A Vince Torelli Mystery Series by John Schembra
A former soldier who becomes a San Francisco police homicide investigator after the war, Vince Torelli is dedicated, intelligent and highly principled–all skills that serve him well given the difficult, almost impossible murder investigations he’s assigned to handle that force him to the razor edge with equally resolute, extremely ruthless masterminds.
A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 1: Retribution
There’s a vigilante killer loose in San Francisco, and when the justice system fails, he doles out his own brand of justice.
Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli has handled some of the city’s worst murders, but this case has him baffled. It seems no matter what he does, the killer manages to stay one step ahead of him, anticipating his every move. The false clues and trail the killer leaves keeps Vince chasing shadows as the body count rises. Will he discover the killer’s identity and will he survive long enough to bring him to justice?
GENRE: Mystery/Thriller Word count: 59, 406
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Rating
5.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful, clever, and well-written
Hi! I bought this book because the author is the president of our writers association, and because he is a former soldier and a career policeman. So I knew it would be good, and I was right! Vince Torelli, the hero, is a likeable protagonist because he is a good father, a loyal and friendly police partner, a loving husband, and a strong leader. His relationships are all solid, except, of course, for anyone who is trying to kill him. In those instances, he is courageous and intelligent. That’s the foundation of good suspense, as Schembra shows us. If we care about the character, then we, as readers, are quickly sucked up into the story. And that’s what happened to me. I particularly enjoyed how Schembra told parts of the story from the point of view of the killer but without revealing his identity. The writing is clever and well-plotted, with lush descriptions of nature and other sensory details. The twist at the end was well done and non-obvious clues were planted throughout. Five stars!
pbweill
June 13, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Read.
I recently completed John Schembra's novel: Retribution. Generally, I am apt to lose interest in a book fairly quick, but not so with this one. I can unequivocally recommend it as a good read. Clues were subtly dropped, and at times were so ingenious the clue went unseen, cloaked only in shadows. The action scenes were fast, good and credible. The picture was painted with such a skillful hand I could 'see' the scenes unfold. Think I'll go shopping for another Schembra novel. Happy Reading,
B. Butterfield
February 15, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great San Francisco centric mystery
Schembra introduces the lead character San Francisco Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli in this series of easy to read, but tough to put down, mystery novels. If you know the SF Bay Area or not, this is a great introduction to a captivating series of uniquely well written novels that never disappoint. I love Schembra’s work and am looking forward to reading the next book following the cases of Inspector Torelli.
P. Grant
January 4, 2023
4.0 out of 5 stars snappy local read
It's fun to follow Vince around the sites in San Francisco. I didn't always follow the plot but it was hard to put down. Evil, ambition, justice, and revenge mingle in an easy read with some police jargon.
Hannah L.
February 8, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
A good storyline. Quick and easy read.
KC
December 24, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and easy to read
Once I started reading the book I found it hard to stop and come back to it. I usually read late at night and found I was staying up later than usual because I would want to see what happens next. Well written and easy to read. Definitely keeps your attention.
Paul Padavana
January 18, 2016
A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 2: Diplomatic Immunity
There are sixty-six Consulates and Embassies in San Francisco and a very talented, deadly sniper is targeting the Consul Generals seemingly at random.
San Francisco Homicide inspector Vince Torelli has a reputation for solving the toughest cases in the city, but this one is unlike anything else he has faced. The killings make no sense, lack motive, and appear to be unrelated but Vince knows there has to be a link between them. As he struggles to find the connection and identify the suspect he becomes a target himself. This can end only one of two ways: Either he solves the case…or he becomes a victim himself.
Word Count: 59, 440
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Rating
5.0 out of 5 stars Fictional account about how real police investigate murder
I enjoyed this book because it showed me how real police might handle a mass murder investigation. Though fictional, I'm sure there are many truisms explained about what a homicide detective might really do to solve murders. An excellent read.
Sheryl
October 25, 2022
A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 3: Blood Debt
San Francisco Homicide Investigator and Vietnam veteran Vince Torelli strives to clean up the violence in San Francisco but, after a suspect in a double murder is killed during an attempted arrest, he finds himself also protecting the police officers of the city he considers family. His efforts put him in the line of fire when he’s targeted. The brother of the suspect victim wants revenge on the officers responsible and he’ll stop at nothing. He kidnaps Vince, a man obsessively loyal to his job as well as those he works alongside, a man as smart and committed to his principles as the criminals he catches almost without fail. Vince knows best, though, a blood debt always demands payment…
Word Count: 59, 289
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A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 4: The List
A recently mutilated, naked corpse is found in an early 19th-century tunnel under San Francisco. With no forensic evidence, solving the crime seems impossible.
After San Francisco Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli begins investigating, notes from the killer, addressed to him, start showing up. Vince realizes this murder may be the first of several, leading Vince on a deadly multi-state investigation.
Word Count: 59, 191
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A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 5: Southern Justness
When his uncle, a Superior Court Judge in Georgia, is killed in a hit-and-run accident, San Francisco PD Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli travels to Augusta for the funeral.
While there, it is discovered the judge’s death was no accident, and Vince gets caught up in a deadly vendetta against his family. Unofficially working with Detective Sergeant Louisa “Louie” Princeton, Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, several suspects are eventually identified. Louie and Vince are determined to bring them to justice, but someone is frustrating their attempts with deadly results.
Word Count: 65, 356
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