The Bluest Night

by Aaron Philip Clark

Genres: Crime, Mystery

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Aaron Philip Clark is a native of Los Angeles, CA. He is a novelist, screenwriter, and former recruit of the Los Angeles Police Department. His first novel, THE SCIENCE OF PAUL: A Novel of Crime (New Pulp Press), was published in 2011. The debut was met with interest and acclaim. Clark followed THE SCIENCE OF PAUL with A HEALTHY FEAR OF MAN (Snubnose Press), published the following year. Both novels featured the morally plagued and emotionally damaged ex-con, Paul Little, as he fought to escape the perils of Philadelphia street culture and return to his deceased grandfather’s farm in North Carolina.

After leaving his career in law enforcement, Clark returned to higher education and continued his work as an educator teaching college-level English, Creative Writing, and Humanities. During this time, Clark wrote UNDER COLOR OF LAW, a police thriller inspired by his experiences with the LAPD. The novel centered on Det. Trevor “Finn” Finnegan, a Black LAPD detective, who is tasked with investigating the murder of a young Black academy recruit amid protests against police brutality and calls for reform. The novel won the 2021 Book Pipeline Adaptation Award and was nominated for the 2022 Best Paperback Original International Thriller Writers Award. BLUE LIKE ME, the second Trevor Finnegan novel, was published on November 8, 2022, by Thomas & Mercer. The third novel in the series, THE BLUEST NIGHT, will be published on October 7, 2025.

To learn more about Aaron Philip Clark, visit www.AaronPhilipClark.com and follow him on social media @_realapcbooks (Twitter).

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bluest Night by Aaron Philip Clark is what I am classifying an ex-police procedural. Trevor Finnegan used to be on the force but now is a P.I. who has specialized in identifying dirty cops. Thus he has a decidedly mixed reputation on the streets. Now he has become involved in a problem closer to home; a half brother he never knew existed has disappeared while traveling from Nevada to Los Angeles to meet his father. Trevor and his Pop, taking a temporary leave from his alcohol treatment program, become actively involved in the search for Avery and his girlfriend and then in what develops into a more wide ranging case. What I haven’t said is that Trevor is black and that these new crimes have happened in a very rich and largely white beach enclave north of L.A. Racial undercurrents and racism underlie this story along with greed, manipulation, and other usual suspects.

The action is steady. There are some inscrutable characters to unwrap along the way and plots within plots, crimes within crimes. Though not my usual mystery/crime reading, this is well done. There are earlier books in this series which would provide insight into some details and people in this book. Recommended for crime readers.

Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early review copy of this book.

[Papillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Real rating: 4.25

The moment I saw “S. A. Cosby fans will hope for a long series run,” I immediately knew I had to read this book.

Truthfully, the only reason I didn’t finish this arc within two days was because it was in PDF form and I was stuck with an eye-sore of a bright white screen. And as a primary night-time reader, this was a major headache.

I didn’t know it when I picked up the book, but this is part of a series. The third in the series, if I’m not mistaken. And the first few chapters made that clear. I won’t lie, the context I was missing then chipped away at my interest to keep reading. But that’s not the book’s fault; it’s mine for not paying attention and realizing this was a series.

That being said, the missing context quickly becomes a non-factor.

Chapter two was when I felt real interest start to creep in. But it was chapter seven that hooked me. I couldn’t put it down after that. As I’m typing this up, it’s 2:30 in the morning and my alarm is set to ring in two more hours, but I can’t get myself to care right now.

This was an excellent read and I think I’ll definitely take another look at the rest of Mr. Clark’s pen.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First: I highly suggest that folks read the first two books
in this series because I know I missed out on a lot of the
character and career develop of our two main characters.
This is a raw, real, police procedural, less suspense, but
very well crafted. My gasps were audible, more than a few
times~shock, horror, relief.
This is not the easiest story, but, every bit of it makes
sense if you’re at all familiar with the culture and the
means by which people can even their life scores.
I am looking forward to the next installment from
the Author!
My thanks to Severn House Publishing for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.

[Jackthedad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

This novel is clearly a follow-up but it still works as a standalone. It's a torrid story told well. In pursuit of answers to his questions, the main character has to juggle his way through the hang-ups and lies of others which adds to the tension. This book is a good, easy read with a satisfying ending. Also, I was pleased to gain an insight into what life can still be like for black people in parts of America.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.A. private investigator Trevor Finnegan’s half-brother Avery, whom Trevor only recently learned exists, has disappeared – but Trevor's life gets even more complicated when Avery's girlfriend is found murdered and it seems as though Avery could be to blame. Joining forces with his retired LAPD father Shaun, Trevor embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. With a bold and believable protagonist, an unforgettable femme fatale, and incisive social commentary, Clark’s THE BLUEST NIGHT is a police procedural of the highest order. While this is the third book in the series, the uninitiated can jump right in and will want to read all of Clark's work when they're through.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: The Bluest Night
✍🏽 Author: Aaron Philip Clark
📕 Format: eARC = 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🕑 Quick Take:
Private Investigator and former LAPD detective Trevor Finnegan teams up with his father to search for his adult half-brother, Avery Dixon, whom he has just discovered exists. As he navigates this complex family dynamic, Trevor also tries to be involved in the life of his young child from a previous relationship, while maintaining his connection with his current girlfriend, who is traveling to France to study under a renowned pastry chef. Along the way, Trevor uncovers a twisted cover-up involving “auctions that happen on the dark web, where people bid on illegal items using cryptocurrency.”

✨What I Liked:
I really enjoyed how this story highlighted the complexities of family relationships. The narrative featured a variety of quirky characters, including Cassandra, Nigel, Kimber, and Detective Brennan. I particularly appreciated the focus on Trevor’s dad, Shaun “Pop” Finnegan. His terrible nicknames for people reminded me of my own experiences with my parents. I also enjoyed the banter exchanged between Trevor and Pop, which brought a lot of laughter to the story.

⚠️ Heads Up (Content Warning):
- Police Corruption
- Sexual Assault (off page)
- Domestic Violence (off page)
- kidnapping
- Human Remains
- Substance Abuse/Alcoholism

💭 Final Thoughts:
I read the other Trevor Finnegan novels, Under the Color of Law and Blue Like Me, in preparation for this installment. However, this is my fourth book by Aaron Philip Clark; I previously read his novel The Accomplice, co-authored with 50 Cent, and The Bluest Night is my favorite. I was engaged from the very first page and intended to pace my reading over a few days, but I found myself hooked chapter after chapter and ended up finishing it in essentially one sitting. I highly recommend this novel, especially for those who enjoy crime and mystery and police thrillers. It reminded me of S.A. Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed and Ian K. Smith’s Ashe Cayne series, among others.

Thanks to Net Galley and Severn House for this advanced reader’s copy.

[Emmastewartx · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Black cop turned PI. An unspeakable crime. A Californian beach town ready to combust. The new shocking, completely gripping Trevor Finnegan thriller.'

The book goes into great detail of the characters lives and how they all link in together. The story reels you in and gets you guessing who you think is behind it all.

There's a lot of likable characters in this and you get to know their back stories. Some characters, I could not stand, especially with their views on some topics.

It had me guessing throughout who was behind it all, I did have a gut feeling who it could be and I was right!

This is the third book in the series, so I would recommend to read the first two to get a greater understanding of the characters. However, it can be read as a standalone!

Definitely a book I would recommend if you enjoy investigator themes alongside a thrill!

Thank you severnhouseimprint for gifting me a proof copy of this one!

[Melissa Westemeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Finnegan is a former LAPD detective turned private investigator and this case takes him deep in the heart of Malibu as he searches for his missing half-brother. He discovers Avery, half-beaten to death, and Avery is accused of murdering his girlfriend, but things don't add up. With his father by his side, Trevor pokes and prods along the edges of exclusive gated communities. Threats lie in every corner, including within the walls of Cassandra's house, where Trevor stays during the investigation.
Clark's writing style is intense, edgy, graphic, and pulse-pounding. He crafts an unpredictable plot and believable characters while demonstrating his keen knowledge of southern California. Clark has written a noir series for the modern era!
(Typical of many police procedural novels, this book does include graphic descriptions of violence.)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book went in a direction I wasn't expecting and had some really interesting characters. Trevor is a former cop and is now a private investigator and starts looking into the circumstances surrounding the murder of his half-brothers girlfriend. Along the way we learn about Trevor's past and fractured family which gives the character more depth. Cassandra is a fascinating character and I enjoyed trying to work her out. This book is heavier on dialogue than I would usually read so took me a little longer to get into it but I was drawn in by the story. It really is a great book and I'd recommend to anyone that's a fan of crime books.

Thank you @severnhouseimprint for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Bluest Night is the third book in the Trevor Finnegan series by Aaron Philip Clark. Former LAPD Detective turned Private Investigator Trevor Finnegan just learned he has an adult half-brother that has gone missing. From working in law enforcement, Trevor knows that missing Black people are on the bottom of the priority list. When his brother's girlfriend is found dead, Trevor springs into action. And like any other mystery main character, he comes dangerously close to being dead himself.

Well, Bookhearts, I don't know whether to recommend this book or not. The first two books in the Trevor Finnegan series were so good. The characters were well developed. The police procedural style drew me in. The story was suspenseful and flowed. But I struggled through The Bluest Night; it was not as interesting. Aaron Philip Clark is a great storyteller but this third installment of the series was a miss. However, it is important to support authors of color so think about giving it a try. It could just be me. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Happy Early Pub Day, Aaron Philip Clark! The Bluest Night will be available Tuesday, October 7.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Anna Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Aaron Philip Clark's The Bluest Night to be a solid addition to the Trevor Finnegan series. I appreciated how the writing is sharp and kept me engaged, blending the suspense of a mystery with thoughtful character development. For me, it went beyond just piecing together clues; the themes of justice, identity, and family loyalty added depth to the story. While there were intense moments, I found it to be a heartfelt narrative that lingered with me long after I turned the last page. Overall, I’d recommend this series to anyone who enjoys modern noir.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Severn House, for providing the copy of The Bluest Night by Aaron Phillip Clark. I read the first book in this series and loved it, but nothing prepared me for this one. I’m still reeling from the diabolical plot, which is not for the faint of heart. The characters were well-defined, and whether you loved them or hated them, you’ll never forget them. Full of shocking revelations, this book was impossible to put down. 5 stars

[Read With Me Maybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy 4 stars for me. Although it is book 3 in a series, I definitely think it can be read as a standalone....(i was sent this from SevernHouseImprint as an ARCand I hadn't read the first two books) I loved the progression of the characters and story and really enjoyed watching the story unfold. I really hope that Finns story continues further in the future. if book 4 was available, id start it now :)

thank you once again Severn House Imprint

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Massive Thank You to Severn House for letting me read this ARC. I really enjoyed this one, it was short and fast paced and kept me hooked while reading it. This is part of a series but I read it as a standalone and had no issues.

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re into smart, gritty crime stories, The Bluest Night has it all. Clark’s writing is tight, the characters feel real, and the twists land perfectly. If you loved the first two books, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

[Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “The Bluest Night,” by Aaron Philip Clark. I look forward to reading more novels by this author. I appreciated receiving an ARC of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.

[Bruce Downs]

The annoying " Pops" character is why I bailed very early.