I read this book straight through. Love Rick Cahill, and Leah. Moira the "other" PI requests Rick help on helping her determine if she should take a case. The case is surveillance of Rick's old friend Turk's girlfriend. Rick being blind is a huge hurdle, but his other senses given unusual insight. The plot was well developed and kept me turning pages as fast as I could read. Excellent story.

This is more like it!

The last (and only) Rick Cahill book I read was Lost Tomorrows, and I found him to be a bit of an Eeyore, constantly mired in guilt about his wife's death.

SPOILER!

He also got shot in the face and that was a helluva way to end things.

He survived, and it's now nine months later. Cahill is blind - with the chance that his eyesight may or may not return - and his girlfriend Leah (you may remember her as the sister of his former partner at the Santa Barbara PD) is splitting time between Santa Barbara and Cahill's place in San Diego.

Moira - a San Diego-based PI - gets in touch with Cahill and wants him to come with her on a job. What job? Turk Muldoon, and old friend of Cahill's, has hired her to spy on his girlfriend Shay, whom he thinks is seeing someone else. Cahill points out he can't see anything, but Moira is more interested in his ears, and if he can tell what Turk is feeling and how apt he would be to snap and kill Shay if she was seeing someone else. Moira had given news of a wife's infidelity previously to a doctor (her own son's pediatrician, no less) who proceeded to off his wife, child, and then himself. She'd rather that not be the case here, and Cahill assures her Turk would never do something like that.

Shay, of course, is then found dead, and all indications are it's Turk who killed her after an argument overheard by neighbors. Moira rails at Cahill, that he was wrong and now they've gotten Shay killed, but Cahill disagrees. Moira exits the case, but Cahilll wants to help his pal any way he can, even if he still can't see.

Turk is arrested for murder, but Cahill has found information that tells him Idaho is where he needs to go. He ropes Moira back in, and they're off, to talk to one recalcitrant cowboy but then to a more garrulous one. From there, it's off to a PI who was trying to track down Shay's father, who disappeared with over $800K dollars from the sale of the family ranch, leaving Shay and her mother with nothing. Her father was identified as the decedent in an auto wreck in Mexico, under his own name - this after the PI tells them Shay's father used various aliases.

While all of this is going on, Rick keeps smelling the same man, repeatedly -following him and Moira, following just Cahill. But Moira never sees him, and Cahill dubs him the Invisible Man.

With that information, they head back to San Diego, to figure out a way to find Shay's maybe/maybe-not dead father and a ranch hand who worked on the ranch prior to its sale. By now, we are all fairly sure Shay found her dad, and that he likely had something to do with her death. I will reiterate for whatever nth time it is that I still don't like characters going to the bad guy, alone, without telling anyone.

I won't go into details about the end except to say that "blind vigil" certainly is in play the last 20% of the book

Four and a half stars, dinged for character stupidity. I'm feeling generous, though, and I did like the story quite a lot, so I'm rounding up this time: five stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview for the reading copy.

Release date: 01 Dec 2020.

This is miles ahead of Lost Tomorrows, in my book (ha), and I'm

Kudos to author Matt Coyle on the exciting novel Blind Vigil. I read it straight through as I found the plot exciting and the characters quite interesting. Rick Cahill as the private eye reluctantly retired when he went bling following a shooting injury is spot on. I do confess to being somewhat queasy as I read of his exploits without sight. But having his sense of smell enhanced helped him pick up on a mystery man who turns out to be key to the plot. It was predictable, given the constant updates on Cahill's vision, that he would regain his sight. Making that less obvious might have enhanced the story. But, it's darn good and I recommend it to others.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A very satisfying read featuring a determined private investigator.
I liked everything about “Blind Vigil”, by Matt Coyle (Oceanview Publishing): the dark, sarcastic wounded hero, who happens to be very affectionate and loyal with his friends, the well-developed characters, the suspense plotline with its underlying feelings of sadness and loss and the well written first person point of view.
Rick Cahill is a great wounded hero and the cohesiveness the author brought to his blindness is awesome. We readers are always aware that the story is being told from the point of view of a blind person. Being deliberately vague here, I’ll just add that the progress is well written and believable, too, with a compelling focus on how Rick absorbs and deals with the changes.
The various characters are all relatable and complex and added depth to the story. Turk is another delightful wounded male character, I really felt for him and how he was struggling with grief. I particularly loved Rick and Turk’s friendship, how they’re so affectionate and loyal to each other despite their conflicts. It reminded me how friendship can be such a powerful thing in our lives.

Wow, what a great book. Besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the main character Rick Cahill being blind really put a different spin on everything, and I love the way Matt Coyle was able to bring him to life and explain things the way he did. If I had the time and didn’t have to work I would have read this book in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much.
Rick Cahill has felt helpless over the last year since he lost his eyesight. Continuing his career as a private investigator was out of the question, even without being blind it had almost gotten him killed. However, now that his friend Thomas ‘Turk’ Muldoon wants his girlfriend Shay Sommers investigated, Rick is quite happy when Moira asks him to assist her. Turk is sure that Shay is cheating on her, and before he asks her to marry him, he needs to know. Moira didn’t have a great experience with the last client that suspected his partner was cheating on him, so she’s apprehensive how this one will turn out. Rick’s just happy to be back in the game. A brilliant read. 5/5 Star Rating.

Ok. This was the best book in the series so far. Tense, full of emotional situations and we see Rick at his most vulnerable. Yet he's still capable of finding the truth and function through his blindness. Risking his very life for his old friend Turk, and refusing to let him be framed for a murder he didn't commit. The last two pages literally brought me to tears. This was powerful human suffering, so many losing so much, yet becoming even closer as human beings and friends. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Blind Vigil. You should too.

A really good read. Normally, I am uncomfortable joining a series other than at the start, but this book was written with enough back story to avoid that being a problem.

How can someone be an investigator when having no sight? This book addresses that question and deals with it sensibly and sensitively.

It was a well thought out and crafted story that had enough of a "whodunnit" vein to keep it interesting throughout.

Having discovered this writer I now have the joy of reading the back catalogue.

I fully recommend that you read this.

Blind Vigil
by Matt Coyle
Oceanview Publishing
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020 | Archive Date Not set

What a great book! Thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. I read it through in one sitting.
I will recommend this to others as well.

5 star

In Blind Vigil, private investigator Rick Cahill is like a cat who’s pushing the limits of his nine lives. Blinded by a gunshot to the face, Rick has had nine long months to consider his past and his future. A future that probably won’t include working as a PI. Restless from months of being housebound, Rick reluctantly agrees to accompany his friend and fellow PI, Moira MacFarlane, to interview his former best friend, Turk, about a new case. Not long after, Turk’s fiancée is murdered, and Turk is arrested. Rick and Turk have had their differences and their friendship may be broken, but Rick doesn’t believe his friend is a killer. Fiercely loyal, Rick gets involved to the point of recklessness, not only risking his relationship with girlfriend, Leah, but his life. In his investigation, Rick relies heavily on his dog, his newly heightened sense of smell and modern conveniences, like Uber and Siri, to help him navigate a very dark world. In his pursuit of justice, Rick sets a course down a dangerous path to not only prove Turk’s innocence, but to prove that he’s still a darned good private investigator.

This is the 7th book in the series featuring private investigator Rick Cahill . Despite not having read any of the previous books, there were enough snippets of back story given for the main characters that made it easy to follow along. I really like the charcter of Rick - I found his relationship with Moira interesting and I am looking forward to reading the earlier books so I can see exactly how it came to be.

A very strong 4 stars

A PI is blinded when he’s shot in the face on his last previous case. He’s spending time healing and trying to adjust to his new life, but not working is driving him crazy. A friend asks him to work a case with her. The PI’s former boss suspects his girlfriend is lying to him and wants her checked out. They find that yes, she’s not being honest and shortly after the girlfriend turns up dead.

Blind Vigil runs you through how the PI uses all his senses to find the killer. In some instances his blindness actually helps him. It’s not only a mystery but it shows how a man can come back from what would be considered a career ending injury. I’m not really a fan of noir but I enjoyed Blind Vigil.

An excellent read containing a very likable hero, a tough nut sidekick and all the tension that goes with a great cat and mouse thriller.
Throw in that our hero is blind and then illustrate the advantages he has over other people with the rest of his senses and you get a most unique novel.
Really enjoyed it and will look out for more by this author.

What happens to a man when he loses his sight? For Rick Cahill, he can learn how many steps form the bedroom to the bathroom, how to safely walk and feed his dog, and even how to organize his clothes and get dressed. But what about his career as a private investigator. Things don't look good on that front. After all, how can he investigate what he cannot see?
While recovering from the gunshot wound that cost him his sight, a fellow PI, Moira, asks for his assistance with a case. She wants him to listen to her newest client and figure out if he is telling the truth. Turk is Rick's old friend, maybe even close to being a brother, but something in the past broke their relationship. Rick is curious why Turk would hire a PI, and pretty soon a woman is dead and it appears that Turk is the killer. Rick is one of the few who believe Turk is innocent, but can he prove what really happened or is the killer looking him right in the eye.
This was such an enjoyable read. Not only was Rick a seriously great character, but overcoming the limitations imposed by his blindness added another dynamic to the story. There is someone Rick refers to as the Invisible Man, he can't see him, but he can smell him, and he is sure that he is up to no good. Rick, Moira, Turk, and Leah, Rick's girlfriend all made Blind Vigil an engrossing and hard to put down book.
This isn't the first in this series, so I have plenty more to learn about this character.

Rick Cahill series # 7

What a great read this turned out to be. Although this is the 7th book in the series I had no trouble getting into it from the get-go Matt Coyle gives us snippets of what happened to his protagonist without lingering on his past and has masterfully moved forward his storyline with a blend of hard-boiled, noirish and a breath of fresh life to the PI tradition.

Blinded by a gunshot wound to the face while working as a PI nine months ago Rick Cahill is still trying to start a new life. But when his one-time partner Moira MacFarlane asks for his help on a case he couldn’t refuse...as always when Rick is involved things always turns deadly....

Mr. Coyle captured masterfully Cahill dealing with the loss of his eyesight and how he carries himself in the dark: he counts steps and is reliant on his others sense to move around. The mystery if told from the point of view of a blind person. I do have a weak spot for a first person narrative definitely my preferred style by a long shot.

Without a murder we wouldn’t have a captivating mystery Oh yes, Shay gets killed and Turk, Cahill’s best friend is the main suspect ...but he doesn’t believe his friend could do such a thing...and we have police, lawyers, suspects, friends and oh yes the Invisible Man with the Dove underarm smell...all in the fray... to entertain us and they do captivate till the very last page.

“Blind Vigil”, is well-written, fast-paced, has amazing and diverse characters and is a page turner very hard to put down. Excellent read.

Ooo yes this was a good one! Matt Coyle did an excellent job at capturing the characters stories and really making you dive deep into the novel. A must read!

Very good read. L0ts of twists and turns
. Loved the humor and dark sides of the characters.
Highly recommend.. thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I received this book through NetGalley Read Now program.

This is the 1st book that I have read from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. The story starts with Rick continuing to recuperate from a shooting which has caused him to be blind. He receives a call from an associate of his who wants him to assist her with a case. She wants his take on whether or not the client that she is working for is upfront with his feelings. She had a previous experience with a similar case which made her stop do this type. Rick meets with the client , Turk a former acquaintance and assures the P.I. that Turk would not react the same way that her other client did.

After tailing Turk's girlfriend, they meet up with Turk and provide him with what they found. Thewe next morning they discover that Turk's gorlfriend was murder durng the night. Ultimately Turk was arrested for her murder.

Rick, assisting Turk's lawyer starts examining the evidence and looks into fin ding the killer. Turk's attorney, in the end feels that Rick is a detriment and asks him to stop working with them. Rick, even though he is blind, is able to discover why Turk's girlfriend was killed and who the real killer was. All of the action will keep your interes.

If you want to find out why Turk's girlfriend was murdered and who the killer was, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Blind Vigil is the seventh book in Coyle's Rick Cahill private investigator series, but reads well as a stand-alone book with just enough back story splashed in to orient the reader. Cahill is not on the best of terms with the local law enforcement stemming from days when he was the primary suspect for his wife’s murder. He has one good male friend, Turk, who becomes involved in the murder of his fiancée. Cahill also has a new girlfriend, Leah, who has seen him through being shot in the face in Santa Barbara and the long road to recovery and learning to live with his blindness. In addition, a fellow PI, Moira, has worked with Cahill on a few cases. These are the primary characters in Blind Vigil.

Cahill is a great wounded hero, and Coyle does a superb job of capturing Cahill’s efforts to deal with his lost eyesight, showing how he becomes reliant on his other senses and counts steps and uses his cane to get around. Cahill is a moody PI, tough, hard-boiled, and unapologetic, in the tradition of Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe. The secondary characters are well-developed. I enjoyed this one enough that I’ll have to backtrack to read books #1 through #6.

This presents a twist on the hard-boiled private detective. Rick Cahill has recovered from a gunshot wound that he suffered in the previous book, but he still can't see. At loose ends, he agrees to go with a colleague to meet with Turk, an old friend who thinks his girlfriend is cheating. Before you know it, Turk is accused of murder, and Rick may be the only person who believes in his innocence. Tight, suspenseful story.

Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for a digital ARC via NetGalley.

Blind Vigil is the seventh book in Coyle's Rick Cahill private investigator series. Oddly enough, San Diego has hosted only a relative few detective series over the years. But now, the Cahill series has firmly set modern San Diego (primarily the La Jolla area) as a great location for private eye fare. Like old time series, Cahill is not on the best of terms with the local law enforcement, has one or two good buddies, and is haunted by his past, which includes once being accused of his wife's murder. This novel begins where the last one left off with Cahill now blind and learning to cope with simply functioning and getting around. He can't really operate as a private eye or can he? Coyle does a masterful job of capturing Cahill dealing with his lost eyesight, finding himself reliant on his other senses, and dealing with the fact that no one seems to take his career seriously now. This novel has Cahill's best friend Turk in a jam and Cahill trying desperately to find answers as the exits all lockdown for his friend. This is a well-written book that moves along at a rapid pace.

Private detective Rick Cahill, recently blinded, agrees to assist in an investigation involving a former close friend and associate, Turk Muldoon. Clearly the continuation of a previous story arc, but in the noir fashion it works fine as a standalone.

Cahill reminds me strongly of Max Holman in Robert Crais' The Two Minute Rule: a basically decent guy in a bad spot trying to climb out via obsession over something hopefully more controllable.

I like the short chapters: they keep me in the moment. The ruminations are repetitive in the way of a scared person reassuring himself of his situation and circumstances.

What I do not like is the lying and the wishy washy flipping between Turk being a close friend vs a former friend, and the emphatic certainty that Turk is innocent vs the stolid certainty that he is not innocent. Doubt I could deal with, but the absolutes make me shake my head.

Overall I enjoy how the story unfolds. I recommend this book to fans of Robert Crais.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rick Cahill was a PI who just wants to lead his life in peace. He is also blind due to a gunshot to his face some months ago. All is going well, until his former partner, Moira MacFarlane comes knocking at his door asking him for assistance for a case. Cahill should refuse but he just cannot.

Soon, they are entangled in circumstances well out of their understanding. And no one to help.

The characters are so well defined, I felt like I was actually in the midst of these people. Matt Coyle has described Cahill's blindness and the little ways he tries to overcome the disability in such wonderful detail, it's almost as if the author has himself experienced some part of it.

Blind Vigil is the 7th book in the Rick Cahill series, but it is the first one I read. However, there was no part I couldn't understand as the book covers Cahill's past without dwelling too long on it.

An excellent, fast-paced thriller, perfect for thriller fans.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent story in this series--and so well written. I absolutely love the entire series. This is a 5-star all the way. Can't wait for the next one.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

a detective blinded whilst on the job and now in rehab to try and get his life back together and learn new skills to aid with his blindness, but he misses his old job..

this was an interesting book as i have joined it 7th book in so the characters are well established and i found i had no difficulty getting to grips with the storyline

a jadded private eye who was blinded on his last job and now hes trying to put his life back together but with the thought that there are enemies out there and he cant see them coming...

plus his mate has just been arrested for murdering his girlfriend, so it was an interesting ride

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works as i love the style and ease of writing

Blind Vigil opens with San Diego private eye Rick Cahill recovering from the gunshot wound which almost took his life in the last book and left him blind. Cahill is learning to cope with being blind by focusing on the simple things; how many steps from the bedroom to the bathroom, how to dress himself and how to safely walk and feed his dog. His future as a private eye looks grim, but as a favour to a former colleague he agrees to help with a case. She wants him to listen to her newest client, an old friend of Rick’s, and figure out if he is telling the truth or not. It is a simple request, but it leads to murder and once more Cahill is put in considerable danger.

This is the seventh book in Matt Coyle’s award winning series about Cahill and is a very well plotted PI novel that rises above many of the genre’s clichés. The story proceeds along logical lines and delivers some good surprises and a lot of suspense. Cahill has always been a well developed and engaging character, but the burden of having to overcome the limitations imposed by his blindness has added another interesting dimension to him and the story.

Cahill’s visual limitations add a lot of tension and the manner in which he deals with the threats that he cannot see is credible and exciting. Cahill is not without his flaws, but he is a tough character who perseveres until the end. The final climax is well executed and as good as any I read in the PI field.

The seventh book in a series where I have only read book six that centers around a private investigator and former police officer, Rick Cahill. He is living in San Diego and is called in by a friend to help get to the bottom of a mystery behind what he thinks is a cheating significant other. A murder spins this story on its side and Cahill is determined to find the truth.

In this series each book's mystery is self contained, so although I am missing some major plot points when it comes to Rick Cahill's personal journey, I was easily able to read book six and now book seven and feel as though I wasn't missing too much as each mystery happens and is solved within each book.

What made this book so interesting above the typical detective mystery novel was that this character in this book was injured in the previous book in this series and he ended up blind. Following a main character who is a private investigator while also living with a debilitating injury was just interesting in and of itself, but then to have him continue to do his job and help his friend get to the bottom of a murder was fascinating to follow.

At some point, I would like to go back to the beginning and read the other books in this series because I have grown to love Rick Cahill as a character and his stubborn pursuit for the truth is enjoyable to read.

First book I've read in this series but it was a duzzy! Loved it. Extremely well written with excellent characterization. Look forward to reading more. Enjoy!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Intriguing private investigator tale. Not letting his blindness slow him down in finding evidence in a murder. Familiar location helped peak my interest. Some surprises. Great dog.

Rick's struggling with blindness, the result of a gun shot wound 9 months ago, so when Moira, his former partner, calls him, he's iffy about getting back in the PI game. He's especially iffy because Moira asks him to help her interview Turk, a former friend with whom he's fallen out. Turk, it seems, wants to know if his girl friend Shay is cheating on him and Moira wants Rick's take on it. Then, of course, Shay is found murdered, Turk's the lead suspect, and Rick finds himself back in the PI game. This has some good twists but I enjoyed it most for the chance to watch Rick adapt to and navigate within his new reality. I do think it helps to have read at least one of the preceding novels (I wish I'd read the one before this) but it's still perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. Thanks to the publisher for the arc. Good characters and good use of the La Jolla setting along with the plot make it a good read.

Blind Vigil by Matt Coyle is a very highly recommended classic PI novel and the seventh in the Rick Cahill series.

Private investigator Rick Cahill was blinded by a gunshot wound to the face nine months ago while on his last case (Lost Tomorrows, #6 in the series). Now he is trying to learn to live without sight at his home in San Diego and, perhaps, find a new direction to his life. When his friend and sometimes partner Moira MacFarlane asks for his help on a case, he acquiesces. Apparently Moira is interviewing Rick's estranged friend, Turk Moldoon, and she wants Rick to sit in on her interview of Turk about the case. She is sure Rick will be able to tell if Turk is telling her the truth or not, something that is important to her after a previous case turned out disastrously. Turk wants Moira to follow his girlfriend, Shay, to find out if she is having an affair. Rick is sure Turk is telling the truth, so Moira takes on the case. Then Shay is killed, Turk is the main suspect, Moira is furious with Rick, and Rick is determined to discover the truth behind Shay's murder and defend his friend. And who is the man Rick keeps smelling as he follows Rick?

First, you can jump into Blind Vigil without having read the previous novels. I have read the previous novel, Lost Tomorrows, but I'm sure anyone could read Blind Vigil as a stand-alone. The writing is straightforward, the investigation is logical, and the pace is quick. This really is an entertaining, engaging, fast read that will also holding your attention from start to finish. If you like classic noir PI novels, you really need to check out this series.

Personally, I like the way Coyle portrays his hard boiled detective in this series and Rick Cahill is a great character. Rick is compelled to discover the truth no matter the cost and with his current lack of sight this compulsion may put him in danger. He may also be putting any chance of personal happiness at risk with his girlfriend, Leah, as they try to make a long distance romance work. As he investigates the case on his own with some help from Moira due to his impairment, he makes very logical connections and observations, putting the pieces together while trying to prove Turk is not guilty.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Oceanview Publishing.
After publication the review will be posted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Please note that I received an Advanced Reader Copy of “ Blind Vigil” by Matt Coyle from Net Galley to read and review. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley.
The digital pre- pub copy of the book had numerous formatting problems , but that did not prevent Blind Vigil from being an excellent novel that continued Matt Coyle’ string of entertaining , well- written , taut, dark and dangerous noir crime novels. They will disappear, I am sure, in publication.
The word “ blind” in the title comes from the fact that at the end of the previous novel entitled Lost Tomorrows, private detective Rick Cahill had finally solved the years long mystery of who had murdered his wife. That book has a furious climax that resulted with the killer dead, and Cahill being shot in the face. He received a wound that caused r some damage to Cahill’s optic nerve. Cahill’s stubbornness helped him to survive a terrible wound, but it also had driven him to take dangerous decisions . In Blind Vigil, at one point, Moira, a friend and fellow private eye, tells Rick that” You’ve been blind a long time, and it has nothing to do with your eyes.”
At the beginning on Blind Vigil, Cahill is alone, blind , despondent , dependent on others and nearly broke. Who needs a blind private eye? But then his long-time friend, Turk, a man who once hired him to work in his bar and allowed him use it as an office for his PI work is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Shea.Turk hires Moira, to look into Shea’s murder, who asks Rick to help out. It may be more as therapy than because she really needs his help, but Rick takes it seriously.
When Rick Cahill ,even a blinded Rick Cahill, takes things seriously, things can go wrong very quickly.
As Moira tells him, while searching for the truth, Rick “ acts above the law.... People die while you are chasing the greater good. “ but Cahill believes that his friend Turk is innocent of murder and starts probing on his own. This only seems to make thing worse. For one thing the local cops despise him; for another Even Moira thinks that Turk is guilty, and tries to keep him reined in. Fat chance. Once again, despite his handicap, Cahill goes his own way.
By having his protagonist suffer blindness, Author Matt Coyle opens a whole new dimension to refresh and expand his Cahill series. Driven as he was with a search for vengeance on the murder of his wife, Cahill as a character was not always likable, but he was interesting. Now he is unique, as far as I know, in crime lit. The blind Cahill is more symphatetic, but not patnetic, less self- condemning , less bitter and cruel in this book. He is willing to rely on his few friends for help, although not always to listen to their advice . There is less violence than in previous novels- at least until the climax- but there is more detection into who really had the motive to kill Shea: Turk, or the mysterious man whom Shea was seen with earlier. That makes for a interesting, fast moving and compelling book. But any more details and I will spoil the book for others.
I will leave it there, because Blind Vigil is really worth reading for all mystery fans, and not only devotees of the series. Vey good with four stars.
Cautions: no sex, no bad language, some violence

Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for providing me a copy of this book for this honest review.

Matt Coyle’s private investigator Rick Cahill is back in the 7th book in this series, a very enjoyable book for this first-time reader of the series. Rick is recovering from a gunshot wound to his face that has left him blind when y his onetime partner, Moira MacFarlane ask him to help with a case she is considering with Turk Muldoon, Rick’s now estranged good friend. She’s somewhat humoring Rick but also hoping his new instincts honed by months of blindness will show her that Turk is honest in his request of Moira. Based on Rick’s assessment, Moira decides to help investigate Turk’s girlfriend Shay Summers who Turk wants to marry but feels she hasn’t been honest with him. Moira finds some unexplained meeting that Shay has with an unknown man and when she tells Turk he becomes angry. He promises not to act on his anger but by the next day Turk’s girlfriend is dead and Turk is the main suspect. Despite his promise, Turk visited Shay and according to Turk, although he was angry with her, she was still alive when he left. Moira becomes upset with both Turk and Rick and refuses to help Rick when he decides to do what he can for his former friend. Of course, with Rick’s blindness, he can only do so much, but that doesn’t stop him from trying.

This series has many of the characteristics of traditional private detective series – a strong willed lead who gets himself into trouble that he probably should avoid, especially against the request of the local police. In this case, Rick also does some things that his partner and girlfriend would hope he wouldn’t do, especially in his disabled condition. Fortunately, he doesn’t go so far astray to create disbelief to his readers or to get his friends too angry with him. (He wouldn’t be a good PI if he didn’t go too far to annoy the police though.)

Although I’ve been collecting books in this series almost from the beginning, this is the first one I’ve read. I had no trouble reading this without having read the prior books in the series, although I probably missed out on some of the references. I really enjoyed it and I’m glad I have most of the prior books to read. The occasional bits of humor along with some interesting back story among the characters makes for some enjoyable reading that I’m sure I’ll like even more when I see some of the progression of the characters in the earlier books. I’m sure to catch up quick so I’m ready for the future books.

That’s the second time in a row I’ve jumped ahead in a series 😱. Although in this case I had read the first book (this is no. 7) which I enjoyed enough to want to read more. And I really enjoyed this one. The lead character, Rick Cahill, is a PI in the vein of the ‘hard-boiled’ private detectives of old, so a bit of fun. Only in this story his progress is hampered somewhat through being blind!

Nine months earlier a shot in the face nearly killed him and rendered him sightless. He is now fully fit and stir crazy from inactivity so when old friend and fellow PI, Moira McFarland, seeks his help he jumps at the opportunity. The client is another old friend of Rick’s (although they had had a falling out), Turk Muldoon. Muldoon wants to know if his girlfriend, Shay Summers, is cheating on him as he is sure she has been lying about something. Rick is along to determine the truth of what Muldoon is saying as, due to blindness, his other senses have become more acute - and he knows Muldoon well.

They are on the job for less than 24 hours when Shay is discovered dead in her apartment. The police look no further than Turk Muldoon for their suspect. It doesn’t help that a witness and certain evidence points his way. But Rick is convinced of his friend’s innocence and, pig-headed as he is, he doesn’t give up trying up trying to clear Turk. Soon he has another line of inquiry with its origins firmly rooted in the past but nobody is interested. Can this explain why Shay was murdered and can Rick convince the police to listen to him before he, too, becomes a victim? Although (don’t tell anyone) his vision is very slowly returning.

This was a fast paced story with lots of good, snarky dialogue. Rick was a bit annoying at times so I can’t give this 5 stars, but his accomplices in his quest to clear Turk were all great characters in their own right. It was a fun and entertaining story that was even (shock, horror) plausible! This will appeal to all readers who enjoy hard-boiled PI stories or just murder mysteries. There was no gratuitous violence, swearing or animal abuse. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Matt Coyle for providing a copy of the book. My opinions are my own.

Though this book is part of a series I felt comfortable reading it as a standalone. The private investigator being blind intrigued me into requesting the book and the writing kept up to the premise. The plot and characters are developed and move fluidly. What I felt cliched was the PI going alone to tackle the killer, when so much emphasis was on his routine life as blind . 4.5 stars

The writing and the characters are good, and this is a readable and entertaining story, but the plot is really simple. In addition, there's a lot of repetitions, as almost every page contains a reference to the blindness, and we do understand that other senses are heightened. And why can't he use the camera, when he can use every other function on his phone?

What happens to a man when his profession requires him to be observant of practically everything around him but his present reality is total blindness? Rick Cahill is a good private investigator even if he doesn't exactly play by all the legal rules of the game. He takes his job seriously and doesn't hesitate to slip over the line if it will benefit his client. Now Cahill has been nine months trying to recover from a gunshot wound which took his sight but almost took his life. How can a private eye have a profession without any vision? Well, he can let his friends help him as much as possible when he finds that his friend Turk Muldoon wants to hire someone to find out if his girlfriend is cheating on him.

Cahill is the type of PI who gets things done and rubs folks wrong along his way to doing it. Lots of things in his past have made him the hard, tough guy he is now and he's learned those lessons along the way. In this book author Matt Coyle has added a new component - blindness - to kick up the tension throughout this story. Cahill begins to rely heavily on his other senses to get along in his daily life and in learning how to operate as an investigator again. Because others still rely on sight, Cahill has an almost impossible task of getting someone to believe in his Invisible Man.

This story was well plotted and executed. My only point of negativism was the overload of repetition of things that had happened to Rick previously. Yes, I know, it was to give readers a full understanding of the man as he is now, but those are pretty easy concepts for a reader to pick up after one or, at the very most, two mentions. Less is definitely best for me in these cases.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for an e-galley of this novel.

this was a great mystery novel, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I really enjoyed trying to solve the mystery. I look forward to more from the author.

A good quick read with plenty of action and suspense. A definite page turner.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

No doubt I sound like a broken record, but I really, really like this series. The central character, Rick Cahill, is the perfect combination of tough background and no-nonsense approach to his life and his job as a private detective (empathy, perhaps not so much). As this one begins, though, he's having a hard time; he's still recovering from being shot in the face nine months earlier, which, among other things, left him totally blind.

He's not sure where his path will lead next, but given his condition, being a private eye is pretty much out of the question when neither of yours is working. But then he gets a call from old partner Moira MacFarlane, who tells him another old (but now estranged) friend Turk Moldoon wants to hire her to find out if his girlfriend Shay is cheating on him. Moira says she needs Rick's insights when she goes to interview Turk - if the man doesn't seem on the up and up, she doesn't want to take the case.

Turk doesn't seem all that happy to see Rick again, but he's desperate to learn the truth about his girlfriend. Meantime, Rick must deal with his own issues that come with adjusting to blindness and a somewhat long-distance romance with his partner Leah. Soon, though, he's drawn into the case in a way he never expected as Turk finds himself the primary suspect in a murder case. Just about everyone involved, including Moira, think Turk is guilty. But Rick is certain his old friend isn't capable of such an act and sets out to prove it - even if he can't see his own hand in front of his mangled-up face.

Much of the book focuses on how Rick deals with his injuries - and I must say to that end he's got amazing intestinal fortitude (I'm pretty sure I'd just hole up in my house and let the rest of the world pass me by unseen). Rick isn't one to feel sorry for himself, though - at least not when his friend is looking at a lifetime in prison. There's plenty of action, some of which puts Rick's life in danger, all making for a terrific adventure that made me sorry when I got to the end. Thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Rick Cahill, former restaurant manager and police officer, now private investigator, is dealing with the results of being shot in the face on his last case. He's completely blind and learning to live without his sight. This forces him into early retirement as a PI, until his sometimes partner Moira MacFarlane has a case she'd like the help of his ears. Rick's former best friend, Turk, has hired her to follow his girlfriend, Shay because he believes she might be up to no good. After Shay is murdered one evening, Turk is arrested for the crime, and Rick determines to free his friend using the senses he has left - his ears and nose.

Blind Vigil is the seventh book in this series, and can be read as a stand alone. However, I don't say this much, but I think I would rather read the previous ones first. There was a lot of backstory that was explained, but I enjoyed the writing and suspense so much, I'd have loved to enjoyed those books instead. Intense, intriguing, and smart, this is not your average mystery. With surprising twists, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish.

Blind Vigil is the seventh instalment in the Rick Cahill Private Investigator Crime series, set in and around San Diego, California. Having sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to the face during his last case after coming face to face with his wife's killer, which left him blind, Rick is trying to adapt to life as best he can along with his trusty sidekick and pooch Midnight. He is unsure exactly how he can remain a superb PI without the use of his sight but his understandable action of wallowing in self-pity is placed aside when fellow PI and friend Moira MacFarlane asks him for help on a case she's just been hired for. Restauranteur and Rick's ex-best friend, Turk Muldoon, is looking for proof his girlfriend, Shay, is cheating on him. Having discovered she has met with someone else, Moira takes Rick along in the hope that he'll know how to calm Turk’s distress. It's premature to assume she's seeing the guy at this stage and Moira vows to continue surveillance the following morning and report back. But when the pair arrive at Shay's the next morning to begin their stakeout, they discover a crime scene with a large police presence and an intensive investigation underway. They see Shay's limp body being taken away and Turk in handcuffs.

Rick, having knowing Turk several years, believes him to be innocent and sets out to prove it despite his difficulties of late. He manages to get himself into some dangerous scrapes while on the job due to his inability to see and manages to rope a reticent Moira back in but only because she hopes to see her friend complete another case successfully regardless of his disability. This is a compulsive and exciting thriller with a whole lot of action, a believable plot and a cast of engaging characters. I love Rick as a protagonist as he's a strong, independent guy who knows his own mind, gets results and is nobody's fool, and you really feel for the situation he is in right now. It's well written, perfectly paced and is an unadulterated slice of pure escapism. Entertaining and compelling from the very beginning, I couldn't stop myself racing through its pages. Usually, a book can be described as either plot or character-driven, but I must admit that this does a pretty good job of being both. There are ample twists and turns and a great use of red herrings/misdirection with Coyle really pulling out all of the stops by ratcheting up the tension towards the end culminating in a spectacular conclusion. Highly recommended.

Blind vigil by Matt Coyle.
Rick Cahill #7.
I really enjoyed this book. I do love this series. I love Rick. Lots of action. Great story. Surprised at the end. 5*.

Well written mystery. Great plot and character dynamics. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

Matt Coyle knocks it out of the park again. I've read about half of this series, and I absolutely love it! Rick is caring and hardworking. Any case he works on, you can guarantee he is going to put his heart and soul into it. If you love a good P.I. novel, you will definitely not be disappointed with this one. I started this series thinking it couldn't get any better, but it sucks me in every time!

What a wonderful read Matt Coyle has delivered to his readers in Blind Vigil, another in his Rick Cahill series!

Rick is recovering from being shot in the face after taking on his wife's killer in the culmination of years of looking for him. Now he spends his days with his dog Midnight, wondering how to pick up the pieces of his life. It's not like he left on good terms with the police, and it's tough to be a good private eye when you can't see. Leah, his long-time girlfriend, wants him to move to Santa Barbara with her, but San Diego is his home, his job is/was his life, and he's not ready to let it go yet.

Moira MacFarlane, a good friend and private investigator herself, tells him she needs his help on a case she's just been hired for. Turk Muldoon, restraunteur, and Rick's former best friend, wants to know if his girlfriend, Shay, is seeing someone else. Moira's last domestic inquiry ended in tragedy, and Moira doesn't want to take the chance of it happening again. Moira is convinced Rick will be able to give her a good gauge on how Turk takes her report. So with Rick along, she meets with Turk, telling him Shay did meet with someone, but they don't know who or why yet. Cahill senses no danger in Turk, and Rick and Moira tell him that they will continue their surveillence the next morning to bring him the answers he seeks.

When Moira and Cahill arrive at Shay's the next morning, they find an active police investigation going on, with Shay's body being taken away and Turk in handcuffs. Moira wants no part of Turk, but Rick is certain of his innocence and sets out to prove it. It's even easier to walk into trouble when you can't see it coming, and Cahill finds himself in danger multiple times. Rick calls in some favors from Moira, who grudgingly agrees to help, not because she believes Muldoon is innocent, but because she wants her friend to live to work another case.

The book is filled with twists and turns as Moira, Rick and Turk try to find the truth that will set Muldoon free. An engaging read, this book is pure escapism and I loved it! In fact, I became annoyed when my life kept interfering and made it put it down again and again. I couldn't wait to get back and find out the conclusion!

I love the character of Rick Cahill, a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-he-sees-it guy, gruff, but with a soft center for his friends. I love the way he interacts with Moira and Turk, a man who gave him his start, and even saved his life, but who also broke their friendship seemingly forever. This novel is a good blend of personalities and action.

My thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing who allowed me to read an ARC copy of this novel which is scheduled to be published 12/1/2020.

His last case left private investigator Rick Cahill recovering from a gun shot to the face and the loss of his sight. He is managing with the help of his dog Midnight and being precise with everything in his home. P.I., Moira McFarland asks for his help with a case for his former best friend, Turk Muldoon. Turk believes his girlfriend is cheating on him and wants her followed. Even though he can’t see, Rick realizes due to his enhanced sense of smell that someone is following them. When Turk is charged with murder, Rick and Moira will have to step up the investigation to prove Turk’s innocence. Rick begins to notice a change in his vision; is his sight returning? When he is attacked in his own home, will he be able to count on his training to save him from the man who plans to kill him? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

A great surprise! This is the first book that I read by Matt Coyle and I really enjoy it! There's a good plot, some mystery, and lots of action, but besides
there's the unwavering trust between friends that the truth will prevail and the culprit will be found. There's also the journey of a lonely man with a strong will to improve his health condition and his capacity of doing good. Really entertaining!

“Blind Vigil” by Matt Coyle finds Rick Cahill starting his life over again. It is part of a series, and while it is important to read the entire series to fully appreciate Rick, his troubled past, and his complicated journey, this book briefly introduces each character and incorporates relationships into current scenarios to help new readers catch up on previous action.

Rick’s plight unfolds in his first person narrative. His years as a private investigator enabled him to pursue his own version of truth, and yet when he ultimately confronted that one great wrong, he generated a disaster. His previous life ended when he was shot, and people he cared about died as a result of his actions.

The story is essentially Rick’s redemption as he searches for truth in his world of darkness. He talks directly to the reader as he goes through each day, each new experience, each frustration, and each tiny success. He also talks to himself - a lot. Rick struggles with everything; he battles his own guilt and his physical limitations. He wallows in self-pity, aches for a better life, and craves redemption. However, somewhere in his world of darkness there lurks a killer, and he is driven to save those who are left after losing so many friends in the past.

Rick Cahill is a dark, distressed person; he suffers unendingly in this book and in every book, but trauma has initiated some tiny amount of change. He attempts to distance himself from his past guilt and find a glimmer of brightness in future. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, and as the story unfolds, he achieves a modicum of self-confidence, independence, and proficiency. While this book can certainly be read by itself, to get the full impact, new readers should at least read book one “Yesterday’s Echo,” and book six, “Lost Tomorrows.” I recommend the entire Rick Cahill series.

I received a review copy of “Blind Vigil” from Matt Coyle and Oceanview Publishing. The fact that “Blind Vigil” exists at all is a tribute to the exceptional writing skill of Matt Coyle. Most writers would have stopped with “Lost Tomorrows.” Thanks Matt for pushing readers to the brink and wrenching us back. Only time will tell what the future holds.

Blind Vigil is book seven in the Rick Cahill series. I've read several of the previous books in the series but it's been awhile so I feel relatively safe in saying that this book works fine as a standalone. In fact, in a lot of ways Blind Vigil is about how things that have happened in the past come full circle to the present so you get considerable backstory as it goes along.

P.I. Rick Cahill is a man of action who is readjusting to his life after a gunshot to the face left him blind. No one knows when or if his sight will ever return leaving him in a sort of limbo as he tries to figure out his place in the world.

The majority of this book plays out as a character study of a man learning to live with his sudden and unexpected blindness. Cahill has trouble dealing with the fact that he can't do what he used to do or be who he used to be and it causes difficulties for him in more ways than one. The result is a very slow building story that takes its time unfolding.

If you can stick with it through the first half then it gets better as things pick up and start moving. It gets repetitive when it comes to Cahill's new routine; his inability to express emotion to those close to him; and traffic directions - Geez, the traffic directions! At times it's almost like reading a roadmap.

I prefer a more streamlined narrative so, while it redeems itself in the end, for my taste, it took way too long to get there.

There's a smattering of cursing but it should be fine for all but the most sensitive readers.

***I received a free digital copy of this title through NetGalley

Gripping, fast paced and well written. I loved this book.
Great characters and storyline, the right touch of humor and a solid mystery.
I can't wait to read another book by this author.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was a little lost about the protagonist's back story maybe if I had read the beginning of the series I would understand it better. He has only lost his sight for 8 months but the amount of things he can do is a little to far fetched in my opinion. The fact that he can tell that someone is following his partner because of Dove deodorant (which I assume is a popular brand) seems odd. The author mentions it over and over again which had me wondering if Dove sponsored the book.

The writing is good and engaging and it might be because I jumped to the seventh book. But it just didn't grab me. There is the repetitiveness of what he can and cannot do because of his injury. I'd say 2.5 stars which is why I gave it 3.

Despite irritation at some of the self pitying commentary (although necessary to believe a blind man could be a detective) this story flew along .. it's all a little complex but at base are heartfelt feelings, family ties and trust in friends as Rick, our blind PI, tries to find his footing again after gunshot ruined his sight, and reestablish an old friendship in pursuit of wrongful accusations of murder. What I liked in fact is underlying theme that we all do our best and cannot be blamed for events that are tragic or harmful. Really persuasive and great writing . I'll be looking for earlier books in series .. dialogue is sharp and witty .. a great bonus.

Its total darkness and by darkness I mean real blindness for Rick Cahill, in the 7th and very thrilling installment in Matt Coyle's Rick Cahill PI series.
An action packed thriller led by a rather depressed Rick who has been left sightless by a gunshot to his face and who is painstakingly trying to get this "unforeseen" situation under control. But once again and against his better judgement, he lets his sometimes partner the unpredictable Moira drag him into a rat infested mayhem that might or might not sent his life out of control. Full of linguistic fireworks and bloody explosions, this latest in the series is an unputdownable joy from start to finish. And yes, for the hardcore fans of this genial private investigator, don't worry, his faithful Midnight is around....
To be enjoyed as usual without any moderation👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me the opportunity to spend 4 unforgettable hours between breakfast & lunch with this delicious madness prior to its release date

I was offered this galley from the publisher, and was really pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure what to expect. But it turned out to be a pretty good read. The characters were likeable and well written. The story was interesting and pulled me in. It was a good surprise!

4/5 Stars

P.I. Navigates His Latest Investigation Without Sight in “Blind Vigil”

By Joanna Poncavage


Still blind.

Every morning for the last nine months, Rick Cahill has opened his eyes to total darkness.

Shot in the face while solving the cold case murder of his wife, the private investigator now counts his steps from room to room and ponders what his next act will be. There’s nothing less useful than a blind private eye, or so he thinks.

That is until Moira, his old partner, knocks on his door and asks for his help on a case. Rick’s former best friend and one-time restaurant business partner, Turk, has hired Moira to shadow his girlfriend. Turk says she’s been distant lately, lying about where she’s been. Moira just wants Rick to accompany her when she meets with Turk to get a read on his motives.

When Turk’s girlfriend, Shay, is brutally murdered, Turk becomes the prime suspect.

A TRIANGLE OF INNOCENCE, GUILT AND LIES
At the heart of Matt Coyle’s Blind Vigil (Oceanview) is a tense triangle between Rick, who believes Turk is innocent; Moira, who thinks he’s guilty; and Turk, who isn’t always … as forthcoming as he could be.

Who was Shay meeting in the hours before her death? What was she celebrating with champagne and chocolate cake? Who was she before she came to San Diego from Idaho, where her mother was bilked out of close to a million when she sold the family ranch?

As he gets back in the game, Rick comes to realize how his remaining senses can be just as helpful as sight, sometimes even more so. When danger comes up from behind, was it the same man following him? Or just another man wearing the same deodorant?

Coyle’s seventh novel featuring private investigator Rick Cahill boils with tension on every page, every detail leading to the next, not a word wasted.

It’s a fast-paced procedural that takes us along on stakeouts, to police interrogation rooms, press conferences pitting Turk’s defense attorney against dirt-hungry reporters, and inside Rick and Moira’s reasoning as they follow their clues to the truth. There’s Rick’s very helpful black Lab named Midnight, too.

NEWLY-HONED SKILLS AND RETURNING SIGHT
Just as exciting is the gradual return of Rick’s sight. First, a faint lightening at the periphery of blackness, then dark blobs, then shades of gray. Rick keeps his limited sight a secret, all the better to know what’s going on.

Books in Coyle’s Rick Cahill series have received multiple award nominations. The first novel, Yesterday’s Echo, won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, while Lost Tomorrows (Cahill #6) won the Shamus Award and the Lefty Award for Best Mystery. According to Coyle’s website, an eighth book is in the works.

Whether Rick fully recovers or not by this next installment, his newfound sleuthing skills serve him well and make for a unique and compelling development in the series’ story arc as well as the PI genre.

For more about Matt Coyle, visit his BookTrib author profile page.

Shot in the face and left blinded, PI Rick Cahill is flailing, trying to figure out where his life is going. When a friend asks him for advice on a case she’s been asked to take by Rick’s old friend Turk, he jumps at the chance to feel useful again. Only it’s not even a day later that Turk’s girlfriend is found murdered - and Turk is right in the frame for her murder.

Rick is dealing with an awful lot here. He’s a dogged type, though, and even dealing with the major disability of his blindness, he manages to figure out what’s really going on. This is the seventh book in the author’s series about Rick Cahill, and there’s obviously a lot of history here (not least the incident in which Rick was shot and blinded) that I, as someone who hasn’t read the rest of the series, am not privy too. Nevertheless, I didn’t have too much trouble following along and getting a pretty good feel for Rick’s character, as well as those closest to him.

The only thing I found disappointing was that Rick recovers from his blindness at the end of the story and resumes his life as a PI, making this a ‘one-off’ story about a case he has to work while dealing with his disability. It’s not a magical cure, but I would definitely be more interested in reading more in the series about a blind PI who still manages to figure out ways to solve cases - even if he’d just ended up as legally blind rather than totally. This was still a good story in and of itself, though, so I’ll give it four stars.

This was the first book I ever read by Matt Coyle and it will definitely not be the last. I recommend reading some of the other books in the series to learn more about all of the things that happen to Rick Cahill but I enjoyed the story even though I had not read any others. Rick starts this book with a huge handicap that makes it hard for him to help his friends. There are a lot of twists and turns so it is not easy to know who really is the murderer. I really like that. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

True to my usual form I picked up Blind Vigil by Matt Coyle which is #7 in the Rick Cahill series.. Yep ... well along in the series.

Rick Cahill is a PI. In this instalment Rick has been blinded following a gunshot wound to his face. He has significant scarring and wears dark glasses to hide his disfigurement. Rick is "adjusting" to his new normal. At the best of times Rick is an ornery character - he's somewhat recovered after a period of convalescing but being blind does nothing to soften his resolve to get things done. When his work colleague Moira approaches him to attend a meeting with her new client, Rick's good friend and former boss Turk Muldoon, who wants Moira to investigate whether his girlfriend is having an affair. Moira wants Rick to tag along and assess whether Turk is being straight up with her, Rick knowing Turk as he does.

When Turk's girlfriend winds up dead not long after the meeting, Rick and a less-than-enthusiastic Moira seek to determine if Turk is guilty.

The reader sees Rick navigating his relationships and workflow without his sight. There are subtle references to the views of others with varying degrees of consideration for those who are vision impaired. Ultimately this book is also about friendship and Rick's dogged determination. Stubborn and unyielding, he remains a force to be reckoned with.

I’m not fussed with Moira but I need to het the backstory to flesh her out a little.

Rick Cahill is the best! Nothing keeps him down. It’s easy to understand why this author keeps winning awards. This series just keeps getting better! You really don’t want to miss this installment. It’s riveting!

I haven't read previous books in this series but this book works perfectly well as a stand alone. And now I know what I've been missing!! I loved this book! Rick Cahill is a wonderful character - very real and sympathetic (even when he's acting recklessly). Coyle did a masterful job of making the reader feel how Rick dealt with his blindness - the nuts and bolts of his everyday living as well as how he felt. The rest of the characters rounded out the cast very well and the plot was intriguing. I'm giving it 5 stars!

I was new to this ongoing series and apparently missed some major drama in previous episodes: private investigator Rick Cahill has recovered from a recent gunshot wound to the face but is now blind. He’s called by his former partner, Moira, to sit in on an interview with Turk, his estranged best friend, a man who now walks with a cane as a result of having taken a bullet to save Rick’s life. That’s a lot of backstory, but the author gets new readers up to speed without bogging down the current novel. Rick is a vaguely Spenser-like tough-guy PI, navigating his surroundings as a newly blind person but unwilling to abandon old loyalties even when it is physically difficult and his help is unwanted. The plot moves swiftly along, with lots of dramatic tension—at every turn Rick is in some kind of danger, or involved in some kind of fight, or in some kind of conflict with one of his friends. The heightened awareness of smell that Rick experiences is a bit too convenient, but I was enjoying the story so much I didn’t really care. The characters are appealing and made me look forward to reading more books in the series. The great thing is that when you discover a terrific series after seven books, you don’t have to wait a year to read the next one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview publishing for a digital advance review copy.

A slam-dunk murder?

Rick Cahill is slowly coming to terms with his blindness following the almost fatal bullet wound he received solving his last case. Rick is somewhat surprised when his friend and a fellow Private Investigator Fiona McFarland calls asking him to partner her as Turk Muldoon, a long-time friend of Rick’s has asked her to investigate his girlfriend, Shay. Shay seems to be keeping a lot of secrets from Turk and disappearing on “dates”.

Not two days into their investigation, Shay is found murdered, and Turk is the prime suspect. Rick is convinced that Turk is incapable of murdering anyone. Fiona disagrees and refuses to help him with his attempt to prove that there is a killer on the loose hell-bent on setting up Turk to take the blame.

The storyline is easy to follow. The plot is unique and characters well-drawn. All these factors would typically get five-stars from me. However, the book seemed to drag, meaning that I started to lose interest.

I was genuinely looking forward to reading this, the latest Matt Coyle book, and feel somewhat let down by the slow pace.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

Rick Cahill #7

Blinded by a gunshot wound to the face while working as a private investigator nine months ago, Rick Cahill is now only sure of one thing: he has to start a new life and leave his old one behind.

Moira MacFarlane, his onetime partner, asks for his help on a case she's taken for Rick's former best friend. The case is simple and Moira only needs Rick for one interview. Wary of waking sleeping demons, Rick reluctantly agrees to help. It's not long before the case turns deadly.

There's some vulgar language in this story that some readers might find offensive, but it's a quick and easy book to read. Not even blindness stops Rick. The suspense builds from the beginning and I was hooked straight away. The plotline is believable and the characters are complex. I haven't read all of the books in this series but this book can be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #OceanviewPublishing and the author #MattCoyle for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

P. I. Perfection
So, I have to say this book surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Now do not get me wrong if you have read my reviews then you know I love mysteries so this is not a stretch for me but what is surprising is I read this in one sitting and can see myself going backwards and reading the books between one and seven. This novel starts with Rick waking up in a dark void. Rick was apparently shot in the face at the end of the last novel. The tissue around his optic nerves was damaged and swelled resulting in his blindness. What I loved about this novel is that Rick has a love interest and is not alone. In the first novel Yesterday’s Echo’s I felt so bad Rick because he was so crushed over his wife’s death that he did not really have a love interest but more of a fling. While his girlfriend does split her time between La Jolla and Santa Barbra where she has her business, I felt that their connection was extremely genuine good job Mr. Coyle with that aspect.

The novel starts off with Rick getting a knock at the door from his P.I friend Moira and she asks for assistance on a case that she has been asked to work. Rick is extremely reluctant and even though his P. I. license is good for another year he is unsure if he wants to continue a job in this field. The only reason he agrees to go with Moira is because the case involves his old friend Turk. Moira needs Rick to be there for the initial meeting so that she can get a feel for if Turk is being truthful.

What unfolds after that initial meeting is a great story. Rick and Moira tail Turks girlfriend to see if she is cheating on him and a few days into their investigation the girlfriend is found dead and Turk is in the middle of it all. Along with finding out if Turk in fact killed his girlfriend what I loved about this novel is that Rick was able to find a purpose for himself. Another aspect that is beautifully well written is Rick’s blindness and how it impacts the case. You can really tell that research went into all the details. Like I previously mentioned this is not a standalone novel there are clearly previous plot points weaved into this story but I never once felt lost or confused in the slightest all I felt is that I would enjoy the rest of the previous books. All and all a 4.5 read. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cop read or a mystery.

Although this is the 7th book in this series, it is, in fact, my first book of Rick Cahill and reads well as a stand-alone book. I liked how the author managed to give so much information about the main character in the story, as a bit of a ‘this is how we got here’ sort of thing right at the start of this book.

Cahill is a man to be admired. He used to be a Private Investigator before he was shot in the face nine months earlier and blinded. Cahill had become confident getting around his home and still keeps a fitness routine going each day, working out in his garage. His dog is super, he isn’t a trained helper dog but Rick’s pet, but he has adapted to Rick’s needs and dangers around them.

When his old partner comes to see him, it is to offer him a little work as a PI but only in a consulting way, as a case she has taken on is for someone that Rick knows very well. The man who saved Rick’s life. It should have been easy, judge his state of mind and assess if he is stable and not likely to blow a fuse and do anything rash. But life is never that simple is it?

I was mesmerised with this story as it was told through the senses that Rick experienced, the background things that we don’t often notice because we use the obvious one, sight. Rick could recognise someone’s gait, an aroma and that feeling that someone is almost close enough to touch but just keeping out of reach. All things he could use to his advantage. The story kept me on my toes with directions that I hadn’t known were coming. The story ties up all the loose ends to the case so hopefully ready for another outing for Rick and co soon.

I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

I always think that this series can’t get any better, and then it does. The reader is just as blind as Rick is through most of the book and it’s stressful! Who is the secret man? Why can’t Moira see everything that Rick can’t? I couldn’t put this book down. I’m ready to read the next one already! If you love a good P.I. story, this series never disappoints!

Blind Vigil is the seventh instalment in the Rick Cahill Private Investigator Crime series, set in the area of San Diego, California.

Sustaining a gunshot wound to the face during his last case which left him blind, Rick is trying to adapt to life as it is now along with his dog, Midnight. He is unsure how he can remain a PI without the use of his sight but when fellow PI and friend Moira MacFarlane asks him for help on a case for which she has just been hired, he agrees to help. Restaurateur and Rick's ex-best friend, Turk Muldoon, is looking for proof his girlfriend, Shay Sommers, is cheating on him. Having discovered she has met with someone else, Moira takes Rick along but when they arrive back later to begin their stakeout, they discover a crime scene, and an intensive investigation is underway. They see Shay's body being taken away and Turk in handcuffs. Rick has known Turk for several years and believes him to be innocent, so sets out to prove it.

This is a compulsive thriller with plenty of action, a believable plot and a cast of engaging characters. Rick makes for a great protagonist; he's strong, is nobody's fool, and gets results. It's well written, perfectly paced and compelling from the very beginning. There are ample twists and turns and great use of misdirection by Matt Coyle who really ratchets up the tension, pulling out all the stops towards the end with a spectacular finale. I really need to read the other books in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Oceanview Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars_ Book 7 in the Rick Cahill series! So far, I’ve only read Book 5 and Book 7, but I need to start back at Book 1! This series is excellent!

I feel like Matt Coyle is underrated; he should get more recognition because this is a superb series!

I think you can read them as stand-alones for sure. I would probably be more invested and get more of the story if I have read this series from the start, but I still really enjoy the series, and there aren’t many spoilers in the books.

Of course, I’ve grown to love Risk Cahill and I’m invested in his life, but I also loved the other secondary characters. These books always keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat, plus it’s a quick and easy read!

The only thing I didn’t like was the ending, I feel like it was very rushed. Having said that though, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series! Last Redemption is going to be out November 30, 2021, and I’m marking this in my calendar!

Rick Cahill is a force to be reckoned with in this novel. I loved this strong character and the storyline. While Rick Cahill is blind due to a former gunshot wound to his face, the details around blindness and how he copes with his new challenges are truly realistic and inspiring and endear the reader to him. While he takes this case expecting it to be one simple interview, it can never be that easy and without risk. Very engaging read - liked it and love this author.

A blind detective is different as the main character. Rick is or was a private detective but now he is blind. His other senses are helping him try to help is friend that is charged with murdering his girlfriend. The book is well done with a steady pace and plenty of interactions of the characters. I had not read the other books in this series but found it easy to catch up on Moira, Leah, the falling out of Rick with his best pal. I enjoyed the story. Now I need to go back and read the earlier books in the series.

Really well written and fast paced mystery. Loved how the author respectfully treated the main character's blindness and made it an organic part of the story.

I read this without realizing it was a series it was actually a very good book and I would love to read more from this author.

What a fantastic story! From start to end, the suspense keeps one on the edge of their seat.

Rick Cahill might have lost his sight but his other senses work better than ever. A normal P.I job of keeping an eye on a cheating girlfriend goes wrong when the girlfriend is found dead in her house. The girlfriend's boyfriend is the main suspect - and he happens to be Rick's best friend. Rick learns a man has been following him and Moira (fellow P.I.) - this is the missing part of the puzzle. Who is that man? Why is he following them?

I absolutely loved every bit of this story. Highly recommended!