Book Review and Giveaway

I recently read The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir (Random House), a captivating book that kept me on my toes and trying to guess "who done it" the whole time I was reading it. The fact that it is authored by a bona fide police detective lends authenticity and suspense, yet it didn't give me the creeps.

After his partner is killed and he is injured when a drug bust goes horribly wrong, Ray has learned that it's a short limp from top-notch detective to persona non grata in the police department. Unfortunately, he's also feeling like a has-been in life in general. When his quiet job as a Sudoku solver night watchman at the Coral Bay Condominiums is interrupted by the discovery of two bodies and his former colleagues show up to investigate, Ray enlists the help of his long-time buddy Jim Beam to distance himself from the memories that surge to the surface as a result. All he wants to do is put in his 8 hours per shift and go home. But then Pam, the sister of the dead man, beseeches him to take on the case and prove that her brother did not commit a murder-suicide but that a double murder was staged to appear that way. As he probes into the case, he begins to uncover disturbing information about the shooting that injured him and claimed his partner's life. Will he be next? And what is he supposed to think about all the "coincidences" in his life and in these cases? He has no use for God. . . .could God have use for him?

The struggles Ray deals with in this book are heartbreaking and yet all too real for too many people as they deal with the blows of life. I appreciated the way Pam declares and lives out her faith in her interactions with Ray without being an obnoxiously pushy "come to Jesus" type.

"And yet you still believe? Even after all this?"
Pam nodded. "God is still God, even if I don't understand everything. Even when it hurts. I trust that He has a plan."
"Sounds like a cop-out."
"It's not a cop-out, Ray. He's God. Where else am I going to go?"
(p. 128)

I also enjoyed the relationship between Ray and his young co-worker, Crevis. How many times have I viewed someone as a thorn in my side only later to realize what an blessing and important part their presence was in my life?! While the book has a satisfying conclusion to the mystery, Ray's life, like all of ours, is still a work in progress. I look forward to the next book in this series to learn more about his journey.

SUMMARY:
Ray Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for—something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.

Struggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor’s sister approaches Quinn for help.

Reluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando. Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha’s ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.

AUTHOR BIO:
A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.

Author Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with The Night Watchman (first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series). Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them.

GIVEAWAY!
The publisher has graciously provided a copy for me to give away to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post by noon CDT Thursday (5/28) and I will draw a winner. (Continental US residents only, please).

You can purchase The Night Watchman at Amazon; additional online and local resources which carry it may be found at the Random House website.

Happy Mystery-Solving and Reading!