Let It Burn

Half a lifetime ago, Alex McKnight was a young cop in Detroit. Now he's an occasional private eye up in Paradise, Michigan, and trying hard to put the past behind him. Then he gets the call that every cop dreads: a killer he helped put behind bars is getting released, and he might just have payback on his mind.

Suddenly the years fall away, and in his mind Alex is back in that hot summer in Detroit, hunting the brutal murderer of a young woman. The problem is, something about the case no longer makes sense, and Alex feels compelled to retrace the steps that led to the arrest and conviction of Darryl King. But it's not just the case that looks different: returning to Detroit, Alex finds a city that is almost unrecognisable from the one he left, a city that is quite literally dying on its feet, where crime and decay hold sway, and law and order are in retreat.

And as Alex searches for the truth among the shadows of the past, he discovers a story more shocking than the one he thought he knew and a danger more threatening than an ex-con looking for revenge.

“Hypnotic ... a proven master of suspense moves in a brand new direction - and the result is can't-put-it-down spectacularEDGAR-winner Hamilton puts a fresh twist on the archetypical tough-guy with a heart of gold - PUBLISHERS WEEKLYSteve Hamilton reinvigorates the genre by so clearly trusting to its intrinsic power - TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENTHamilton's pacing and his simple but evocative writing, along with a heartbreaking plot development, suggests that it's about time he made the move up to crime's premier league - LONDON LIFEI haven't read a book this captivating in a long time. THE LOCK ARTIST is gutsy, genuine and, flat out, a great readFor a guy who doesn't talk, the hero of THE LOCK ARTIST tells a hell of a story”

Hypnotic ... a proven master of suspense moves in a brand new direction - and the result is can't-put-it-down spectacular

EDGAR-winner Hamilton puts a fresh twist on the archetypical tough-guy with a heart of gold - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Steve Hamilton reinvigorates the genre by so clearly trusting to its intrinsic power - TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Hamilton's pacing and his simple but evocative writing, along with a heartbreaking plot development, suggests that it's about time he made the move up to crime's premier league - LONDON LIFE

I haven't read a book this captivating in a long time. THE LOCK ARTIST is gutsy, genuine and, flat out, a great read

For a guy who doesn't talk, the hero of THE LOCK ARTIST tells a hell of a story

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Steve Hamilton lives in upstate New York with his wife and two children. He is a winner of the prestigious EDGAR AWARD. Visit his website:

Half a lifetime ago, Alex McKnight was a young cop in Detroit. Now he's an occasional private eye up in Paradise, Michigan, and trying hard to put the past behind him. Then he gets the call that every cop dreads: a killer he helped put behind bars is getting released, and he might just have payback on his mind.Suddenly the years fall away, and in his mind Alex is back in that hot summer in Detroit, hunting the brutal murderer of a young woman. The problem is, something about the case no longer makes sense, and Alex feels compelled to retrace the steps that led to the arrest and conviction of Darryl King. But it's not just the case that looks different: returning to Detroit, Alex finds a city that is almost unrecognisable from the one he left, a city that is quite literally dying on its feet, where crime and decay hold sway, and law and order are in retreat.And as Alex searches for the truth among the shadows of the past, he discovers a story more shocking than the one he thought he knew and a danger more threatening than an ex-con looking for revenge.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.