What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Sinclair #1
Red Line
Joseph Wambaugh meets Michael Connelly in this nuanced police procedural series debut from a veteran of the Iraq War and Oakland Police Department
A veteran-turned-detective struggling with PTSD and alcoholism lands a case that will either make—or break—his flagging career in the Oakland Homicide Squad
When a teenager from a wealthy suburb outside of Oakland, California is dumped at an inner-city bus stop, homicide detective Matt Sinclair catches the case. It’s his first since being bumped to desk duty for a bust that went south. With few leads and plenty of attention, it's the worst kind of case to help him get back up to speed.
And it only gets worse as the bodies start to pile up—first at the same bus bench, then around the city. Sinclair is unable to link the victims to each other, and the killer is just getting started. Time is running out on Sinclair’s career, not to mention the people closest to him.
A veteran-turned-detective struggling with PTSD and alcoholism lands a case that will either make—or break—his flagging career in the Oakland Homicide Squad
When a teenager from a wealthy suburb outside of Oakland, California is dumped at an inner-city bus stop, homicide detective Matt Sinclair catches the case. It’s his first since being bumped to desk duty for a bust that went south. With few leads and plenty of attention, it's the worst kind of case to help him get back up to speed.
And it only gets worse as the bodies start to pile up—first at the same bus bench, then around the city. Sinclair is unable to link the victims to each other, and the killer is just getting started. Time is running out on Sinclair’s career, not to mention the people closest to him.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
63 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Brian Thiem
8 books92 followersBrian Thiem is the author of The Mudflats Murder Club, the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as the Detective Matt Sinclair Mystery series, which includes Red Line, Thrill Kill, and Shallow Grave.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 28, 2015
RED LINE was an excellent police procedural with an engaging main character. Matt Sinclair is just back on homicide after a variety of difficulties - shooting a suspect, an arrest for drunk driving, and a stint in rehab.
Matt's first case is that of a teenage boy found dead at a bus stop outside a hospital. The boy was a straight arrow from a neighboring and wealthy suburb. His father is a surgeon at the hospital. Matt also finds himself saddled with a rookie female partner. When a second body is dumped at the same bus stop, Matt and his partner spend hours trying to find anything that connects them. Both cases bring back another case of Matt's. A couple of girls were left at that same bus stop two years previously. One wandered in her dazed state into traffic and died as a result of being hit by cars. Matt was too deep into his alcoholism at the time to devote as much time to the case as he should have.
What this book shows in great detail is the day to day slog of police work - the interviews, the reports, the need to put various small bits of information together to build a case. We follow Matt as he works this case and deals with supervisors who want to force him out of homicide and a girl friend who is a television reporter whose job often puts them in conflict. We see Matt dealing with the long hours and high stress of the investigation and we see him struggling with the desire to take a drink.
Chapters from the murderers point of view add some real creepiness to the story too. This was a well-plotted mystery. I had no idea who the criminal was until Matt and the other detectives figured it out.
Fans of police procedurals will greatly enjoy this fast-paced, well-plotted story. I look forward to more from this debut author.
Matt's first case is that of a teenage boy found dead at a bus stop outside a hospital. The boy was a straight arrow from a neighboring and wealthy suburb. His father is a surgeon at the hospital. Matt also finds himself saddled with a rookie female partner. When a second body is dumped at the same bus stop, Matt and his partner spend hours trying to find anything that connects them. Both cases bring back another case of Matt's. A couple of girls were left at that same bus stop two years previously. One wandered in her dazed state into traffic and died as a result of being hit by cars. Matt was too deep into his alcoholism at the time to devote as much time to the case as he should have.
What this book shows in great detail is the day to day slog of police work - the interviews, the reports, the need to put various small bits of information together to build a case. We follow Matt as he works this case and deals with supervisors who want to force him out of homicide and a girl friend who is a television reporter whose job often puts them in conflict. We see Matt dealing with the long hours and high stress of the investigation and we see him struggling with the desire to take a drink.
Chapters from the murderers point of view add some real creepiness to the story too. This was a well-plotted mystery. I had no idea who the criminal was until Matt and the other detectives figured it out.
Fans of police procedurals will greatly enjoy this fast-paced, well-plotted story. I look forward to more from this debut author.
December 21, 2015
This was a book challenge read. It was just okay for me. I didn't love it......I didn't hate it. It felt stiff and slow in some places. I was hoping to be drawn in by the characters, but it never really happened. I will say that the plot had a great outline. It was very methodical in it's lay out. I did the audio on this. I think I will read the next one though. Sometime books are really meant to be read the old fashioned way. I'm hoping that will make a difference.
November 11, 2015
This is a police procedural that kept me interested the whole way through. Detective Matt Sinclair is battling his demons and trying to solve a string of killings that are rooted to a time when he was in the bottle and not doing his best work. Now he has to make it right.
June 17, 2017
After returning to the Oakland PD’s Homicide Unit, Sergeant Matt Sinclair is on thin ice with the Chief, following a questionable shooting and getting into an accident while driving drunk in a police vehicle. He was really hoping his first case back would be an easy one, but no such luck. A rich kid is found dead, his body propped at a bus stop bench outside a hospital, followed quickly by another body, posed again, at the very same bus stop bench. It’s reminiscent of an unsolved case from the previous year—one that Matt barely worked because he was drinking so heavily back then. He begins to wonder if there’s a connection, and delves deeper into that case in the hopes he’ll be able to finally solve it, and maybe unearth clues to solve the recent murders in the process. But he has to do it quickly, because the public attention is fierce, and the Chief is just looking for a reason to kick him out of the department for good.
The pacing is a little uneven at times, and the dialogue between characters is sometimes a little stilted, but this is a debut novel, and I’m sure this will improve as the author gains more experience. The author—who was in law enforcement for over 20 years, and who served in the military for almost 30—does a terrific job of bringing his real-life experience into the plot, and specifically into his flawed main character, who is a newly recovering alcoholic surely suffering from undiagnosed PTSD, the result of some of the more grisly cases he’s worked, and his tour in Iraq with the Army. Initially, I did not like the protagonist’s brusque demeanor, and while I never did fully warm to him, the author does a great job of slowly revealing aspects Matt’s past while only alluding to other demons he struggles with, which created a more realistic and well-developed character. The author also weaved in chapters told from the murderer’s perspective, which I found intriguing, as I still could not determine the identity or the motive until it was unveiled at the end. Overall, this series is off to a great start, and I’ve already started the next installment!
The pacing is a little uneven at times, and the dialogue between characters is sometimes a little stilted, but this is a debut novel, and I’m sure this will improve as the author gains more experience. The author—who was in law enforcement for over 20 years, and who served in the military for almost 30—does a terrific job of bringing his real-life experience into the plot, and specifically into his flawed main character, who is a newly recovering alcoholic surely suffering from undiagnosed PTSD, the result of some of the more grisly cases he’s worked, and his tour in Iraq with the Army. Initially, I did not like the protagonist’s brusque demeanor, and while I never did fully warm to him, the author does a great job of slowly revealing aspects Matt’s past while only alluding to other demons he struggles with, which created a more realistic and well-developed character. The author also weaved in chapters told from the murderer’s perspective, which I found intriguing, as I still could not determine the identity or the motive until it was unveiled at the end. Overall, this series is off to a great start, and I’ve already started the next installment!
August 18, 2015
Lost sleep but worth it!
Excellent book written by a former homicide detective. Relatable characters and enough suspense to keep me up way past my bedtime two nights in a row. Read it!
Excellent book written by a former homicide detective. Relatable characters and enough suspense to keep me up way past my bedtime two nights in a row. Read it!
August 20, 2015
I raced through this book in two days. It kept my interest and left me wanting more. I cannot wait for the sequel.
November 17, 2015
Police procedurals are akin to watching a juggler keep a mind-dizzying number of objects in motion, they require knowledge, skill and a heck of a lot of attention to detail. A good one keeps the reader in the protagonist's back pocket while giving him/her additional information about the perpetrator ahead of the cops without spilling too many details. Getting all this right without giving readers a headache or letting too much out of the bag prematurely isn't easy. In sum it's a challenging craft and in Red Line, Brian Thiem has done an excellent job of all of the things mentioned above. I had difficulty setting the book down once I picked it up. I have had the good fortune of attending two sessions the author has presented at The New England Crime Bake (2013, 2015) based on his professional experience as a homicide detective. I came away impresses each time and that experience comes through in this great first book.
September 21, 2015
Red Line was a book that I could not put down, you can tell as you read it that Mr. Thiem has a working knowledge of law enforcement an investigations. You don't always get that when reading other books. If you are current or former law enforcement you can understand the relationships that Matt Sinclair has with commanders. You can also understand the relationship that Sinclair has when working with a new partner and other investigators.
I can't wait until the next book!
I can't wait until the next book!
August 21, 2015
This was a great read. Mr. Thiem presented a tight mystery that kept me guessing yet all the clues were there. His descriptions of police procedures is accurate. His description of life on the streets of Oakland is vivid. The action is intense. The characters are believable. I thoroughly recommend this book.
Jay Crawford
October 20, 2016
I'm always intrigued by books written by police officers because you know you're getting the sort of details you just won't find by googling. This story was a great read. The crime was compelling and I couldn't figure out how he would solve it. The characters drew me in. I'll definitely read the next in this series.
August 24, 2015
Really fine debut police procedural. Brian Thiem's experience as a detective brings serious authenticity to the story of Matt Sinclair's first case after returning from suspension--a serial killer. Good local color of Bay Area and well-delineated characters. Solid plot and highly readable.
May 22, 2020
The story of Red Line by Brian Thiem is centered around a homicide detective named Sinclair, who operates in the Oakland Police Department, and it begins as he returns back to his job at the police department, after serving in the military in Iraq. He is assigned to a case in which a teenage boy from a wealthy family in Danville was found dead at a bus bench in Oakland.
As he tries to uncover the details, a lady was found dead at the same place in Oakland. And it’s not long before the next two bodies are found. As time goes on, Sinclair and his partner Braddock try to understand the clues that the murderer leaves behind. They call in many witnesses and try to understand the motivation behind these crimes. Sinclair even becomes a target for the murderer, and his house gets burned in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile Liz, Sinclair’s girlfriend, is a news reporter who was covering the murder case, and she is especially curious about the murderer because this has been one of the biggest cases in recent history. The story ends with Sinclair realizing that Liz’s cameraman is the murderer, and he’s the one who took her to interview the murderer — a trap that allows him to nearly kill her. But luckily, Sinclair and his team arrive just in time to save Liz before she is killed.
Red Line was an intense story that kept me interested, even though it seemed a bit repetitive and lengthy given that the same type of murder happened multiple times in a row. However, given the extreme level of detail, I did not find the story boring at any point. The ending was certainly shocking and I did not expect anything like it, which was a great surprise. Because the cameraman’s character was not very detailed for the majority of the story, there was no way anyone would have expected that he was the murderer. It was especially shocking because he was someone who was very close to Liz, who was Sinclair’s girlfriend. I would likely read more books like this because this one was well-written and very engaging. It is not difficult to read, and I’m sure young adult readers would enjoy the level of detail and action especially. Check it out if you love a thrilling mystery novel!
As he tries to uncover the details, a lady was found dead at the same place in Oakland. And it’s not long before the next two bodies are found. As time goes on, Sinclair and his partner Braddock try to understand the clues that the murderer leaves behind. They call in many witnesses and try to understand the motivation behind these crimes. Sinclair even becomes a target for the murderer, and his house gets burned in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile Liz, Sinclair’s girlfriend, is a news reporter who was covering the murder case, and she is especially curious about the murderer because this has been one of the biggest cases in recent history. The story ends with Sinclair realizing that Liz’s cameraman is the murderer, and he’s the one who took her to interview the murderer — a trap that allows him to nearly kill her. But luckily, Sinclair and his team arrive just in time to save Liz before she is killed.
Red Line was an intense story that kept me interested, even though it seemed a bit repetitive and lengthy given that the same type of murder happened multiple times in a row. However, given the extreme level of detail, I did not find the story boring at any point. The ending was certainly shocking and I did not expect anything like it, which was a great surprise. Because the cameraman’s character was not very detailed for the majority of the story, there was no way anyone would have expected that he was the murderer. It was especially shocking because he was someone who was very close to Liz, who was Sinclair’s girlfriend. I would likely read more books like this because this one was well-written and very engaging. It is not difficult to read, and I’m sure young adult readers would enjoy the level of detail and action especially. Check it out if you love a thrilling mystery novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Another First in a Series.
Setting: 3. Other than being a high-crime locale, Oakland CA doesnt have a lot to recommend it. But props to the author for sticking with what he knew—he was a Homicide Commander w OPD for 25 years.
Characters: 3. Not a lot of detail in any of them, with Matt Sinclair being the best of the lot. Lots of room to develop them further into the series, though.
Plot: 3. A rather mundane serial killer turn, which gets wrapped up too neatly and not really explained til the final two pages. Could be better.
Style of writing: 2.5. In far too many places, this reads like a somewhat boring officer-generated report. (Again, the author was a cop for many years, sooo…) It’s also pretty easy to figure out what bones Thiem personally has to pick with the City of Oakland and OPD in particular. It gets the job done, but barely. This is the weakest part of the novel.
Final Assessment: 3. A lot of first novel flaws, but I’m cautiously optimistic that a good author and editor could correct a lot of them in future novels. (And there are apparently future novels). I doubt that I’d go looking for it, but I’d read #2 if I happened across it.
Setting: 3. Other than being a high-crime locale, Oakland CA doesnt have a lot to recommend it. But props to the author for sticking with what he knew—he was a Homicide Commander w OPD for 25 years.
Characters: 3. Not a lot of detail in any of them, with Matt Sinclair being the best of the lot. Lots of room to develop them further into the series, though.
Plot: 3. A rather mundane serial killer turn, which gets wrapped up too neatly and not really explained til the final two pages. Could be better.
Style of writing: 2.5. In far too many places, this reads like a somewhat boring officer-generated report. (Again, the author was a cop for many years, sooo…) It’s also pretty easy to figure out what bones Thiem personally has to pick with the City of Oakland and OPD in particular. It gets the job done, but barely. This is the weakest part of the novel.
Final Assessment: 3. A lot of first novel flaws, but I’m cautiously optimistic that a good author and editor could correct a lot of them in future novels. (And there are apparently future novels). I doubt that I’d go looking for it, but I’d read #2 if I happened across it.
May 17, 2017
Good mystery about a homicide detective who returns to duty after going thru alcohol treatment and an accident. His first case is that of a dead boy left at a bus shelter. It reminds him of another case a year ago where two girls had been left at the same shelter. He had not handled the case thoroughly as he had been drinking a lot at the time and wasn't being a good cop. He is working with a new partner and they start digging into the current case and the old one. Several more deaths occur and they are trying to connect all of them.
He has to deal with some resentments from upper management and the fact that he is dating a TV journalist. He is also dealing with his alcoholism. Delving into the case he starts feeling guilty about how he handled the case of the girls.
A fast paced story. Good characters and plot.
He has to deal with some resentments from upper management and the fact that he is dating a TV journalist. He is also dealing with his alcoholism. Delving into the case he starts feeling guilty about how he handled the case of the girls.
A fast paced story. Good characters and plot.
March 4, 2023
For his first novel, this was an excellent foray into detective fiction. The novel brings you in and quickly helps you relate to the detective and others while not being too over-the-top. The police jargon was a bit heavy, but from an ex-cop, it’s understandable. It did not make it unreadable, just clunky at times. His use of real and fictional places helps to center the story in a way that makes the reader feel as if it is a retelling of a former case.
Overall, it was a quick read — I needed only a few hours to complete — but while it was enjoyable, I’m not sure I will look to continue the series as I’m not as into the genre as I was when I was younger. Mystery lovers will likely enjoy the series and devour it.
Overall, it was a quick read — I needed only a few hours to complete — but while it was enjoyable, I’m not sure I will look to continue the series as I’m not as into the genre as I was when I was younger. Mystery lovers will likely enjoy the series and devour it.
July 23, 2017
The real deal
Just finished this book in two sittings. As a general rule I don't review the books I read on Kindle. But I must say, that as a retired prosecutor with 29 years experience, who presently volunteers in the county sheriff's office Legal Dept for the past 9 years, I can unreservedly say this book is the real deal. It is patently obvious that the author has a law enforcement background. He knows of what he speaks.
If you read mystery books or police procedurals get this book. You won't be sorry, except don't expect to accomplish much on your to do list once you start reading.
Just finished this book in two sittings. As a general rule I don't review the books I read on Kindle. But I must say, that as a retired prosecutor with 29 years experience, who presently volunteers in the county sheriff's office Legal Dept for the past 9 years, I can unreservedly say this book is the real deal. It is patently obvious that the author has a law enforcement background. He knows of what he speaks.
If you read mystery books or police procedurals get this book. You won't be sorry, except don't expect to accomplish much on your to do list once you start reading.
October 27, 2018
A flawed but likable detective.....
I really loved this book. I believe I received this as a free promo book but I am not exactly sure. I may have paid for it. In any case this is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. The locations were all right on My only gripe about that is how quickly they traversed the cities they were in. But cross streets, neighborhoods all that was spot on. I did not see the end coming until Matt did and then it seemed absolutely obvious. But again until the protagonist saw him as the murderer. All in all I will definitely recommend this book and I will be looking for more Matt Sinclair stories.
I really loved this book. I believe I received this as a free promo book but I am not exactly sure. I may have paid for it. In any case this is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. The locations were all right on My only gripe about that is how quickly they traversed the cities they were in. But cross streets, neighborhoods all that was spot on. I did not see the end coming until Matt did and then it seemed absolutely obvious. But again until the protagonist saw him as the murderer. All in all I will definitely recommend this book and I will be looking for more Matt Sinclair stories.
May 26, 2019
It is refreshing to read a police novel written by an ex-cop who knows his way around a murder investigation. His protagonist, Oakland detective Matt Sinclair, is a tough young cop who breaks enough rules to keep him in trouble with the not-so-smart chief. Thiem paints the chief as a faux leader who is guided more by politics than a desire to support his detectives the process of solving crimes. Tension rides the pages and keeps the reader chasing clues to solve the series of murders. Thiem’s Oakland policeman here comes across with the reality that John Sanford gives to Virgil Flowers. If you enjoy crime fiction, look for Brian Thiem. Red Line is a book to read.
October 24, 2022
AWESOME READ!!
Loved the characters in this book. The author did a stellar job describing his lead character, Sinclair, his thoughts, problems, cop gut feelings. IMPRESSIVE! The way the cops supported and admired Matt was something I'd expect from cop community . This author is genuine cop . Like the descriptions of the chases, the scenery, traffic, etc. Very real. Like his Team too. Glad the way things turned out with his girlfriend. First time reading this author BUT not my last. I'm hooked
Loved the characters in this book. The author did a stellar job describing his lead character, Sinclair, his thoughts, problems, cop gut feelings. IMPRESSIVE! The way the cops supported and admired Matt was something I'd expect from cop community . This author is genuine cop . Like the descriptions of the chases, the scenery, traffic, etc. Very real. Like his Team too. Glad the way things turned out with his girlfriend. First time reading this author BUT not my last. I'm hooked
August 24, 2025
What a fantastic book! Compelling, smart, interesting characters with great action. Wonderful creative writing with an unpredictable and terrific ending. The protagonist is very likable and the antagonist is completely loathsome. I can’t wait to read/listen to the next book in the series. Johnny Heller is an excellent narrator, and made the great story come to life. Ignore any negative reviews. If you like police procedurals and hard boiled crime stories, you will love this book!
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It seems I start most of my reviews that way. This book is the first in a series and I will try to find more of them. I couldn't figure out who the criminal was until the very end, and there were accounts of previous homicides that made things a little difficult to keep separate. I would recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Picked this up at the library when I went to pick up a book I had on hold. Got started on this and could not put it down, very entertaining. This is a police procedural that keeps you on the edge till the very end.
Looking forward to Matt Sinclair's case #2.
Looking forward to Matt Sinclair's case #2.
July 17, 2020
Police procedural, my favorite! Matt Sinclair returns to duty as a homicide detective after a bout with alcoholism. He has a new partner to adjust to, as well as a series of seemingly unrelated murders.
May 29, 2022
Another emotionally wounded, alcoholic cop story. Matt Sinclair is assigned a case involving a teenager which has links to other cases. He has predictable battles with his superiors and his alcoholism. He also has a relationship with a local TV reporter which plays prominently.
November 2, 2025
This was a cop flawed but still true of heart, as is so often the case in the Crime genre. Despite that, it's a more modern version and our hero is not a troglodyte with a gun, but instead an intelligent semi-sensitive guy trying to do the right thing for the victims he encounters..
May 21, 2017
great debut in this series
September 5, 2017
Glad I found and started this series- enjoy the characters, the writing. Well-constructed mysteries. Am looking forward to the next titles in the series.
August 25, 2018
This book needs a powerful editor: too much rambling, gratuitous violence, acronyms, coffee swilling, etc. Not sure the story holds up well either.
November 27, 2018
Definitely a page turner!
April 3, 2019
Book kept you guessing. Great first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews