Book: Murder In Silence by Gary Kassay

Take the comfortable and familiar feeling of watching your favourite cop show (mine is NYPD Blue) and mix it with the readability of your favourite police procedural novel series (mine is John Sandford’s Prey series) and you’ll come up with something not far removed from Gary Kassay’s stunning debut thriller, Murder In Silence.

When two police officers are found dead, their throats having been ripped out, it’s up to Inspector Duke Becker and his team to track down the killer. Becker heads up the NYPD Special Investigations Unit – Homicide and unusually for the genre he’s no depressed recovering alcoholic, he’s just a regular guy who happens to be good at his job.

The book doesn’t rely on Becker alone, there is an eclectic supporting cast. Jimmy Nova, Becker’s garish partner, Marielle Wilson the tenacious reporter and veterinarian Elizabeth Cunningham all lend their own unique qualities to the tale.

Drawing from personal experience (Kassey is a real-life cop) the author brings a level of authenticity rarely found in crime fiction. From the details of the case to the cop-speak and practical jokes, all areas are covered in a realistic manner that brings the characters to life.

The case itself takes a number of alarming turns. The first of which is when it’s discovered how the murders are committed and the most harrowing of all is when the connection between the victims is revealed. It’s shocking stuff and has significant impact, making the reader question their own views on the killings.

This is the best self-published book I’ve read since Chris Kuzneski’s The Plantation. Kuzneski now frequents best-seller lists, Kassay deserves the same.

For more information on the author and upcoming Duke Becker novels visit http://www.garykassay.com/

Ric’s Rating: 94%