The Night Watchman

I thought this book was really good. It is the first fiction I've read in a long time that was authored by a male. I was not disappointed. Mark Mynheir has written a gritty suspense novel, The Night Watchman.

The main character, Ray Quinn, is a homicide detective sidelined by an ambush in which he was severely wounded and his partner killed. Currently employed as a night watchman at a swanky apartment building complex, he is implored to try and solve a murder-suicide case which takes place there and is deemed closed. The deceased pastor's sister insists that the conclusion is not right. Curiosity aroused, Ray searches through the files and uses his police contacts to delve into finding the answers. He finds himself on the trail of nightclub owners, exotic dancers, politicians and crooked cops.

Ray reminded me a lot of the Bruce Willis character in "16 Blocks". Mynheir's descriptive words make the reader feel Ray's tiredness, pain, "get me through the day" attitude, and his passion for his friend 'Jim' (Beam) who spends the time after his evening shift with him, plus his love of the greatest action hero ever, John Wayne (170 DVD's and counting). Also realized is his need to get the real answers as to why things aren't quite right with the case conclusions.

Mark Mynheir has the background for writing a very realistic, believable novel, as he is a detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit in Central Florida, and has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and in high-risk situations.

If you like mysteries and crime scene investigation entertainment, I think you will enjoy The Night Watchman.


Paperback from Multnomah.
You can find more information here.
I had two copies to give away. Now I have one.