Reviews

Reviews - Deadly Stillwater

St. Paul Pioneer Press - 11/29/09

"Mac McRyan debuted in Minneapolis lawyer Stelljes's thiller The St. Paul Conspiracy. In this new adventure, Mac and his crew are under political pressure to find the kidnapped daughter of a prominent St. Paul businessman and the daughter of the police chief. Everyone thinks the young women have been kidnapped for ransom but McRyan suspect revenge is the motive. ... Stelljes is good a writing funny and true-to-life banter among his many characters. "Deadly Stillwater" involves Mac and his partners riding around Minnesota and Wisconsin chasing leads early in the book, leading to many dead ends. But then the narrative gets exciting when the missing women's viewpoints are brought into the story as their hiding place is revealed. McRyan also has to contend with the press, meddling FBI agents and police department politics. Readers who enjoy thrillers with a deep sense of place will feel as though they're riding with McRyan as he races to save the victim's lives."

Sandee Byrd - Wisconsin

"Be prepared for a page-turning experience when you read this book! Roger Stelljes packs an extraordinary amount of twists, turns and intrigue into just four days as he takes you with Mac McRyan and his cohorts through St. Paul and the surrounding area as they are pitted against seemingly brilliant adversaries. Stelljes's detailed style of writing brings you inside his characters where you'll feel their excitement and their frustrations that are easily visualized through the author's vivid descriptions."

Reviews - The St. Paul Conspiracy

Minneapolis Star Tribune Book Review - 4/15/07

THE ST. PAUL CONSPIRACY - ROGER STELLJES HAS THE PLOT THING DOWN, WITH UNEXPECTED TURNS AND SURPRISES.

In this Minneapolis lawyer's debut, a serial killer is stalking blue-collar women along University Avenue. Another killing, that of a beautiful investigative reporter in her Summit Avenue condo, doesn't seem to fit the profile. Or does it? Homicide detective Mac McRyan follows clues that lead into strongholds of St. Paul corporate and political power. When there's a "conspiracy" in a title, you know the book is likely to be more plot - than character- driven. And this is true of Stelljes' story, where the characteres often seem either featureless or familiar. But Stelljes has the plot thing down, with unexpected turns and surprises, and he shows a flair for sense of place, putting us firmly in St. Paul.

Colorful flair and a knack for savvy dialogue.

Midwest Book Review - January 5, 2007

"The St. Paul Conspiracy is a gritty murder mystery about a serial killer who has been terrorizing and slaying blue-collar working women of University Avenue of St. Paul, Minnesota. Thirty-two-year-old, fourth-generation homicide detective Michael McKenzie "Mac" McRyan becomes involved in a complex murder investigation with repercussions far beyond an ordinary serial killer case - national and political security concerns lie at the root of this tangled, fast-paced crime novel. Rendering its setting of historic St. Paul, Minnesota in exquisite detail, The St. Paul Conspiracy renders a manhunt that is much more than it seems with colorful flair and a knack for savvy dialogue."

"Minneapolis lawyer brings together all the ingredients of a good book. Another attorney has joined the ranks of murder mystery writers: Roger Stelljes. He has all the pieces in "The St. Paul Conspiracy," plot, characters, setting, action, love story. The characters seem to be three-dimensional and the plot is great. ... The chase scene at the end is well-written and the outcomes satisfying. All the pieces fit." Book review, Fargo Forum, October 1, 2006.

"In keeping with the proud tradition of Minnesota-based authors like John Sandford and Vince Flynn,
Roger Stelljes - in his first novel - has crafted a fast paced, adrenaline charged crime thriller that will
keep the reader turning pages late into the night."   Jack Uldrich, author of The Gibraltar Conspiracy

"The St. Paul Conspiracy is a complex and skillfully plotted page turner, with a vivid cast of characteres, led by 'Mac' McRyan, a sleuth we can climb inside of."   Michael Hachey, author of A Matter of Motive

"Having recently read Brain Freeman's "Immoral" and "Stripped" I was on a run of Minnesota based authors and was enjoying references to local sights, locations and events. The St. Paul Conspiracy was suggested to me so I immediately picked it up. Having lived in St. Paul for 12 years, the descriptions brought me right back to the city and was one of the reasons the book was outstanding. The story line has creative characters, witty dialogue and convincing events. For a first novel of this type, Roger Stelljes did an outstanding job adn I would jump at the opportunity to read his next book which will hopefully continue to build on Mac, his star detective. I give this book a rating of 4.5 stars and highly recommend you give it a try." Amazon.com reader review.

"We've been passing the book around the store and we all just love it.   I got so wrapped up in the plot and the ending that I couldn't put it down and I was nearly late for work." Julie Lennox, The Valley Bookseller.

""The St. Paul Conspiracy is a taut murder/cop novel with a strong sense of place, interesting characters, and a clever plot. spre, not sparse language makes for a fast-paced read." David Seigel - Bookreporter.com

"I just finished reading The St. Paul Conspiracy and loved it! I am a huge Vince Flynn and John Sandford (Prey books) fan, and enjoyed your book just as much as those. They happen to be the standard against which I compare other books so you are in great company. I loved your character Mac and especially his relationships with other cops. I'm glad to see your writing another Mac McRyan book. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one." Mary Orn.

"I sure hope you are working on your next book! I loved The St. Paul Conspiracy! I look forward to many more from you. You are now on my list of favorites." Lynn Ross

From the first page of 'The St. Paul Conspiracy' to the last, Roger Stelljes has you captivated! The story line is compelling and Stelljes' characters quickly come alive -- you join them in their adventures through areas of St. Paul that are accurately and colorfully described. A brilliant and exciting new author -- I can't wait until his next book! Sandee Byrd, Minneapolis (an avid reader of the genre)

"A Fast-Paced Thriller - The St. Paul Conspiracy is a fast-paced thriller. The story follows St. Paul, Minnesota homicide detective Mac McRyan as he solves some of the city's most notorious murder cases. Those investigations, though, shed light on other criminal activities. McRyan's dogged determination, keen eye for detail, and bravery in the line of fire allow him to solve a puzzle when others can't. Author Roger Stelljes has crafted a fascinating 'who dunnit' with many twists and turns along the way. Just when you think you know the answer, you realize you don't. His descriptions of the characters and places are so vibrant you can practically picture the story taking place as you read. For those readers familiar with Twin Cities landmarks, this is even more true as many of the locations in the book bear a strong resemblance to businesses and buildings located there. This is a fun read. Well thought out and creatively written." Anonymous Review, Barnes and Noble listing for The St. Paul Conspiracy.

" I read your book almost straight thru - It was wonderful - had all the components for a great mystery and I love the fact that your hero is a fourth generation cop right here in the twin cities. I was so excited when we got copies in a Barnes & Noble and I could offer this book to my customers who are all great mystery buffs. So congratulations on a great first novel and I hope that there will be many more to follow." Laura Mathie, Barnes & Noble, Eden Prairie, MN.

"The St. Paul Conspiracy was just great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed up really late to finish it and I'm looking forward to the next Mac McRyan story. " Todd Ketterhagen, Police Officer - West Allis, WI.

"It's a page turner! I generally read to relax and put myself to sleep, but this book kept me up most of the night. Stelljes has done his homework - the story has credibility and enough suspense to hold your attention. Great work for a first-time author - I'll be watching for the next book." Amazon.com book reviewer.

"Just finished the book and I was very impressed. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. I enjoy this genre and The St. Paul Conspiracy definitely makes the cut. I'll be recommending the book to all who enjoy murder mystery novels." John Ball, Shakopee, MN.

"I rarely seem to have time for fiction and so it is generally reserved for old friends like Logan, Camp with an occasional Millett or Monsour thrown in. But somehow a gift of The St. Paul Conspiracy ended up in my lap at a weak moment. Once I got started I had trouble putting it down so I wanted to send a (rare) note of thanks for a good read. I'll recommend your book to others and look forward to your next one." Bill Tilton.

"I recently finished The St. Paul Conspiracy and felt compelled to send you a quick note. I love the book, its one of the best I've ever read. I can't wait for the next Mac McRyan story." Tony Winkler, Bloomington, MN.

"I just finished reading The St. Paul Conspiracy. What a great first novel! I was reading a complimentary copy at the store during break and enjoyed it more each day as the plot got more fascinating. Finally I had to take it home and finish, it was great. The story has great pace, with a great main character who simply refuses to give up and great relationships among the characters. I'm really looking forward to the next book." Janice Reinke, Barnes & Noble, Brooklyn Center, MN.

"I just finished reading The St. Paul Conspiracy and it was fantastic!. I appreciate the St. Paul flavor and the fabulous character development. I hope there is another Mac McRyan story and I fervently look forward to it." Sue Devich.

"I was simply captivated by The St. Paul Conspiracy and its colorful characters.   I lived in the Summit and Grand Avenue area many years ago and the story brought me back there as if I could feel it.   I hated to finish the book as I simply didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the series to continue and I eagerly anticipate the next Mac McRyan story."   Dan Sweeney, Maple Grove, MN.

"My Office Manager gave me a signed copy of The St. Paul Conspiracy for Christmas. I made the mistake of starting to read it at midnight but had to put it down at 4:30 a.m. for some sleep. It was difficult to put down and I couldn't wait to finish it the following morning. Thanks for a great read." Dr. George Fortier, Little Falls, MN.

"I picked up The St. Paul Conspiracy and read it out on a flight to San Francisco and back. I pounded through it in two readings. Good stuff. I loved all the local references and the story line was great."   Bryant C. Dullinger, Minneapolis.

"I simply loved the book. I can't wait for the next one and I'm telling everyone in Texas to buy it." Patty Riley, Dalllas, TX.

"The book was simply outstanding!! I can hardly wait for the next one. The characters were believable and down to earth and the story is great!!!!! As the word gets out, I have no doubt that Roger will have the notoriety that so many Minnesota authors enjoy." Andrea Pollari, Minneapolis, MN.

"The St. Paul Conspiracy is a great book and its' hard to believe it is Rogers first book. I want him to continue with these wonderful characters and I can't wait for the next book." Kathy MacDonald, Director - Bayport Public Library.

"The St. Paul Conspiracy is the perfect book with which to curl up with by a warm fire on a cold winter night."
James Snodgrass, Director - Boise, ID

"Roger has written a compelling and thoroughly engaging story. Weaving together a complex plot with characters that are instantly recognizable and likable, The St. Paul Conspiracy is one of those books that demands to stay in your hands well into the wee hours of the morning. Fans of mysteries and detective fiction should make this a priority on their reading lists."   James Olney, Attorney - Minneapolis, MN

"Roger's style of writing has the energy that sparks your interest and compels you to hold on to The St. Paul Conspiracy and not let go until the very end." Barb Erickson, School Teacher - Minneapolis, MN

"The St. Paul Conspiracy will grab you from the opening page. Mac McRyan is an engaging and energetic character who will appeal to any reader.  The book is a collection of mystery, suspense with a little romance and betrayal thrown in. Roger Stelljes' fast paced style has you engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend the book, anticipate the sequel and congratulate Roger Stelljes on his sucessful first novel."
Sue Hall - Brooklyn Park, MN

Roger Stelljes is amazing!!! In his first novel he has transpired mystery and murder into a hometown feel that allows you to feel like you're a part of the action. His character development is uncanny and his storyline is astoundingly exciting. This book will keep you turning the pages, one after another, until you find yourself searching online for his next book! The St. Paul Conspiracy is a great read!  Mike Webb, Recruiter, Carver, MN

                        Reviews and comments can be submitted to Author@RogerStelljes.com