3.72
Part of "Cecil Younger" series
"Cold Water Burning" by John Straley is a riveting crime novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the seedy underbelly of a small Alaskan town. The story follows protagonist Detective Cecil Younger, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, who is hired to investigate the murder of a wealthy local businessman. As Younger delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and danger that threatens to consume him and everyone he cares about. Straley's writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the rugged Alaskan landscape and the tight-knit community of fishermen, loggers, and drifters who call it home. The characters are richly drawn and complex, with their own motivations, flaws, and secrets that are gradually revealed over the course of the novel. One of the strengths of "Cold Water Burning" is its exploration of the darker side of the American dream. The victim, Jack Fields, is a self-made man who has amassed a fortune through hard work and cunning, but his success has come at a cost. He has alienated his family, betrayed his friends, and made enemies along the way. As Younger investigates Fields' murder, he is forced to confront the consequences of unchecked ambition and greed. The plot of "Cold Water Burning" is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with multiple suspects and shifting alliances that keep readers guessing until the very end. The novel is also infused with a healthy dose of humor and wit, which provides a welcome counterpoint to the darker themes and subject matter. Overall, "Cold Water Burning" is a highly entertaining and engaging crime novel that will appeal to fans of authors like James Lee Burke and Tony Hillerman. Straley's deep knowledge of Alaska and its people adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the story, making it a standout addition to the genre...
Dennis Lehane
Mystic River
This psychological thriller by Dennis Lehane is a great choice for fans of 'Cold Water Burning' who are looking for a similarly complex and dark crime story. The novel follows the lives of three friends whose lives are forever changed after a tragic event in their childhood.
Learn MoreSteve Hamilton
A Cold Day in Paradise
This is the first book in the Alex McKnight series, and it's a great choice for readers who enjoyed the gritty, atmospheric setting of 'Cold Water Burning'. The novel follows Alex McKnight, a former Detroit cop who now lives in the remote town of Paradise, Michigan, as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous investigation.
Learn MoreDaniel Woodrell
Winter's Bone
Fans of 'Cold Water Burning' who are looking for a similar rural noir setting will enjoy 'Winter's Bone'. The novel is set in the Ozarks and follows a young girl named Ree as she tries to track down her missing father and keep her family together.
Learn MoreLee Child
The Killing Floor
This is the first book in the Jack Reacher series, and it's a great choice for readers who enjoyed the fast-paced, action-packed style of 'Cold Water Burning'. The novel follows Jack Reacher, a former military cop, as he investigates a murder in a small town and uncovers a vast conspiracy.
Learn MoreMichael Connelly
The Black Echo
Fans of 'Cold Water Burning' who are looking for a similarly gritty and realistic police procedural will enjoy 'The Black Echo'. The novel follows Harry Bosch, a detective with the LAPD, as he investigates a murder that is connected to his past.
Learn MorePaul Doiron
The Poacher's Son
This is the first book in the Mike Bowditch series, and it's a great choice for readers who enjoyed the wilderness setting and the complex characters of 'Cold Water Burning'. The novel follows Mike Bowditch, a game warden in Maine, as he investigates a poaching case that leads to a dangerous and unexpected conclusion.
Learn MoreCormac McCarthy
The Crossing
Fans of 'Cold Water Burning' who are looking for a similarly atmospheric and literary crime novel will enjoy 'The Crossing'. The novel follows a young man named Billy as he crosses the border into Mexico in search of a lost girl and becomes embroiled in a dangerous and violent world.
Learn MoreTess Gerritsen
The Silent Girl
Fans of 'Cold Water Burning' who are looking for a similarly atmospheric and suspenseful crime novel will enjoy 'The Silent Girl'. The novel follows detective Jane Rizzoli as she investigates a murder in Boston's Chinatown and uncovers a dark and dangerous secret.
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