The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir

I've become one of those blog people I work with. That's not a bad thing. I love the bloggers that I work with that request books from me to share the word about new releases. I've just become one of them. My friends over at Multnomah now have me hooked on another series. I started and finished this book on the way home from the seemingly never-ending road trip. Well, all but 27 pages that I finished up the day we got home. (If nothing else, at least I accomplished reading a book and a half on the trip.)

To start with, here is the 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 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.

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.

My review:

I absolutely loved Ray Quinn's sense of humor. I love sarcasm, and Ray was certainly full of it-- sarcasm that is. If you are a fan of the TV show House and also like mysteries, this is the book for you. Imagine Dr. Gregory House as a retired police detective instead of a diagnosing detective doctor, and you have Ray Quinn, complete with the cane and snarkiness.

The author's description and characterization of Crevis, Ray's fellow night watchman, was hilarious. Given the author's background, you know the storyline is realistic and keeps you on your toes.

I look forward to reading additional books in the series, and when I get a chance, reading some of Mark's other books.

Visit the Random House site for more information on purchasing the book.