Cold Justice

The book is a great read for several reasons. Polad does a remarkable job of creating the setting for the reader. Fans of Chicago will find much here to enjoy. It may be a description of a gritty warehouse district, Lake Shore Drive, or deep dish pizza. Polad brings Chicago culture to life for his readers, including earthy characters in Chicago’s organized crime community and police department. The book hinges on a murder accusation against a crime boss, who may or may not have committed the crime. The thought of being hired to help clear a crime boss bothers Manning, but the thought of someone getting away with murder bothers him more. There is no need to have read the previous Spencer Manning books. This one stands very well by itself, although it will tempt readers to try out the four earlier books. A great read.

I read this Spencer Manning Mystery in just three days - couldn't put it down! Rick Polad's superb use of dialogue in all of his books draws you into each of his stories and brings the characters to life. The background provided about Chicago in 1981 when this story takes place is spot on - you feel like you've been transported back to those great years on the brink of technological change. The information Polad provides about the city, the great restaurants, the beers (and crime bosses!) that made it famous ... provided a great backdrop to another mystery that had me reading fast and furiously. As always, Polad provides enough clues to keep the reader interested, but the ending was beyond what I ever imagined. These books have become even more alluring (if possible) with each installment. I can't wait to read #6 (Death's Door). It's on my nightstand and I'm going to dig into another great mystery novel and fall even more in love with all of the characters in Polad's books once more. Read the entire series - you'll enjoy every one of the books!

Spencer Manning returns in Rick Polad’s newest book. The book is a great read for several reasons. Polad does a remarkable job of creating the setting for the reader. Fans of Chicago will find much here to enjoy. It may be a description of a gritty warehouse district, Lake Shore Drive, or deep dish pizza. Polad brings Chicago culture to life for his readers, including earthy characters in Chicago’s organized crime community and police department. The book hinges on a murder accusation against a crime boss, who may or may not have committed the crime. The thought of being hired to help clear a crime boss bothers Manning, but the thought of someone getting away with murder bothers him more. We follow Spencer Manning as he finds threads of all sorts and weaves them, finally, into nice, neat picture of who bears responsibility for the crime. There is even a charming sub plot to provide characterization of Manning and his office assistant. There is no need to have read the previous Spencer Manning books. This one stands very well by itself, although it will tempt readers to try out the four earlier books. A great read.