The Skin Gods

This compelling novel is presented in such realistic detail, it makes one truly feel for the characters. Mr. Montanari opens a door into the world of crime fighting in a way that no other author has ever done before. The way he conveys the relationships' in a Police Officer's life; from parents, to children and partners, is perfect. Even the thought process of a detective trying to think like a suspect is exact. He writes in style that can be expilict without being vulgar. ***Spoiler** My only criticism is that Mr. Montanari chose an easy out for the suspect. Making the bad guy a Police Officer is too cliche and overdone in today's media.

"The Skin Gods" is the first novel I've read by Richard Montanari and I got two words for you...Great book! It's a detective story laced with movie history and is totally original. The main characters are Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne, two Philadelphia Homicide detectives who are searching for The Actor. The Actor is a serial killer, who has recently stolen the video "Psycho" from an independent video store. When it was rented and the scene where Janet Leigh is killed finally arrives, the tape cuts to a real murder committed exactly like that one. As the detectives try to find out what he'll pick next and figure out his motive (as well as who the victim is), The Actor stikes again...The movie is filled with movie references and is really fun to read for a movie fanatic, but you don't REALLY need to know anything about movies to enjoy the book. It's got short, brisk chapters (there's 98 chapters and an Epilogue) with the story progressing from several different perspectives. It's actually pretty suspenseful. Some of the story is told from The Actor's perspective, but, wisely, Montanari doesn't tell us anything that the police don't know. The book is filled with false leads, making us second guess ourselves the entire time while never seeming forced. I highly recommend this book...It's the first book I've read by Montanari, but it's certainly not the last. GRADE: A-

Richard Montanari was born in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young man Richard travelled Europe extensively and lived for a time in London, before returning to work in the family construction business. Five years and a few damaged thumbs later, he decided that writing may be a less painful occupation. He has now written several very successful suspense novels. The Skin Gods is a suspense novel in the true sense of the word, sometimes violent and brutal, but not just for the sake of it It delves into the seedy world of cheap nightclubs and even cheaper women, pornography and all the other things that make a large city tick. Detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano are trawling the streets of Philadelphia in the blazing summer heat. A series of crimes has shattered the quiet of the city. A secretary has been slashed to death in a seedy motel shower and a street hustler has been brutally murdered with a chain saw. Someone is recreating copy cat murders from famous Hollywood murder scenes and placing the clips in videos for the unsuspecting public to find while they are eating their pizzas and popcorn in their own living rooms. Is this some local psycho or is it something even more sinister . . .

This is the first book by this author that I'v read, and was totally amazed. It was supurbly written, and as soon as u start predicting the rest of the book, it takes a completly differnt turn and keeps your eyes glued to the pages. It's full of suspense and delivers 100% all throughout the book. This is the second book in the series and is just as good, if not better then the first! (The Rosary Girls) I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, it was just great!

After reading the excellent THE ROSARY GIRLS, I decided to read THE SKIN GODS and consider this to be just as excellent. Richard Montanari reminds me of when James Patterson used to be good. Excellent characters, suspenseful scenes, great dialog, a deranged killer and just enough red herrings to keep you guessing. I changed my mind several times when trying to guess whom the killer was. I think Kevin Byrne is one of the most intriguing characters I've read in a long time. He's a good guy who is definitely willing to compromise himself for what he believes is right. Jessica Belzano is a great character as well. Mom/Homicide Detective/Boxer - definitely an interesting combination (She's lucky to have such an understanding babysitter as well.) I agree with the reviewer who thinks Montanari should be more widely read. I hope this series continues to grow. Can't wait for the next one.