Beyond Midnight: An Ashe Cayne Novel, Book 5—A Gripping Chicago Mystery of Political Corruption, Deception, and Murder

by Ian K. Smith

In the fifth installment of the Ashe Cayne series the smooth Chicago private eye stumbles into the city's internecine (and deadly) world of politics.

The death of immigrant Juaquin Escobar has been ruled an accidental drowning in Lake Michigan. The only problem is he never drinks and never swims. When the CPD informs his nephew Ivan Ramirez and closes the case he refuses to believe it’s true.

Convinced of foul play Ivan is referred to Ashe Cayne by his friend and socialite Penny Packer. After agreeing to take the case on pro bono he quickly discovers that things are not always what they seem. As Ashe investigates, he learns that Juaquin was last seen getting into a white van belonging to a heating and cooling company before he disappeared.

Retracing Juaquin’s steps leads Ashe straight into a web of secrets and lies that anyone would do anything to escape—even murder.

Genres: Thriller

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Ian K. Smith, M.D.,Ian K. Smith, M.D. is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of SUPER SHRED, SHRED, THE 4 DAY DIET, THE FAT SMASH DIET and EXTREME FAT SMASH DIET among 7 other books including, SHRED Diet Cookbook , EAT, Happy , and The Blackbird Papers. His newest book, THE SHRED POWER CLEANSE, is available 12/29/15.

He is a former co-host of Emmy-winning “The Doctors” TV show, and a medical contributor to “The Rachael Ray Show."

He is the former medical correspondent for NBC News network and for NewsChannel 4 where he filed reports for NBC’s “Nightly News” and the “Today” show as well as WNBC’s various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on various broadcasts including “The Oprah Show,” “Good Morning America” “CBS This Morning” “The View,” “The Talk,” “Dr. Oz,” ‘Dr. Phil,” “Anderson Cooper 360″ and “Showbiz Tonight.”

He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Men’s Health, and the New York Daily News, and has been featured in several other publications including, Publisher’s Weekly, Red Book, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, People, Essence, Ebony, University of Chicago Medicine on the Midway, Cosmopolitan, Women’s World, and Black Enterprise.

Dr. Smith is the founder of two major national health initiatives—the 50 Million Pound Challenge and the Makeover Mile—that have helped millions of people lose weight and improve their health.

A graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Smith was appointed to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in 2010 and is serving a second term.

http://shredlife.com/about-shred/abou...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ianksmith

Reviews

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the rest of the series, this was GOOD! This one really amped up the violence and I loved it 😂 Ashe Cayne is still as smooth as ever, still in search of the truth regardless of the circumstances.

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

I’m already ready for the next book 😬

[Celeste celestially_yours Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to receive the ARC for this book after reading the 4th book in this series previously. I remember really enjoying that story. this story and the writing hit me differently this time. I felt that the writing contained a lot of fat shaming when other characters were talked about, and when the MC was talked about the description was written quite the opposite. Basically too many one liner insults for me. I feel a little too much //dr. Ian (ego) came out in this writing versus the other books and this really left me feeling some type of way. It was hard to focus on the actual story. The story is interesting and I loved reading about Chicago attractions, restaurants, and scenery. I really like that the characters were diverse and one of the victims was Hispanic , which lines up to the worlds climate and relevance so kudos to that. The story is tense and exactly what you expect from a mystery. I loved the research regarding the legal system and the FBI so that was an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall I recommend this for true crime lovers, even though it’s fiction, and mystery lovers,

[Tia Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

​I loved the latest Ashe Cayne novel! If you're looking for a witty private detective, authentic Chicago atmosphere, and a gripping mystery involving political corruption, this is it. The whole team is back in top form. Highly recommended!

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chicago realness in this book is great. The plot seemed more complicated than the last works but in a good way! More twists and turns with a BIG overarching theme about corruption in Chicago politics. That’s the same in the real world.

[Meekilovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenally written. Mr. Ian's pen is absolutely fantastic. The story held my attention with details, suspense, and vivid Chicago city descriptions. I felt like I was back in the windy city.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Beyond Midnight
✍🏽Author: Dr. Ian K. Smith
Format: eBook = 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🕑Quick Take:
Ivan Ramirez does not believe the Chicago Police Department’s report regarding his uncle, Joaquin Escobar’s accidental drowning, and he contacts the one and only Ashe Cayne, private detective and former Chicago detective.

💕What I Loved:
I have loved this entire series! Ashe Cayne is a snarky, quick-witted character who often shares insights from philosophers and quotes from Shakespeare. He’s also a golf enthusiast. I enjoy the banter between him and Lieutenant Burke, and it's great to see the whole gang—Mechanic and Carolina—come together again to solve the latest crime mystery. As someone from the South Side of Chicago, I particularly appreciate the accurate depiction of the neighborhoods, restaurants, attractions, and even the clever name changes for prominent figures.

Tropes:
- Crime Mystery
- Private Detective
- Extortion & Blackmail
- Political and Police Corruption

💭Final Thoughts:
As I’ve shared I've enjoyed this series, and recommend this read!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsPublishers for this advanced reader’s copy.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although i like this series, it wasn't a favorite.

PI (former cop) Ashe Cayne is looking into the "accidental" drowning death of Juaquin Escobar at the request of his nephew. No way was Escobar drunk nor would he be near water.

Usually Cayne takes off the last three months of the year to work on his golf game but a referral by his socialite friend Penny Packer and the lure of golf lessons from the nephew convinces him.

There is little to go on, no real evidence, no autopsy but Cayne persists and comes to realize this death is somehow connected to local politics in Chicago and of course about money/corruption.

Cayne's good friend and backup Mechanic is back as well. It's an ok read, about a 3.25 for me.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this, the fifth installment of the Ashe Caine series, Chicago private eye Ashe Cayne is called in to investigate the drowning of Joaquin Escobar in Lake Michigan. One problem—Joaquin didn’t know how to swim, and would never have gone into the water willingly. His nephew, Ivan is convinced that this uncle was the victim of foul play, and enlists Ashe Cayne’s help to find out what happened to Joaquin. Quickly things take a turn when the case leads Ashe to the city’s longest-serving and most powerful alderman, Pat Flynn. Ashe finds himself more deeply involved in the intrigue of the case when he discovers secrets that Flynn will do anything to prevent from coming out.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashe Cayne is one of my favorite detectives and Dr. Ian Smith has done it again with this next installment. In this story Ashe Cayne is tackling an issue that is literally surrounding us today. Immigrants in America and some of the issues they face today. The story opens up with an immigrant man being found unalived near a lake …. Only the man would never go near water and his nephew knows something isn’t right. Ashe agrees to help the man’s nephew to find out what happened to his uncle and of course Ashe does this while uncovering corruption in the police department. It’s never what you think in a Ashe Cayne story so buckle up and pay attention.

[Stephanie E. Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second Ashe Cayne story. It was better than the first one I read. The pacing was good, the story kept me interested and it was enjoyable. Ashe is a very well read PI, he quotes Shakespeare and other classical authors and poets. He is very intelligent, uses big words correctly, but often has to explain what those words mean. Once or twice is cute and funny, but every single time is tiring and trite.
Dr. Smith is extremely interesting and intelligent, I just wish he didn't work so hard at proving it

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic Chicago, then and now

I wish I could order Books 6 and beyond, just to be sure of more Chicago stories via Ashe Cayne. Much can be written about good people as they cope with corruption and greed. Interesting to read about Social Security numbers for rent, and ghost cars. Even true love can be sold. In the meantime, father/son communication deepens. Nice. Thoughtful.

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashe Cayne is an intellectual Chicago detective whose stories hark back to the early 60s and 70s mystery novels. He talks a lot of Shakespeare while being able to move right into jive talk. This mystery is both complex and simple. Now you will have to read or listen to it to see what I mean but don’t miss this addition to the series.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashe Cayne is back this time taking on a powerful Chicago Alderman. Smith knows Chicago and environs. Fun to ride along.

[Sue May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. First I have read of this author I think. Can't wait to pick up another Ashe Cayne story. Fast read didn't want to put the book down until I finished it. Recommended.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! Thanks to NetGallley for the ARC and ALC!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will solve your case if you help me improve my golf game and off to the investigating we go. When Penny Packers sends a young man to Ashe to ask for his help, because his uncle has been found floating the river, a man afraid of large bodies of water Ashe is intrigued, and as a favor to Penny and a chance to improve his golf game Ashe is on the case.

[Danny Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loooveeeeee Ashe Cayne smart ass ! This series is one I’ll always read and pray it was atleast 15-25 books I don’t want it to end everytime I read a new Ashe Cayne book I feel like I’m netting up with old friends . They are always so good and refreshing the banter in these books are top tier!

[Julie Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great "who done it". The storyline had me gripped from the start. This is #5 in the Ashe Cayne Mystery series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.