Former Miami, Florida, homicide detective Eldon Quick is comfortable in his position as chief of police in the picturesque Gulf coast town of Deemer's Inlet. Now he has more time to devote to his passion-fishing. The first murder, the first in his seven years on the job, and subsequent killing a week later puts an end to his easy-going lifestyle. With no homicide detective on staff, he is forced to call upon his years of investigative experience. Day to day operations with an undermanned force, and dealing with a meddlesome, micro-managing mayor hampers Quick's progress. Those people he chooses to interview are of no help. And having no evidence or witnesses in either case, the question of whether the incidents are related continues to trouble him. Quick wonders if and when another murder will take place in his town. Waiting is all he can do. Successive murders in neighboring communities lead Quick to believe that a serial killer has taken up residence along the stretch of coastline. When a stranger enters the life of his Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher, Marty Bevins, he feels it's his duty to delve into the background of the new arrival. In doing so he walks a difficult path of trying not to tip his hand, and at the same time protect her. As the body count continues to rise in the ensuing weeks, he agrees to join forces with a sheriff's office detective as determined as he to put an end to the slaughter. What they come to realize during their attempt to uncover the identity of the killer surprises both of them. An overlooked piece of evidence from the first crime scene surfaces, and its discovery puts Quick in the unpleasant position of having to consider that their suspect may be hiding in plain sight. Praise for DEEMER'S INLET: "With wit and humanity, Chief Eldon Quick faces a series of gruesome killings among a handful of characters, some who make his job harder, some easier, but people aren't always who they seem to be. Capturing life in a small beach town on Florida's Gulf Coast, Burdick brings an engaging new voice to this swift and gritty crime story-one that will keep you guessing." -Jeffery Hess, author of Beachhead, Tushhog, and No Salvation "Deemer's Inlet- a sleepy coastal town woken wide awake by a serial killer with a pocketful of matches. From the flames leaping sky-high on the first page to the tight, satisfying conclusion, Burdick keeps the pace and pulse pounding. Deemer's Inlet is classic crime writing at its best." -Steph Post, author of Lightwood "Serial arson becomes serial murder becomes a bewildering game of cat and mouse. Burdick's Eldon Quick uncovers a criminal cabal in his sleepy town of Deemer's Inlet." -David Tromblay, author of As You Were and Sangre Road "Stephen Burdick has crafted a fabulous murder mystery with layers of tantalizing clues that made me feel as though I were working the case " -Johnnie Clark, author of Guns Up

Deemer's Inlet

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Burdick, Stephen

Mystery

Shotgun Honey

Homicide detective Joe Hampton and his wife, Joyce, had planned to move to Clearwater Beach, Florida, once he retired from the Philadelphia Police Department. After Joyce unexpectedly passes away, Joe goes ahead with the move. Once he’s settled into the Crimson Conch condominiums, his hopes of starting over are realized—until a series of murders upends his plans for a peaceful retirement.\nThe Gray Detective begins with Joe discovering a body in the channel behind the condominiums after a night of Bingo. When Detectives Carly Truffant and David Sizemore arrive to investigate, Joe gives his account of the discovery. Joe is summoned to the police station days later at the request of prime suspect, Gary Burgess, the condo maintenance man. Burgess admits to having sexual encounters with the victim and other female residents and begs Joe for help. Joe’s curiosity pushes him to investigate the matter, prompting Truffant to order him not to interfere. After finding Burgess dead by the condo pool after his release, and later learning of another murder, Joe uncovers a secret circle comprised of residents. Their purpose is not only illegal but deadly.\nDark Arrival finds Joe acquiring the position of building manager and meeting Victoria Combes, a tough-talking, no-nonsense woman looking for a condo in the Crimson Conch. Still missing his wife, he finds comfort in their friendship though her manner is gruff. When a pair of residents are murdered, Joe encounters Truffant and Sizemore once more. Joe’s exemplary career as a homicide detective persuades them to enlist his services. The arrival of Victoria’s daughter provides Joe with a welcome diversion from the difficult investigation. Another murder occurs leading Truffant and Sizemore to conclude that a connection to the other murders exists. What isn’t apparent is how close Joe is to the killer.\nDeadly Separation has Truffant struggling with a divorce and Joe agreeing to help her. Trouble arrives when Sizemore calls and tells Joe that Truffant’s soon to be ex-husband has been found dead in a Dunedin townhouse. And worse, Truffant is considered the leading suspect. Truffant’s troubles worsen when a woman is murdered and evidence proves she had an affair with her husband. Joe gets sidetracked by the arrival of his former neighbors from Philadelphia. When both are murdered, a man named Rogan Cavanaugh enters the picture. Joe discovers that Cavanaugh could be involved in the murder of his friends—plus the death of Truffant’s husband’s lover—and the mind game between the two begins.

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