Double Bluff

Double bluff is an utterly involving, intricately woven, thrill-a-minute, crime mystery akin to the television program "24." And just like that program, it all takes place in the space of 24 hours (well, just a few more). Like "24," Double Bluff doesn't go into much detail about the characters, and some readers might feel that the author could have added a little more detail. But that would have slowed the breakneck pace of the book. While I wouldn't want every book I read to take this approach -- just as I wouldn't want every television show I watch to be "24" -- a book like Double Bluff is a great change of pace and a real adrenaline rush. I heartily recommend it.

Leah Harris is a detective in the Seattle homicide unit when she catches the call about the multiple stabbing death of a young Spanish woman. When she investigates the scene, her first thought is this is a crime of passion. However, things become much more complex when a picture of her lover, narcotics detective John Darby is found there.She immediately calls her superior officer who gets Internal Affairs involved. Sergeant Frank Milkovich immediately insinuates himself into the investigation and discover heroin behind the stove and a million dollars in cash in the closet of the dead woman's apartment. Frank thinks they stumbled upon a cell of a Colombian drug cartel. The victim's father is persona not grata in the United States and no record of a John Darby exists. Leah and Frank realize they have muddled into something deadly that could get them killed if they are not extremely careful.DOUBLE BLUFF is a fascinating police thriller starring two great protagonists who each deserve their own series. Michael A. Hawley gives the reader an insider's look about what confronts a police officer on a recurring basis. The story line is multi-layered so that when the reader peels one subplot off, there is something ever darker and more shocking underneath it. This crime thriller is great escapist reading.Harriet Klausner

I thought this was a fantastic book. I took it on vacation with me and could not put it down. The author sounds like he really knows what he is talking about and gives a lot of insight to actual police work. Hopefully we will get a lot more of his books to read. Sheriff Hawley, keep the good books coming, and by the way, you are a great sheriff.

Det. Sgt. Leah Harris, of the Seattle Police Department, was called out at two o'clock in the morning. She was the lead of the "HIT" Team (Homicide Investigation Team) that was assigned. The victim had been a college girl, Christina Herrera. Her body had been slashed several times. Investigator Frank Milkovich of I.A. (Internal Affairs) was called in when a photo of a copy, John Darby, was found in Christina's home. That was bad since Leah had just left Darby in her bed when she'd been called to the homicide. Since the time of death could not be pinpointed, Darby was considered a suspect without an alibi. Worse, the victim's house seemed to be part of a Colombian Drug Cell. Christina looked as though she had been "house-sitting" to protect the Cartel's hidden money. Her uncle was a V.P. of a local bank and he seemed to have many cops on his payroll! It was an explosive situation which WILL only get worse! ***** AWESOME AUTHOR! Authors are told to write what they know about. The little detailed facts that only insiders know make the stories more real to the readers. Well, Sheriff Mike Hawley does exactly that! This story is an outstanding piece of work! In fact, I believe Mike Hawley may be to Homicide Investigation novels what John Grisham is to Legal novels! I lost a lot of sleep because I simply could not put the book down. It was non-stop action and mystery from the first paragraph. Michael A. Hawley is destined to hit the best seller list in the future! Keep your eyes on this author, Readers! *****