The Blue Edge of Midnight
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4.4 • 81 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
The Edgar Award–winning debut of the bestselling Max Freeman mystery series: A tormented ex-cop’s mission to solve a grisly murder and earn redemption for his dark past
After a shootout during a convenience store holdup led to the accidental death of a twelve-year-old, Max Freeman left behind the Philadelphia police department for a life in exile in the Florida Everglades. Since then, he has lived in seclusion, haunted by guilt, with the humid night and the nocturnal predators of the swamp as his only company. But everything changes when Freeman discovers a young girl’s body floating in the muddy waters and becomes the prime suspect for her murder. To prove his innocence, Freeman must uncover the real murderer—and confront his own tortured soul—before it’s too late. This ebook contains an illustrated biography of the author featuring never-before-seen photos.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
With his first novel, King jumps into James W. Hall territory and lands firmly on his feet. Ex Philadelphia cop Max Freeman, haunted by his killing of an adolescent robber, has retreated to an isolated cabin in the Florida Everglades. When he discovers the body of a kidnapped youngster, the victim of a serial killer, Freeman becomes a suspect who can clear his name only by finding the murderer. Although this is an often-used plot device, the author's stylish prose and insider's knowledge of the sinuous, dangerous Everglades give the gimmick a fresh twist. Especially fine are the passages showing the different faces of Florida as Freeman travels between his austere cabin and the plush penthouse apartment of his Palm Beach lawyer, Billy Manchester. A scene in which Freeman seeks out a group of furtive Everglades natives in their natural habitat reeks with atmosphere. In fact, King uses descriptions of places and environment to reveal character and attitude, much as Hall, James Lee Burke and Robert B. Parker do, if not as smoothly as those established masters. While fans of Carl Hiaasen's black humor or Lawrence Shames's wacky characters may not find this novel to their taste, most readers should hail Freeman as an appealing addition to the already large roster of independent-minded Florida investigators. Skillful writing, original characters and evocative settings initiate a welcome new series.
Customer Reviews
Good Story with a Florida Feel
Mr. King draws the reader in with a likable, reclusive character surrounded by the natural hum of a world he chooses and the incessant clatter of one he can't completely escape from. Not a typical procedural, Mr. King weaves a story from the main character's unique perspective and fleshes it out with a vivid, true landscape of South Florida that could only be written by someone who had spent time here as something more than just a tourist. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Freeman books! :)
The Blue Edge of Midnight
This book is outstanding and the characters are excellent!! Will definitely read more books by Jonathan King.
What a thriller!
Never expected such a gripping story from a writer I'd never heard of. Tight writing, and descriptions of the Everglades that could only come from one who has been intimate with the territory. Fascinating characters who weren't stereotypes, and the twists in the story line kept me reading - and guessing - until the end. Can't wait to read his next book. Don't miss reading a book by Jonathon King - what a ride!