This third installment in the Liam Mulligan series is just as good as the first two. All the old characters are back: Mulligan, Edward Anthony “Thanks-Dad” Mason, Gloria, Ed Lomax. Providence Rag is inspired by (not based on) two of Rhode Island’s most notorious murder cases, according to the author.
Two brutal serial killers have served their sentences and are up for parole. One is in his 70s and dying from heart disease. The chances of him committing another murder is minimal. The other is in his thirties and has shown no remorse. The probability is high that he will strike again. What do you do? Let him go free? Fabricate incidents in jail that would extend his stay?
What do you do if you find evidence that false incidents were reported that, indeed did extend his term? Publication of this evidence will accelerate parole. But you’re a reporter, held to a higher standand. You report the truth, despite the results. Right?
Mulligan and Mason go head to head on this subject. As with each book in the Mulligan series, you can’t put it down. You want to find out what happens, who wins? The main characters in this series are great. All different. All human. While the story wrapped up a little too neatly, a little to quick, the journey to get there couldn’t have been better.
I’m always looking for a new mystery series with not too many books so it won’t take me forever to catch up. This is the perfect series. Three great books. Fast reads. Cerebral instead of action packed. And hey, how many mysteries take place in Rhode Island? Rogue Island. Cliff Walk. Providence Rag.
Two Heads Together 
[…] Providence Rag by Bruce DeSilva – Inspired by a true story, Providence Rag finds Liam Mulligan, his pal Mason, and the newspaper they both work for at an ethical crossroad. The youngest serial killer in history butchered five of his neighbors before he was old enough to drive. When he was caught eighteen years ago, Rhode Island’s antiquated criminal statutes—never intended for someone like him—required that all juveniles, no matter their crimes, be released at age twenty-one. The killer is still behind bars, serving time for crimes supposedly committed on the inside. That these charges were fabricated is an open secret; but nearly everyone is fine with it—if the monster ever gets out more people will surely die. But Mason is not fine with it. If officials can get away with framing this killer they could do it to anybody […]
[…] must admit though, that there are books published in 2014 by Bruce DeSilva (Providence Rag), John Harvey (Darkness, Darkness), Archer Mayer (Proof Positive), for example, that should have […]