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Rhett C. Bruno
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The Roach: A Dark Vigilante Thriller Kindle Edition

by Rhett C. Bruno (Author), Steve Beaulieu (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 383 ratings
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  1. Next Generation Indie Book AwardsWinner, 2021
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A dark journey into the mind of a disabled vigilante, clawing his way out of despair to stop a killer and protect his legacy.

Being a hero isn't about saving people... It’s about surviving yourself...

Reese Roberts was the guardian of Iron City. Its fearless protector. The only one willing to do whatever it takes… until he was shot on the streets and left paralyzed from the waist down.

Now, the vigilante known as the Roach has disappeared. Faded into legend.

It’s been years since Reese could take on crime and clean up the streets. He’s a shriveled old drunk, living like a hermit and waiting for his life to end. All that’s left to do is wallow in the mistakes that led him here. To wonder, if he went too far.

But when a copycat steals his suit and takes justice into his own hands, a new killer emerges, leaving brutal messages behind. He wants to eliminate the Roach for good this time.

It’s time for Reese to reemerge from his shell and fight back. Who else can stop the flurry of killings? Definitely not the corrupt police department. Iron City needs the Roach again. Only, this time, he’ll need to save it without his legs.

From USA Today Bestselling author Rhett C Bruno comes a story perfect for fans of character-driven vigilante thrillers like Mr. Robot or Darkly Dreaming Dexter, as well as darker superhero tales like Sin City, The Punisher, and Watchmen.

- “A world worthy of being a sister city to Gotham. Gritty, grimy, and mesmerizing.”—Actor Lou Diamond Phillips (Prodigal Son)

- "Rhett C. Bruno brings to life a character who'd rather be dead... or at least has a death wish."—Darick Robertson, co-creator of The Boys (now a Prime Original Series)

- "A grim but riveting deconstructed superhero tale."—Kirkus Reviews

The Roach is also available on Audible, narrated by the award-winning R.C. Bray.

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  1. Print length
    306 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    December 8, 2020
  5. File size
    2.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

cover

"White-knuckled and unfiltered."—James S. Murray, #1 Bestselling author & star of truTV's Impractical Jokers.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

  • "A world worthy of being a sister city to Gotham. Gritty, grimy, and mesmerizing."--Actor Lou Diamond Phillips (Prodigal Son, La Bamba)
  • "White-knuckled and unfiltered. The Roach plunges you into the filth of the city and holds you under."--James S. Murray, #1 Bestselling author of the Awakened series, and star of truTV's Impractical Jokers.
  • "What would happen if Batman was in a wheelchair, drunk, and broke? Surviving in the big city, and taking on crime is tough enough when you're at the top of your game. 'The Roach' is about being at the bottom. Great narration and dialogue, Rhett C. Bruno brings to life a character who'd rather be dead... or at least has a death wish."-- Darick Robertson, co-creator of The Boys (now a Prime Original Series)
  • "A dark and powerful journey into the broken mind of a crippled vigilante, clawing his way out of despair to protect his legacy and his city. Reader beware: once you crack this novel open, you won't be able to close it!"--Jeremy Robinson, NYT Bestselling author of Tribe and The Others
  • "The Roach dives into the psyche of a vigilante like I've never seen before. Captivating! I couldn't put it down."--Matthew Medney, CEO of Heavy Metal Magazine
  • "A grim but riveting deconstructed superhero tale."--Kirkus Reviews
  • "A masterful blend of thriller, mystery, and dark comedy."--San Francisco Book Review
  • "The Roach is an unlikely, and at times unhinged, hero who is someone the working class can both empathize with, and cheer on as he continues to fight regardless of the obstacles thrown in his way."--Colin F. Barnes, Bestselling author of the Codebreakers Series
  • "Sparked by Bruno's precise prose, sparkling dialogue, and the chemistry between Reese and Laura, The Roach is one of the year's best thrillers."--Bestthrillers.com
  • "A dyed in the wool, no-holds-barred, old-school vigilante. Absolutely badass!"--Jeffery H. Haskell, author of Arsenal
  • "It's rare that a novel leaves you glued to your seat, wanting to read it again, but The Roach is certainly one of them..."--Book Viral
Awards for The Roach:
  1. Winner of the 2020 Best Indie Book Award for Action / Adventure
  2. Independent Audiobook Award Winner for best Thriller/Suspense
  3. First Place Winner 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
  4. Silver Medal in the 2021 IPPY Awards (Mystery/Thriller eBook Category)
  5. Finalist for the 2020 Millennium Book Award
  6. Named a Best Thriller of 2020 by Bestthrillers.com
  7. 2021 Reader's Favorite Silver Medal: Best Psychological Thriller
  8. 2021 Reader's Favorite Bronze Medal: Best Fiction Audiobook

About the Author

RHETT C. BRUNO is the USA Today and Washington Post bestselling and Nebula Award–nominated author of the Circuit Saga, the Children of Titan series, the Buried Goddess Saga, Vicarious, and The Roach, among other works. He is currently a full-time author and publisher living in Delaware with his wife and daughter.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08H5T7DQJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aethon Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 8, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 383 ratings

About the author

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Rhett C. Bruno

Rhett C. Bruno

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Rhett C Bruno is the USA Today and Washington Post Bestselling & Nebula Award Nominated Author of 'The Circuit Saga', 'Children of Titan Series', 'Buried Goddess Saga', 'Vicarious', 'The Roach', and 'The Luna Missile Crisis' (Audible Originals); among other works.

He has been writing since before he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic stories when he was young to show to his friends and family. He is currently a full-time author and publisher living in Delaware with his wife, daughter, and dog Raven.

Find out more here: http://rhettbruno.com/

Also, please consider subscribing to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.

Subscribe Here: http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
383 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a quick enjoyable read with an outstanding storyline that drags readers through the narrative at a frenzied pace. The character development receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the main character speaks in his own voice, and the writing quality is praised for being well thought out. Customers appreciate the dark tone and noir style, with one review highlighting the brutally honest depictions of a city's underbelly. While customers find the story hopeful, opinions about its uplifting nature are mixed.

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ReadabilityStorylineCharacter developmentDark toneWriting qualityNarration qualityRealismUplifting story
34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a quick and enjoyable read.

"...This is simply an excellent story. In a way, it’s a fun read, but it’s also a wicked and horrible look into places most decent people either do..." Read more

"...Roach is simply a Whale of a good yarn!!! I love a good super-hero style of story, and an action packed vigilante trope is my jam!..." Read more

"...It's the best book I've read in 2021, and I'm pretty sure it's going to stay on top for a long, long time." Read more

"...genres: space opera, dystopian science fiction, medieval fantasy, techno-thriller and now this foray into comic book heroes...." Read more

30 customers mention "Storyline"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, which drags readers through the narrative at a frenzied pace with interesting twists.

"...It’s got all the depth and detail of the first story but expands it in an awesome new direction. This book is not to be missed...." Read more

"...This is a very gritty, dark but good story...." Read more

"...us the tale with both present day events and a judicious use flashbacks while the story unfolds, giving us a well-rounded understanding of who..." Read more

"...The storyline is outstanding, giving us plenty of ammunition to despise Reese, to pity Laura, to love little Michelle, to wish bad juju on nearly..." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the main character speaks in his own voice, while another describes it as a Batman-style hero with realistic ramifications.

"...life, something just reading it simply can’t do especially with a superb narrator like RC Bray bringing his full talent to bare...." Read more

"...Roach is simply a Whale of a good yarn!!! I love a good super-hero style of story, and an action packed vigilante trope is my jam!..." Read more

"...What amazing characters! Their pain is colored brightly while they pursue the past where their lives took a hard turn...." Read more

"...The characters come to life, the plot is thick and unpredictable, and the premise is fresh and exciting...." Read more

8 customers mention "Dark tone"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book, describing it as noir.

"...This is a gritty, noir, crime fighting story! A perfect book to show off Rhett Bruno's mad writing skills!..." Read more

"This is a dark, gritty, dirty story about a gritty, dirty guy living in the aftermath of a shattered career as a costumed crime fighter...." Read more

"So dark, so full of action and so many personalities! This is a hero who is not the comic book kind, all sweet and heroic. No no...." Read more

"...Dark and gritty like The Roach in the city." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as well thought out, with one customer noting it is a superbly crafted thriller.

"...On the contrary, it was amazingly complete. Just "I want more!"" Read more

"...glad I gave it a chance or else I would have missed out on a superbly crafted thriller, with more twists, more action and more endearing characters..." Read more

"I wasn't thrilled with the ending. The story was well assembled by a competent author...." Read more

"This author is a master at his craft I really was blown away by the story line and the way the author put everything together around the main..." Read more

5 customers mention "Narration quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the narration of the book, with one customer highlighting the excellent performance and another noting it's easy to read.

"...and that’s a shame because RC Bray did an absolutely awesome performance narrating this fantastic story also!..." Read more

"...A perfect book to show off Rhett Bruno's mad writing skills!..." Read more

"...Even lost some sleep in order to finish it. It is original, easy to read, sometimes painful, a bit gory, and a bit brash, but also uplifting...." Read more

"Great story narration flowed very smoothly, they story has some twists and turns at the end I really liked...." Read more

5 customers mention "Realism"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book believable, with one review noting its brutally honest depictions of a city's underbelly.

"...author who knows how to give his stories, especially this one, enough realism to make you wonder how some people, a lot of people, can do things to..." Read more

"The story line is fast paced and believable...." Read more

"...The strongest aspect is the voice and characterization of our embittered, jaded hero, the eponymous Roach, who is both a sincere hero and an example..." Read more

"A compelling, realistic street vigilante tale. Brutally honest depictions of a city's underbelly and realistic ramifications of a masked hero..." Read more

12 customers mention "Uplifting story"7 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the story's emotional content, with some finding it hopeful while others describe it as hard and sad.

"...Their hope is real, their dreams and wishes wasted looking backward to that day, that terrible day it all started - and ended...." Read more

"...The Roach is a fresh tale of redemption from a character who believes he has failed everyone, including himself...." Read more

"...I make the story sound pretty gloomy, but it actually is full of different emotions and hits you on a few levels...." Read more

"A grim but hopeful story of a hero facing hard times and finding he's still got it...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Alan McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a forever special classic deserving of much praise from an incredible author!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a retelling of a short story from years ago.
    The following is part of my review of that original short story plus my thoughts of the new one on both paper and audio.

    “The Roach” original is one of the very best short stories I’ve ever read.
    My father introduced it to me a long long time ago.
    He loved it. It said something to him down deep.
    I’m his daughter and I love the short story too.
    I see what my Dad saw.

    My father constantly harassed the author, the superb “Rhett Bruno”, to write a new, full story. To bring back the roach.
    He finally relented and brought forth this new “The Roach” story.

    Mr. Bruno finally did this, much to my pleasure and excitement.

    The original short story was written way back before my father fell critically ill.
    Now he won’t get to see this new book, but I’ll still try and read it to him. He deserves it.
    He’s no longer mentally capable to read it for himself.

    He won’t get to listen to this awesome audio version either and that’s a shame because RC Bray did an absolutely awesome performance narrating this fantastic story also!
    My hats off to Mr. Bray.

    My father’s story is sad and the short story, as well as the newer version, is sad, heartbreaking, but then again heartwarming, hopeful.

    It’s the realism that makes it so excellent to me, as it was back when my father first read it to me.
    It shows us the dirty side of life that most of us never see, but also the good in some people too.

    Just like the original short, this new version is much the same in its excellence and is about a modern superhero vigilante way past his prime or maybe he’s really just a criminal.
    Fair or unfair?
    Figuring that out is up to you.

    This new book titled just “The Roach” instead of the older short story titled “The Roach Rises” is everything I’d hoped it would be.

    It’s got all the depth and detail of the first story but expands it in an awesome new direction.

    This book is not to be missed.
    Sure, it’s fiction, but it tells and shows the seedy underside of the human condition.
    There are countless cities just like this one with real people instead of fictional characters, but they’re all one in the same.

    Mr Bruno is an excellent author who knows how to give his stories, especially this one, enough realism to make you wonder how some people, a lot of people, can do things to others in such a cruel and guiltless way.
    It’s what serial killers, rapists and murderers are made of. No conscience at all. Brains wired all wrong.

    This is simply an excellent story.
    In a way, it’s a fun read, but it’s also a wicked and horrible look into places most decent people either don’t know about or don’t want to confess knowing about. Turn the other cheek, it’s easier.

    I loved this new book. I hope you do too.

    Please read it and review it.
    Just like the first story, this new one deserves your praise or your displeasure.
    You get to choose.

    Thank you,
    The McDonald’s

    Read on if you’re interested in the audiobook version:

    That was my review of the paper version of The Roach.
    This audio version brings it to life, something just reading it simply can’t do especially with a superb narrator like RC Bray bringing his full talent to bare.

    This audiobook is special. It’s a must for those who love to listen instead of reading.

    I wholeheartedly give this audio version five stars out of five!

    Thank you Mr. Bruno and thank you for your stellar performance Mr. Bray!

    Sincerely,
    Brittany McDonald
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Gil T
    4.0 out of 5 stars Batman without Morals or Money
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Roach was a vigilante who terrorized the underworld in Iron City. You stole from someone you lost fingers, you killed someone, you lost your life. Criminals lived in fear of the Roach. All of a sudden about 5 years ago, he disappeared.

    The story starts with a man who is constantly drunk in his wheel chair. He is basically a hermit and someone comes over and cooks (if that’s what you call burning it) food for him.

    As the story unfolds you find out Reese was the Roach and he had saved the woman who now checks in on him. He will sometimes go down to the harbor and think about ending it all. But he worries about hurting the one person who cares for him.

    This is a very gritty, dark but good story. It shows the impact of years of fighting crime on him especially now that he is confined to a wheel chair. But he may just have a few fights left in him.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Lonnie-The GreatNorthernTroll-Moore
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gritty, noir, crime fighting story... The best!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Ohhhh! Wow... I finished 2020 off (actually on New Years Eve) with an absolute Crescendo!!! Roach is simply a Whale of a good yarn!!!
    I love a good super-hero style of story, and an action packed vigilante trope is my jam! Reese Roberts was once the dynamic Protector of Iron City, but after being laid out by a broken spine he's now an all but forgotten memory. He's just another paraplegic in a wheelchair... a has-been!
    Reese is ready to end it all, when a beat-down happens within earshot, and it turns out that Reese might not quite be ready to throw in the towel just yet!
    This is a gritty, noir, crime fighting story! A perfect book to show off Rhett Bruno's mad writing skills! A story that comes to life told from Reese's point-of-view as he gives us the tale with both present day events and a judicious use flashbacks while the story unfolds, giving us a well-rounded understanding of who Reese really is!
    And wow, I gotta' say... Get the audio version, because RC Bray nails it! For me, RC Bray IS Reese Roberts! I Loved this one... Absolutely!!!
    And don't forget Rhett Bruno! He doesn't give away anything 'til he's ready, holding a final card against his chest only revealing it just before the epilogue! And that my friends just about knocked me silly! A really good ending, is just waiting for You to pick it up and read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mike Keller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reese Roberts was once Iron City's masked vigilante, proudly called The Roach
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Once the most feared man in the city, Reese was now a cripple, an invalid whose legs were wasted by a bullet to his spine. Wallowing in drunken despair, The Roach is now relegated to an empty suit proudly displayed in his 'lair' for none to see. A lead pill had cured his obsession as it blasted through his back.

    What amazing characters! Their pain is colored brightly while they pursue the past where their lives took a hard turn. Their hope is real, their dreams and wishes wasted looking backward to that day, that terrible day it all started - and ended. The storyline is outstanding, giving us plenty of ammunition to despise Reese, to pity Laura, to love little Michelle, to wish bad juju on nearly everyone else.

    I had a hard time putting this book down. A couple sleepless nights and knuckle-biting days was all it took to enthrall me, reaching the last page and, like a page from Oliver Twist, urged me to ask, "Please Sir, I want more!" Not that this stand-alone novel wasn't good enough. On the contrary, it was amazingly complete. Just "I want more!"
    One person found this helpful
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  • Daniel JK
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cockroach
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this up for the kindle challenge and was very deterred, wondering if I’d even finish this book. It wasn’t until I was halfway finished that I got sucked into this story about a crippled washed up vigilante who was depressing to be around and listen to but who really turned out to be the Hero the city needed.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Verified Purchaser
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved this gritty character
    Reviewed in India on December 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Dark Humor? Check

    Vigilante antics? Check

    Compelling story? Check check check!

    The only thing that rankled me was a liberal use of dues ex machina...but it's a superhero story..so it all works out well! Loved this and would hope there's a sequel!!
    Report
  • Chris R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gritty Urban Tale of a Retired Super Hero
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Having read a few books from Rhett previously I decided to give this one a go from his email recommendation.
    Really glad that I did.
    The main character is a great example of a flawed Super Hero but viewed from a totally new perspective.
    Without giving anything away he's now wheelchair -bound.
    The injury that put him there is all part of his back story which unfolds throughout the novel, even to the final page.
    What a great read and hopefully there will be more.
    Report
  • Susan Ricketts
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Authour with a different imagination.
    Reviewed in Canada on July 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Funny, gritty and raw!! I didn't know if this would be my kind of read but I Enjoyed it. I don't like bugs but this one was very interesting.
    Report
  • Bookworm42
    5.0 out of 5 stars In all honesty I don,t know what to make of this book.
    Reviewed in Australia on January 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I couldn’t stop reading it and was shocked at the violence, but the characters were fascinating. I am glad I live in a civilised country like Australia and although we have had nut jobs here they were nothing like The Roach and the evil guys he was up against. That comment will be disputed but I don,t care.

    This book was so different from Bruno,s usual books it was a wake up call to his talent to suck us in. Well done !
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  • SystemState
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gritty story of a broken down vigilante
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    First things first, trigger warning. This book deals with sexual abuse.

    Now onto the review.

    The Roach tells the story of a washed up vigilante confined to a wheel chair after his last rescue. No friends, no millions or rich and powerful friends to rely on. His only true friend is his next bottle of whiskey and even that company is turning sour. But things begin to change when he hears one more cry for help.
    The story gives off vibes more in line with The Watchmen and a Raymond Chandlers Noir detective novels more than a super hero novel, seeping grit with every page. Yet while I name these other works, this is truly something of its own. The pacing is solid, the character exploration and develop is well constructed bringing each person alive from the page. An amazing narrative that will keep even those who may feel saturated with the genre, entertained.
    Report

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