Slam!: A Death in Custody

by Kevin West

From Book 1: “Okay, look. Here’s what I know.” Jake paused before laying into her. “I don’t need an assistant or FIO or whatever you want to be called. Especially one fresh out of kindergarten or who was promoted because of…well, never mind.”
He’d tried to trail off just before he stepped further into the quagmire of HR hell. Too late.
Her eyes widened in shock and he heard the anger in her response. “Excuse me? Kindergarten? And promoted because of what?”

***
In a Northern Ontario jail, a young Indigenous man is found dead of an overdose in a segregated cell where nobody should have been able to reach him. The local First Nations band, already involved in political turmoil due to the opening of a casino that will completely alter economics in the region, is angry and demanding answers. Brought in to conduct the investigation are Katie, a fiery, young, bi-racial indigenous intelligence officer, and her unwilling partner, Jake, an irascible dinosaur from an earlier generation of Corrections inspectors.

While battling the generational divide between them, the unlikely partners begin to uncover a wide-ranging, organized-crime conspiracy to intimidate the First Nations band for casino profits. And the closer Katie and Jake get to the truth, the more dangerous the situation becomes, until it finally combusts in a violent clash at the jail that may cost them both their lives. Meanwhile, even darker events are unfolding on the outside, courtesy of a mysterious killer sent to the region as a “cleaner.” Set in both the dark confines of a jail and the glorious backdrop of Canada’s beautiful Lake of the Woods, Slam! is a taut investigative thriller that spectacularly erupts into heart-stopping action.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

About the author

I draw on two aspects of my life to fuel my writing, my athletic career and my work career.
Firstly, and most prominently in this title, I draw on my career in Canada's criminal justice field, specifically Correctional Services. The characters and story lines authenticity are pulled from the 39 years of service. Their stories. Their lives. Their inspirations. They’ve all breathed life into this book.
Secondly, having been a member of Canada's National Judo team in the 1980s and 1990s, I mined the many aspects of being an elite level athlete to "throw" some of those lessons into my writing. It also helps to understand the physiological aspects for action sequences.
I therefore thank all the people in my personal life and careers for their inspiration and support for my latest career as a writer.

Reviews

[Sabrina Mintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought direct from author. This realistic page turner makes you feel like you are walking the hall of a jail. You feel like you are a part of the team investigating. Kevin West knows what he's talking about and how to grab your interest right from page 1!!! A MUST read for every crime fiction reader!

[Kevin West]

"A thrilling whodunit and an emotional look into the lives of correctional officers and inmates" — Kirkus Reviews.

[M.K. Pachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Slam!, Kevin West has written a genuine and authentic novel that largely deals with the inner workings of the Canadian prison system after the death of an inmate in custody. The investigation into the incident is realistic and that is not an opinion, that comes from my own many years in Corrections. I last worked inside a prison in 1999 and Slam! brought me back to my own experiences, almost to the point of suffering PTSD! I say that in jest but clearly this authentic tale brings back memories, not all of which are pleasant. This legitimate page-turner is action packed and when the thrills continue beyond prison walls, it is an exciting and fun read. I applaud Kevin West's debut novel and hope to see more.

[Yalda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! Enjoyed every minute of the read. The ending left me wanting more. The personal experiences of Kevin West translated into creating believable and well researched settings. The characters are realistic everyday heroes. The story itself was anything but “every-day”.

[Emelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Slam! on a quiet Friday evening and completely lost my weekend to it. Kevin West has written a thriller that fires on every cylinder, sharp dialogue, complex characters, a morally layered plot, and enough tension to keep you reading well past midnight.
Katie and Jake are one of the most compelling investigative duos I have come across in recent crime fiction. The generational clash between them crackles on every page, uncomfortable, funny, and ultimately deeply human. West handles the dynamics of race, gender, and institutional culture with a confidence and nuance that never feels preachy but always feels honest.
The mystery at the heart of the book, a young Indigenous man dead in a segregated cell, carries real weight. West never lets you forget the human cost of what is being investigated, even as the conspiracy grows darker and more dangerous with every chapter.
The Lake of the Woods setting is breathtaking and the jail sequences are genuinely claustrophobic in the best possible way.
The climax absolutely delivered, heart-stopping is exactly the right word.
One of the best Canadian crime thrillers I have ever read. I need the next one immediately.

[Theresa Recchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not the usual type of book I go for, but I am trying to branch out a bit. The book has a "whodunnit" vibe with a few twists that surprised me. It was also very educational, with a lot of information on Canada's Correctional System. Like I knew the basics, "you do something wrong you go to jail," but there is way more involved of course. I liked how the author has a glossary in the back, helped with all the initialization of the various sections of the system. I also liked how authentic the author portrayed the over representation of Indigenous and people of colour in the prisons. There was great care taken to honor both the Indigenous imprisoned and those working in law enforcement/corrections as well. I would totally recommend this to anyone into a bit of mystery, looking for entertainment while educating yourself, and those who just want a new read with a different vibe then what you usually go for. Pick up Slam! A Death in Custody and you won't be disappointed.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slam!: A Death in Custody delivers a grounded, high tension thriller that blends sharp character dynamics with a sobering look at institutional power. The uneasy partnership between Katie a young, fiercely capable Indigenous intelligence officer and Jake, a stubborn old school inspector, gives the story its emotional pull. Their generational and cultural clash feels authentic, and it adds real depth as they push into a conspiracy that spirals far beyond an “ordinary” in custody death. The atmosphere split between the claustrophobic confines of the jail and the beauty of Lake of the Woods creates a gripping contrast that heightens the stakes. Readers who love investigative thrillers rooted in real world issues, layered characters, and escalating danger will find this one both intense and deeply compelling.

[Janet Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slam! A Death In Custody by Kevin West 

I can think of no better way to describe this incredible book than to say this is  a gripping and authentic crime story that pulls the reader deep inside a world rarely seen. 

The author suggests it's a tense investigative thriller,  Heck Yes to put it mildly.  My blood pressure was raised as I went along this brilliant roller coaster with compelling characters who are not simply players in a mystery but are people carrying experience, duty, and conscience.

Impossible to describe in a few words just how this powerful sense of reality make it a page-turner that is difficult to put down. 

An extrodinary rare debut filled with authenticity by one who knows the landscape. Yes filled with tension, but also with plenty of heart.


One question remains..Kevin West, when is your next book available??

[Theron Eulalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slam by Kevin West promises a gripping mix of music, addiction, and emotional healing. From the description, it’s clear this isn’t just another rockstar romance—it’s a story about redemption and learning to love yourself again. The protagonist’s journey from self-destruction to recovery feels like it’ll be raw and honest, and the enemies-to-lovers angle adds tension and spark. I’m hoping the romance doesn’t overshadow the deeper themes, but if the execution lives up to the promise, this could be a powerful and heartfelt read.

Perfect for fans of gritty, emotional romance with a strong redemption arc.

[Mary Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Author Keven West’s book very interesting, and the references to certain crimes intriguing. I particularly liked how the senior characters were set in their own ways of researching and at times reluctant to learn from upcoming cohorts. Yet over time they came to build trust with one another.

Hats off to Kevin for writing this book and giving readers something to critically think about.

Well done and highly recommended.
Kudos - Mary Walsh , fellow judoka.

[NJAckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Kevin West on the release of his first fictional murder mystery. The storyline holds the reader’s attention with introduction of a cast of characters all possessing distinctive traits and skillsets. You’ll want to keep this in mind as the plot driven story unfolds. It gets twisty. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and am looking forward to the next one !!