Crimson Thaw

Detective Justice #1

by Bruce Robert Coffin

A detective's fall from grace. A rookie's baptism by fire. A town's secrets laid bare.

In the unforgiving wilderness of Maine, a disgraced detective must confront his past to solve a chilling murder.

Detective Brock Justice's career is on thin ice. Once the golden boy of Maine State Police, Brock now finds himself exiled to the remote northeastern wilderness, punishment for crossing the thin blue line. Assigned to the Major Crimes Unit—North, he suffers the added indignity of partnering with newly-minted Detective Chloe Wright, a rookie with her own hidden struggles.

The pair’s uneasy alliance is put to the test almost immediately when a routine snowmobile retrieval in the coastal town of Blue Hill unexpectedly escalates into a full-blown murder investigation. Even as the case exposes the darkest corners of the town, their fragile partnership threatens to undermine the investigation at every turn.

Brock and Chloe's hunt draws them into the lives of several intriguing the town doctor, a biker gang involved in drug trafficking, a politically connected sheriff, and Brock’s own father. With each revelation, the line between ally and enemy blurs, compelling Brock and Chloe to question their trust in everyone around them, including each other.

Even as winter's icy grip loosens from Blue Hill, the noose of suspicion tightens. Brock must navigate not only a shaky partnership and a town harboring deadly secrets, but also the shadows of his own past. Can he and Chloe piece together the puzzle before Maine's wilderness swallows them whole?

Retired Detective Sergeant Bruce Robert Coffin delivers a masterful blend of police procedural and small-town intrigue in this page-turning thriller. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson's Longmire series and C.J. Box's Joe Pickett novels.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Procedural, Fiction, Thriller

376 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Bruce Robert Coffin is the award-winning author of the Detective Byron Mysteries. A former detective sergeant, he supervised all homicide and violent crime investigations for Maine's largest city. Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruce spent 4 years investigating counter-terrorism cases for the FBI, earning the Director's Award, the highest award a non-agent can receive.

His short fiction appears in a number of anthologies, including Best American Mystery Stories 2016.

www.brucerobertcoffin.com

Reviews

[Janet Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if you want an all-action start to your police novels, it doesn’t get much better than the opening chapter of Crimson Thaw. It sets the mood, sets the pace and certainly gets the blood flowing – yours, mine, cops and villains alike. And that’s only by way of warming us up for the rest of the novel, Hell of an act to follow. But Bruce Coffin does it. Doesn’t he always?

For me the pleasure is in the author’s clever use of structure and language, a set of characters he gives us that we can believe in and care about, and a plot that Coffin weaves carefully and develops solidly. All in all a great read!

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review – Crimson Thaw
Release Date: November 5, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Crimson Thaw is a gripping, atmospheric police procedural that grabbed me from the opening chapter and didn’t let go. As an early reader through an ARC, I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this masterfully crafted story ahead of release—it’s clear from the very first page just how much care Bruce Robert Coffin put into every detail.



I’m a huge fan of character-driven crime fiction, and this novel delivers everything I love: a fallen-from-grace detective, a green but quietly strong rookie, and a case that pulls back the layers of a small town rotting from within. The tension is relentless, the setting is vividly rendered, and the procedural elements are done with an authenticity that feels both grounded and urgent.


Detective Brock Justice is a standout protagonist—flawed, stubborn, and haunted by his past, yet impossible not to root for. His dynamic with rookie Detective Chloe Wright is full of tension, skepticism, and slow-building respect. Watching their uneasy partnership evolve under pressure was one of my favorite elements of the book. I especially appreciated how Chloe was written with nuance—she’s not just “the new kid,” but a complex character with secrets and strengths of her own.

As a reader who loves both procedural realism and small-town noir, this book hit every note just right. I’m already eager for the next installment.


🎶“In the Woods Somewhere” – Hozier

🎶“Castle” – Freya Ridings

[Mike Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man. What a book. Character development and dialogue are once again my favorite part. Bruce creates such vivid characters that bring the scenes alive. I love the Maine setting and being able to picture where everything is but even if I was r from Maine, I would still be able to visualize it all. Great read. Highly recommend.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Severn River Publishing and Bruce Robert Coffin for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3⭐- we follow Brock Justice, a detective in Maine whose career is on thin ice. Once a golden boy in his department, he's now working in the major crimes unit alongside Chloe Write, a rookie with her own demons. This causes an interesting dynamic between the two.

Although this book started off a little slow, it's very fast-paced with multiple twists. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like justice you will probably love Brock Justice, he is a detective in Maine that doesn't have an easy time with his colleagues. I believe it's the first book by Bruce Robert Coffin I've ever read but Crimson Thaw is suer not the last one. I allready have book two approved and ready to read and I saw that there will be a third one as well. That is great news for fans of police procedurals in rural settings. I am somewhat familiar with crime in Maine thanks to Paul Doiron and in this first adventure in this series we encounter a game warden with the name Doiron and also someone being awarded the Charley Stevens award. IYKYK. I really like the characters created and the setting I was allready enamoured with. I must thank Severn River Publishing and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read and really enjoyed the Turner and Mosley Files collaboration between LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin, but had never read any of his solo authored books. When I had the opportunity to read this first in series police procedural, I was anticipating a well written and entertaining reading experience. I was not disappointed. The story takes readers on a convoluted, multifaceted investigation into murder, corruption and drug smuggling/trafficking. Loyalties are forged and tested as seasoned detective, Brock Justice and rookie detective, Chloe Wright work through their new partnership. A very good beginning.

[Mindy Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! bonus for a Maine setting. really felt like you were in on the Investigation and cracking the case.

[Meesh Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bruce Coffin, a Mainer like myself for giving me an ARC digital copy of Crimson Thaw.
This isn’t my first book that I’ve read by Bruce and this one was granted 4⭐️’s
Brock Justice, an older experienced Maine State Trooper and Chloe Wright, a young rookie, who needs to learn the ropes, work well together but more often than not against each other. Two detectives and a murder in Northern Maine allows you to immerse yourself in small town drama and the ups and downs of police procedures.
The author is brilliant with the development of his characters and how he carries the plot from beginning to end.
Through distrust and many interesting twists he leaves you with a very unexpected ending.

[Matthew Cost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating crime story in the real Maine, from Downeast to Bangor to Augusta, Detective Brock Justice weaves a path of seeking truth and integrity as he straddles the thin blue line. The suspense is razor sharp, the action is fast and furious, the plot is twister than a backroad in Maine, and the characters pop off the pages as real people navigating the path of life. Check this book out. You won't be sorry.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel in a new series and it is going to be a good one. I like Coffin combining an older detective working with a new one. Brock testified against an officer so is disliked by many and is relegated to more remote work. He is mentoring Chloe, a new detective and she is full of energy. Brock has to walk the narrow path of doing his job while wondering if his own father is a murderer. Coffin has provided a good balance of investigative police work and Brock's personal life. Brock is going to have to grow on me as my first impression of him was that he was a bit too egotistical. But Chloe can bring him back to ground. There is a great twist at the end that I loved. I know there is a sequel planned and I will impatiently be waiting for it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Amy Lainoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and suspenseful! When reading the last couple of sentences - I didn’t realize that was the end - and turned the page thinking there was more! Looking forward to reading the next one in this series!

[Sarah Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Can’t wait for the next one! Enjoyed the characters. I will be looking forward to see how they develop further. The story grabbed me right from the start.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and it was compelling to try to solve the mystery. I spent a lot of time picking it up, intending to read a chapter and put it down, only for me to be engrossed and unable to leave it until I couldn't stay awake any longer (which is not a comment on the story!). I really enjoyed both of the main detectives in this one, and although I hate the "therapist sleeping with client" "stereotype, this was a really good story.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRIMSON THAW, the first book in author Bruce Robert Coffin's new Detective Justice series finds our titular series lead on the hunt for a criminal he's long been chasing.

But when the planned arrest goes horribly wrong, Brock Justice soon finds himself not only transferred to the furthest outpost of the Maine State Police, but he's seen as a disgraced cop who turned on his own partner.

Trying to rebuild a life that has seen him lose friends, respect and status and even have to deal with his own father (a cop legend in his own right) turning his back on him, Justice showing up to the Major Crimes Unit-North gets off to a rocky start. His commanding officer wants nothing to do with him and doesn't hide the fact. He's partnered with a just promoted new detective in Chloe Wright.

And if all that wasn't enough, he ends up in charge of murder investigation right out of the gates when a body is pulled from a pond...handcuffed to a snowmobile. Unwillingly saddled with having to train a new partner he doesn't want, Justice isn't exactly warm and fuzzy towards this new partnership at the start. But finding out who killed the man is the priority. And will take all of their efforts because the victim is something far less than a sympathetic one. A small-time crook with a long record of crimes, and apparently screwing around with any woman that he could has left Lee "Spike" Owen with a long list of people who could've wanted him dead.

Was it someone getting revenge for Owen screwing their wife or girlfriend? Someone from the local biker gang that Owen ran with / worked for at time? Why does a local doctor figure into the investigation?

Being stymied by uncooperative witness, a failure to mesh as partners and hamstrung by fellow cops who have it out for Detective Justice, the case takes a wildly twisting path as the two detectives track down a killer who knows how to cover their tracks and use the brutal conditions of a Maine winter to do it.

I'm a fan of Bruce Robert Coffin's Detective Byron series, having met the author at a signing. I definitely miss the series. So when I learned he was starting this new series, I was happy to have something new from a writer I liked reading.

But I was rather surprised at just how much I ended up liking this story. As the son of a cop myself, I have to admit that I never understand the notion of not crossing the thin blue line. If a cop commits a crime, they aren't a cop they are a criminal. So stories that feature such a plotline and the main character suffering the consequences and scorn that comes with the so-called "crossing" are always of interest to me.

On top of that, the two main characters make a rather quick and strong impression on you as a reader. Brock Justice knows he did right, even when everyone else says he did wrong. He's now ostracized by all who were supposed to be friends/family and while his transfer isn't what he would've chosen, rebuilding his life and career in the deep woods might be the best thing for him. Even if he hates the idea.

The way Coffin plays with the notion of rebuilding a life amidst the "ruins" is further burnished by the skullduggery of a law enforcement higher up sitting in the shadows trying to further ruin Justice's career and force him out of the state police entirely is shown in small doses allowing that particular thread to play out nicely in the background.

As for Detective Wright, Chloe is a novice at murder investigations but she's not exactly lacking in knowledge either. The way she chafes at Justice's sometimes unfair and heavy-handed exclusion of her from aspects of the investigation is well drawn in the plot.

There's plenty of great bits of character development in the story and not just for our two leads. A seemingly friendly if overly so State Trooper that's Chloe knows is alternately helpful and obstructive to the investigation and what few people Justice has left that will talk to him helps steer the investigation towards some answers as well. And even the chief suspect from the biker gang has some great moments in the story.

The police procedural aspect of the storytelling is done with an expert eye given the author's previous career as a cop.

As the hunt continues for the killer, Justice and Wright will have to set aside their issues to not only solve the case but make sure that they both make it out alive.

CRIMSON THAW is a phenomenal thriller in its own right but as the first book in a new series, it is a devastatingly fantastic read that will leave readers eager for more!

[Frank O · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Crimson Thaw," by Bruce Robert Coffin is his best mystery yet. It is the first in his Detective Justice series, a police procedural, that follows the thoroughbred stories in the John Bryon series.
"Crimson Thaw" features Brook Justice, a stellar Maine State Trooper detective who is reassigned from the southern district to the far north, shunned by other troopers for charging a partner for the murder of an unarmed criminal. His partner goes free, but Justice pays.
Insult to injury, he is assigned a new detective to train, a woman, Chloe Wright. Wright has been a trooper and is well liked and connected to her colleagues in the north. She is tough and smart but makes rookie detective mistakes that thwart Justice's efforts to solve a case that involves a suspected local drug smuggler who is found at the bottom of a lake handcuffed to a stolen snow mobile.
Coffin is masterful in storytelling, plotting, and character development. In addition to the deft development of his relationship with Wright, Justice finds himself having to deal with the estranged relationship with his father, a celebrated State Trooper who has retired from the southern district to live in his remote cabin in the north woods.
The investigation into the death of the suspected drug smuggler is full of surprises. Who killed him and why? Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Can Wright step up under pressure? Can Justice really trust her; can she trust him?
I knew this new series was coming for a couple of years. I couldn't wait. But the wait was worth it. "Crimson Thaw" stands on par with Paul Doiron's Mike Dowditch, Maine Game Warden series. Look out, Maine bad guys. There's a new lawman in the north woods.

[Katherine Hall Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a big fan of the Detective Byron series and was disappointed when it ended, but the new guy in town Detective Brock Justice has grabbed me in an even more compelling way. This is a story that works on many levels, never forgetting its purpose as a fast moving, gripping mystery. Detective Sergeant Coffin's own long experience in law enforcement provides fascinating police procedural details, an in depth look, that creates a unique framework starting from page one. Justice has been reassigned to northern Maine after crossing the "Thin Blue Line", testifying against a guilty fellow officer. Besides the Boonie location he's assigned a rookie, Chloe Wright, as his partner. She's local and no more wants to work with him, whom she blames for testifying, than he wants to work with her. A local with attitude. Their testy back and forth is fun to watch, culminating in one of the most dramatic endings I've read in a long time. Read a lot of these and did not see this coming at all! Throughout the book,there's a sense that few are what they seem, yet it's even more complicated than that. In addition, we have Brock's difficult relationship with his award-winning, legendary retired detective father, Albert Justice who lives in town. Add a number of characters we'd like to see again, and some hope we never do, readies us for the sequels that are coming—happily. I am am very familiar with the setting, Blue Hill, Maine and area towns, but Coffin's descriptions are wonderful, evocative even—mud and all. He avoids the pitfall of padding the book with too much description, but enough to let us picture ourselves in it. To sum up this first Brock Justice—wow!

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of detective novels and I enjoy the different perspectives and the different ways at looking at evidence and how logic comes into play.

I have never read a book as descriptive of the methods and procedures of the investigative process. How one piece of evidence can eliminate a suspect or make them the prime suspect. How timing can make our break an investigation. How your relationship with your coworkers can advance our hinder the investigation.

The storyline , characters and descriptions are top notch and enjoyable to read. The opening of the story grab you by the throat and won’t let go till the conclusion.

I quickly identified with the main characters and it felt more personal and piqued my interest as to where the storyline was going.

I felt an attachment to the main character and never even saw the twist coming. Obviously a lot of dedication and work went into creating this book and I appreciate it.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy following the process of an investigation!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Thaw (Detective Justice Book 1), my third read from author Bruce Robert Coffin, the first two co-writen with author LynDee Walker, a 378-page police thriller that grabbed me and kept me reading until finished. Totally unputdownable! Engaging, likeable characters, ✓. I received a complementary Kindle copy and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Bitter Fall (Detective Justice Book 2) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Brock Justice has a past, and recently having testified against a fellow trooper, is not giving him lots of love with his fellow troopers. He is moved to a new division and saddles with a newbie, Chloe Wright.
First case, a snowmobile retrieval from a nearby lake, the twist … a body cuffed to the snowmobile. Brock and Chloe have rough start, and as the books goes on working on trusting each other.
I can’t wait to read more about these 2 unlikely partners.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disgraced detective, Brock Justice is partnered with a rookie, Chloe much to his chagrin. They investigate a chilling murder. Chloe proves her mettle as a detective. Her astuteness is a great help to find the killer. Brock is impressed and gradually acknowledges her as a skilled partner. An edge of the seat thriller with escalating suspense and well depicted characters. The book is interesting from start to finish.

[Pam Whynot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I loved the Maine setting and could picture all the places mentioned. The characters were well developed and were so real to me. I didn’t want it to end and cant wait for the next book about Justice . This was one of Bruce’s best books and I’ve read and enjoyed all of his books so far. I’ve shared his books with so many friends who have enjoyed them as much as I have. Keep on writing.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crimson Thaw is a fast-paced police procedural where Justice, a fallen from grace Detective has to team up with a rookie Detective in the investigation of a murder case that turns out to be part of a much bigger drug smuggling ring with deep connections with the police force in the US and Canada. Great plot and well-developed characters which will make you think about friendship, family, trust.
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing storyline

Crimson Thaw is an engrossing story with good characters and tension. When a State Trooper follows his conscience and reports against a fellow officer--- effectively tanking his career--- he is sent to a backwater tiny town upstate. What follows is crime solving is an untried detective , convoluted clues,and betrayal. Don't miss this book.

[David Gullige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, if I had to pick a negative I’d say it started a little slow. It picks up rather quick though and the story keeps moving. I had several theories along the way but I still had a few nice surprises towards the end. I enjoy a good detective with a good case and this fit right in there. Hoping for some continued character development with the next book between Brock and Chloe, as individuals and as partners. Definitely one to add to your TBR!

[Rob Gaudette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book in hopefully a long series! The setting in the State in which I live makes the book more alive for me. Great characters and it left me guessing until close to the end how this would end up. Knowing Bruce, I appreciate his creative talents and wish him the best

[Jackie Martello · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid crime novel and entertaining read. It is a little bit drawn out, but the writing is good enough to make up for it. I liked the protagonist and the book isn’t predictable at all. The narration of the audiobook is also very well done.

[Alice Persons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing police procedural from a very smooth writer who knows his stuff, a former homicide detective. Justice is an interesting, flawed character and Chloe is a nuanced younger partner. The Maine setting is handled well. I will definitely read the next book.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't adore new books and new authors? These characters are richly written, and Brock and Chloe blend together perfectly. I absolutely recommend this and most definitely plan on reading the next book, Bitter Falls.

[Randee-Sue Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written mystery set in downeast Maine. Bruce Coffin gives an authentic glimpse into the day to day operations of a detective. The connection between local, state police, and the sheriff's department was clearly spelled out while this mystery was investigated and solved. The main characters were fully developed and the toll taken by their professional police work was shown. I look forward to the next one in this series.

[Dorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Action packed and hard to stop reading “just another page”. Anxious for book two. And then book three. Good reading but not before bed ~