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Silas Lopez Seaside Mysteries #1
The Washashore
A fatal late-night hit-and-run shatters the quiet of Provincetown, drawing interim police chief Silas Lopez into a case that appears straightforward—until the cracks begin to show. In a town where secrets wash ashore with every tide, nothing is ever as it seems.
From windswept dunes and secretive cranberry farms to the gritty docks of New Bedford, Silas chases a trail of shifting lies—missing trucks, grainy night-vision photos, and a maze of half-truths—each step pulling him deeper into a game no one wants him to play. The deeper he digs, the more formidable the forces that rise to stop him.
But Silas isn’t one to back down. A fifteenth-generation ranch hand turned plain-spoken cop, he’s fueled by grit, instinct, and a stubborn streak that won’t quit. With a young department still finding its footing and a growing bond with fiery social worker Wren Bradford, Silas presses on as the tide of danger rises around them.
What begins as a tragic accident investigation unravels into something far darker and more dangerous, forcing Silas to confront a threat that could cost him everything he holds dear.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Archer Mayor, and William Kent Krueger, this first Silas Lopez Mystery blends small-town intrigue, windswept coast beauty, criminal noir, and relentless suspense into a gripping debut that will keep fans of mystery series turning pages long into the night.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 25, 2026
I absolutely loved this one!
I really enjoy books where you genuinely connect with the characters, and this book delivered that perfectly.
I’m already so invested in Silas and Wren and can’t wait to see where their story goes in the next book! I’m counting down the days!
If you love a gripping crime thriller with plenty of mystery, relatable characters & a touch of humor, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this arc!!
I really enjoy books where you genuinely connect with the characters, and this book delivered that perfectly.
I’m already so invested in Silas and Wren and can’t wait to see where their story goes in the next book! I’m counting down the days!
If you love a gripping crime thriller with plenty of mystery, relatable characters & a touch of humor, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this arc!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! This book feels like a cozy mystery with a cozy romance wrapped into one. Silas wants people to see him as a hardened man, but it was nice to have a main character that could be hard but have emotions. He truly cares about the people around him as well as how they perceive him. If you are looking for a cozy read this is it!
April 24, 2026
Good crime writing should draw you right in, and Christopher Mirabile’s The Washashore: A Silas Lopez Mystery does just that, serving up a solid police procedural with some subtle coastal noir touches. The mystery unfolds in the aftermath of a brutal storm, when the mangled and lifeless body of local resident Timothy Perkins is found.
Helming the investigation is Silas Lopez, a recent transplant from Salt Lake City who is now the Chief of Police in the town of Provincetown, Massachusetts. A tough and seasoned officer, Lopez is a laconic grinder who begins a methodical investigation. His dialogue is classic cop noir, and even after one of the novel’s more hair-raising scenes, he is as cool as a cucumber: “Did what I came here to do. So, bring on the fuss…”
The town and its environs also serve as another character, adding great atmosphere and providing some very lyrical passages:
The town had smelled different from what he was used to, the ocean all around. The smell of hot pine pitch also hung in the wind. These were different pines around here. Sweeter, like vanilla and cork and the earthiness of moss. The town had sounded different too: gulls constantly squawking along the water; crows cawing from pine tops; bike bells jingling; street musicians playing; and people eating, drinking, laughing at outdoor tables everywhere.
The investigation first points to suspect Blake Stevenson, Timothy’s husband and now widow. As is often the case in police investigations, the spouse is looked at very carefully. However, as things progress, Lopez begins to suspect the victim was struck not by a typical passenger car or SUV but by a larger vehicle pulling a trailer, a realization that shifts the direction of the investigation and brings a new suspect into focus. That focus will sharpen and eventually lead to a tense standoff, whose details I will not divulge here, of course.
I felt that Mirabile did an excellent job at illustrating some of the novel’s deeper themes and concerns. The book presents Silas not as the typical disgraced former sheriff starting over – a worn-out trope that we’ve seen a million times — but rather as a man who is asking himself what it means to lead a town. He needs to earn respect through action, and I admire the fact that the author found a novel way to approach the “new sheriff in town” story.
We are also reminded that violence is not always mythic or grandiose, but often rather mundane, as political theorist and philosopher Hannah Arendt pointed out. It sort of reminds us that community building is about hard work, professional ethics over heroics, and a reminder that community is built, not inherited. These are some excellent lessons for a society that seems to have forgotten many of these time-honored truths.
The Washashore shatters the illusion of small-town security, and it happens to be doing so while our own society is breaking apart all by itself. Part of the reason for this is that people don’t read books anymore. My suggestion: give a copy of this fine piece of crime fiction to your friends and family who have lost faith in the system and need to know that community and justice are still defensible ideals and attainable goals.
Helming the investigation is Silas Lopez, a recent transplant from Salt Lake City who is now the Chief of Police in the town of Provincetown, Massachusetts. A tough and seasoned officer, Lopez is a laconic grinder who begins a methodical investigation. His dialogue is classic cop noir, and even after one of the novel’s more hair-raising scenes, he is as cool as a cucumber: “Did what I came here to do. So, bring on the fuss…”
The town and its environs also serve as another character, adding great atmosphere and providing some very lyrical passages:
The town had smelled different from what he was used to, the ocean all around. The smell of hot pine pitch also hung in the wind. These were different pines around here. Sweeter, like vanilla and cork and the earthiness of moss. The town had sounded different too: gulls constantly squawking along the water; crows cawing from pine tops; bike bells jingling; street musicians playing; and people eating, drinking, laughing at outdoor tables everywhere.
The investigation first points to suspect Blake Stevenson, Timothy’s husband and now widow. As is often the case in police investigations, the spouse is looked at very carefully. However, as things progress, Lopez begins to suspect the victim was struck not by a typical passenger car or SUV but by a larger vehicle pulling a trailer, a realization that shifts the direction of the investigation and brings a new suspect into focus. That focus will sharpen and eventually lead to a tense standoff, whose details I will not divulge here, of course.
I felt that Mirabile did an excellent job at illustrating some of the novel’s deeper themes and concerns. The book presents Silas not as the typical disgraced former sheriff starting over – a worn-out trope that we’ve seen a million times — but rather as a man who is asking himself what it means to lead a town. He needs to earn respect through action, and I admire the fact that the author found a novel way to approach the “new sheriff in town” story.
We are also reminded that violence is not always mythic or grandiose, but often rather mundane, as political theorist and philosopher Hannah Arendt pointed out. It sort of reminds us that community building is about hard work, professional ethics over heroics, and a reminder that community is built, not inherited. These are some excellent lessons for a society that seems to have forgotten many of these time-honored truths.
The Washashore shatters the illusion of small-town security, and it happens to be doing so while our own society is breaking apart all by itself. Part of the reason for this is that people don’t read books anymore. My suggestion: give a copy of this fine piece of crime fiction to your friends and family who have lost faith in the system and need to know that community and justice are still defensible ideals and attainable goals.
August 5, 2026
Washashore: Used in places like Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard to describe newcomers or outsiders.
Silas Lopez is indeed a ‘washashore‘. He is a very large man, a former ranch-hand from out west, he is new to the state of Massachusetts, and the coastal environment on Cape Cod. A ‘fish out of water’, if you will. Thirty-seven years old, with several years of urban policing under his belt, his position in the Salt Lake City Police ended under a cloud…
Silas, along with his blue heeler, Bandit, are a fine team. His integrity shines through his somewhat gruff persona. In this debut novel, we follow Silas and Bandit in early September, when they have first arrived on Cape Cod. Silas is hired as the new Provincetown Police Chief. This position is not without inherent challenges due to the fact that the town’s population skyrockets from under four thousand in the winter, to around sixty thousand in the summer. He is thrown in at the deep end when, on his first day, there is a fatal ‘hit and run’ in downtown Provincetown.
The investigation proves challenging and multi-layered. With a small team of inexperienced police officers, and a new boss to impress, Silas has his work cut out for him. He wants to teach his officers the correct way, yet without losing their respect for him, and for the job. More than just a traffic accident investigation, it leads to other nefarious crimes which could deliver a blow to Provincetown’s reputation if revealed publicly. Then, heavy-handedly, the Feds make their presence known…
The Cape Cod setting was vividly portrayed and added to my enjoyment of the book. Another appealing aspect to this novel is the budding romance between Silas and Wren, a local social worker/photographer, who comes from a blue-blooded New England family.
Written including an inner monologue, where the reader gleans Silas’s unspoken thoughts, I found this added to the overall reading experience.
If I had one quibble with this novel, it is the myriad similes that Silas uses to get his point across. ‘Good ‘old boy’ similes that are entertaining, but in my opinion, overused. The pacing really dragged in spots, but the characterization was so good that I ignored it.
I was captivated by “The Washashore’, and admired how the ending was satisfying, yet left fodder for future installments in the series.
Silas Lopez is a very likeable protagonist, and I plan to follow this new series to its conclusion. A police procedural that borders on ‘cozy’, yet is elevated to a more serious crime novel with its elements of ‘coastal noir’.
4.5 stars rounded up
Silas Lopez is indeed a ‘washashore‘. He is a very large man, a former ranch-hand from out west, he is new to the state of Massachusetts, and the coastal environment on Cape Cod. A ‘fish out of water’, if you will. Thirty-seven years old, with several years of urban policing under his belt, his position in the Salt Lake City Police ended under a cloud…
Silas, along with his blue heeler, Bandit, are a fine team. His integrity shines through his somewhat gruff persona. In this debut novel, we follow Silas and Bandit in early September, when they have first arrived on Cape Cod. Silas is hired as the new Provincetown Police Chief. This position is not without inherent challenges due to the fact that the town’s population skyrockets from under four thousand in the winter, to around sixty thousand in the summer. He is thrown in at the deep end when, on his first day, there is a fatal ‘hit and run’ in downtown Provincetown.
The investigation proves challenging and multi-layered. With a small team of inexperienced police officers, and a new boss to impress, Silas has his work cut out for him. He wants to teach his officers the correct way, yet without losing their respect for him, and for the job. More than just a traffic accident investigation, it leads to other nefarious crimes which could deliver a blow to Provincetown’s reputation if revealed publicly. Then, heavy-handedly, the Feds make their presence known…
The Cape Cod setting was vividly portrayed and added to my enjoyment of the book. Another appealing aspect to this novel is the budding romance between Silas and Wren, a local social worker/photographer, who comes from a blue-blooded New England family.
Written including an inner monologue, where the reader gleans Silas’s unspoken thoughts, I found this added to the overall reading experience.
If I had one quibble with this novel, it is the myriad similes that Silas uses to get his point across. ‘Good ‘old boy’ similes that are entertaining, but in my opinion, overused. The pacing really dragged in spots, but the characterization was so good that I ignored it.
I was captivated by “The Washashore’, and admired how the ending was satisfying, yet left fodder for future installments in the series.
Silas Lopez is a very likeable protagonist, and I plan to follow this new series to its conclusion. A police procedural that borders on ‘cozy’, yet is elevated to a more serious crime novel with its elements of ‘coastal noir’.
4.5 stars rounded up
May 20, 2026
While The Washashore is a gripping, well‑written mystery, at its heart is its cast of characters that breathe life and warmth into the story. The protagonist, Silas Lopez, is the kind of endearing, ragtag police detective who deserves his own television series. Who would play him? A younger, buffer Pedro Pascal on stilts, probably. Not only because of Pascal’s dark and handsome features, but because everybody loves the guy—as they undoubtedly will love Silas Lopez (but he’s very tall, hence the stilts).
Silas is a protagonist to root for: a police chief with a dusty, stoic Western vibe, a strong moral compass, and a quiet humor. He not only has grit, but he inspires it among a team that’s initially reluctant to follow him. It helps that his adorable blue heeler, Bandit, assists in winning them over by becoming the new office mascot—one who everyone can’t help but love, despite living up to his name and robbing the breakroom of any food within reach.
Woven into the story is a well‑paced romance between Silas and local social worker Wren. The differences between her polished, upper‑class upbringing and his rough, ranch‑hand roots spark an unlikely connection that blooms naturally throughout the book and complements the story well.
And beyond the human (and canine) cast is an atmospheric beach town that becomes a character itself, with rich descriptions that pull the reader right in. If you enjoy a police procedural with heart and a strong sense of place, I highly recommend checking out The Washashore. You’ll no doubt want to follow Silas Lopez on his future adventures.
Silas is a protagonist to root for: a police chief with a dusty, stoic Western vibe, a strong moral compass, and a quiet humor. He not only has grit, but he inspires it among a team that’s initially reluctant to follow him. It helps that his adorable blue heeler, Bandit, assists in winning them over by becoming the new office mascot—one who everyone can’t help but love, despite living up to his name and robbing the breakroom of any food within reach.
Woven into the story is a well‑paced romance between Silas and local social worker Wren. The differences between her polished, upper‑class upbringing and his rough, ranch‑hand roots spark an unlikely connection that blooms naturally throughout the book and complements the story well.
And beyond the human (and canine) cast is an atmospheric beach town that becomes a character itself, with rich descriptions that pull the reader right in. If you enjoy a police procedural with heart and a strong sense of place, I highly recommend checking out The Washashore. You’ll no doubt want to follow Silas Lopez on his future adventures.
April 17, 2026
The Washashore by Christopher Mirabile was an absolute standout and a masterclass in storytelling. What truly sets this book apart is the remarkable depth and authenticity in its portrayal of police work. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, every scene feels carefully constructed and grounded in real life experience, giving us a front-row seat to the complexities of the job.
The author’s ability to express the nuances of investigative police work is genuinely impressive. He doesn’t just skim the surface, but dives deep into the intricate details, making even the most technical aspects feel engaging and accessible. The level of precision and care in explaining procedures, decisions, and human dynamics add a layer of realism that both captivate and enlighten.
Beyond the technical brilliance, the writing itself is compelling and immersive. The author has a knack for weaving together details and emotions in a way that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Every chapter builds more purpose, and the storytelling never loses momentum.
The author did an amazing job capturing and examining all that goes on behind the scenes during a police investigation. As the story unfolds, the additional finds are organically discovered, and the flow of the investigation and writing are seamless.
Overall, The Washashore is a phenomenal Mystery Thriller and is a must read for anyone who appreciates richly detailed narratives and investigations that unfold and every turn!!!
The author’s ability to express the nuances of investigative police work is genuinely impressive. He doesn’t just skim the surface, but dives deep into the intricate details, making even the most technical aspects feel engaging and accessible. The level of precision and care in explaining procedures, decisions, and human dynamics add a layer of realism that both captivate and enlighten.
Beyond the technical brilliance, the writing itself is compelling and immersive. The author has a knack for weaving together details and emotions in a way that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Every chapter builds more purpose, and the storytelling never loses momentum.
The author did an amazing job capturing and examining all that goes on behind the scenes during a police investigation. As the story unfolds, the additional finds are organically discovered, and the flow of the investigation and writing are seamless.
Overall, The Washashore is a phenomenal Mystery Thriller and is a must read for anyone who appreciates richly detailed narratives and investigations that unfold and every turn!!!
June 1, 2026
A fish out of water rancher from Montana becomes chief of police in Provincetown, MA. Wash-ashore indeed! Silas Lopez brings the authenticity, hard work, and moral compass honed from his upbringing and culture to the shores of Cape Cod, where his first case is a hit and run. While the mayor wants the case wrapped up quickly, the pieces of the case don’t easily fall into place for Silas. Each clue unravels the next one, until he follows the trail to the mainland and finds the culprit is part of a much more widespread criminal enterprise operating from the docks along the seashore. Silas finds his case causing problems in a much larger federal investigation—not where he wants to be, but his sense of right and wrong won’t let him walk away.
As chief of police, he inherits a staff with a wide range of abilities and potential and he feels responsible to mentor and train each and every one. Some are better students than others, but he is able to address each one of them throughout the course of the investigation. He also meets a love interest, Wren, who serves as both a local guide and an anchor to Silas’s new world.
All in all, an enjoyable mystery. Many thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
As chief of police, he inherits a staff with a wide range of abilities and potential and he feels responsible to mentor and train each and every one. Some are better students than others, but he is able to address each one of them throughout the course of the investigation. He also meets a love interest, Wren, who serves as both a local guide and an anchor to Silas’s new world.
All in all, an enjoyable mystery. Many thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2026
Fabulous seaside detective yarn with character + color as well as a plot that winds its way around with a few surprises, entertaining verbal quips & quaint turns of phrase from Silas, the new police chief from out of P-town. The growing connection between Silas & Wren, a local social-worker & photographer, also lends a sweetness amidst the interplay by & among the copper team. The author’s in person rendering of a few passages and extemporaneous answers to questions at a book launch event were also a treat! Can’t wait for the sequel!
July 24, 2026
I will admit that I'm new to this author's books; that being said, I truly enjoyed this one. The storyline was steady, and the main character was a delight. Taking a cowboy and placing him in "P" town is brilliant. It was nice that he was able to find a home here, with Wren as his anchor. I recommend this and will continue reading about this character for as long as this author pens the tale.
One more thing I will admit that being set in "P" town was the draw.
One more thing I will admit that being set in "P" town was the draw.
May 14, 2026
This was a sophisticated fun "crime drama", but much more about the lives of the very interesting characters, and the mixing of 2 cultures - the western cowboy and the Provincetown Mass summer destination world. Very well written, and I am not a reader of crime dramas or anything remotely like that usually, but this was so engaging that I realy loved reading it, couldn't wait till I could sneak some time away from work to read more! Well worth it.
April 12, 2026
Received as a gift from Hidden Treasures, absolutely fabulous read. I cant leave this review without mentioning how much I enjoyed the hokiness and corny personality of the main character, (and also his depth and strength) and I cant wait for the next book.
May 6, 2026
Suspense and mystery are the main ingredients in this book that completely captivated me. It's a night like any other in Provincetown, a quiet place, but what it seemed to be a simple accident is not. For Police Chief López, this case is just another one, but he's very confused and will have to investigate thoroughly to get to the bottom of it.
This book captivated me from the very first page. This author's great skill in storytelling ensures the reader fully enjoys his work. The characters are very well described and developed. Each scene is more vivid than the last one. I recommend this book to all readers eager for a gripping mystery novel.
This book captivated me from the very first page. This author's great skill in storytelling ensures the reader fully enjoys his work. The characters are very well described and developed. Each scene is more vivid than the last one. I recommend this book to all readers eager for a gripping mystery novel.
May 28, 2026
Excellent start to a mystery series! I was engaged from the first page. The setting of Cape Cod really brought back fond memories for me.
If you are a lover of well crafted and thought out mysteries. This book is a must for you.
If you are a lover of well crafted and thought out mysteries. This book is a must for you.
April 14, 2026
Outstanding
This is a well written book with lots of character development and a great story. I enjoyed it completely! Very enjoyable.
This is a well written book with lots of character development and a great story. I enjoyed it completely! Very enjoyable.
May 1, 2026
A very interesting introduction to the Chief Silas Lopez mystery series - definitely a series for future reading.
April 17, 2026
Wrong place, right guy! Silas was just too perfect even for a book, but his integrity is beyond reproach. I liked that Silas observed and knew how to handle the Clark situation that worked out to a solid partnership instead of a rivalry . The hit and run turned into a whole other bag of worms, when it was all said and done. Silas and Bandit were a fantastic partnership, and worked together like a well oiled machine. By the end of this story, Silas found the right place and was the right guy for both jobs.
A fast paced story with suspense, drama, enthusiasm, and romance. A fun read I flew through and wanted to read again. Such a magical ending. Oh la la! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
A fast paced story with suspense, drama, enthusiasm, and romance. A fun read I flew through and wanted to read again. Such a magical ending. Oh la la! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
May 24, 2026
More cozy mystery than thriller
Enjoyable story, but not a lot of complexity. Well-developed characters—though Silas “Western idioms” were a bit overdone IMO. The romantic relationship was sweet, although it develops painfully slowly.
Enjoyable story, but not a lot of complexity. Well-developed characters—though Silas “Western idioms” were a bit overdone IMO. The romantic relationship was sweet, although it develops painfully slowly.
April 22, 2026
I have a new favorite fictional police officer and his name is Silas Lopez. In this debut novel, Christopher Mirabile has created a character with heart, humor, wisdom, perspective, and a huge likeability factor. Silas is the titular “washashore,” something that washed up on the beach in Provincetown, Mass on Cape Cod. He arrives from the far west in response to an opening for a Chief of Police in the small coastal tourist/fishing town. Silas has 17 years of experience with the Salt Lake City police and a lifetime of experience on horseback and working a western ranch. He is a fish-out-of-water with a head full of down-home similes and a desire (need) for a fresh start. It doesn’t get much fresher.
The small Provincetown police force is composed of young, inexperienced officers after its former Chief died suddenly and his two top lieutenants quit. Silas comes to the rescue, convincing the town administrator that he can whip the current officers into shape and be an effective mentor. He means it, but his officers have a lot to learn. Building a relationship with his charges, including an arrogant officer who thinks the job should have been his, is one of two main subplots. Silas peppers his speeches with amusing (amusin’) anecdotes and phrases like “madder than a kitten in a mailbox” and “ This thing’s growin’ antlers like an eight-point buck” and “this thing’s unfoldin’ faster than a tent in the wind” and “wouldn’t want Wren seeing him thrash like a raccoon in a feed sack.” There were many more similes throughout the text – all of which made me smile.
The main plot involves the investigation into a hit-and-run in the middle of a stormy night that killed a local resident. The dead man fought with his spouse the night of his death, making the spouse the first suspect. The investigation takes several turns, ultimately connecting with a much larger criminal enterprise (no spoilers here). The painstaking investigation, including several false leads and dead ends, paces the story through the end, with Silas pursuing each lead like a bloodhound chasing a prime rib. The police procedural aspects ring true, if not always providing excitement or much immediate tension.
The second subplot is Silas’s budding romance with a photography artist from the town, Wren. She’s tall (a necessity, since Silas is even taller), smart, and doesn’t suffer fools. Silas is socially awkward and has to be dragged into a dinner date, but throughout the book the relationship grows and provides a sweet juxtaposition to the criminal investigation and the small-town politics. We’re rooting for Silas to figure out that Wren is sending out mega signals, but he’s sometimes as clueless as a cow on a highway.
This story is captivating, the setting is unique and adorable, and the characters are interesting, which keeps you reading through the rather long (and sometimes a little slow) narrative. The final payoff is worth the wait and the wrap-up includes plenty of room for more stories in this new series.
Despite some (quite normal) blemishes for a first-time novelist, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and its characters and can fully recommend it for fans of realistic characters, solid police procedurals, New England scenery, and fish-out-of-water tropes. I look forward to reading book #2 in this series.
The small Provincetown police force is composed of young, inexperienced officers after its former Chief died suddenly and his two top lieutenants quit. Silas comes to the rescue, convincing the town administrator that he can whip the current officers into shape and be an effective mentor. He means it, but his officers have a lot to learn. Building a relationship with his charges, including an arrogant officer who thinks the job should have been his, is one of two main subplots. Silas peppers his speeches with amusing (amusin’) anecdotes and phrases like “madder than a kitten in a mailbox” and “ This thing’s growin’ antlers like an eight-point buck” and “this thing’s unfoldin’ faster than a tent in the wind” and “wouldn’t want Wren seeing him thrash like a raccoon in a feed sack.” There were many more similes throughout the text – all of which made me smile.
The main plot involves the investigation into a hit-and-run in the middle of a stormy night that killed a local resident. The dead man fought with his spouse the night of his death, making the spouse the first suspect. The investigation takes several turns, ultimately connecting with a much larger criminal enterprise (no spoilers here). The painstaking investigation, including several false leads and dead ends, paces the story through the end, with Silas pursuing each lead like a bloodhound chasing a prime rib. The police procedural aspects ring true, if not always providing excitement or much immediate tension.
The second subplot is Silas’s budding romance with a photography artist from the town, Wren. She’s tall (a necessity, since Silas is even taller), smart, and doesn’t suffer fools. Silas is socially awkward and has to be dragged into a dinner date, but throughout the book the relationship grows and provides a sweet juxtaposition to the criminal investigation and the small-town politics. We’re rooting for Silas to figure out that Wren is sending out mega signals, but he’s sometimes as clueless as a cow on a highway.
This story is captivating, the setting is unique and adorable, and the characters are interesting, which keeps you reading through the rather long (and sometimes a little slow) narrative. The final payoff is worth the wait and the wrap-up includes plenty of room for more stories in this new series.
Despite some (quite normal) blemishes for a first-time novelist, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and its characters and can fully recommend it for fans of realistic characters, solid police procedurals, New England scenery, and fish-out-of-water tropes. I look forward to reading book #2 in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Washashore by Christopher Mirabile is Book 1 in the Silas Lopez Mystery series. This is a mystery novel with a strong mix of action, suspense and a heart-warming relationship arc. The plot has been described as “gripping” by #1 New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Richardson, and the book has been hailed as a thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful debut, from a writer to watch. A promising new series” by New York Times best-selling Author of Defending Jacob, William Landay. This is something rare: a chance to get in on the ground floor with a fresh new voice because, according to the author’s website, the second book launches in August.
The story unfolds in the first weeks after a new chief of police arrives in a remote coastal beach town out at the end of Cape Cod. Silas Lopez comes from a long family tradition of ranchers in New Mexico and Colorado. After being forced to leave the ranching world by a bad scrape with some locals, he becomes a cop in Salt Lake City, where he learns his trade before being driven out by corruption and conflict. He sets out across the country with his dog Bandit to see the ocean for the first time and start a new life. The story of his arrival and settling in to take over and mentor a young and inexperienced department while they handle one of the biggest and nastiest cases in their history is a compelling and suspensful plot line. The fact that the town’s social worker—a former debutante from one of the oldest families in New England, has caught his eye, will captivate the reader from start to finish. Mirabile beautifully portrays the gorgeous, evocative dunescapes of Provincetown as well as the flavor of the surrounding cranberry-growing regions and port cities in this well-written and original story. He leaves readers wanting more.
Funny, touching, suspensful, and ultimately up-lifting, The Washashore is a must-read and a complelling start to this promising new series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in mysteries, police procedurals, or great stories about very decent every day heroes, just trying to figure things out. This book is a substantial read with excellent character development, interesting historical details, heartwarming moments, and a gripping intricate police procedural plot. This book is perfect for people who are looking for a story that is suspenseful and touching all at once.
The story unfolds in the first weeks after a new chief of police arrives in a remote coastal beach town out at the end of Cape Cod. Silas Lopez comes from a long family tradition of ranchers in New Mexico and Colorado. After being forced to leave the ranching world by a bad scrape with some locals, he becomes a cop in Salt Lake City, where he learns his trade before being driven out by corruption and conflict. He sets out across the country with his dog Bandit to see the ocean for the first time and start a new life. The story of his arrival and settling in to take over and mentor a young and inexperienced department while they handle one of the biggest and nastiest cases in their history is a compelling and suspensful plot line. The fact that the town’s social worker—a former debutante from one of the oldest families in New England, has caught his eye, will captivate the reader from start to finish. Mirabile beautifully portrays the gorgeous, evocative dunescapes of Provincetown as well as the flavor of the surrounding cranberry-growing regions and port cities in this well-written and original story. He leaves readers wanting more.
Funny, touching, suspensful, and ultimately up-lifting, The Washashore is a must-read and a complelling start to this promising new series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in mysteries, police procedurals, or great stories about very decent every day heroes, just trying to figure things out. This book is a substantial read with excellent character development, interesting historical details, heartwarming moments, and a gripping intricate police procedural plot. This book is perfect for people who are looking for a story that is suspenseful and touching all at once.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Washashore by Christopher Mirabile is a compelling coastal mystery with a strong sense of place and an engaging lead detective.
Set in Provincetown on Cape Cod, the story begins during a stormy night when newly arrived police chief Silas Lopez responds to what looks like a routine call—only to discover a brutal death on a quiet sidewalk. At first glance it appears to be a hit-and-run, but the injuries and circumstances quickly suggest something far darker. As Silas and his small-town department begin digging into the life of the victim, Timothy Perkins, the investigation spirals into a web of strained relationships, secrets, and half-truths that ripple through the tight-knit coastal community.
The author vividly captures the feel of the Outer Cape—the wind, the gray Atlantic light, the mix of locals and tourists, and the slightly offbeat personality of Provincetown. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it becomes part of the story. I also appreciated how the small police department operates. The procedural elements feel grounded and realistic, with officers canvassing neighborhoods, chasing thin leads, and working through conflicting timelines.
Silas Lopez is an appealing protagonist: thoughtful, observant, and still finding his footing after moving from the American West to the New England coast. His relationship with his blue heeler, Bandit, adds warmth and a bit of humor to an otherwise grim investigation. The supporting cast—colleagues, neighbors, and potential suspects—create a believable community where everyone seems to know more than they initially reveal.
The story leans more toward methodical detective work than flashy action, and the tension builds through interviews, contradictions, and subtle clues rather than dramatic twists every few chapters. That pacing may feel deliberate for readers who prefer fast thrillers, but for fans of character-driven mysteries it works well.
Overall, The Washashore is a solid debut-style crime novel that blends coastal atmosphere, procedural investigation, and personal drama. If you enjoy mysteries set in distinctive small towns—where the landscape and community shape the crime as much as the suspects—you’ll likely find this one worth the read.
Set in Provincetown on Cape Cod, the story begins during a stormy night when newly arrived police chief Silas Lopez responds to what looks like a routine call—only to discover a brutal death on a quiet sidewalk. At first glance it appears to be a hit-and-run, but the injuries and circumstances quickly suggest something far darker. As Silas and his small-town department begin digging into the life of the victim, Timothy Perkins, the investigation spirals into a web of strained relationships, secrets, and half-truths that ripple through the tight-knit coastal community.
The author vividly captures the feel of the Outer Cape—the wind, the gray Atlantic light, the mix of locals and tourists, and the slightly offbeat personality of Provincetown. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it becomes part of the story. I also appreciated how the small police department operates. The procedural elements feel grounded and realistic, with officers canvassing neighborhoods, chasing thin leads, and working through conflicting timelines.
Silas Lopez is an appealing protagonist: thoughtful, observant, and still finding his footing after moving from the American West to the New England coast. His relationship with his blue heeler, Bandit, adds warmth and a bit of humor to an otherwise grim investigation. The supporting cast—colleagues, neighbors, and potential suspects—create a believable community where everyone seems to know more than they initially reveal.
The story leans more toward methodical detective work than flashy action, and the tension builds through interviews, contradictions, and subtle clues rather than dramatic twists every few chapters. That pacing may feel deliberate for readers who prefer fast thrillers, but for fans of character-driven mysteries it works well.
Overall, The Washashore is a solid debut-style crime novel that blends coastal atmosphere, procedural investigation, and personal drama. If you enjoy mysteries set in distinctive small towns—where the landscape and community shape the crime as much as the suspects—you’ll likely find this one worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a unique example of the mystery/police procedural genre. It has all the usual tension, suspense and process around figuring out the crime-which grows more complex and sinister as the plot progesses-but it is also atmospheric and character-driven. The mian male character, Silas Lopez, is singular. He is kind, laconic, matter-of-fact, and downright hilarious. Part of what makes the story so atmospheric is that the narrator is seeing everything through the wide eyes of someone for whom everything is novel. Silas grew up in a long ranching tradition in the high desert west. He’d never seen the ocean before. He’d never experienced a sarcastic easterner before, he’d never seen a sand dune or a town that strains at the seams during tourist season. So all the descriptions you get are full of wonder and detail and amazement as he struggles to adjust.
Silas is a hard worker who tries his best to do what’s right. But he’s not especially concerned about what other people think. It is especially fun to watch Silas interact with his team, which is young and inexperienced. He holds them to a very high standard, and pushes them hard, but there is a tender kindness and decency about it- more mentor than boss at times.
And then we get to Wren! This sophisticated east coast woman from a fancy family has never seen anything quite like Silas, and she is intrigued, in a “challenge accepted” kind of way. No spoilers in terms of where things end up, but watching this lumbering fish-out-of-water giant of a man interact with this former debutante is as captivating as it is charming.
This is apparently the first in a planned series. For a new author, this is an incredibly strong debut. The praise for this book has already been lavish and it is well-earned. I can’t wait for book two so I can keep hanging out with Silas Lopez. This is a five star read!
Silas is a hard worker who tries his best to do what’s right. But he’s not especially concerned about what other people think. It is especially fun to watch Silas interact with his team, which is young and inexperienced. He holds them to a very high standard, and pushes them hard, but there is a tender kindness and decency about it- more mentor than boss at times.
And then we get to Wren! This sophisticated east coast woman from a fancy family has never seen anything quite like Silas, and she is intrigued, in a “challenge accepted” kind of way. No spoilers in terms of where things end up, but watching this lumbering fish-out-of-water giant of a man interact with this former debutante is as captivating as it is charming.
This is apparently the first in a planned series. For a new author, this is an incredibly strong debut. The praise for this book has already been lavish and it is well-earned. I can’t wait for book two so I can keep hanging out with Silas Lopez. This is a five star read!
July 28, 2026
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley!!
What starts as a seemingly straightforward hit-and-run investigation quickly turns into something far more complex, with each clue leading Silas Lopez deeper into a web of secrets stretching far beyond Provincetown.
The highlight of the book for me was the relationship between **Silas and his K9 partner, Bandit**. Their trust and companionship add warmth to the story and make every investigation feel personal. I also enjoyed learning about Silas' background as a cowboy-turned-cop. He's resourceful, practical, and the kind of protagonist who proves you don't need fancy tools to solve problems—just determination and good instincts.
Another aspect I loved was the growing connection between **Silas and Wren**, the town's social worker. It's subtle, genuine, and adds just the right amount of emotional depth without overshadowing the mystery.
While the mayor is eager to close the case as quickly as possible, nothing comes easily for Silas. Every answer uncovers another question, eventually leading him from the quiet streets of Provincetown to the bustling docks on the mainland. What begins as a local investigation soon collides with a much larger federal operation, forcing Silas into dangerous territory. Even when walking away would be the safer choice, his unwavering sense of right and wrong refuses to let him quit.
I really enjoyed the direction the story took. The mystery unfolds naturally, the pacing keeps you invested, and Christopher Mirabile's writing makes it easy to stay immersed in the investigation. More than the twists themselves, it was Silas' character—his resilience, integrity, and quiet determination—that kept me turning the pages.
This is a promising start to what I hope becomes a long-running series. I'll definitely be picking up Silas Lopez's next adventure.
What starts as a seemingly straightforward hit-and-run investigation quickly turns into something far more complex, with each clue leading Silas Lopez deeper into a web of secrets stretching far beyond Provincetown.
The highlight of the book for me was the relationship between **Silas and his K9 partner, Bandit**. Their trust and companionship add warmth to the story and make every investigation feel personal. I also enjoyed learning about Silas' background as a cowboy-turned-cop. He's resourceful, practical, and the kind of protagonist who proves you don't need fancy tools to solve problems—just determination and good instincts.
Another aspect I loved was the growing connection between **Silas and Wren**, the town's social worker. It's subtle, genuine, and adds just the right amount of emotional depth without overshadowing the mystery.
While the mayor is eager to close the case as quickly as possible, nothing comes easily for Silas. Every answer uncovers another question, eventually leading him from the quiet streets of Provincetown to the bustling docks on the mainland. What begins as a local investigation soon collides with a much larger federal operation, forcing Silas into dangerous territory. Even when walking away would be the safer choice, his unwavering sense of right and wrong refuses to let him quit.
I really enjoyed the direction the story took. The mystery unfolds naturally, the pacing keeps you invested, and Christopher Mirabile's writing makes it easy to stay immersed in the investigation. More than the twists themselves, it was Silas' character—his resilience, integrity, and quiet determination—that kept me turning the pages.
This is a promising start to what I hope becomes a long-running series. I'll definitely be picking up Silas Lopez's next adventure.
June 16, 2026
The Washashore is a character-driven police procedural set in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where a close-knit coastal community becomes both backdrop and participant in the unfolding mystery. Christopher Mirabile captures the rhythms, tensions, and relationships of a town shaped by fishing, tourism, art, and tradition, creating a strong sense of place that enriches the investigation.
At the center of the story is Silas Lopez, a newly appointed police chief whose greatest challenge may not be solving crimes, but earning the trust of a community wary of outsiders and resistant to change. As he introduces new policing methods and responds to increasingly serious incidents, Silas must balance professional competence with personal humility and self-reflection.
What I found particularly compelling was Mirabile’s attention to psychological realism. Silas is neither a flawless hero nor a stereotypical outsider. His moments of uncertainty, social missteps, and vulnerability make him a believable and engaging protagonist. The novel effectively explores themes of belonging, trust, and integrity while maintaining the steady momentum of a procedural mystery.
Beyond the investigation itself, The Washashore examines how tragedy reverberates through a small community and how relationships are tested when grief, suspicion, and fear take hold.
Readers who enjoy crime fiction grounded in character, atmosphere, and human behavior will find much to appreciate in this thoughtful and well-crafted mystery.
At the center of the story is Silas Lopez, a newly appointed police chief whose greatest challenge may not be solving crimes, but earning the trust of a community wary of outsiders and resistant to change. As he introduces new policing methods and responds to increasingly serious incidents, Silas must balance professional competence with personal humility and self-reflection.
What I found particularly compelling was Mirabile’s attention to psychological realism. Silas is neither a flawless hero nor a stereotypical outsider. His moments of uncertainty, social missteps, and vulnerability make him a believable and engaging protagonist. The novel effectively explores themes of belonging, trust, and integrity while maintaining the steady momentum of a procedural mystery.
Beyond the investigation itself, The Washashore examines how tragedy reverberates through a small community and how relationships are tested when grief, suspicion, and fear take hold.
Readers who enjoy crime fiction grounded in character, atmosphere, and human behavior will find much to appreciate in this thoughtful and well-crafted mystery.
July 4, 2026
3.5 stars. This is a decent summertime story. The main character, Silas Lopez, is the new police chief in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He came from Salt Lake City, which makes him a “washashore”. Silas has a folksy speaking style that is repetitive. He often uses metaphors, like “That’s facts so ugly, even the tide wouldn’t take ’em out” and “This one blew right in like a storm, scattered me like porch furniture.” Got to be a bit much as the story developed.
Early on, the book has some flashbacks of when Silas interviewed for the police chief job; it would have been better if this was a prologue, and then the book opened with the hit and run case he and his team are investigating.
A lot of time is spent on Silas getting to know his work team and developing a personal relationship with Wren, a social worker and part-time photographer. Definitely a case of opposites attracting.
The story is well written but the pace was rather slow and there wasn’t as much mystery or suspense as I prefer. I did enjoy the descriptions of Provincetown and Silas’ interactions with his assistant Genny, his dog Bandit, and Flood, the city manager. The story combines the fish out of water theme with a burgeoning romance and some police work. Would recommend if you’re not looking for straight suspense or a page-turner.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Early on, the book has some flashbacks of when Silas interviewed for the police chief job; it would have been better if this was a prologue, and then the book opened with the hit and run case he and his team are investigating.
A lot of time is spent on Silas getting to know his work team and developing a personal relationship with Wren, a social worker and part-time photographer. Definitely a case of opposites attracting.
The story is well written but the pace was rather slow and there wasn’t as much mystery or suspense as I prefer. I did enjoy the descriptions of Provincetown and Silas’ interactions with his assistant Genny, his dog Bandit, and Flood, the city manager. The story combines the fish out of water theme with a burgeoning romance and some police work. Would recommend if you’re not looking for straight suspense or a page-turner.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2026
I’ll start by saying this is not my typical book genre. I write and tend to read lighter women’s fiction. A police op, crime thriller, is not normally something I’d pick up, but I’d kept hearing such great things about this book I took a gamble, and am so glad I did! This book, while in that crime, procedural genre, has that aspect, which is so well written, but it also has so much more. It has humor, heart, and is a bit of a love letter to Cape Cod, Provincetown in particular. There’s even a budding love story in here, so there’s that as well!
Mirabile does a fantastic job pulling you along as you journey with him, and his dog, Bandit, in solving a mysterious death in Provincetown. I don’t want to give too much away, but he shows the journey of this fish-out-of-water (washashore as we say here on the Cape) character with such great attention to detail, humor, and down home smarts, you feel you really get to know who Silas Gomez is as you get deeper into the story.
I really enjoyed this book, and am happily anticipating the next one in the series to come out this fall. I can’t wait to see what Silas Lopez gets up to next! Well done Christopher Mirabile, well done, you made a convert to this genre out of me.
Mirabile does a fantastic job pulling you along as you journey with him, and his dog, Bandit, in solving a mysterious death in Provincetown. I don’t want to give too much away, but he shows the journey of this fish-out-of-water (washashore as we say here on the Cape) character with such great attention to detail, humor, and down home smarts, you feel you really get to know who Silas Gomez is as you get deeper into the story.
I really enjoyed this book, and am happily anticipating the next one in the series to come out this fall. I can’t wait to see what Silas Lopez gets up to next! Well done Christopher Mirabile, well done, you made a convert to this genre out of me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Washashore by Christopher Mirabile is a suspenseful and atmospheric novel that takes place in Provincetown, Massachusetts on the tip of Cape Cod. Mirabile crafts a strong sense of place, using the town’s location and close-knit community to heighten the tension of the mystery at the heart of the story. The novel follows Silas Lopez, the town’s new interim Chief, investigating a fatal hit-and-run death which exposes hidden tensions beneath Cape Cod’s picturesque surface. As Silas digs deeper, the mystery unfolds with building intensity keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Silas is an unusual protagonist and as time goes on we learn about his interesting past all while he builds a romantic attachment with the town social worker, Wren. As the investigation progresses, this relationship reveals layers of depth and character which is at the heart of this book. The Washashore is a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys character-driven relentless suspense with many twists and turns.
Silas is an unusual protagonist and as time goes on we learn about his interesting past all while he builds a romantic attachment with the town social worker, Wren. As the investigation progresses, this relationship reveals layers of depth and character which is at the heart of this book. The Washashore is a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys character-driven relentless suspense with many twists and turns.
July 12, 2026
A strong start to a new mystery series. Can’t wait for book 2!
Like his character, Silas Lopez, author Christopher Mirabile is not going to be rushed through his story, and he is not going to be shaken from his pursuit of justice. But don’t be misled into thinking this will be a slow and straightforward book.
The many twists and turns in the mystery plot as well as in the relationship sub plots kept me glued. I am ready for more Silas and Wren!
The combination of the western cattle rancher main character plopped into the very New England setting of Provincetown on the outer tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was really fun and unique. It was so well done, you can tell the author loves the places he was describing and understands them well.
If you love mysteries, with a touch of romance, well developed complex characters, rich setting, some high stakes action scenes, and adorable cattle herding dogs, this is the book for you.
Like his character, Silas Lopez, author Christopher Mirabile is not going to be rushed through his story, and he is not going to be shaken from his pursuit of justice. But don’t be misled into thinking this will be a slow and straightforward book.
The many twists and turns in the mystery plot as well as in the relationship sub plots kept me glued. I am ready for more Silas and Wren!
The combination of the western cattle rancher main character plopped into the very New England setting of Provincetown on the outer tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was really fun and unique. It was so well done, you can tell the author loves the places he was describing and understands them well.
If you love mysteries, with a touch of romance, well developed complex characters, rich setting, some high stakes action scenes, and adorable cattle herding dogs, this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.
For newly installed police chief of Provincetown, Silas Lopez knows he has his work cut out for him, coming from Salt Lake City and has a unique style to leading a small town police department. And while for those in the town's police don't like an outsider being their leader, Silas works to earn trust if his colleagues while getting them to knuckle down in the enormous field their "big" case of violent hit and run of a local man leaves everyone twisting in the wind as answers were hard to come by as their seemed to have been invisible. As the truth is slowly dug, it only tears a tight knit small town a part.
The Washashore is beautifully intense, witty and emotional.
Highly recommended.
For newly installed police chief of Provincetown, Silas Lopez knows he has his work cut out for him, coming from Salt Lake City and has a unique style to leading a small town police department. And while for those in the town's police don't like an outsider being their leader, Silas works to earn trust if his colleagues while getting them to knuckle down in the enormous field their "big" case of violent hit and run of a local man leaves everyone twisting in the wind as answers were hard to come by as their seemed to have been invisible. As the truth is slowly dug, it only tears a tight knit small town a part.
The Washashore is beautifully intense, witty and emotional.
Highly recommended.
May 6, 2026
The Washashore by Christopher Mirabile was kind of a nostalgic read for me. It’s not really about big events, more about Leo’s feelings and the people he meets along the way.
It felt very emotional in a quiet way. Something about his loneliness stayed with me. It reminded me of times when I felt out of place, like I didn’t really belong anywhere. That in between feeling, not part of something, but not totally alone either. It’s hard to explain, but the book captures it really well.
What I liked most were the small moments. Just simple conversations, or being around people who slowly start to care about you. It made me think that maybe healing doesn’t come from big changes, but from small things like that. It felt real. A bit sad too, but also kind of comforting.
It felt very emotional in a quiet way. Something about his loneliness stayed with me. It reminded me of times when I felt out of place, like I didn’t really belong anywhere. That in between feeling, not part of something, but not totally alone either. It’s hard to explain, but the book captures it really well.
What I liked most were the small moments. Just simple conversations, or being around people who slowly start to care about you. It made me think that maybe healing doesn’t come from big changes, but from small things like that. It felt real. A bit sad too, but also kind of comforting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one starts off at a slower pace, but on reflection it feels very deliberate - it draws you in slowly but surely until you’re fully invested in the story and the characters.
Silas and Wren are becoming such a lovely couple, and I really enjoyed seeing that relationship develop. Silas was definitely a standout for me. The way he leads and teaches his young team is great – very no-nonsense, but also kind and thoughtful, which makes him feel very real.
The writing is descriptive and atmospheric, which adds a lot to the overall feel of the book.
I'm definitely keen to read more from this author.
I received an ARC for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Silas and Wren are becoming such a lovely couple, and I really enjoyed seeing that relationship develop. Silas was definitely a standout for me. The way he leads and teaches his young team is great – very no-nonsense, but also kind and thoughtful, which makes him feel very real.
The writing is descriptive and atmospheric, which adds a lot to the overall feel of the book.
I'm definitely keen to read more from this author.
I received an ARC for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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