5.0 (2 ratings)

The Ritualist: A Vince Tanaka Thriller (Vince Tanaka Thrillers Book 1)

Three Victims. Three Days. Every Three Years.

Some killers stop.
Some disappear.
The dangerous ones evolve.

Detective Vince Tanaka thought he was done with New York — ready to leave the NYPD behind and start over with the FBI and his family in San Diego.

Then the bodies start appearing again.

Three years ago, Vince hunted a meticulous serial killer who turned Manhattan churches into crime scenes, carving victims with the precision of an autopsy. The case went cold. The killer vanished.

Now he’s back — and deadlier than before.

When a priest overhears ancient Latin exorcism rites at the latest murder scene, Vince realizes this isn’t just ritualistic violence. It’s a message. And Vince may be the intended audience.

As the investigation spirals into something darker than anyone expected, Vince is forced into a race against a predator who knows his methods, his past… and the people he loves.

To stop the next killing, Vince must confront a threat that refuses to stay buried — even if it costs him everything.

Some demons can’t be exorcised.
Some nightmares follow you home.

Pages: 276

Reader Reviews

5.0

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Jolene C.

Mar 5, 2026

The Ritualist by Adam Roach was such a great read. I was hooked right from the first page and the momentum never slowed down. Every time I told myself I’d stop after one more chapter, the book had other plans.
What’s funny is this book actually crossed my radar before, and now I’m kicking myself a little for not picking it up sooner.

Once I started, I was completely pulled into Detective Vince Tanaka’s world as he’s forced to face a serial killer who has resurfaced with an even darker and more chilling pattern. The atmosphere, the tension, and the twists kept me fully invested the entire time.

I’ll definitely be adding the next book to my reading list because I don’t want to miss out on more from this series. I highly encourage you all to go grab this one. Even though it’s on KU, it only took a few chapters before I went ahead and purchased it which is always a good sign that a book has me completely hooked.

If you’re a fan of fast paced thrillers with a dark edge and plenty of suspense, this one is absolutely worth checking it out.

Mandy S.

Feb 8, 2026

This is a fast-paced and chilling crime thriller. The story blends intense suspense with smart twists, and the killer’s ritualistic methods are both creepy and fascinating. James Froemel’s narration brings the tension and emotion to life, making it an even more gripping experience. If you enjoy dark mysteries with high stakes and emotional depth, this one’s well worth a listen!

About the Author

Adam Roach

Crafting twists and chasing shadows is what I love to do. I've always had a passion for thrillers and twists ever since seeing The Usual Suspects when I was a teenager. I hope you enjoyed this background story and I hope you come to find my books are fast paced and leave you on the edge of your seat. I regularly hear comments like, "I was almost late for class", "I didn't want to have to make dinner for my family", "I stayed up way too late telling myself just one more chapter."

If this ends up being you, please let me know! I want to add you to the growing list of those who love chasing shadows! Email me at adam@adamroachbooks.com.

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