I was a big fan of Russ Thomas’ debut crime novel, Firewatching. However, Nighthawking, the sequel, is a confusing, complex book that culminates in a cliffhanger. Even readers of the previous book will have a difficult time connecting the storyline from the previous novel.
When a man using a metal detector in Sheffield, England’s Botanical Gardens uncovers a body, Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler and Detective Constable Mina Rabbani are yanked off the Cold Case Review Unit to help with the murder investigation. Rabbani is furious that both the men on the team seem to disappear while she steadily works away until the victim is identified as Li Qiang, Chi, a college student who had been reported missing. But, why does the young woman have two valuable golden Roman coins in her eye sockets?
While Rabbani plugs away, Tyler is sidetracked by the investigation of his father’s death, a police officer said to have committed suicide years earlier. Another officer insists it was murder, and a powerful local gangster hints he has evidence. All the cases collide. There’s the murder investigation involving the Chinese college student. A Nighthawker, a man who hunts for treasure illegally, is dead. Then, there’s Tyler’s investigation into his father’s death. The cases culminate in a dramatic, somewhat implausible conclusion.
I actually liked Tyler more in Firewatching. Although he was, and is, a troubled protagonist, he spends too much energy and time on his own concerns in this book. I sympathized with DC Rabbani. What good is a team when team members have their own agendas? I may be finished with this series.
Russ Thomas’ website is https://russthomasauthor.com/index.html
Nighthawking by Russ Thomas. Putnam, 2021. ISBN 9780525542056 (hardcover), 384p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a .PDF to review for a journal.
The sophomore slump strikes again!
Really? A cliffhanger on the second book in the series? That’s just unacceptable. I could see it if it were maybe the 4 or 6 book in the series, and the next book was going to be a major change in direction. The second book still should be building an audience.
I know, Glen. It was such a disappointment.
Too bad. I was thinking of trying the first one.
An aside. Every time I see the name Russ Thomas I do a double take and have to check it isn’t one of my favorite writers, the late ROSS Thomas.
There are other better books to try, Jeff.
I know. I have a pile of them on my shelf and my Kindle and my library hold list.
Thank you for the warning.
It just wasn’t as good as the first one, Kevin.
I thought this book was top notch. I loved the characters and, yes, Rabbani is my favourite but I think Tyler is really getting more and more depth added to him. The scenes with the lad on the street are just excellent.
That’s what I always say, Vic. Not every book for every reader. I just didn’t care for this one as much as the earlier one.
Thank you. will not bite on that one!
I don’t blame you, Carolee.
I really loved this book! Couldn’t put it down 🙂
Glad you liked it, Roxanne!
Thanks for the review Lesa. I really liked his debut novel and have been waiting for my library to order Nighthawking. But…I really trust your reviews and with so many other books in my TBR pile I will skip this.
Susan, I always stress my blog postings are only my opinion. Don’t let it stop you from trying the second book if you really liked the first. Others may like it more than I did.
I’m amazed you didn’t like this, I loved his debut and this was just as good imo. Obviously very subjective but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
His debut impressed me, too. But,you’re right. It’s subjective, and I didn’t care for this one as much.