Thomas Holgate

Unlike many mystery/thrillers, we know right off the bat who's doing the killing. We also know the detective trying to stop him. Yet, you can't help but sympathize with Daniel a bit - he might be a serial killer, but he's attempting to mete out justice to those who have done wrong and escaped. With a ticking time bomb in his head, it's a question of whether Czarcik or the tumor will stop him first. This was excellently written, and I loved seeing both points of view, and how the 'bad guy' is show more actually operating in more of a moral gray area. Definitely going to be recommending this one! show less

Rain Will Come is a first novel for author Thomas Holgate. It is intriguing in many ways. The protagonist, a career officer who now works for Illinois’s elite state police unit, is a difficult character to like in a way. Dependent on cocaine and decidedly rough around the edges, he defies the norm of a hero profile. The villain of the story is the sympathetic character of Daniel, a tech wiz who’s life was shattered after being diagnosed with a deadly, inoperable brain tumor. With time show more running out, he decides to become a vigilante angel of death, and right the wrongs of people who have escaped proper justice for crimes committed against other people. Armed with his wits and depraved indifference he embarks on a journey across the country to render justice. The descriptions of the “justice” he perpetrates are graphic and brutal. Despite their crimes you almost feel sorry for these unfortunate souls who make Daniel’s list. There are some minor plot points that don’t always get a full explanation, but in general all the characters find a resolution and the story is wrapped up in a neat little bow. This is a solid first novel and Thomas Holgate is one to watch in the future. Thank you Netgalley for the copy. show less

This was a pretty good detective story. I don't always love knowing who the 'bad guy' is upfront but it was okay for this one. The story played out well and I enjoyed it. Sometimes the thrill is solving the mystery - but this one it was nice to go through the story with the detective. Glad I gave it a try.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Rain Will Come by Thomas Holgate is a first novel but the author’s writing experience of films and television movies and series shines through in this mystery. Paul Czarcik, a senior detective with the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement is investigating a double murder when he realizes that this crime shares similarities with the murder of a judge in Texas. This leads him to believe he is on the trail of a serial killer. His investigation will take him to other states in pursuit of show more the killer, in the hope of preventing future murders and trying to detect how he selects his victims. This murder mystery is fast-paced, the characters are well-developed and the storyline is original. Suspense increases with every page. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. show less