First published 2018
Buddy Steel returns from LAPD Homicide to help his ailing father, legendary Sheriff Burton Steel, who suffers from ALS. Buddy reluctantly takes on duties in Freedom, a wealthy coastal town one hundred miles north of Los Angeles. He hopes this assignment might offer a final opportunity to bond with his demanding father. A brutal killing of a Freedom High School sports coach shatters the community's calm. Buddy's investigation pulls him into a hidden world of sexual secrets, private parties, exploited student athletes, entitled teenagers, and dangerous bullies. Meanwhile, graffiti artists target public buildings and private homes throughout Freedom, defacing the town's pristine appearance. With limited legal options available, Buddy must devise creative solutions to stop the vandals. His irreverent attitude and willingness to bend rules make him suited for these complex challenges. The murder case and graffiti problem converge as Buddy works to solve both crimes threatening his father's jurisdiction.
Genres: mystery, crime, contemporary, thriller, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: father-son-relationship, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Freedom, LAPD Homicide
Period: Contemporary
Kindle Edition · Poisoned Pen Press