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From the Dust
When a murder occurs in a small town in Upstate New York, retired police detective Graham Sanderson is drawn back into the vortex of violence and deception, facing a case that demands a terrible personal reckoning.
“If you’re reader enough to handle the strong stuff off the top shelf, this is for you.” – Peter Blauner, author of Picture in the Sand
Graham Sanderson thought he’d left it all behind. His years as a Washington, DC, homicide detective, his tragically dead wife, pain, violence. Taking over his father’s house in the remote Finger Lakes region of rural New York, and looking after his shut-in brother, Tommy, seemed like a respite. That is, until the first body is found.
The chief of the town’s small police jurisdiction, who is also a family friend, asks for Graham’s assistance. Graham’s instincts immediately kick in and he soon discovers there’s more to the area—the people, its brutally quiet, sophisticated hierarchies—than he or his family ever knew.
David Swinson's latest novel is a soulful, rural noir story about the extremities to which it pushes a community, the fear it instills in the hearts of adherents and doubters alike, and need for it nevertheless. As Graham delves deeper into the strange and then stranger circumstances of the murders, his own beliefs become challenged. What do you finally stand for when you’ve got nothing left to lose?
“If you’re reader enough to handle the strong stuff off the top shelf, this is for you.” – Peter Blauner, author of Picture in the Sand
Graham Sanderson thought he’d left it all behind. His years as a Washington, DC, homicide detective, his tragically dead wife, pain, violence. Taking over his father’s house in the remote Finger Lakes region of rural New York, and looking after his shut-in brother, Tommy, seemed like a respite. That is, until the first body is found.
The chief of the town’s small police jurisdiction, who is also a family friend, asks for Graham’s assistance. Graham’s instincts immediately kick in and he soon discovers there’s more to the area—the people, its brutally quiet, sophisticated hierarchies—than he or his family ever knew.
David Swinson's latest novel is a soulful, rural noir story about the extremities to which it pushes a community, the fear it instills in the hearts of adherents and doubters alike, and need for it nevertheless. As Graham delves deeper into the strange and then stranger circumstances of the murders, his own beliefs become challenged. What do you finally stand for when you’ve got nothing left to lose?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
David Swinson
17 books353 followersDavid Swinson is the author of THE SECOND GIRL, CRIME SONG, TRIGGER and City on the Edge, by Mulholland Books/Little, Brown& Co. He is a retired DC police detective, and a former alternative and punk rock promoter in Long Beach, CA in the eighties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 6, 2026
Following the death of his father, Graham Sanderson, a recently retired homicide detective, moves to a small, rural town in upstate NY to care for his brother, who suffers from PTSD and agoraphobia. However, given Graham’s investigative background, the local police chief asks for his assistance in handling a recent murder. Before long, there are several more seemingly connected murders, and Graham finds himself deeply involved in a mysterious “whodunit” packed with compelling and believable characters.
All in all, while this could have been just another police procedural in a small town, the book was very well rounded with a variety of things on the back burner of the central plot. For that matter, there was Graham’s budding romance with a local woman, as well as his concern for his strange and troubled brother. On top of that, Graham’s interaction with a creepy pastor, an aging prostitute who worked out of a bar, and an assortment of others tangentially involved in the murders added a great deal to the overall story. The audiobook version was another plus, as the narrator did a tremendous job of making everything quite believable. In sum, “From the Dust” is tailor-made for anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense novel.
All in all, while this could have been just another police procedural in a small town, the book was very well rounded with a variety of things on the back burner of the central plot. For that matter, there was Graham’s budding romance with a local woman, as well as his concern for his strange and troubled brother. On top of that, Graham’s interaction with a creepy pastor, an aging prostitute who worked out of a bar, and an assortment of others tangentially involved in the murders added a great deal to the overall story. The audiobook version was another plus, as the narrator did a tremendous job of making everything quite believable. In sum, “From the Dust” is tailor-made for anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense novel.
August 23, 2025
This was a most enjoyable book. Loved the small town setting and the cast of characters and how they were developed throughout the book. The plot drew me in especially with how Detective Graham has to grapple with his own personal issues and past. There was plenty of suspense on every page and I could feel the emotions the main character felt very easily. This is a book I won’t soon forget.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
This was my first book by David Swinson and will definitely not be my last. From the Dust is an engaging and suspenseful read that I highly recommend.
Retired and recently widowed DC police detective Graham Sanderson returns to his home town in upstate New York after his father's death. Graham's plans are to move into his father's home to care for his brother who suffers from agoraphobia and has become unable to leave their home. Soon after Graham settles in the first of a string of murders occurs. The town's police chief who is also a friend asks Graham to help with the investigation and he becomes key to getting to the bottom of these shocking crimes in an otherwise idyllic small town.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for this advanced copy in exchange for my review.
Retired and recently widowed DC police detective Graham Sanderson returns to his home town in upstate New York after his father's death. Graham's plans are to move into his father's home to care for his brother who suffers from agoraphobia and has become unable to leave their home. Soon after Graham settles in the first of a string of murders occurs. The town's police chief who is also a friend asks Graham to help with the investigation and he becomes key to getting to the bottom of these shocking crimes in an otherwise idyllic small town.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for this advanced copy in exchange for my review.
August 31, 2025
Another solid effort from Swinson about a former DC detective who comes home to bury his dad and look after his younger brother and ends up involved in the investigation of a possible serial killer. The crimes appear to involve victims who were involved with some sordid activity, and these facts lead the search towards the town pastor's son at first. The investigation then takes a turn, and the focus hits close to home. The writing is tight, the characters are well-drawn and the plot moves along nicely, even if it's not all that surprising as to the identity of the killer. Swinson does a good job of holding the reader's attention throughout. My second by Swinson and it won't be the last. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2026
#ad much love for my finished copy @novelsuspects #partner
From the Dust
Damn the way I thought! It was ridiculous. This fucking cop brain of mine. It should've retired after I retired…
Graham is finally retired, he walked away from his job with only two active cases not solved. Dealing with his own grief when new murders happen, he’s pulled back into the investigative world. You can’t turn that detective training off - no matter how hard you may try to.
It’s a new town, but the investigations are the same. This is an atmospheric crime thriller that pulls you in slowly. It’s also a story about letting go and learning to live through grief. Graham lost his wife to cancer a few years ago and is now burying his father.
He holds on to guilt when it comes to grieving his late wife. While she may not be here physically, she still Iives inside Grahman’s heart and mind. He’s also taking care of his brother who struggles with agoraphobia. He’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I liked this book, but I wasn’t particularly gripped by it. The writing is strong and the characters well-built, and I also enjoyed the mystery - along with the investigation. It was all good, so maybe it’s just me. Since finishing The Take I’ve been struggling with every book I’ve picked up since. 🫠
A crime thriller with an emotional undercurrent to it.
From the Dust
Damn the way I thought! It was ridiculous. This fucking cop brain of mine. It should've retired after I retired…
Graham is finally retired, he walked away from his job with only two active cases not solved. Dealing with his own grief when new murders happen, he’s pulled back into the investigative world. You can’t turn that detective training off - no matter how hard you may try to.
It’s a new town, but the investigations are the same. This is an atmospheric crime thriller that pulls you in slowly. It’s also a story about letting go and learning to live through grief. Graham lost his wife to cancer a few years ago and is now burying his father.
He holds on to guilt when it comes to grieving his late wife. While she may not be here physically, she still Iives inside Grahman’s heart and mind. He’s also taking care of his brother who struggles with agoraphobia. He’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I liked this book, but I wasn’t particularly gripped by it. The writing is strong and the characters well-built, and I also enjoyed the mystery - along with the investigation. It was all good, so maybe it’s just me. Since finishing The Take I’ve been struggling with every book I’ve picked up since. 🫠
A crime thriller with an emotional undercurrent to it.
May 16, 2026
I am a fan of rural mysteries and this one is okay. The main character, Graham Sanderson, is a retired Washington DC detective living in the Finger Lakes region of New York with his brother who is gay, agoraphobic, and accused of murdering his former partner. Three other murders occur within a few days in this small town, making the plot mildly interesting but unrealistic. Desperate to clear his brother, Graham assists and sometimes clashes with the local police in the investigation.
The characters in this novel are not especially well developed. As for Graham, there are too many references and dreams about his dead wife. He weirdly keeps the urn with her ashes on his dresser. The narrative and dialogue in the book is at times stilted.
Swinson’s earlier works, especially the Frank Marr trilogy, are much better.
The characters in this novel are not especially well developed. As for Graham, there are too many references and dreams about his dead wife. He weirdly keeps the urn with her ashes on his dresser. The narrative and dialogue in the book is at times stilted.
Swinson’s earlier works, especially the Frank Marr trilogy, are much better.
May 13, 2026
I f0und David Swinson's Frank Marr series a few years ago. The first thing that struck me was the voice. I hadn't read anything like it in crime fiction. I devoured all three Marr books in a month and vowed to read anything Swinson wrote. With From the Dust, he takes a different turn, and it's a welcome one: a rural small-town mystery set in upstate New York. As someone who lived in DC for a decade, I missed some of the scenery. But Swinson does small-town just as well as he does gritty metro. Graham is a terrific protagonist, quite different from Marr, but still deeply engaging, wrestling with layers of grief. This is a thougthful, well-plotted novel with the same punchy writing we've come to expect from Swinson.
April 14, 2026
Another rock solid, character-driven procedural from Swinson. Really enjoyed this one.
May 28, 2026
It was a nice easy mystery read. Lots of twists and turns. My first book of Swinsons but now I want to read the others.
April 12, 2026
Death is something the retired DC Metropolitan Police Department Detective is very familiar with, professionally and personally. Graham Sanderson has quiet working homicides in Washington, DC, and moved into his dad’s house in upstate New York. Most of his possessions sit in storage as he came to the house to help his brother, Tommy, after dad died. Tommy is agoraphobic and has not left the property in many years. With dad’s death, he had nobody to help him, so Graham came with a few things and moved into a guest bedroom in the house.
He came with some clothes and a few mementos. That includes the urn with his late wife’s ashes. It sits, top off, next to his bed and he talks to her on a daily basis. The grief remains strong and he is coping with that, and other issues, as best as he can. With no hobbies and the memories of a lifetime of police work, he has far too much time on his hands to think and brood.
In the hours after the service for dad, William Finn, who is the Chief of Police, asks for his help as the small local department is very short staffed. A patrol officer was just recently promoted to investigator. The guy is good, or he would not have been promoted, but Chief Finn would like Sanderson to consult as they have a serious problem.
There has been a killer at work in the area and clues are scarce. Suspects are non-existent. Chief Finn wants to keep the investigation in house and not ask for outside agency help as the second, and most recent, victim was his nephew. He wants Sanderson’s help. Something Sanderson is reluctant to do at all as he is burned out, adjusting to being retired, mending a relationship with his younger brother that he has not seen in many years, losing his dad, among other things, and does not want to annoy anyone inside or outside the department.
But, Chief Finn is persistent, and Sanderson finally agrees to review the case file to this point and take an impartial fresh look. The rookie investigator, Mike Gottert, welcomes him with open arms and quickly invites Sanderson to go along as he goes back to the scene of the second body with a plan to recanvass the area, knock on doors, and poke around.
Before long, while not carrying a shield, Sanderson is almost as involved in the case as if he were a member of the department. Working helps occupy his mind, even if the case keeps coming closer and closer to home. A case that may have also, once again, made him a target.
From the Dust: A Novel by David Swinson is a complex and extremely enjoyable police procedural. With its rich characters and storytelling, it is also a testimony, in a way, about coping with complex mental health challenges in a world that often does not understand what folks are dealing with on a daily basis. This is one of those books that comes fully alive for the reader in a variety of ways and keeps the reader turning pages long after one should quit for the night.
All in all, From the Dust: A Novel by Doug Swinson is a mighty good read and very much recommended.
My digital ARC reading copy came by way of the publisher, Mulholland Books, imprint of Little, Brown and Company, through NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
He came with some clothes and a few mementos. That includes the urn with his late wife’s ashes. It sits, top off, next to his bed and he talks to her on a daily basis. The grief remains strong and he is coping with that, and other issues, as best as he can. With no hobbies and the memories of a lifetime of police work, he has far too much time on his hands to think and brood.
In the hours after the service for dad, William Finn, who is the Chief of Police, asks for his help as the small local department is very short staffed. A patrol officer was just recently promoted to investigator. The guy is good, or he would not have been promoted, but Chief Finn would like Sanderson to consult as they have a serious problem.
There has been a killer at work in the area and clues are scarce. Suspects are non-existent. Chief Finn wants to keep the investigation in house and not ask for outside agency help as the second, and most recent, victim was his nephew. He wants Sanderson’s help. Something Sanderson is reluctant to do at all as he is burned out, adjusting to being retired, mending a relationship with his younger brother that he has not seen in many years, losing his dad, among other things, and does not want to annoy anyone inside or outside the department.
But, Chief Finn is persistent, and Sanderson finally agrees to review the case file to this point and take an impartial fresh look. The rookie investigator, Mike Gottert, welcomes him with open arms and quickly invites Sanderson to go along as he goes back to the scene of the second body with a plan to recanvass the area, knock on doors, and poke around.
Before long, while not carrying a shield, Sanderson is almost as involved in the case as if he were a member of the department. Working helps occupy his mind, even if the case keeps coming closer and closer to home. A case that may have also, once again, made him a target.
From the Dust: A Novel by David Swinson is a complex and extremely enjoyable police procedural. With its rich characters and storytelling, it is also a testimony, in a way, about coping with complex mental health challenges in a world that often does not understand what folks are dealing with on a daily basis. This is one of those books that comes fully alive for the reader in a variety of ways and keeps the reader turning pages long after one should quit for the night.
All in all, From the Dust: A Novel by Doug Swinson is a mighty good read and very much recommended.
My digital ARC reading copy came by way of the publisher, Mulholland Books, imprint of Little, Brown and Company, through NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
April 4, 2026
He thought he'd left violence and death behind him
Graham Sanderson has moved to the small town in upstate New York where his father had lived until his recent death and where his younger brother Tommy still resides. A retired DC homicide detective still mourning the death of his wife Elena, Graham is both looking to leave behind the violence of the city and settle into a quiet life as he provides the emotional support his agoraphobic brother needs. Then murdered bodies start cropping up and the local police have no idea as to what the motive might be nor who might be behind the killings. The local police chief had some experience in his NYPD days, but the rest of the force including the newly promoted investigator are out of their depth with crimes of this magnitude. The chief approaches Graham to act as a mentor/consultant and he agrees...in some ways, getting back into harness feels good. When the death count rises and Tommy becomes a suspect, however, the investigation turns dealy serious and personal. Can Graham combat local panic and resist being pulled back into the depths of darkness to clear his brother and stop a serial killer?
From the Dust is a character-driven police procedural that features a strong sense of place and is an engaging whodunnit with great procedural elements (helped no doubt by author David Swinson's own law enforcement background). It is told in a first person narrative, not always my favorite but well-executed here. Graham is a well-developed character, and I particularly enjoyed the bond between the two brothers. Themes of grief, abuse, and family are woven into the story, and Graham even has a tentatively budding romance with the owner of a local bakery in the mix. Readers who enjoy small town and/or rural settings and a police procedural that isn't all blazing guns and speeding cars (as well as fans of the author's previous works, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter and WIlliam Kent Krueger) should give this noir-esque tale a try. The pacing does seem a bit slow in spots, but overall I found it to be a solid mystery and thank NetGalley and Little Brown and Company/Mulholland Books for allowing me access in exchange for my honest review.
Graham Sanderson has moved to the small town in upstate New York where his father had lived until his recent death and where his younger brother Tommy still resides. A retired DC homicide detective still mourning the death of his wife Elena, Graham is both looking to leave behind the violence of the city and settle into a quiet life as he provides the emotional support his agoraphobic brother needs. Then murdered bodies start cropping up and the local police have no idea as to what the motive might be nor who might be behind the killings. The local police chief had some experience in his NYPD days, but the rest of the force including the newly promoted investigator are out of their depth with crimes of this magnitude. The chief approaches Graham to act as a mentor/consultant and he agrees...in some ways, getting back into harness feels good. When the death count rises and Tommy becomes a suspect, however, the investigation turns dealy serious and personal. Can Graham combat local panic and resist being pulled back into the depths of darkness to clear his brother and stop a serial killer?
From the Dust is a character-driven police procedural that features a strong sense of place and is an engaging whodunnit with great procedural elements (helped no doubt by author David Swinson's own law enforcement background). It is told in a first person narrative, not always my favorite but well-executed here. Graham is a well-developed character, and I particularly enjoyed the bond between the two brothers. Themes of grief, abuse, and family are woven into the story, and Graham even has a tentatively budding romance with the owner of a local bakery in the mix. Readers who enjoy small town and/or rural settings and a police procedural that isn't all blazing guns and speeding cars (as well as fans of the author's previous works, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter and WIlliam Kent Krueger) should give this noir-esque tale a try. The pacing does seem a bit slow in spots, but overall I found it to be a solid mystery and thank NetGalley and Little Brown and Company/Mulholland Books for allowing me access in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
Thanks to Little, Brown & company and Netgalley for this eARC.
🌫️ David Swinson’s From the Dust is a gritty, emotionally charged novel that blends noir sensibility with a deeply human exploration of survival and redemption. Known for his sharp, character-driven crime fiction, Swinson here delivers a story that feels both raw and reflective, steeped in atmosphere and moral ambiguity.
🌒 This novel is suffused with a sense of weariness and grit, capturing the rhythms of urban life where danger and desperation lurk in every shadow.
Swinson’s prose is lean yet evocative, balancing hard-edged realism with moments of quiet vulnerability.
The pacing alternates between tense bursts of action and slower, introspective passages that allow the weight of choices to settle.
👤 The protagonist is flawed yet compelling, a figure shaped by past mistakes and driven by a fragile hope for redemption.
Swinson avoids caricature, instead presenting layered individuals whose motives are tangled in survival, loyalty, and betrayal.
Relationships are volatile—trust is scarce, and every alliance feels precarious, heightening the tension.
🔍 This novel interrogates loss, resilience, and the corrosive pull of secrets.
The title, From the Dust, resonates as both metaphor and reality: a meditation on what rises from ruin and whether renewal is possible.
Swinson explores the blurred line between justice and vengeance, showing how personal histories shape moral choices.
🎧 The structure is taut, weaving present-day conflict with fragments of memory that deepen the psychological stakes.
The dialogue is sharp and authentic, grounding the narrative in realism while amplifying suspense.
Swinson’s style mirrors the noir tradition but adds emotional depth, ensuring the story is as much about inner struggle as external danger.
⭐ From the Dust is a powerful, atmospheric novel that delivers both the thrills of crime fiction and the poignancy of human struggle. David Swinson crafts a story that is unflinching in its portrayal of broken lives yet quietly hopeful in its search for meaning amid ruin.
🌫️ David Swinson’s From the Dust is a gritty, emotionally charged novel that blends noir sensibility with a deeply human exploration of survival and redemption. Known for his sharp, character-driven crime fiction, Swinson here delivers a story that feels both raw and reflective, steeped in atmosphere and moral ambiguity.
🌒 This novel is suffused with a sense of weariness and grit, capturing the rhythms of urban life where danger and desperation lurk in every shadow.
Swinson’s prose is lean yet evocative, balancing hard-edged realism with moments of quiet vulnerability.
The pacing alternates between tense bursts of action and slower, introspective passages that allow the weight of choices to settle.
👤 The protagonist is flawed yet compelling, a figure shaped by past mistakes and driven by a fragile hope for redemption.
Swinson avoids caricature, instead presenting layered individuals whose motives are tangled in survival, loyalty, and betrayal.
Relationships are volatile—trust is scarce, and every alliance feels precarious, heightening the tension.
🔍 This novel interrogates loss, resilience, and the corrosive pull of secrets.
The title, From the Dust, resonates as both metaphor and reality: a meditation on what rises from ruin and whether renewal is possible.
Swinson explores the blurred line between justice and vengeance, showing how personal histories shape moral choices.
🎧 The structure is taut, weaving present-day conflict with fragments of memory that deepen the psychological stakes.
The dialogue is sharp and authentic, grounding the narrative in realism while amplifying suspense.
Swinson’s style mirrors the noir tradition but adds emotional depth, ensuring the story is as much about inner struggle as external danger.
⭐ From the Dust is a powerful, atmospheric novel that delivers both the thrills of crime fiction and the poignancy of human struggle. David Swinson crafts a story that is unflinching in its portrayal of broken lives yet quietly hopeful in its search for meaning amid ruin.
November 17, 2025
David Swinson has produced a serial killer mystery without the violence usually attributed to that subgenre type of detective fiction. Because of that I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. I usually do not like serial killer mysteries for just that reason; too much violence and too much time in a killer’s head. I really don’t want to go there anymore. I am tired of books showing violence on the page. Our life is too violent as it is so I want the mystery novel without the gore at this point.
From the Dust, like the other Swinson book I read, City on the Edge, is really rather gentle for a mystery/thriller. The story focuses on the hero, an upstate retired NY police detective who gets pulled into a small-town murder…. And then two, and then three. Graham Sanderson comes to the town after his father’s death to help care for his brother who has agoraphobia. Graham is reluctant to help out the local cops but is feeling a little bored so he offers to lend a hand.
Swinson’s characters are nice people who are kind to others and competent at their jobs. No drunk or depressed cops here. Just police procedural expertise. The author reminds me of another similar type book about an Iowa detective by Donald Harstad. I loved Harstads six novels, starting with Eleven Days. Both authors tell a simple story about detectives you really like as they follow police strategy to find the killers.
The only flaw I see with From the Dust is that the reader got to the conclusion too soon. Swinson could have held out on revealing the killer at least a little bit more. More of a build-up or a red herring or two would have made the story even better.
If you are looking for violence or a complicated story, this book is not for you. But sometimes it is nice to read about good people who solve crime with genuine skills.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. From the Dust will be published on March 31, 2026.
From the Dust, like the other Swinson book I read, City on the Edge, is really rather gentle for a mystery/thriller. The story focuses on the hero, an upstate retired NY police detective who gets pulled into a small-town murder…. And then two, and then three. Graham Sanderson comes to the town after his father’s death to help care for his brother who has agoraphobia. Graham is reluctant to help out the local cops but is feeling a little bored so he offers to lend a hand.
Swinson’s characters are nice people who are kind to others and competent at their jobs. No drunk or depressed cops here. Just police procedural expertise. The author reminds me of another similar type book about an Iowa detective by Donald Harstad. I loved Harstads six novels, starting with Eleven Days. Both authors tell a simple story about detectives you really like as they follow police strategy to find the killers.
The only flaw I see with From the Dust is that the reader got to the conclusion too soon. Swinson could have held out on revealing the killer at least a little bit more. More of a build-up or a red herring or two would have made the story even better.
If you are looking for violence or a complicated story, this book is not for you. But sometimes it is nice to read about good people who solve crime with genuine skills.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. From the Dust will be published on March 31, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
From the Dust by David Swinson is a highly recommended murder mystery/police procedural set in a small town in Upstate rural New York.
Retired police detective Graham Sanderson spent years in Washington, DC, as a homicide detective. After his father's death and that of his wife three years earlier, Graham moves into his father's home to look after his brother, Tommy, who suffers from PTSD and agoraphobia. He was hoping for a quiet, peaceful retirement when the local police chief, William Finn, a family friend, asks him to assist brand new detective Mike Gottert with two murders that seem to be connected. Both bodies were found with the same kind of stab wounds. Graham reluctantly agrees to help.
It is always a pleasure to read a well-written police procedural where evidence is collected, people are interviewed, and all the clues are logically uncovered and followed up on as the investigation proceeds. The plot moves at an even pace, picking up toward the end. There aren't multiple wild twists or unbelievable developments along the way, yet suspense rises as the investigation proceeds. You will understand that this rural area is not somewhere where multiple murders are common, but people will also know a bit more about what their neighbors are up to, where they go, and who they see, so a connection between victims is quickly uncovered.
Graham and Tommy are interesting characters and both have had complicated backgrounds which aren't completely revealed here, but may be in a future novel. We know Tommy suffered from abuse at the hands of their mother. Graham also starts a relationship with the woman who owns the bakery in town.
From the Dust is a great choice for those who appreciate procedurals set in a small town where a crime is logically investigated. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Retired police detective Graham Sanderson spent years in Washington, DC, as a homicide detective. After his father's death and that of his wife three years earlier, Graham moves into his father's home to look after his brother, Tommy, who suffers from PTSD and agoraphobia. He was hoping for a quiet, peaceful retirement when the local police chief, William Finn, a family friend, asks him to assist brand new detective Mike Gottert with two murders that seem to be connected. Both bodies were found with the same kind of stab wounds. Graham reluctantly agrees to help.
It is always a pleasure to read a well-written police procedural where evidence is collected, people are interviewed, and all the clues are logically uncovered and followed up on as the investigation proceeds. The plot moves at an even pace, picking up toward the end. There aren't multiple wild twists or unbelievable developments along the way, yet suspense rises as the investigation proceeds. You will understand that this rural area is not somewhere where multiple murders are common, but people will also know a bit more about what their neighbors are up to, where they go, and who they see, so a connection between victims is quickly uncovered.
Graham and Tommy are interesting characters and both have had complicated backgrounds which aren't completely revealed here, but may be in a future novel. We know Tommy suffered from abuse at the hands of their mother. Graham also starts a relationship with the woman who owns the bakery in town.
From the Dust is a great choice for those who appreciate procedurals set in a small town where a crime is logically investigated. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
November 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
As someone whose comfort-TV lineup is almost entirely crime and cop shows, it’s kind of funny that I don’t actually read many mystery or thriller novels. So when I was approved for an advanced reader’s copy of this book, I was genuinely excited to step a little outside my usual reading habits—and I’m happy to say that it was a great experience.
This story was incredibly fast-paced, with short chapters that made it so easy to fly through. The mystery itself was well-executed: we follow a retired detective who finds himself drawn back into a case, and I loved how the plot balanced giving the reader room to make their own predictions while also leading us (and the protagonist) down believable red herrings. There were even moments where I found myself questioning the narrator a bit—wondering if he might not be as reliable as he seemed—which added another fun layer to the reading experience.
My main critique is the writing style, especially in the beginning. The prose felt very “tell, not show,” and some of the wording choices took me out of the story—like the book specifying “iPhone” instead of just “phone,” or clarifying that a time displayed as “07:28” was military time. These are small things, but they made the opening feel a little choppy. The good news is that the writing settled into a smoother rhythm as the story progressed, and it didn’t continue to be an issue for me later on.
There is a slight romantic subplot, but it never overtakes the mystery—it’s more of a gentle background thread, which I actually appreciated.
And yes, I’m happy to report I did guess the culprit (my first instinct was correct!), though the book definitely had me second-guessing myself in the second half.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced mystery that reminded me how much I enjoy piecing clues together alongside the characters. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this genre—and likely more from this author in the future.
As someone whose comfort-TV lineup is almost entirely crime and cop shows, it’s kind of funny that I don’t actually read many mystery or thriller novels. So when I was approved for an advanced reader’s copy of this book, I was genuinely excited to step a little outside my usual reading habits—and I’m happy to say that it was a great experience.
This story was incredibly fast-paced, with short chapters that made it so easy to fly through. The mystery itself was well-executed: we follow a retired detective who finds himself drawn back into a case, and I loved how the plot balanced giving the reader room to make their own predictions while also leading us (and the protagonist) down believable red herrings. There were even moments where I found myself questioning the narrator a bit—wondering if he might not be as reliable as he seemed—which added another fun layer to the reading experience.
My main critique is the writing style, especially in the beginning. The prose felt very “tell, not show,” and some of the wording choices took me out of the story—like the book specifying “iPhone” instead of just “phone,” or clarifying that a time displayed as “07:28” was military time. These are small things, but they made the opening feel a little choppy. The good news is that the writing settled into a smoother rhythm as the story progressed, and it didn’t continue to be an issue for me later on.
There is a slight romantic subplot, but it never overtakes the mystery—it’s more of a gentle background thread, which I actually appreciated.
And yes, I’m happy to report I did guess the culprit (my first instinct was correct!), though the book definitely had me second-guessing myself in the second half.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced mystery that reminded me how much I enjoy piecing clues together alongside the characters. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this genre—and likely more from this author in the future.
February 28, 2026
From The Dust by David Swenson is about detective Gram a widower still mourning the loss of his wife and has to leave his long time home in DC right before retirement due to his father‘s death. He’s going to stay on the farm in upstate New York with his agoraphobic brother Tommy and take it easy or at least that’s what the plan was until a man is murdered. This is when the local sheriff asked Gram to take his big city detective knowledge and help the rookie detective figure out who the murderer is but before he can even lend a hand a woman is murdered. Gram is trying to settle in and he’s even met a woman named Ava who owns a bakery downtown in upstate New York but they’re getting to know each other gets interrupted when there’s yet another murder and his agoraphobic brother Tommy happens to be the prime suspect. The interim priest even offers to give Tommy counseling especially since Tommy had counseling with the previous priest Richard. There are things about Tommy that Gram doesn’t know but is knowing them enough to arrest his brother or give him understanding. The case on the surface looks easy to solve but in no way is it simple and Gram will not get out unscathed. I found this book well done I love a followed the clue type mystery and old detective Ruffin ready and that’s exactly what I got with this one. A man who loves his family and country who knows all the old school rules but has current day opinions that is our guy Gram and I loved him so much this was a great book and I would definitely read another buy this author anytime. I felt so bad for Tommy I want to say when but just know it was towards the end this is just a great book I loved it thought the ending was a tad bit expected but also unexpected at the same time I guess you would have to read it to know what I mean but a definite recommend. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
April 1, 2026
Retired DC homicide detective, Graham Sanderson has returned to his father’s home in Upstate New York. “It was my father’s death that brought me here, but my brother’s condition and need for company that made me stay,” he says. Death used to be Graham’s business, but he’s happy to be retired. Or so he says.
But something isn’t right. The small, rural town where he finds himself had only two murders in the past three years, and they were crimes of passion easily solved. Now, a body is found near the canal, probably killed elsewhere and brought to the site so that it would be found.
The local sheriff, himself a retired big city detective, worries that his new detective may not be up to the challenge. When a second murder occurs, with all the hallmarks of the first, he enlists Sanderson to help the rookie.
Swinson has crafted an intriguing and compelling whodunnit that is insightful and poignant. The weight of the past drags at Sanderson, and indeed on many of the characters here. Sanderson’s investigation will take him into places, and pit him against forces he never dealt with in DC.
And it will force him to confront not only his preconceptions about the investigation, but what lies behind them. The story moves along well. The pacing is good as suspects are introduced and the motive behind the crime comes into focus.
There is a noble doggedness about Sanderson’s approach, exhausting the leads, that reminded me of Georges Simenon’s Maigret.
I enjoyed this story, and I particularly liked that it didn’t fall into the trap of portraying rural citizens as quaint or cute, but as fully realized characters, each contributing something to the story.
Highly recommended.
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy on NetGalley
But something isn’t right. The small, rural town where he finds himself had only two murders in the past three years, and they were crimes of passion easily solved. Now, a body is found near the canal, probably killed elsewhere and brought to the site so that it would be found.
The local sheriff, himself a retired big city detective, worries that his new detective may not be up to the challenge. When a second murder occurs, with all the hallmarks of the first, he enlists Sanderson to help the rookie.
Swinson has crafted an intriguing and compelling whodunnit that is insightful and poignant. The weight of the past drags at Sanderson, and indeed on many of the characters here. Sanderson’s investigation will take him into places, and pit him against forces he never dealt with in DC.
And it will force him to confront not only his preconceptions about the investigation, but what lies behind them. The story moves along well. The pacing is good as suspects are introduced and the motive behind the crime comes into focus.
There is a noble doggedness about Sanderson’s approach, exhausting the leads, that reminded me of Georges Simenon’s Maigret.
I enjoyed this story, and I particularly liked that it didn’t fall into the trap of portraying rural citizens as quaint or cute, but as fully realized characters, each contributing something to the story.
Highly recommended.
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy on NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A serial killer in this story is unstoppable in a small NY town panicking everyone there. It gives readers a clear realistic image making the pages turn.
Graham Sanderson just retired from the DC Metropolitan Police Department. He was figuring this part of his life was over until he was needed as a volunteer in his home town – a normally quiet place. The plot has a quick pace with a string of clues focusing on a few strong suspects connected to a therapy group at a church and hotspot at a local bar.
That’s not all. Graham returned to the family home to help his brother, Tommy, who struggled with PTSD and agoraphobia. It was new to me: the fear of leaving home. And to soften the tough challenges with the investigation, there was a woman Graham wanted to see who worked at a bakery. Now my stomach was growling with the thought of pastries.
It's well written with a smooth flow and imaginative description of the places and people. The dialogue was terrific. I could picture all of the characters including the straight-forward detectives, wild women at the bar and then there was Tommy who didn’t say much but his lines were spot-on. I smiled every time he said, “Alrighty then.” What was going on in his mind?
The story had a fair amount of suspense and I was wasn’t sure about the murderer until it was revealed at the end. The author, David Swinson, happens to be a retired DC police detective and I’m sure he has many more captivating stories to tell. Can’t wait.
My thanks to Mulholland Books and NetGallery for this ARC with an expected release date of March 31, 2026. The thoughts I share are my own.
Graham Sanderson just retired from the DC Metropolitan Police Department. He was figuring this part of his life was over until he was needed as a volunteer in his home town – a normally quiet place. The plot has a quick pace with a string of clues focusing on a few strong suspects connected to a therapy group at a church and hotspot at a local bar.
That’s not all. Graham returned to the family home to help his brother, Tommy, who struggled with PTSD and agoraphobia. It was new to me: the fear of leaving home. And to soften the tough challenges with the investigation, there was a woman Graham wanted to see who worked at a bakery. Now my stomach was growling with the thought of pastries.
It's well written with a smooth flow and imaginative description of the places and people. The dialogue was terrific. I could picture all of the characters including the straight-forward detectives, wild women at the bar and then there was Tommy who didn’t say much but his lines were spot-on. I smiled every time he said, “Alrighty then.” What was going on in his mind?
The story had a fair amount of suspense and I was wasn’t sure about the murderer until it was revealed at the end. The author, David Swinson, happens to be a retired DC police detective and I’m sure he has many more captivating stories to tell. Can’t wait.
My thanks to Mulholland Books and NetGallery for this ARC with an expected release date of March 31, 2026. The thoughts I share are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first by David Swinson, and it definitely won’t be my last. What starts as a quiet homecoming quickly spirals into something darker. Graham Sanderson, a retired D.C. homicide detective grieving both his wife and his father, returns to the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York hoping for peace. Instead, he’s pulled back into the kind of violence he thought he’d left behind. The small-town setting is deceptively tranquil — Swinson does an excellent job capturing the quiet atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, yet secrets thrive just beneath the surface.
I especially appreciated how character-driven this was. Graham isn’t just solving murders; he’s navigating grief, guilt, and the complicated responsibility he feels toward his agoraphobic brother. The emotional weight gives the investigation real stakes, particularly when the case begins to edge closer to home. The exploration of belief — religious, personal, moral — adds another compelling layer, showing how far people will go to protect what they think is righteous.
The writing is tight and controlled, and the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed. While I did find parts of the mystery somewhat predictable, the tension never fully lets up, and the shifting focus of the investigation kept me engaged. Swinson balances procedural detail with atmosphere really well, making this feel grounded and immersive rather than flashy. Overall, this is a strong mystery with solid character work and a steady sense of unease. If you like crime fiction with small-town secrets, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for this eARC!
I especially appreciated how character-driven this was. Graham isn’t just solving murders; he’s navigating grief, guilt, and the complicated responsibility he feels toward his agoraphobic brother. The emotional weight gives the investigation real stakes, particularly when the case begins to edge closer to home. The exploration of belief — religious, personal, moral — adds another compelling layer, showing how far people will go to protect what they think is righteous.
The writing is tight and controlled, and the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed. While I did find parts of the mystery somewhat predictable, the tension never fully lets up, and the shifting focus of the investigation kept me engaged. Swinson balances procedural detail with atmosphere really well, making this feel grounded and immersive rather than flashy. Overall, this is a strong mystery with solid character work and a steady sense of unease. If you like crime fiction with small-town secrets, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for this eARC!
May 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
From the Dust.
I've read the author's Frank Marrs series so I was not unfamiliar with his work but it's been awhile since I've read a novel by him.
** Minor non-spoilers ahead **
Graham, a retired detective, returns to his hometown to care for his agoraphobic brother while grappling with the heart-wrenching losses of his father and wife.
As he tries to figure out what to do with his free time (and his life), his small, quiet town is dealing with a series of murders, unheard of in their community.
The police chief enlists Graham's help due to his previous experience as a detective in DC.
Graham is a believable and relatable character and his relationship with his brother offers brief moments of empathy and love as the investigation takes a dark turn.
I love police procedurals and I enjoy reading about how Graham assists local law enforcement—interviewing suspects, gathering clues, and piecing together the mystery.
As a reader, I want to come along for the ride and solve the mystery alongside the police and/or investigator(s).
The tension builds as Graham's brother is pulled into the investigation and Graham must decide to either play by the rules or protect his brother.
I like the writing style, it flows smoothy and is not wordy.
There's a small subplot involving Graham finding romance again, and his concerns that he is somehow dishonoring his wife's memory, which is understandable.
This was a solid read with a bit of suspense and some urgency mostly toward the end.
I've read the author's Frank Marrs series so I was not unfamiliar with his work but it's been awhile since I've read a novel by him.
** Minor non-spoilers ahead **
Graham, a retired detective, returns to his hometown to care for his agoraphobic brother while grappling with the heart-wrenching losses of his father and wife.
As he tries to figure out what to do with his free time (and his life), his small, quiet town is dealing with a series of murders, unheard of in their community.
The police chief enlists Graham's help due to his previous experience as a detective in DC.
Graham is a believable and relatable character and his relationship with his brother offers brief moments of empathy and love as the investigation takes a dark turn.
I love police procedurals and I enjoy reading about how Graham assists local law enforcement—interviewing suspects, gathering clues, and piecing together the mystery.
As a reader, I want to come along for the ride and solve the mystery alongside the police and/or investigator(s).
The tension builds as Graham's brother is pulled into the investigation and Graham must decide to either play by the rules or protect his brother.
I like the writing style, it flows smoothy and is not wordy.
There's a small subplot involving Graham finding romance again, and his concerns that he is somehow dishonoring his wife's memory, which is understandable.
This was a solid read with a bit of suspense and some urgency mostly toward the end.
April 14, 2026
Small-town murder investigation with a retired detective main character.
Besides the sunset cover (an easy sell), I was drawn in by the setting of FROM THE DUST - upstate New York! I was tickled when Graham mentioned the Wegmans in Canandaigua, as well as Timmy's (though I took issue with, "My brother Tommy, a local history buff, once told me that the restaurant chain had originally been founded by a Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton. It eventually found its way to our country." Sure. But if you live in WNY, wouldn't you mention Horton was a Buffalo Sabre at the time of his death? Timmy's has also been around for something like 40 years; "eventually" makes it sound like a more recent expansion...)
This was a pretty transportive book; I enjoyed listening to a good chunk of it while running and, even after finishing, wanted to pick it back up. It certainly stands alone, but I'd be interested in a sequel should David Swinson write one.
Given the retired police detective main character, a lot of the focus was on the investigation into local murders. I see the synopsis calls it a "rural noir story" but it felt more noir lite to me - I don't think that should put anyone off, if they're not into noir but are otherwise interested by this one.
One note, From the Dust is bookended by grief. I wasn't expecting that and did find the very beginning and ending to be a bit emotionally heavy.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book.
Besides the sunset cover (an easy sell), I was drawn in by the setting of FROM THE DUST - upstate New York! I was tickled when Graham mentioned the Wegmans in Canandaigua, as well as Timmy's (though I took issue with, "My brother Tommy, a local history buff, once told me that the restaurant chain had originally been founded by a Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton. It eventually found its way to our country." Sure. But if you live in WNY, wouldn't you mention Horton was a Buffalo Sabre at the time of his death? Timmy's has also been around for something like 40 years; "eventually" makes it sound like a more recent expansion...)
This was a pretty transportive book; I enjoyed listening to a good chunk of it while running and, even after finishing, wanted to pick it back up. It certainly stands alone, but I'd be interested in a sequel should David Swinson write one.
Given the retired police detective main character, a lot of the focus was on the investigation into local murders. I see the synopsis calls it a "rural noir story" but it felt more noir lite to me - I don't think that should put anyone off, if they're not into noir but are otherwise interested by this one.
One note, From the Dust is bookended by grief. I wasn't expecting that and did find the very beginning and ending to be a bit emotionally heavy.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book.
May 4, 2026
This book is a tad difficult to review. It's a usual and quite common type of procedural police who-dun-it and yet it isn't quite. It does try to be. And I also have liked Swinson past books too.
BUT, this one. I would say it would be more appropriate to be a 2.5 star book. Or even a 2 star. Because the characters themselves are dry to the point of flat. Of course they mourn or feel guilt or are annoyed- but STILL they are super, super flat. And the love interest is there, of course, but for me had absolutely NO spark whatsoever. Ada seems also EXTREMELY compliant for running a bakery. You do know that that schedule is daunting? Or maybe you don't. Regardless, you never "knew" her at all. A short list of dislikes for her too included. But that was confusing more than just fun banter.
But the absolutely worse aspect to this one was the repetition. Because he is an "aide" without pay and just mentoring a new official homicide police investigator? How? The liabilities clauses are screaming. Even in 30 year cold cases the "aide" cannot be so interrogation involved. But the VERY worst is the coming and going introductions and explaining of his role time and time and time again. When I came to yet another, I sped read or skipped it.
So why a 3 star? Because I was SURE Tommy was involved from the get-go and I could not decipher the perp for the first two murders. When the murder count increased it become so redundant with he said/ she said repeats that I almost made it a DNF. BUT- he did "tie it up". Shame on me for not recognizing how all religion was usually dissed in narrator parley.
I did stay interested with each small town person introduction. Small town placed are a favorite (this town was really embedded/ entwined interesting) or I might not have continued in this one at all. But driving 3 hours each way (6 hours per day) - more than a few times to Albany? Oh no, police departments do NOT pay for this kind of time any more. Least of all would they do that in NY state. Very, very unrealistic. The showdown was a reach too, but that's this genre. Endings are getting more and more over the top and close to ridiculous. It took me about twice as long to read this book as it would for a more "usual" whodunit. It didn't pull me back because of so many tell, tell, tell repetitions to placements and characters' roles.
BUT, this one. I would say it would be more appropriate to be a 2.5 star book. Or even a 2 star. Because the characters themselves are dry to the point of flat. Of course they mourn or feel guilt or are annoyed- but STILL they are super, super flat. And the love interest is there, of course, but for me had absolutely NO spark whatsoever. Ada seems also EXTREMELY compliant for running a bakery. You do know that that schedule is daunting? Or maybe you don't. Regardless, you never "knew" her at all. A short list of dislikes for her too included. But that was confusing more than just fun banter.
But the absolutely worse aspect to this one was the repetition. Because he is an "aide" without pay and just mentoring a new official homicide police investigator? How? The liabilities clauses are screaming. Even in 30 year cold cases the "aide" cannot be so interrogation involved. But the VERY worst is the coming and going introductions and explaining of his role time and time and time again. When I came to yet another, I sped read or skipped it.
So why a 3 star? Because I was SURE Tommy was involved from the get-go and I could not decipher the perp for the first two murders. When the murder count increased it become so redundant with he said/ she said repeats that I almost made it a DNF. BUT- he did "tie it up". Shame on me for not recognizing how all religion was usually dissed in narrator parley.
I did stay interested with each small town person introduction. Small town placed are a favorite (this town was really embedded/ entwined interesting) or I might not have continued in this one at all. But driving 3 hours each way (6 hours per day) - more than a few times to Albany? Oh no, police departments do NOT pay for this kind of time any more. Least of all would they do that in NY state. Very, very unrealistic. The showdown was a reach too, but that's this genre. Endings are getting more and more over the top and close to ridiculous. It took me about twice as long to read this book as it would for a more "usual" whodunit. It didn't pull me back because of so many tell, tell, tell repetitions to placements and characters' roles.
May 21, 2026
Unadorned descriptions and bullet-fast dialogue gives the narrator Jonathan Davis a challenge that he conquers with skill. Retired police detective Graham Sanderson spent several years in Washington, DC, as a homicide detective. After his father's death, Graham moves into his father's home to look after his brother, Tommy. Tommy suffers from PTSD and agoraphobia. He was hoping for a quiet, peaceful retirement when the local police chief, William Finn, a family friend, asks him to assist brand new detective Mike Gottert with two murders that seem to be connected. Both bodies were found with the same kind of stab wounds. Graham reluctantly agrees to help. The sheriff thinks it may be a serial killer who is just starting.
The author has written an intriguing and compelling whodunnit that is insightful. The weight of the past drags on Sanderson, and indeed on many of the characters in the story. I enjoyed this story, and I particularly liked that Davis is terrific at handling Sanderson’s uncertainty, his facility with cop-speak, his knowledge of police procedure, his concerns about his brother’s possible involvement, and his growing fondness for a local woman. Davis develops the eccentricities of this small town with nonjudgmental honesty.
Disclaimer: I received an arc copy of this book from the author/publisher from Netgallery. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written an intriguing and compelling whodunnit that is insightful. The weight of the past drags on Sanderson, and indeed on many of the characters in the story. I enjoyed this story, and I particularly liked that Davis is terrific at handling Sanderson’s uncertainty, his facility with cop-speak, his knowledge of police procedure, his concerns about his brother’s possible involvement, and his growing fondness for a local woman. Davis develops the eccentricities of this small town with nonjudgmental honesty.
Disclaimer: I received an arc copy of this book from the author/publisher from Netgallery. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 4, 2025
Review of Digital Galley Edition
After the death of his father, Carl, retired homicide detective Graham Sanderson, moves into his father’s rural New York house with his house-bound, agoraphobic brother, Tommy. But he is pulled back into police work, this time as an advisor to the detective investigating a murder.
But the murder is only the first and it soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer among them.
=========
Moody and atmospheric, this crime thriller pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Well-defined characters, a strong sense of place, and a gripping premise all work together to keep readers engaged and the pages turning as fast as possible.
With equal parts suspense and intrigue, the unfolding story offers readers unexpected surprises as plot twists, family relationships, and long-kept secrets keep the pages turning. The circumstances of the murders, Graham’s personal issues, and the fears of the community all play a part in the story and work together to bring readers an unputdownable police procedural.
Readers who enjoy crime thrillers, mysteries, and police procedurals will find much to appreciate in this captivating tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Little, Brown and Company / Mulholland Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#FromtheDust #NetGalley
After the death of his father, Carl, retired homicide detective Graham Sanderson, moves into his father’s rural New York house with his house-bound, agoraphobic brother, Tommy. But he is pulled back into police work, this time as an advisor to the detective investigating a murder.
But the murder is only the first and it soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer among them.
=========
Moody and atmospheric, this crime thriller pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Well-defined characters, a strong sense of place, and a gripping premise all work together to keep readers engaged and the pages turning as fast as possible.
With equal parts suspense and intrigue, the unfolding story offers readers unexpected surprises as plot twists, family relationships, and long-kept secrets keep the pages turning. The circumstances of the murders, Graham’s personal issues, and the fears of the community all play a part in the story and work together to bring readers an unputdownable police procedural.
Readers who enjoy crime thrillers, mysteries, and police procedurals will find much to appreciate in this captivating tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Little, Brown and Company / Mulholland Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#FromtheDust #NetGalley
October 31, 2025
The story is narrated by Carl Sanderson’s son, Graham. Graham is a retired DC homicide detective back in upstate New York after the death of his father.
By the time Graham is back in the Finger Lakes region, the first murder has already happened. When the second murder happens, the chief, Bill Finn, asks Graham to volunteer his time and lend his experience to the rookie investigator, Mike Gottert.
The story had a little bit of everything. At it’s core, it was a great murder mystery. There was a touch of a budding romance which really added to the story and also a handful of laugh out loud moments.
The writing captures the essence of a small-town community to perfection and the dialogue comes across naturally. The chapters are short and quick which makes you want to continue reading. The main characters are developed thoroughly and were easy to like. They just come across as honest, good people.
The mystery progresses at a great pace and the book was just a great read from start to finish. The manner in which the author ties in of the title at the conclusion couldn’t be more perfect.
Thank you NetGalley; Little, Brown and Company; and Mulholland Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of From the Dust by David Swinson. This book is to be published on March 31, 2026.
By the time Graham is back in the Finger Lakes region, the first murder has already happened. When the second murder happens, the chief, Bill Finn, asks Graham to volunteer his time and lend his experience to the rookie investigator, Mike Gottert.
The story had a little bit of everything. At it’s core, it was a great murder mystery. There was a touch of a budding romance which really added to the story and also a handful of laugh out loud moments.
The writing captures the essence of a small-town community to perfection and the dialogue comes across naturally. The chapters are short and quick which makes you want to continue reading. The main characters are developed thoroughly and were easy to like. They just come across as honest, good people.
The mystery progresses at a great pace and the book was just a great read from start to finish. The manner in which the author ties in of the title at the conclusion couldn’t be more perfect.
Thank you NetGalley; Little, Brown and Company; and Mulholland Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of From the Dust by David Swinson. This book is to be published on March 31, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I wasn't really sure how I would feel about this book but bc it was a complimentary copy, I wanted to give the book an honest chance. Without hesitation, this book surprised me in the best way. Having never heard of Swinson before, I found to have really loved his writing style. I’m so used to fast, in-your-face thrillers, so this slower, more suspenseful build was such a refreshing change of pace.
I did find the suspect a bit obvious, but I appreciated that the story focused more on the atmosphere, character depth, and underlying tension rather than relying solely on shock value.
From The Dust publishes March 31, 2026. Thank you @littlebrown for the complimentary copy!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite Quote: "It's not normal for a family to experience so much loss, and so much damn pain. To say that 'time heals all wounds' is such a crock. They only fester with time."
Trigger Warnings: Murder, violent crime, grief and loss (death of a spouse), psychological trauma, isolation, small-town corruption, cult-like beliefs, emotional manipulation
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I did find the suspect a bit obvious, but I appreciated that the story focused more on the atmosphere, character depth, and underlying tension rather than relying solely on shock value.
From The Dust publishes March 31, 2026. Thank you @littlebrown for the complimentary copy!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite Quote: "It's not normal for a family to experience so much loss, and so much damn pain. To say that 'time heals all wounds' is such a crock. They only fester with time."
Trigger Warnings: Murder, violent crime, grief and loss (death of a spouse), psychological trauma, isolation, small-town corruption, cult-like beliefs, emotional manipulation
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews: https://www.instagram.com/plottwistsa...
Join my thriller based bookclub on Fable!
https://fable.co/valerie-845011235983
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an excellent stand-alone novel in an unusual location. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Present day, Finger Lakes region of New York
Characters: Graham Sanderson, homicide investigator, his brother, Tom, along with Bill Finn, the Chief of Police of the small town of Charonton, and rookie investigator Mike Gottert.
Overview of plot: Graham has retired from the big city crimes of Washington DC and moved to the peaceful Finger Lakes area of New York to help take care of his agoraphobic brother and heal from the death of his wife. But, of course, that doesn’t last one day, as the Chief of Police requests his unofficial assistance and evidence quietly and surreptitiously leads to the possibility of a serial killer.
Recommendation: 5 stars
Extras: This locale works perfectly for the pace and intrigue of this understated story. The characters are well developed, the suspense logically builds, and chapter headings always add to a book’s enjoyment.
Thanx to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and Mulholland Books for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Setting: Present day, Finger Lakes region of New York
Characters: Graham Sanderson, homicide investigator, his brother, Tom, along with Bill Finn, the Chief of Police of the small town of Charonton, and rookie investigator Mike Gottert.
Overview of plot: Graham has retired from the big city crimes of Washington DC and moved to the peaceful Finger Lakes area of New York to help take care of his agoraphobic brother and heal from the death of his wife. But, of course, that doesn’t last one day, as the Chief of Police requests his unofficial assistance and evidence quietly and surreptitiously leads to the possibility of a serial killer.
Recommendation: 5 stars
Extras: This locale works perfectly for the pace and intrigue of this understated story. The characters are well developed, the suspense logically builds, and chapter headings always add to a book’s enjoyment.
Thanx to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and Mulholland Books for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Graham Sanderson is a retired D.C. homicide detective who has come to the small town his father and brother live in, for his father's funeral. He has packed to stay and take care of his younger brother, who is house bound. He lost his wife three years prior and is trying to find a way forward and something to do with his time.
There is a murder. The Chief of police asks him if he would help out his investigator, who could use some input. Graham is now back to the work he does miss. Then there is another murder, clearly tied to the first one and then a third. Suspects, arrests, releases and then the fourth murder hits close to home.
This book was a good look at small towns and good people and some, not so good. People are good at revealing only what they want you to know or see and it is a race to find the killer before more people die.
This book held my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. Thee main characters were easy to like. I had figured out who the bad guy (s) were before the end, but there was a nice twist there.
I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for this early read. I greatly appreciate it.
There is a murder. The Chief of police asks him if he would help out his investigator, who could use some input. Graham is now back to the work he does miss. Then there is another murder, clearly tied to the first one and then a third. Suspects, arrests, releases and then the fourth murder hits close to home.
This book was a good look at small towns and good people and some, not so good. People are good at revealing only what they want you to know or see and it is a race to find the killer before more people die.
This book held my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. Thee main characters were easy to like. I had figured out who the bad guy (s) were before the end, but there was a nice twist there.
I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for this early read. I greatly appreciate it.
April 1, 2026
From The Dust by retired Detective David Swinson is a heart-wrenching, exciting, and tumultuous read. This is a story that stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned. It is a procedural, but much more. The characters are living beings with problems, some surmountable, many unresolvable, as in life.
Retired Washington, D.C. Major Crimes Detective Graham Sanderson moves to upstate New York to be with his agoraphobic brother. There, Sanderson finds a nest of trouble, including his brother, who is an agoraphobic and suffers from PTSD. Bodies start to fall, and clues, forensic and otherwise, begin to point to Sanderson‘s brother. The police Chief of the small town is anxious to put down the case when it turns into a serial killing with no known suspect except Sanderson's brother. What comes next is a twisty, sometimes unpredictable case run by Sanderson and a rookie investigator. Swanson is a top-notch writer in any field; readers should rejoice that he chose to excel in mystery and thriller.
Retired Washington, D.C. Major Crimes Detective Graham Sanderson moves to upstate New York to be with his agoraphobic brother. There, Sanderson finds a nest of trouble, including his brother, who is an agoraphobic and suffers from PTSD. Bodies start to fall, and clues, forensic and otherwise, begin to point to Sanderson‘s brother. The police Chief of the small town is anxious to put down the case when it turns into a serial killing with no known suspect except Sanderson's brother. What comes next is a twisty, sometimes unpredictable case run by Sanderson and a rookie investigator. Swanson is a top-notch writer in any field; readers should rejoice that he chose to excel in mystery and thriller.
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