Cold Day in Hell: Richard Hawke

Following his debut in Speak of the Devil, New York City PI Fritz Malone is drawn into a complex web surrounding the very handsome late-night TV star Marshall Fox. He’s on trial for the grisly murders of two former lovers, and the resulting media circus exposes every aspect of Fox’s life -- including his mile-wide kinky streak. The case looks open and shut until Santa delivers a rather unpleasant present under a Christmas tree right across the street from Margo, Fritz’s longtime love. Robin Burrell was yet another former lover and had recently testified in the star's trial, and she’s sporting all the hallmarks of Fox’s alleged victims. Unlike the others, this murder is personal for the PI: she had asked him for help right before her death.

When a second victim linked to Fox appears in Central Park, the cops are left scratching their heads. The defendant is a guest of the state during his trial, so how could he have pulled off these murders? With a mistrial looming, the police bring Malone in to assist troubled lead investigator Megan Lamb in hunting down what they believe to be a copycat…or is it the real killer?

Hawke leads the PI into much darker territory with this intelligent, sharply written thriller and never misses a step along the way. Right on target with Fritz Malone, this character has just the right amount of everything a PI should be…a smartass tough guy with a vulnerable side. The secondary characters haven’t lost their witty charm, and the addition of the cop with a difficult past seems to be a good fit in the crew. Even the bit part players are given a realistic turn.

As for the mystery itself, everyone has a valid motive and the list of potential evildoers is seemingly endless. Just when I found myself comfortable with my choice as to the killer’s identity, yet another complication appeared and left me confounded. The pacing is rapid fire and really hits its stride in the final chapters, so don't expect a chance for a breather on the way to the shocking ending.

Cold Day in Hell firmly places Fritz Malone in the upper echelon of today’s private detectives and this series is not to be missed by fans of crime. In dire straits, I wouldn’t think of hiring anyone else…

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Read the first chapter of Cold Day in Hell
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Random House (March 13, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1400064260
ISBN-13: 978-1400064267
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