A Killing Frost

Ron Shade #1

by Michael A. Black

Author Michael Black is a full-time police officer. After reading A Killing Frost, you'll be anxiously awaiting the next Ron Shade mystery.

Genres: Mystery

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Andrew Vachss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let anyone tell you "they're not writing traditional PI novels anymore." Here's the proof.

[Karsyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another contender for worst book of the year. The characters were awful, and the mystery would have been ok, but most of the book wasn't about it, it was about everything else. It's say it was 30% (if that) about the mystery, 30% about the bitch of a woman he got involved with, 20% about his car situation and 20% about the boxing stuff. Maria was a bitch, the MC must not think high of himself to deal with that shit. It was just a HORRIBLE book, so boring, and really really unlikable characters, not a one was good. Even the characters talked about how the MC uses other characters. UGH!

The things we deal with for a challenge, or two.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to a Chicago based series.

[Rick M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to the Ron Shade PI series in Chicago area.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had good characters, and the story line was interesting. Seems the author at times just seemed to add words into the story. Still I read on and enjoyed the book.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent debut novel in this series by Black, but not as stellar as I might have expected. Perhaps the hype of his co-authoring a future book in the series with Julie Hyzy placed the idea that this author would be as 'knock your socks off', but the book still kept pace and had its own humour and intrigue. Any reader wanting a lighter paced private investigator/mystery novel should consider this one for a beach day or long-haul flight, but do not expect the likes of Meltzer, Baldacci, or Connelly. The story centres around a missing Salvadoran man and that search expands as the story unfolds, leaving our P.I. to overstep his area of expertise and try to crack the case wide open for the police. Toss in some romance and I've tied it all up in a nice bow.

Black uses his time as a cop in Chicago to paint a good picture of the city, the lay of the land, and the people. Best to use what you know and extrapolate from there, I feel. The book seems real and well thought out, even if it does not have the gusto some may want in this genre. I expect the books to get progressively better, for when he crosses paths with journalistic investigator Alex St. James (see Julie Hyzy series), it should truly be a reader's treat, if both authors are on their game.

Kudos Mr. Black. Keep it up!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginning to a new series

Ron Shade is a Chicago-based PI in the vein of Robert B. Parker's Spenser. However, he is not a clone in any stretch of the imagination.

Since A Killing Frost is one of Michael A. Black's first fiction books, it is expected for there to be a few hiccups along the way. However, Black's effort was well-done with less problems than many established authors have exhibited.

The plot involves the disappearance of an illegal alien. Shade is hired to find him. Along the way, his car is stolen and he finds romance and romantic difficulties.

Like a Spenser novel, it is not the suspense of finding out whodunnit that keeps the reader turning pages. Rather, it is the interest in finding out how the hero will stick it to the bad guys.

Solid read.

I rate this one 4 stars out of 5 and I'll be looking for the sequels.

http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/

[Mwila Mwenya]

This book has been amazing. From the start with the detective Shades moving out of his old office to trying to find the killer of this one man via the help of a former co worker, Maria. With the romance every now and then from Ron Shades and Maria, and the different clues found by Shades, I think this book is a great read for those who like detective books. One thing I found lovely about this book was how often the main character was changing from different mindsets. For one thing, he had to focus on his big fight coming up. For another, he had to focus on the case he is involved in. And for the last thing, he had to focus on his slowly developing relationship with Maria. This is a phenomenal book and I recommend it to everyone. This is a must read.

[Bobby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would never had read this book, but my mother-in-law bought it for me because the author was at Border's when she was there and signed it for me. It was a decent, good read. Hard not to compare it to James Patterson's Alex Cross books, because that was what it reminded me of. The author definitely brings more depth to this story, which Patterson so desperately lacks - but this author lacked a little bit of suspense/intensity I felt. It was a very quick, easy read. OK if you like detective stuff.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Black brings realism to a detective novel set in the south suburbs of Chicago. His kickboxing detective, Ron Shade, is believable and interesting. I look forward to reading more Michael Black books.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got through it. Not awesome.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too original...but if you like this genre it's right up your ally. I enjoyed it!