DEADER BY THE LAKE: A Reno McCarthy Thriller

by Doug M. Cummings

How do you solve a murder nobody wants solved and catch a killer nobody wants caught?When a woman with explosive secrets is murdered, City Hall orders a cover up. But fired TV reporter Reno McCarthy has never been politically correct. Reno's out for justice and he won't back off-even if it means a showdown with a brutal manipulator intent on turning Chicago into a branch office of the Russian mob. Reno's city is on the verge of a 21st Century mob war; one that will make the Roaring Twenties seem like a cap gun fight. It's summer in Chicago. It's supposed to be cooler by the lake. Not this summer. " complex, fast-paced snappy."-Barbara D'Amato, past President, Mystery Writers of America"Crisp, street-wise dialogue. Cummings pulls no punches."-John Drummond, author of Thirty Years in the Covering Crooks, Characters and Capers" a crime spree all by itself. It has politics, sleaze and sleazy politics. It's peopled by cops, hookers, gangsters and even nastier types like radio hosts and senators. And Doug Cummings knows the territory."-Sam Reaves, author of Dooley's Back

430 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Steven Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories set in Chicago, when you can read about an intersection and say to yourself, I've been there, I know that corner! This book has a lot of that and a good story, too.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - what a debut novel. Cummings' thriller does not disappoint. It is a fast-paced page turner with a heavy shot of Hollywood-style action.

What I particularly liked was Cummings' ability to make Chicago a key character. The neighborhoods and streets come alive and I had no trouble picturing every location, even if I'd never actually been there. Cummings, a retired news reporter, gives his readers an insider's look at the news business.

Reno McCarthy, the crusty, TV investigative reporter, is well-crafted. I also liked some of the supporting characters and hope to see them again - Sunny, for example.

I found some of the violence in this book off-putting but this may not bother other readers. That aside, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.

[Pam Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel! Captivating, energetic read. Couldn't put it down. Very well written.

[Tana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a book club - loved the Chicago setting - a little wordy for me, but met the author so that was fun.

[Molly Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, the author really knows how to set the scene and Reno is a great character!!