed, although the times Dr. McNeill ‘giggled’ seemed a bit out of place...." Read more

"...Although the thoroughness of the book is absolute, the bore factor is a good note to keep in mind while reading...." Read more

"...Good, solid descriptions and the main character's reflections keep the plot balanced and prevents the story from racing...." Read more

"...Very intelligent, he gave the three main characters, Detectives Dickerson and Stoneman, and FBI profiler, Angela Manning a run for their money,..." Read more

13 customers mention "Characterization"9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's characterization, with some finding it creative and disturbing, while others appreciate its realism.

"...I liked the interplay between the characters, as it had an air of authenticity...." Read more

"...The same can be said for the killer's diary. Although it is a unique concept, and does lend to the story about half-way through, I didn't feel that..." Read more

"...The descriptions of those assassinations are often explicit, which may make the violence over-the-top for some readers. Be forewarned...." Read more

"...In other words, it’s realistic...." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the book difficult to read, with one mentioning long passages by the killer and another noting it kept them up late wanting to keep reading.

"...I will admit, it was a bit long for my taste, and seemed to drag on whenever there were large blocks of the detective’s putting together their..." Read more

"...The only complaint is that it kept me up late wanting to keep reading." Read more

"Long read but so worth it! Lots of twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyed this book looking forward to reading more Mike Stoneman thrillers!" Read more

"...Things I don't like: Long passages by killer, in italics yet. Had to skip over all that." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I confess that the author had me at the line from the book’s blurb about a mob boss being eaten alive by tigers at a Bronx zoo. I just had to read this book and I am so glad I did. I now have a new author to follow and a new series to keep me entertained. I love a good crime thriller and this story checks all the boxes. The main character, Detective Mike Stoneman, is an experienced homicide detective who has seen just about everything. His partner, only recently promoted to detective, is less experienced but intelligent, dedicated and eager to learn. These two detectives catch a serial killer case that defies imagination wherein the villain is diabolical, driven and downright deluded. He’s also dastardly clever, which makes catching him a real challenge for our detectives and their task force team. The plot is imaginative and quickly grabbed my full attention making it hard to put the book down for silly mundane things like eating, sleeping or going to work. The writing is excellent with just the right blend of detail and action to paint a vivid picture while ensuring that you will keep flipping pages late into the night. I can’t wait to dive into the second book in this series.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I will admit up front that I am not often a fan of crime novels. I was, however, immediately drawn into this book because of the set-up, where the inner thoughts of a killer, who is convinced that he's on a mission from God to rid the world of evil-doers, explains why he plans to kill his prey, and why he plans each murder carefully and precisely.

    The elusive killer goes by many different names, one of which is Charles Gordon (CG), so that's the one I'll use in this review. He was discharged from the military after having been wounded during a tour in Afghanistan and having suffered from psychological as well as physiological injuries. He watched a number of his fellow soldiers and Marines lose their lives or suffer other life-changing injuries, which seem to have contributed significantly to his psychological troubles. He turned to religion to help him cope, it seems, and he deeply believes that God has not only given him permission to kill evil people, but has indeed chosen him to do so.

    As part of his mission, CG devises devious and painful ways to bring his victims to the end of their lives, and hence their evil deeds.

    Enter Detective Mike Stoneman, an experienced New York City homicide detective, and his recently promoted partner, Detective Jason Dickson. Stoneman's convinced Dickson's promotion is not completely due to his abilities as a detective, but rather, due to an "affirmative action" decision, so Stoneman rides Dickson time and time again about the promotion. The first case they confront is discovered in the Bronx Zoo, and there's not much left of the body. Seems the only thing left after the tigers in the zoo ate the victim--a local guy with mob ties--were his shoes

    As the murders increase, Dickson detects a pattern: the murders take place on the final Saturday of each month. The FBI is called in on the case. The female medical examiner and Stoneman begin "seeing" each other. More evil people die in strange, painful ways.

    The author is skillful in keeping the plot rolling, bringing in different approaches to murder, torture, and ways for CG to elude law enforcement at many levels. Some of the gory details are not for the faint of heart, so if the intricacy of the author's descriptions, which is the rule rather than the exception, is something that might bother a reader, this is not the book for you. If, however, you are fond of this type of specific detail, you will indeed enjoy the depths into which this author goes to elaborate the carnage and torture.

    The plot follows what I would consider interesting approaches to a serial killer theme, bringing together psychological obsession with religion resulting from the extreme stress being in the military in Afghanistan, injured, losing friends and then coming home to so-called "normal" life, and becoming convinced that evil in the world must be eliminated. The way the police react to having a serial killer in their midst seems like what one might see on "Law & Order," although the author goes into far more detail than one gets in a tv show.

    What I didn't like about this book, however, are some of the other minor details. For example, the dialogue is sometimes stilted and way too formal for the way the police talk in New York City (I worked in law enforcement in New York until my retirement in 2014 in New York). Example: "Dr. McNeill, can we possibly pull you away from your work for a few minutes on a matter of some urgency?" The flirtatious dialogue scenes between Stoneman and Dr. McNeill are also stilted and don't come off as romantic, in my opinion.

    As someone who did public relations and media relations for a government law enforcement agency, I also found it quite difficult to believe when Stoneman and Dickson met with a reporter from the New York Times. The way that was handled would have gotten anyone who was involved in an investigation in my agency fired in a New York minute.

    When referring to the medical examiner, often in the same paragraph, the author calls her Dr. McNeill, Michelle, McNeill, Doctor McNeill, the M.E., or the doctor. Sometimes he refers to detectives by their last name, sometimes by their first names. Sometimes he capitalizes the word "detective," sometimes not. There are some random typos, but I have come to expect this in every book I read these days, even those from major publishing houses.

    Those the reasons why I didn't give this book five stars. I enjoyed the writing and the plot and would read something else from this author in the future.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was my first introduction to old time Detective, Mike Stoneman, and his rookie partner, Detective Jason Dickson, in an incredible murder thriller. Mike and Jason’s partnership is brand-new and their relationship is put to the ultimate test when they are confronted with a fanatical serial killer terrorizing NYC. The killer believes he is God’s Angel of Death and it is his divine duty to remove evil humans from the earth. The story is a thrill ride full of twists and turns. While the “blog” of the murderer is a bit long-winded, it helps you to understand his mental instability and how he believes he is doing what God has ordained him to do. I highly recommend this thriller and plan to continue the series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
    ⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story

    Ultimately used my on arbitrary rating system to come up my rating. Very entertaining story, pretty well written. I liked the interplay between the characters, as it had an air of authenticity. The ending was well done, and when I have complaints about the writing it’s usually due in part to sloppy endings. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A misguided vet becomes the avenging angel of God, killing some really nasty people. The killer "ends" his prey using the ten plagues as the means to their end.

Top reviews from other countries

  • A. L.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Solid and entertaining crime thriller
    Reviewed in Germany on October 20, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "Righteous Assassin" is a well-written police thriller with passages of explicit violence. It is not a splatter horror, but sensitive readers might dislike it. The plot, a brilliant, deeply religious serial killer who is punishing "awful people" in the name of God, is not exactly new. For example, it resembles David Fincher's "Se7en" - even the two detectives, an old hand and a novice, remind me of Somerset and Mills in Finchers movie (with swapped skin colors ;)) But of course there are differences. It's not exactly the Seven Deadly Sins that the murderer punishes. He chooses despicable people - mafia bosses, cheats, exploiters, etc. and proclaims to be an angel of vengance. Interesting, but also a little unrealistic. What is it that bothers him about the exploitation in Asian textile factories? He accuses the fashion designer of exactly this, which makes him sound more like a human rights activist than a religious fanatic. A modern times Robin Hood, you can say. There are also a few other things that I stumbled upon. One is the sometimes quite unrealistic killing scenarios - for instance, a small skin cut is not suitable to administer enough (animal) toxin to kill a human being. The poison frog that can kill humans instantly is a typical urban legend. Yes, its venom is potent and can - when administered intravenously - kill a human being. But a skin injury is not the same as an injection into the bloodstream. The wound would burn like hell but that’s it. This is the reason the Russians use chemical nerve agents like Novitchok and not frog or snake venom ;). But anyway, this story is very entertaining and authentic if you overlook these (small) inconsistencies.
  • Kayleigh Hughes
    5.0 out of 5 stars engaging read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Have to say I quite enjoyed this book, as crime stories are right up my street. It maybe won’t be for everyone, with its violence (maybe think Peaky Blinders), but if you’re a crime drama fan, in whatever medium (prose, TV, film etc), I can’t recommend this book enough. I hope to read more from this author. Thumbs up
  • Kerry Gubb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant plot!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 19, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    OK, Mr Chapman. You've made Mike Stoneman a good friend. You now owe a dozen more stories of the same calibre!
  • Pete Peru
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to Mike Stoneman
    Reviewed in Spain on June 17, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Well written and seamlessly put together by an author who knows his stuff and tells a (sadly) all-too credible story of people (ordinary enough despite their profession) tasked with putting an end to the career of a person who would have either been an arch-inquisitor or a victim of same institution in times gone by.
    This is not a genre I'm given to reading, but I enjoyed this one and it kept me turning the pages.
    A negative? I found it a little long-winded at times.
    All in all a satisfying read for anyone and a must read for all-out fans of crime fiction.
    First of the series and I would happily read the sequels. Good stuff!
  • Zarine Arya
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5.04am.. that's when I finished reading
    Reviewed in India on July 16, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A gripping crime story, puzzles to work out, twists and a twisted killer, deadpan dialogues .. what more could one ask for? Oh, believable tough old cop, smart cookie partner, and .. and .. that time-stamp says it all.

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