Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When the bizarre death of a mob foot soldier sparks an escalating war between Boston’s Irish and Italian mafia, detective Ray Hanley’s relentless search for the truth uncovers evidence of a serial killer obsessed with the art of human suffering.

As the body count rises, Detective Hanley must navigate a minefield of crime families, dirty politicians, and crooked cops, while matching wits with a deranged serial killer. But temptation, betrayal, and death threaten to derail the investigation, and justice doesn’t come without a price.

From the author of Colony of the Lost (a 2016 Silver Falchion Award Finalist for Best Horror) comes a novel for fans of Thomas Harris, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane. A crime thriller reminiscent of The Silence of The Lambs and The Departed.

330 pages, ebook

First published September 20, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Derik Cavignano

6 books136 followers
Derik Cavignano is an award-winning author who writes character-driven stories in a variety of genres, including horror, sci-fi, and crime. A native of Boston, Derik currently lives in Florida with his wife, two children, and an angry cat who won't stop biting him.

Awards for his novels include:

*2019 Best Book Awards Winner for horror (The Art of Dying: A Ray Hanley Crime Thriller)

*2019 American Fiction Awards Winner for general horror (The Art of Dying: A Ray Hanley Crime Thriller)

*2019 American Fiction Awards Finalist for crime thrillers (The Art of Dying: A Ray Hanley Crime Thriller)

*2016 Silver Falchion Award Finalist for best horror (Colony of the Lost)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
292 (42%)
4 stars
234 (34%)
3 stars
108 (15%)
2 stars
36 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews487 followers
June 17, 2020
When An Artist Makes A Gallery With Dying Art

This is a new author to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed this great crime read and will definitely read more from him. Descriptive scenes, gritty cops in South Boston, and the Mob involvement give this story a real Boston feel so I was right at home!
A thrilling case with a plot right out of a gallery owners nightmare, as a disrespected artist starts his own showing using people who have done him wrong as his exhibits. After he uses his artist touch on them, of course!
A great story for all who enjoy police action!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
5,899 reviews221 followers
September 16, 2019
I will give props to the hype. This book is partly reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. I have read some very, very twisted things in books over the years. Example: A vigilance turning a guy into hamburger meat and sending it to his family. The family and friends eat him at a barbeque.

Yet, the things in this book that the killer does all in the name of "art" actually had me speechless and almost losing my lunch a couple of times. This is not what made this book for me. Thank goodness or I might have needed to book an appointment with a psychologist.

No, it was Detective Hanley and the overall storyline. It was refreshing to have a detective that was competent and likeable at the same time. Although, the killer was present in a big way as well. There were clues given about his motives but not a lot as to keep the mystery about the indemnity. Which, I will admit that I had no clue who it was until the reveal. I look forward to reading more books from this author including more Ray Hanley books.

Warning: This book features violence, rape, gore, etc.
Profile Image for Jamie W.
185 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2019
This story definitely delivered on the bad guys: psychologically disturbing torture and gore as well as the predicably violent mobster gangs. On the law enforcement side, it had the stereotypical hard-nosed lieutenant, politically-hamstrung police chief, inept FBI agents, and the aging chauvinistic partner. And of course, our brash, young hero Detective Ray Hanley who follows the case where it leads, regardless of the danger and in spite of department procedure or policy.

The story moved along, but I just didn't feel connected with the characters (and there were a lot!), especially Ray after what he did halfway through the book. I can see the author wanting to blur the lines of good/bad, but I had no character to really like and so was not emotionally invested in the outcome.

The horror was okay, but felt a little forced for shock value, and the killer's motives weren't very imaginative.

Overall, it was entertaining, but it wasn't a very compelling psychological thriller.
Profile Image for Angela.
394 reviews14 followers
August 23, 2019
DNF'd. If you like ageism, sexism, clichéd tropes about women, and rape jokes, this book is for you. Hard pass.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,037 reviews48 followers
August 18, 2019
Fantastic book. While this is a new author to me this book puts him in my to always read list of authors.

If you're a fan of cop procedurals or mob stories your gonna love this! Tons of action in here as well. Can't wait to read the next one,

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amie's Book Reviews.
1,616 reviews173 followers
February 8, 2021
THE ART OF DYING begs to be made into a movie. When and if a movie is made based on this book, it will be an instant Blockbuster. With the visual aspect of the killer's crimes, and the book's exceptional detail, it almost seems as if this book was written with a future movie script in mind.

I tried to think of books or other authors that I might be able to compare to THE ART OF DYING and the book that instantly came to mind was "Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris. That bestselling book has a creepiness factor that is often missing in contemporary horror novels. That "creepiness factor" is amped way up in THE ART OF DYING which makes it an unforgettable reading experience.

In fact, in trying to think of  additional comparisons, I was transported back to the first time I read "CARRIE" by Stephen King. The unexpected element of "Carrie" was probably the most haunting. In this, "The Art of Dying" actually surpasses "Carrie."

THE ART OF DYING is not just a scary book. It is much more than that. Horror is definitely the appropriate genre for this book. However, I do not want to mislead potential readers. This is NOT a Gore-Fest. (Although there are some extremely grisly details where the story demands them.) It is a meticulously plotted thriller and mystery and is a study in the intricacies of the depravity that can exist within the human mind.

The plot is fast-paced and will keep your heart racing throughout. The characters are dynamic and terrifying in equal measure and readers will be happy to know that they have not seen the last of Detective Ray Hanley.

This is a book that readers will remember for a very long time. However, if you are at all squeamish, you should probably pass on reading this book.

Once I started reading "The Art of Dying" I was unable to put it down. It hooked me instantaneously and, even more importantly, it held my fascination right to the final page.

I recently discovered that Author Derik Cavignano is hard at work on the next book starring Detective Ray Hanley and I am hoping to snag an early copy.

I rate THE ART OF DYING as 5+ OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

*** Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book. ***

To read my full review, to listen to an interview with the Author and to sneak a look at one of the chapters in the book, go to:

http://bit.ly/TheArtOfDying

(Link is case sensitive)

Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram at

http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
Profile Image for Kathleen Kelly.
1,379 reviews130 followers
September 21, 2019
To say that this book is thrilling is an understatement. The Art of Dying by Derik Cavignano is a novel of murders that are taking place in Boston. One the mob's foot soldiers died in a bizarre manner which escalates the war between the Irish and Italian mafia. A couple more men are murdered and a few people are missing. Are these instances related? That is what Detective Ray Hanley has to find out.

With a deranged killer out there, one of the bodies has his limbs cut off and spider legs in place of the limbs, the other one fished out of the water had his genital in place of his nose. Now that is one bizarre killer.

The reader reads about the killer, The Artist, a man who was upset with the people he kills or abducts because of a slight done to him in the past. Ray and his fellow cops have a hard task of finding who and why of the investigation. The FBI is involved with one of the witnesses and of course, there is tension. But what is The Artists identity?

Ray has a brother Jacob who shows up occasionally in the story especially when Ray has succumbed to temptation and he needs his brother. The other characters are portrayed as they should be, the mafia dudes are tough and violent.

Ray is a gentler kind of cop as opposed to his partner Billy who is close to retirement and can be a real jerk. Ray has a wife and children while Billy is a single man with a slanted view of the world, but their interaction is a good one and they work well together.

Beware that this book is a gory horror story. I enjoyed reading this book, I hope to read the next one in the series. If you love a good scary police procedural type of book, this one is definitely for you. I read it in two sittings.

August 5, 2019
Absolutely thrilling! I couldn't put it down. I found myself racing through the later chapters to see what would happen at the end. The graphic depiction of the twisted mind of The Artist was chilling and his interactions with his victims was both gruesome and comical at times. The way the characters and different story lines weave together is masterful and it all comes together in a shocking and surprising ending.
Profile Image for Monica.
886 reviews
August 15, 2019
I received this from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

An absolutely thrilling ride. I found myself flying through the pages and couldn't put it down. The plot was well written and the characters had great depth. The graphic description of what the Artist had in mind for his victims was quite gruesome. I love a book where I am surprised at the ending and this one fit it to a T. Can't wait to read more from Cavignano. Happy Reading 😊
Profile Image for Stephanie E..
Author 5 books9 followers
May 11, 2024
I had been interested in reading this book for a long time. Derik is an author friend and fellow member of our local HWA. I heard him say his hook many times to readers when we sell at book events. But it took me awhile to read it because it’s a police thriller, which isn’t my typical genre of choice. However, I’m a sucker for serial killers, so I decided to give this one a shot. And I’m glad I did.

The story follows detective Ray Hanley as he investigates a serial killer who is connected to the Italian and Irish mobs in Boston. That’s all I will say about the book so I won’t give any more away.

First, Derik is a fantastic writer. I already knew this going in, but I was still blown away. The story truly leaves you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a fan of extreme horror like me, the gore and torture in this book are pretty fantastic. But if you’re squeamish, there are enough details between the torture and kills to give yourself a break. This is random, but I really like how Derik made Boston into a character. It’s easy to personify a city, so it gave a memorable touch to this book.

I wouldn’t call this a whodunnit book, but the killer is under your nose the entire time. I guessed who it was, but Derik also threw in enough surprises to keep me shocked.

I did take off one point for a couple of reasons. The main one is there are so many characters, I kept getting everyone mixed up and it took away from the book a bit. I also wish there were more female characters with diverse roles, other than the wife and mother. One of the pathologists is a woman, but she’s also Ray’s ex, so you get some intimate details about her that didn’t relate to the story.

Some reviewers said they didn’t fall in love with any character, but especially not Ray. I think Derik did this on purpose. Ray is a flawed character. The reader looks at him in an honest way rather than seeing him as a hero. I appreciate this take on our detective MC, since it makes this read less like a police thriller.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and plan on getting the sequel next time I see Derik!
September 27, 2020
I really enjoy a well written thriller-suspense novel, especially when the novel has elements of horror in it. Well, Derik Cavignano in 'The Art of Dying' really amplified suspense and horror taking this novel to the highest level of storytelling.

I received a copy for review from the author and it literally took me just three sittings to finish it. I just couldn't put it down and it kept me up at night flipping the pages faster than a windmill during a cyclone to reach the finale.

A fantastic finale that I did not see coming at all. There are clues left here and there for the reader to discover and it all adds up at the end. A very, very, veeeeeery satisfying finale.

The story unfolds as a demented serial killer is on the lose, satisfying his need for blood and torture in the midst of Boston's Irish and Italian mafia feud. 'The Artist' creates a series of gruesome murders and has Ray, the protagonist cop, at the tip of his toes, scratching his head in a game of cat and mouse.


This is one well written novel with tons of suspense and great character development, even though Ray, the protagonist, bore me at times. 'The Artist's' torture scenes are so violent that will haunt you for many days after finishing the book. I guarantee that if you are faint of the heart, as the level of detail is astonishing. (I really wonder about the author's search history 🖤😉)

It's not accidental that the book has won multiple awart and nominations. ( National Indie Excellence Awards Winner (thriller), 2019 American Fiction Awards Winner (general horror), 2019 Best Book Awards Winner (horror), 2019 American Fiction Awards Finalist (crime thrillers), National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist (horror).

It is compared to the likes of 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'The Departed' but to me 'The Art of Dying' has its own wonderful and unique traits.
Traits that hooked me and made me fell in love with Derik Cavignano's writing.
I am now a loyal reader of his stories.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,433 reviews283 followers
May 12, 2020
The Artist is Crazy

Wow this was just cra,y. Macabre and disturbing. I was repulsed, yet mesmerized by the story line. The serial killer in this book is guaranteed to give you nightmares. In one of ending scenes I felt what the victim was feeling confined and destined to die. It was very creepy. There were a couple of things that kept it from being a four. The hero did something that made me think less of him. I was so liking his character and then he ruined it. Not sure I will read about him again. And something that happened at the end upset me too. It was just sad. I loved the mystery of who it was. I never guessed it and the "Artists" work is going to haunt me. First time I've read this author and it was very good. And scary.
Profile Image for Patricia.
692 reviews13 followers
September 28, 2019
Where has Derik Cavignano's books been all my life. I absolutely love him. A little Dennis Lehane, a little Stephen King. What's not to like?

Set in Boston and Quincy, areas I lived in, made them even more special to me. The main character, Detective Ray Hanley, is someone I definitely need to see more of.

People keep missing. Turns out a very creative killer has kidnapped them for reasons only known to him. He gets a little inventive in his torturing of the victims in a somewhat artistic manner.

Lots of humor, too.There was one autopsy scene that produced tears of laughter.

Derik has a few other books out besides this one and I will be purchasing them all. Not to mention encouraging my library to purchase them, too. You don't want to miss this one. An easy 5 star.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,098 reviews51 followers
October 4, 2019
This is one intense, twisted, addictive, complex, insane, jaw-dropping novel! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds.

#TheArtOfDying #NetGalley

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Dark Corners Press in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Julie Rhinehart.
410 reviews7 followers
October 6, 2019
Love this book! Thrilling until the very end with masterfully written twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages! The characters are engaging and the plot keeps you guessing what will happen next. Can’t wait to see what Derik Cavignano comes out with next!!

Thank you NetGalley and Derik Cavignano for this advanced reader copy edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partner
Profile Image for Kristen.
718 reviews88 followers
October 6, 2019
Creepy, disturbing, and extremely suspenseful. The mannerisms and colloquialisms that the characters use are spot on for the setting in which they find themselves. I will be looking for other books written by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book via NetGalley.
19 reviews
January 11, 2022
Derik kept you on the edge from moment one in this brutal and very descriptive murder mystery. Loved every page as painful as some where to read.
Profile Image for Marbea Logan.
1,260 reviews18 followers
December 31, 2021
This author literally wrote about the art of dying seriously! I'm scared sh**less! I can't even give a wet response and a good clue like Hank my mines SO GONE!! This is the epitome of a what a full,complete,thorough,well thought out, and mind F**K Book is supposed to read like. Everything was in it's place. The mystery stayed a mystery,suspense stayed suspenseful, thrills stayed thrilling and chilling to the bone! The one liner comedy repertoire between friends and family came naturally and in the most appropriate times. I laughed when needed, cried,and vomitted when the time was appropriate. This was genius writing,and I want to read more!
Profile Image for Gabriel.
210 reviews
April 3, 2024
I thought the references to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and THE DEPARTED were an exaggeration, but that is not the case. This is a very good serial killer novel, and a true page turner.
The characters are OK, the story is full of action and there is never a dull moment in the book, but what makes this book standout is the creativity, cruelty, gruesomeness and outrageousness of the killings. They are truly ghastly and I have never seen something like them in any other book or movie.
It is a very entertaining crime procedural.
August 13, 2021
I was literally gripped right from the start of this book. Literally starts of with a horrifying find by the police. And the storyline and gruesome-ness just keeps coming with this book!

I would never have guessed the ending and I was a bit heart broken (I won't say why as it will spoil it!)

I was so on the edge of my seat reading this book from start to finish, I REALLY enjoyed it. Thinking I may need to see what else the author has done!
Profile Image for Megan ♡.
1,354 reviews
April 7, 2020
I didn't expect much going into this but I wish I had enjoyed it more. It could have been good, because it was really grim, which I enjoy, but I found the writing style grating and didn't particularly like the characters. More of a 'me' thing, than a problem with the actual book/story.
180 reviews
Currently reading
February 18, 2021
Excellent crime thriller.

Loved this gripping crime thriller. Excellent storyline Re!atable characters. Sinister plot and contains many twists and turns. Would love to read others by author.
Profile Image for Pepper.
112 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2020
Intense

This story kept me reading all day with only a break for food. It's that attention grabbing. Worthy of rereading.
August 9, 2021
Crazy, but good

I really like the main pair of detectives Ray and Billy. They have a great way of getting along, poking fun at each other while investigating a rash of bizarre murders. People are coming up missing, and when they show up they're mutilated and have some custom reconstruction.
Profile Image for Zedd.
70 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2020
Decently Formulaic

On one hand, it's a solid thriller. On the other I felt like nodding at every major plot point, even the death at the end. And for how recent it is there author still used "spastic" to describe the wrong things along with other typos and formatting issues. I'm not continuing this series.
December 27, 2021
A fantastic read!

If you like a twisted serial killer along with a well thought out plot, then this is the book for you. You felt as though you were right there next to the character.
15 reviews
March 5, 2021
"When I was a child, I was afraid of creatures, Spawned by nightmares, books, or features. And as I lay awake in bed, And stared into the darkness with dread, I could sense them in the shadows, With claws and fangs like arrows, Lapping up my fears and sapping me of tears,
While patiently waiting, their fangs salivating, For a taste of my flesh or to hasten my death."

Such an amazing, grab your attention and never let go book. I couldn't put this book down and when I had to, I couldn't wait to pick it back up. Full of mystery, mobs, a crazy serial killer and no mercy cops.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.