Dart

Dan Neumann Mystery #1

by Phil Rustad

Dart is a non-stop action thriller that will take the reader cross country and into a world of unknown weapons, killers and justice re-defined. Nearing the end of a successful career, Minneapolis homicide detective Dan Neumann was looking forward to retirement and a relaxing summer riding his Harley, woodworking, and writing another textbook on ballistics. But Neumann's leisure plans go up in smoke when law enforcement calls on his expertise to investigate a murder involving a weapon so sophisticated, so lethal, it's never been seen before. Realizing he is up against intelligence and formidable skills equal to his own, Dan pursues the shooter around the country, determined to crack his last case. Always one step behind the killer, Dan follows an ever-bloodier trail from Alaska to Arizona, murder to murder, enlisting the help of a particularly interesting deputy sheriff along the way. The chase leads to the shores of Lake Superior, whisper-close to the murderer. But is it close enough? And where is the ''real justice''?

Genres: Mystery, Book Club

302 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2009

About the author

With a background in manufacturing in the Minnesota Ordinance Industry and a life long interest in Military and Weapons History, Phil Rustad has a unique perspective for writing a murder mystery. By combining state of the art technology with the age old inner struggle between our good and evil natures, he crafts a story that is both modern and ancient. In Dart, he examines the human drive to seek justice in a world that is daily redefining that word.

Reviews

[Laurinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun ride. Dan Neumann is a serviceable protagonist - almost boilerplate. Where this author shines is in the plot and detail work. It's a particularly fun read for a Minnesotan, but I even enjoyed the ballistics detail and I'm not a gun enthusiast at all. The payoff at the end is unexpected and unexpectedly satisfying. As soon as I finished, I ordered this book and Alamo ND for my dad. I can't wait to hear what he thinks.

[Marylyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing! Fun read.

[Leah Hess Windnagle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rustad is a self-published author who has a strong passion for guns, which is very apparent in this work. I felt as though the talk of guns and ammunition often was more detailed than anything else in the novel. It was a reasonably quick read, but I will admit I had a hard time picking it up after having put it down for a bit. The character development is lacking, but the plot is extremely exciting and fast-paced. For a first, self-published novel, it isn't so bad. I believe I'll be continuing the Dan Neumann mystery series.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. The story was intriguing and well paced. I found myself rooting for both the detective and Harris, not really wanting either one to fail. I am not going to spoil it, but I also found the end of the book refreshing and different.

If you are from MN the book mentions many landmarks and places most people are familiar with. There was also quite a few references to my favorite radio show (Garage Logic) in the book.

A very good book, especially for a first book and I plan on reading "Alamo" as well.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really like this book. The author is a local (actually an Edina Realty agent) who is friends with one of my co-workers, who lent me tne book. Fabulous characters, terrific plot with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged with increasing interest, very well written. Only complaint is the few minor typos that were distracting. Can't wait to read his next book. Very much like John Sandford (one of my favorites)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an interesting murder mystery and commentary on the current justice system. It would make a good book club read as it leaves quite a bit for discussion. Buy your copy at philrustad.com today!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a judging friend Phil Rustad. I didn't know he could write.....and he can! It's a really intriguing book and in the end I was rooting for the "bad guys". Quite different. Good for Phil. Can't wait to read his next one.

[Danise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, even with all the technical info on bullets & guns, which I'm not into at all. Being a Minnesotan, it was fun to read about local places. Found the very ending a bit much (won't give it away, just the last scene didn't really work for me).