They Never Die Quietly tells the story of homicide Detective Sami Rizzo, who is assigned to head a task force investigating serial killings in San Diego. Simon, the highly intelligent, cunning, and deceptively charming villain, redefines the depths of human evil. He believes God has given him absolute authority to purify his unholy victims through a ritual that ends in a grisly crucifixion. Driven by warped religious beliefs and guided by his dead mother, very much alive in his subconscious, Simon abducts “chosen ones” and holds them captive in a Room of Redemption. There, the victims helplessly await their crucifixion. Detective Rizzo urgently yearns to solve the case and gain the respect of her male colleagues, but her obsession to apprehend the killer on her own clouds her thinking. When Simon outsmarts Rizzo and captures her, determined to make her his next victim, she must employ all her resources—both physical and intellectual—to outwit the villain at his own game.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Daniel Annechino’s passion has always been fiction, particularly thrillers. He wrote several novels early in his writing career, but it wasn’t until he authored "They Never Die Quietly” that he fulfilled his goal as a novelist. A native of New York, Annechino now lives in San Diego with his wife, Jennifer. He loves to cook, enjoys a glass of vintage wine, and spends lots of leisure time on the warm beaches of Southern California. He is currently working on a sequel titled “Resuscitation”, which he promises will be even more chilling than “They Never Die Quietly”.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
PROLOGUE
I lie naked on the makeshift crucifix. Along the underside of my arms, down my spine, against the back of my thighs, I can feel splinters from the rough-sawn wood prickling my tender skin. My arms and ankles are bound to the crucifix with clothesline. I try to inhale a breath of the damp air, but my lungs feel oppressed, as if a heavy weight lay on my chest. My heart pounds against my ribs. He straddles my shivering body. My captor. A monster like no other. For an instant his wide-open eyes glance at my breasts. I cringe at the thought of him touching me. Then, he studies my face, searching for something; I don't know what. Perhaps he wishes to taste my fear, sip it like fine wine. I try to convince myself that this is a nightmare, that all I know about life and death and reality will exist when I awaken. But I will not awaken. I look into his eyes and see not a man, but my executioner. I no longer sob, or ask for mercy. My plea only serves to inspire and excite him. And I will not give him that satisfaction.
So this is how I will die.
I turn my head slightly and see my daughter lying on the bed. She sleeps peacefully, unaware that she will never see me again. He promises not to harm her if I do not resist, but I find little solace in his pledge. He is holding a hammer in one hand and a shinny spike in the other. I cannot imagine the level of pain I will experience when he drives the cold steel through my wrists and feet. If God is truly merciful, maybe He will lead me to a sanctuary of unconsciousness and spare me the agony.
Why does he hesitate? His pause only serves to further torment me. But yes, this is part of his game.
I fear death of course, the unknown, but the true terror lives in my still-alert mind. No one will recall my name. Linda Cassidy will be remembered as an obscure woman who made a poor choice when her car broke down. My life, all of my accomplishments and contributions to my family will fade to oblivion.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
100 of 104 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chilling and utterly believable killer--will have you double checking your locks!
December 23, 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I was so excited for this book to arrive that I stayed up last night finishing it.
The characters are first rate, explained well, and (for the most part) stay consistent. The book moves along at a pretty good clip--not stopping for you to catch up but its so well written you won't be left behind. From the first couple of words written you will be hooked (line and sinker) and you'll feel compelled to keep going to discover if tragedy awaits or if Rizzo will be able to outsmart a killer.
The killer in this case, Simon, is portrayed so distinctly that you feel as if you were watching a movie of him in your head. The fact that you get inside his head and his victims head is nothing short of genius that will give you heart palpitations. I literally could feel my adrenalin pumping and my heart racing as my eyes continued to devour this novel.
I must admit to having a passing thought about the author--this book is spooky and I kind of wondered what mind could dream this up you know? So clearly there is MUCH talent here in the writer--research was definitely done.
I will say the only thing that could knock this down a bit (I really would give it 4 1/2 stars) is that Detective Rizzo made a judgement choice that I did not feel suited her or how her character was portrayed early on. I had a very hard time believing she would make that choice (you'll know when you read the book) and even with the authors explanation I found it hard to swallow. Why is it always the female detectives that make a stupid judgement call? It was enough to knock it down half a star for me but I rounded up because the tension was just superb--you really cannot put this book down!
The subplot revolving around Rizzo's ex husband I thought was superfluous and at times just felt forced and out of place. It didn't detract from the story but it didn't add to it as it wasn't explained enough for you to be invested in the events that ensued. I'd of bought her as a single mom without a lot of back story just fine.
Anyway that should, in no way, indicate to you that I have anything less than the heartiest recommendation for you to pick up this gem. I'll warn you ahead of time it will make you freaked out, nauseated, scared, and biting your nails up until the end. Lets hope this author writes more novels of this type or a sequel (hint hint)
The characters are first rate, explained well, and (for the most part) stay consistent. The book moves along at a pretty good clip--not stopping for you to catch up but its so well written you won't be left behind. From the first couple of words written you will be hooked (line and sinker) and you'll feel compelled to keep going to discover if tragedy awaits or if Rizzo will be able to outsmart a killer.
The killer in this case, Simon, is portrayed so distinctly that you feel as if you were watching a movie of him in your head. The fact that you get inside his head and his victims head is nothing short of genius that will give you heart palpitations. I literally could feel my adrenalin pumping and my heart racing as my eyes continued to devour this novel.
I must admit to having a passing thought about the author--this book is spooky and I kind of wondered what mind could dream this up you know? So clearly there is MUCH talent here in the writer--research was definitely done.
I will say the only thing that could knock this down a bit (I really would give it 4 1/2 stars) is that Detective Rizzo made a judgement choice that I did not feel suited her or how her character was portrayed early on. I had a very hard time believing she would make that choice (you'll know when you read the book) and even with the authors explanation I found it hard to swallow. Why is it always the female detectives that make a stupid judgement call? It was enough to knock it down half a star for me but I rounded up because the tension was just superb--you really cannot put this book down!
The subplot revolving around Rizzo's ex husband I thought was superfluous and at times just felt forced and out of place. It didn't detract from the story but it didn't add to it as it wasn't explained enough for you to be invested in the events that ensued. I'd of bought her as a single mom without a lot of back story just fine.
Anyway that should, in no way, indicate to you that I have anything less than the heartiest recommendation for you to pick up this gem. I'll warn you ahead of time it will make you freaked out, nauseated, scared, and biting your nails up until the end. Lets hope this author writes more novels of this type or a sequel (hint hint)
138 of 148 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I wanted to like "They Never Die Quietly," I really did. I love the idea that Amazon is releasing work that wasn't published by a major house, and think there are plenty of books out there worthy of getting picked up. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them.
Warning: minor spoilers ahead, though no more than in the publisher's description. That said, the plot basics are simple: Simon, the crazy, religious, killer that was overly-involved with his mom (who he believes is speaking to him from beyond the grave), kills and necro-rapes women in order to cleanse those nasty sinners' souls. All the killing is done in his always-init-capp'd Room of Redemption, where the women are also (surprise!) crucified.
Killer Simon is being hunted by ace chick-detective Sami Rizzo, who is (of course) the only female detective on the squad and is implied to be (also of course) smarter than all the men. Sami and Simon meet coincidentally outside of the investigation (because that happens ALL the time - you know, killers meeting the lead detectives that are hunting them), and Sami begins to suspect, through hard-to-believe leaps of logic and poorly-based assumptions, that Simon may just be the killer. Suspicions she fails to share with her longtime detective partner, Al (who's in love with Sami from afar - of course), which pretty much undercuts that whole "she's smarter than the other guys" thing.
Because she keeps her suspicions to herself, when she goes to Simon's house (without telling ANYONE where she's going), Sami ends up captured by Simon (of course), and stuck in the Room of Redemption. Will she outsmart Simon? Will she get away? Will Al save her? Will the clichés ever stop?
This book appears to have been written by taking a fistful of standard plot points from a bag, stringing them together, then adding extra gore. The gore is overdone, voyeuristic, and for the most part pointless, feeling more like grabs at attention than necessary parts of the book (no, I'm not squeamish, and I don't have a problem with graphic passages), the characters' behaviors are hard to believe, and the plot points are (have I mentioned this yet?) incredibly clichéd.
I know I'm going to get railed for writing a negative review - it's the nature of the beast - but I gotta call it like I see it, and this book is simply not worth the time.
Warning: minor spoilers ahead, though no more than in the publisher's description. That said, the plot basics are simple: Simon, the crazy, religious, killer that was overly-involved with his mom (who he believes is speaking to him from beyond the grave), kills and necro-rapes women in order to cleanse those nasty sinners' souls. All the killing is done in his always-init-capp'd Room of Redemption, where the women are also (surprise!) crucified.
Killer Simon is being hunted by ace chick-detective Sami Rizzo, who is (of course) the only female detective on the squad and is implied to be (also of course) smarter than all the men. Sami and Simon meet coincidentally outside of the investigation (because that happens ALL the time - you know, killers meeting the lead detectives that are hunting them), and Sami begins to suspect, through hard-to-believe leaps of logic and poorly-based assumptions, that Simon may just be the killer. Suspicions she fails to share with her longtime detective partner, Al (who's in love with Sami from afar - of course), which pretty much undercuts that whole "she's smarter than the other guys" thing.
Because she keeps her suspicions to herself, when she goes to Simon's house (without telling ANYONE where she's going), Sami ends up captured by Simon (of course), and stuck in the Room of Redemption. Will she outsmart Simon? Will she get away? Will Al save her? Will the clichés ever stop?
This book appears to have been written by taking a fistful of standard plot points from a bag, stringing them together, then adding extra gore. The gore is overdone, voyeuristic, and for the most part pointless, feeling more like grabs at attention than necessary parts of the book (no, I'm not squeamish, and I don't have a problem with graphic passages), the characters' behaviors are hard to believe, and the plot points are (have I mentioned this yet?) incredibly clichéd.
I know I'm going to get railed for writing a negative review - it's the nature of the beast - but I gotta call it like I see it, and this book is simply not worth the time.
43 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
On the first page of this novel there is a note, warning that this novel is not for the faint of heart. There are some gruesome scenes, involving torture, but overall I found them tolerable.
This is a captivating story depicting a serial killer, daring to look into his methods, mind, and background. The author's considerable research is evident. The characters are fully realized and believable, as well as likable. And the serial killer's warped religious thinking is particularly intriguing.
There is suspense a plenty, no doubt about it. I constantly felt compelled to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I must add two criticisms. These are not major faults, but to a reader they are distractions.
1. The novel could have benefitted with a bit more careful editing. Some of the word choices just don't work well. I suspect--and I could be wrong about this--that when the author went to use a common phrase in his writing (one bordering on a cliché) he sought to modify it by changing it. Problem is, the substituted word doesn't often work well; it isn't accurate. This means, bottom line, in spots the writing is confusing.
2. Another issue is head-hopping, meaning when an author switches point of view frequently. For example, starting on page 40, The killer is entering his killing room, and he sees his victim. Next paragraph, the victim is looking at the killer (no warning or transition). We see through her eyes for two paragraphs. Then it's back to the killer again. On these two pages (40-41), there are three changes like this. The problem is this is both annoying to a reader and confusing. It's always a bit annoying to change from looking out one character's eyes to another's. But it is particularly so when effective transitions are lacking. I found myself going back to previous paragraphs to figure out what was going on.
In spite of these minor defects, the story is a good read. If this is your kind of story material--serial killer, some violence and profanity, some sex, some police work, plenty of suspense--then by all means give it a read.
Recommended.
This is a captivating story depicting a serial killer, daring to look into his methods, mind, and background. The author's considerable research is evident. The characters are fully realized and believable, as well as likable. And the serial killer's warped religious thinking is particularly intriguing.
There is suspense a plenty, no doubt about it. I constantly felt compelled to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I must add two criticisms. These are not major faults, but to a reader they are distractions.
1. The novel could have benefitted with a bit more careful editing. Some of the word choices just don't work well. I suspect--and I could be wrong about this--that when the author went to use a common phrase in his writing (one bordering on a cliché) he sought to modify it by changing it. Problem is, the substituted word doesn't often work well; it isn't accurate. This means, bottom line, in spots the writing is confusing.
2. Another issue is head-hopping, meaning when an author switches point of view frequently. For example, starting on page 40, The killer is entering his killing room, and he sees his victim. Next paragraph, the victim is looking at the killer (no warning or transition). We see through her eyes for two paragraphs. Then it's back to the killer again. On these two pages (40-41), there are three changes like this. The problem is this is both annoying to a reader and confusing. It's always a bit annoying to change from looking out one character's eyes to another's. But it is particularly so when effective transitions are lacking. I found myself going back to previous paragraphs to figure out what was going on.
In spite of these minor defects, the story is a good read. If this is your kind of story material--serial killer, some violence and profanity, some sex, some police work, plenty of suspense--then by all means give it a read.
Recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very well written
The author has vivid descriptions of the characters. The plot draws the reader into the story. Hard to put down.
Published 1 day ago by Valerie Sweeney
4.0 out of 5 stars
They Never Die Quietly
The book started just where I like. In the mind of the killer. I will read more of this author. It is not the best book I have read, but it is far from the worst. Read more
Published 5 days ago by James W. Turner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Violent
Dtdtdtttdtdtcg the great way to our customers with a way to our customers with a way of May be viewed as the first time I am looking forward and a few weeks back to it to it and a... Read more
Published 8 days ago by John
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable read
Has all the elements of a good read: thrilling, dramatic, romance, mystery, emotion. Easy, but good read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read.
Published 15 days ago by Kristin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Disturbing
Although the book held my attention and was a quick, hold-your-attention read, it bothered me that children were involved in this sick person's mind, even if it was just to keep... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Joan Doman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I would've given it five stars if the ending were a little more detailed (I don't want to spoil the ending). Other than that, a GREAT read.
Published 25 days ago by krista0506
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mentally disturbing, but excellent!
When I first started reading this, I thought it might be too disturbing to continue, but after getting sucked in by the intriguing twists and suspense, I could not put it... Read more
Published 27 days ago by Crickey Doodle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!!
This book was freakishly phenomenal. It kept my Interest from the first page. I was on edge the entire time. I finished in less than a week. Read more
Published 29 days ago by jodi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the Experience
This is a very well written and very well crafted book. It is without a doubt an intriguing thriller. Read more
Published 1 month ago by papaurn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't Put it Down
This was a pretty good book! I think I read it in two short evenings. It was very suspenseful, and I enjoyed it.
Published 1 month ago by Erica E Kruse
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More About the Author
DM Annechino's passion has always been fiction, particularly thrillers. He wrote several novels early in his writing career, but it wasn't until he authored "They Never Die Quietly" that he fulfilled his goal as a novelist. A native of New York, Annechino now lives in San Diego with his wife, Jennifer. He loves to cook, enjoys a glass of vintage wine, and spends his leisure time on the warm beaches of Southern California.
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