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Detective Mahoney #1
Final Track
A hallucination plagued detective teams up with a criminal profiler in the wild underground of heavy metal to hunt a serial killer carving lyrics into the flesh of his victims.
The year is 1987. Hair is big. Rock ’n’ roll is hard.
When a body with a glam-rock makeover is discovered, a detective haunted by a dark past must embrace new investigative techniques.
A serial killer leaves a trail of carnage without a trace.
A detective is trapped in the wild underground of heavy metal…
Closer to the killer than he knows…
Will he be the hunter or the prey?
The year is 1987. Hair is big. Rock ’n’ roll is hard.
When a body with a glam-rock makeover is discovered, a detective haunted by a dark past must embrace new investigative techniques.
A serial killer leaves a trail of carnage without a trace.
A detective is trapped in the wild underground of heavy metal…
Closer to the killer than he knows…
Will he be the hunter or the prey?
- GenresMystery
324 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2019
5 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hiner
20 books73 followersJulie Hiner is an author, storyteller, and blogger. She loves classic horror movies, books, and live music. Her favorite album to this day is Appetite for Destruction. Her favorite movie is Jaws.
Julie has lived her entire life in Calgary. She loves the mountains. Her first writing project was a work of non-fiction about facing fear and doubt by cycling up big European mountains.
She now writes a unique blend of heavy metal and horror, weaving both psychological suspense and many types of rock and metal into a tapestry of musically infused storytelling.
She has published an 80s/90s metal murder detective vs serial killer series, a 90s nostalgic serial killer novella, a death metal demon possession novella, and co-curated a horror anthology. Several of Julie's horror short stories have been published in anthologies. Julie also had a deep sea horror novella published by Torrid Waters, a pulp and extreme horror imprint of Crystal Lake Publishing.
You can find her at KillersAndDemons.com serving up toxic cocktails of metal and murder.
Julie has lived her entire life in Calgary. She loves the mountains. Her first writing project was a work of non-fiction about facing fear and doubt by cycling up big European mountains.
She now writes a unique blend of heavy metal and horror, weaving both psychological suspense and many types of rock and metal into a tapestry of musically infused storytelling.
She has published an 80s/90s metal murder detective vs serial killer series, a 90s nostalgic serial killer novella, a death metal demon possession novella, and co-curated a horror anthology. Several of Julie's horror short stories have been published in anthologies. Julie also had a deep sea horror novella published by Torrid Waters, a pulp and extreme horror imprint of Crystal Lake Publishing.
You can find her at KillersAndDemons.com serving up toxic cocktails of metal and murder.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 23, 2020
A tense downward spiral of a novel. Fans of Thomas Harris will enjoy the psychological trip, the detailed police procedural elements, and early criminal profiling methods. 80s rock acolytes will fall in love with the atmosphere of music, sex, glitter, and glam. Mahoney himself is the solid anchor character that readers will look forward to following through future books.
February 2, 2021
Se7en meets Guns n Roses meets Red Dragon meets Motley Crue.
Every now and then, an indie swap comes along that takes you by surprise. From the opening chapter of Julie Hiner's Final Track, it's obvious that this novel isn't her first rodeo. There is a level of research from the off that reeks of authority and professional standards. Combine that with a sleek story, a touch of 80's nostalgia and fluid writing, and you feel throughout that you're onto a winner.
The story predominantly follows Dt. Mahoney, or Bug, as he's affectionately known to his inner circle, and his pursuit for an unusually deranged killer (for the time and the area). Bodies begin piling up as the killer attempts to stay one step ahead of Mahoney's task force, but don't expect these bodies to be from your standard detective vs serial killer story. This ain't no 'Murder She Wrote!' Trying to wrap your head around the investigation is a thrilling ride, especially when you're perpetually peppered with nostalgic rock blasts like Welcome to the Jungle. On top of which, great sub-characters like Blackwood, Quesnel and the ever-reliable Dara help to bolster Mahoney's journey.
In summary, anyone looking for a thrilling ride, a glimpse into severe mental health, or are simply in the market for a solid psychological thriller, pick up a copy of Final Track. You won't be disappointed.
Every now and then, an indie swap comes along that takes you by surprise. From the opening chapter of Julie Hiner's Final Track, it's obvious that this novel isn't her first rodeo. There is a level of research from the off that reeks of authority and professional standards. Combine that with a sleek story, a touch of 80's nostalgia and fluid writing, and you feel throughout that you're onto a winner.
The story predominantly follows Dt. Mahoney, or Bug, as he's affectionately known to his inner circle, and his pursuit for an unusually deranged killer (for the time and the area). Bodies begin piling up as the killer attempts to stay one step ahead of Mahoney's task force, but don't expect these bodies to be from your standard detective vs serial killer story. This ain't no 'Murder She Wrote!' Trying to wrap your head around the investigation is a thrilling ride, especially when you're perpetually peppered with nostalgic rock blasts like Welcome to the Jungle. On top of which, great sub-characters like Blackwood, Quesnel and the ever-reliable Dara help to bolster Mahoney's journey.
In summary, anyone looking for a thrilling ride, a glimpse into severe mental health, or are simply in the market for a solid psychological thriller, pick up a copy of Final Track. You won't be disappointed.
December 28, 2019
Wow!
I gotta say, this isn't my usual genre of book, usually favouring easy to read rom coms and cosy fiction, but boy did I get into this one, once I started!
Mahoney is a Chief Detective in a small force in Calgary and is soon embroiled in the investigations of a series of murders.
Each killing has a link to the rock scene of the time, in the '80s and each case is more and more bizarre, twisted, and definitely connected.
Once it is established that a serial killer is out there, investigations ramp up.
And Detective Mahoney is not about to let this murderer get away.
I have to say, I loved it all, and I ended up staying up way past my bedtime to finish, wanting to know what the score was!
Written from the view of the Detective, but with insights into the mind of another key person from the story, it was unputdownable... well, I couldn't put it down, anyway!
And I am rather excited about reading more from this talented author, who has an '80s fixation and some truly disturbing story ideas!
I gotta say, this isn't my usual genre of book, usually favouring easy to read rom coms and cosy fiction, but boy did I get into this one, once I started!
Mahoney is a Chief Detective in a small force in Calgary and is soon embroiled in the investigations of a series of murders.
Each killing has a link to the rock scene of the time, in the '80s and each case is more and more bizarre, twisted, and definitely connected.
Once it is established that a serial killer is out there, investigations ramp up.
And Detective Mahoney is not about to let this murderer get away.
I have to say, I loved it all, and I ended up staying up way past my bedtime to finish, wanting to know what the score was!
Written from the view of the Detective, but with insights into the mind of another key person from the story, it was unputdownable... well, I couldn't put it down, anyway!
And I am rather excited about reading more from this talented author, who has an '80s fixation and some truly disturbing story ideas!
February 16, 2024
This is my 4th read of final track and I love it more and more! Julie has such an immaculate talent especially with her characters. Can't wait to dive into acid track next!
February 25, 2025
It's rare for a book to grip me so completely that I didn't want to read anything else at the same time, and this was one of those times.
I have to admit—murder mysteries aren’t usually my thing. But Final Track absolutely took me by surprise in the best way possible.
Like a true homicide detective, Julie completely nailed the narrative and the dialogue. I felt like i was actually watching scenes from CSI or Law and Order two of my favourite shows. I never expected to be so drawn into this world, but the writing made it impossible not to be.
It started off a little slow, but from the moment I was thrown into the gritty, neon-lit world of the 80s underground heavy metal scene, and the first murder was identified, I was hooked.
There was something about the atmosphere. It was electric, and the blend of music, madness, and murder kept me turning pages late into the night.
The portrayal of a detective haunted by his past, battling both a relentless serial killer and his own inner demons, felt real, raw, and absolutely terrifying.
The use of heavy metal as a backdrop wasn’t just a setting; it pulsed its way right through the story like a heartbeat, amplifying the tension, and definitely added a lot of depth to the chase...BUT the way Julie wrote about the serial killer carving his lyrics into his victims, it was disturbing and yet absolutely brilliant.
Having so much going on in a novel, grit, determination, and emotion was still balanced so well, and it made me feel every bit of the detective’s desperation and drive to solve a rather difficult case.
I loved Dt. Mahoney (known as Bug). He was such a solid character, so believable, and so real as well as his supporting acts - Blackwood, Dara, Quesnel - they all worked well to create such a fun and addictive tale.
What an Unforgettable Ride Julie! I can't wait to buckle up and ride with Mahoney and the Homicide team again!
I have to admit—murder mysteries aren’t usually my thing. But Final Track absolutely took me by surprise in the best way possible.
Like a true homicide detective, Julie completely nailed the narrative and the dialogue. I felt like i was actually watching scenes from CSI or Law and Order two of my favourite shows. I never expected to be so drawn into this world, but the writing made it impossible not to be.
It started off a little slow, but from the moment I was thrown into the gritty, neon-lit world of the 80s underground heavy metal scene, and the first murder was identified, I was hooked.
There was something about the atmosphere. It was electric, and the blend of music, madness, and murder kept me turning pages late into the night.
The portrayal of a detective haunted by his past, battling both a relentless serial killer and his own inner demons, felt real, raw, and absolutely terrifying.
The use of heavy metal as a backdrop wasn’t just a setting; it pulsed its way right through the story like a heartbeat, amplifying the tension, and definitely added a lot of depth to the chase...BUT the way Julie wrote about the serial killer carving his lyrics into his victims, it was disturbing and yet absolutely brilliant.
Having so much going on in a novel, grit, determination, and emotion was still balanced so well, and it made me feel every bit of the detective’s desperation and drive to solve a rather difficult case.
I loved Dt. Mahoney (known as Bug). He was such a solid character, so believable, and so real as well as his supporting acts - Blackwood, Dara, Quesnel - they all worked well to create such a fun and addictive tale.
What an Unforgettable Ride Julie! I can't wait to buckle up and ride with Mahoney and the Homicide team again!
June 11, 2022
This was a lot more than I thought it would be. It’s a police procedural but also with plenty of gore, tension and a nice 80s slant. The author manages to keep great accuracy with technology and policing in the 80s exceedingly well and still manages to ratchet up the tension and keep it till the end. I finished this in one day and am looking forward to the next installment.
November 14, 2024
A serial killer is stalking victims in the music scene. A detective is on the case. Can the killer be stopped? Fast paced thriller.
June 13, 2023
3.5: Was a slow start for me, I found it hard to really root for any of the characters. It did pick up, though, and start to grab my mystery interest. The references to music scene and era were great and easy to follow for those not as familiar. By the end I was ready to dive into book 2 and keep following the detective and learn more about him and his past.
December 26, 2020
I’m not usually a reader of police procedurals, but the hard rock element of “Final Track”, coupled with the font-type on the cover, caught my attention (those who recognise it will know what I’m referring to. Quick side note, they were first gig I ever went to with my mate and his dad when we were fourteen years old... anyway, moving on).
We follow Detective Mahoney - a battle scared and tormented individual - as he attempts to solve a series of increasingly mysterious murders, hoping to stop the killer before it’s too late. While that simplistic synopsis may sound a little cliche, there are several elements the author employed to make this a story worth reading.
The 80s rock slant gives the story a unique and memorable spin as it taps into the nostalgia of that era. While also providing an insight into the scene for those not familiar with the big hair and bigger riffs of the time.
We also see the story unfold from the killer’s perspective, which helps provide an insight into their motives and how they ended up becoming who they are. This was a great way to keep the reader guessing who the killer is as the end of the book nears.
The murder scenes are vivid and increasingly mysterious. They leave a lasting impression and the additional information provided during the postmortems heightens the intrigue of the case, often raising more questions than answering them.
By the end I found myself rooting for Mahoney and his team and was pleasantly surprised with the payoff at the end. From what I gather, a sequel is in the works which is definitely worth keeping an eye out for if murder mysteries, police procedurals or 80s rock is your thing.
We follow Detective Mahoney - a battle scared and tormented individual - as he attempts to solve a series of increasingly mysterious murders, hoping to stop the killer before it’s too late. While that simplistic synopsis may sound a little cliche, there are several elements the author employed to make this a story worth reading.
The 80s rock slant gives the story a unique and memorable spin as it taps into the nostalgia of that era. While also providing an insight into the scene for those not familiar with the big hair and bigger riffs of the time.
We also see the story unfold from the killer’s perspective, which helps provide an insight into their motives and how they ended up becoming who they are. This was a great way to keep the reader guessing who the killer is as the end of the book nears.
The murder scenes are vivid and increasingly mysterious. They leave a lasting impression and the additional information provided during the postmortems heightens the intrigue of the case, often raising more questions than answering them.
By the end I found myself rooting for Mahoney and his team and was pleasantly surprised with the payoff at the end. From what I gather, a sequel is in the works which is definitely worth keeping an eye out for if murder mysteries, police procedurals or 80s rock is your thing.
December 23, 2019
WOW! Phenomenal read! If you're a fan of detective fiction with a dark side, you'll love this book!
In Final Track, we get to follow Detective Mahoney, an old-school detective, as he and his team hunt down a killer in the late 80s. They uncover increasingly bizarre crime scenes where the bodies are found dressed up like 80s glam rockers. The team, in then-small-city Calgary has never seen anything so brutal and struggles to conceptualize such a killer existing in their peaceful city, forcing them to bring in a criminal profiler to add investigative tools to their arsenal in order to delve into the tormented psychological depths of a criminal mind. What takes this book to the next level for me as a reader is that not only do we get to follow Detective Mahoney, we also get to follow the killer in a parallel track through the plot, watching him spiral, exploring the twisted working of his mind and his dark fantasies, coming to understand and see the world through his eyes.
The book is very well paced, well written, well researched and an absolute blast to read--gripping, thrilling, exciting, and invites the reader to work the case alongside the detectives while also staring deep into the darkness inside themselves. It's a book that doesn't flinch and leaves you salivating for more. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series and would recommend this to any lovers of detective fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, suspense and dark psychological fiction. A+++
In Final Track, we get to follow Detective Mahoney, an old-school detective, as he and his team hunt down a killer in the late 80s. They uncover increasingly bizarre crime scenes where the bodies are found dressed up like 80s glam rockers. The team, in then-small-city Calgary has never seen anything so brutal and struggles to conceptualize such a killer existing in their peaceful city, forcing them to bring in a criminal profiler to add investigative tools to their arsenal in order to delve into the tormented psychological depths of a criminal mind. What takes this book to the next level for me as a reader is that not only do we get to follow Detective Mahoney, we also get to follow the killer in a parallel track through the plot, watching him spiral, exploring the twisted working of his mind and his dark fantasies, coming to understand and see the world through his eyes.
The book is very well paced, well written, well researched and an absolute blast to read--gripping, thrilling, exciting, and invites the reader to work the case alongside the detectives while also staring deep into the darkness inside themselves. It's a book that doesn't flinch and leaves you salivating for more. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series and would recommend this to any lovers of detective fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, suspense and dark psychological fiction. A+++
December 31, 2020
Unsettling Realism into the Mind of a Killer
How is a killer made? Final Track will show you through the eyes of Detective Mahoney.
We’re at the end of the 80s with big hair and glam rock! Unfortunately, in Julie Hiner’s debut novel, not everything is fun and games. There’s a serial killer on the loose, creating a puzzling mystery for Detective Mahoney and his team.
Right from the first chapter we are brought into the disturbing world of murderers and the law trying to bring justice to the tragic families who suffer. Julie Hiner has clearly done her research, seen in the intricate elaborations of crime scenes and autopsies throughout the book. There is a sublayer of realism in her characters who have a history together. We see interesting tension between Mahoney and Blackwood and their lives.
Of course, we can’t forget the killer. Julie takes us through fascinating detective work as the protagonists unravel who the murderer is and how their brain ticks. We get an in-depth look into the psychological state of this individual, making you want to understand how someone can be so cruel.
As a fellow Canadian, it’s promising to see gritty crime fiction being set in Canada. Julie Hiner has shown there’s plenty of dark corners in the friendly great north. I look forward to her follow up novel. There’s certainly more to Detective Mahoney’s story.
How is a killer made? Final Track will show you through the eyes of Detective Mahoney.
We’re at the end of the 80s with big hair and glam rock! Unfortunately, in Julie Hiner’s debut novel, not everything is fun and games. There’s a serial killer on the loose, creating a puzzling mystery for Detective Mahoney and his team.
Right from the first chapter we are brought into the disturbing world of murderers and the law trying to bring justice to the tragic families who suffer. Julie Hiner has clearly done her research, seen in the intricate elaborations of crime scenes and autopsies throughout the book. There is a sublayer of realism in her characters who have a history together. We see interesting tension between Mahoney and Blackwood and their lives.
Of course, we can’t forget the killer. Julie takes us through fascinating detective work as the protagonists unravel who the murderer is and how their brain ticks. We get an in-depth look into the psychological state of this individual, making you want to understand how someone can be so cruel.
As a fellow Canadian, it’s promising to see gritty crime fiction being set in Canada. Julie Hiner has shown there’s plenty of dark corners in the friendly great north. I look forward to her follow up novel. There’s certainly more to Detective Mahoney’s story.
February 24, 2020
It gave me chills - I couldn't put it down but it was terrifying to read on. The author draws you in with a compelling picture and the development of Detective Mahoney, and keeps you enthralled with the action, the possibility that you have figured out who the killer is (you haven't ) and how they attract their victims. Experiencing the terror of the killing from inside the victim's mind is another level the story goes to, and it injects another level of terror.
We follow Detective Mahoney as he struggles with the macabre nature of the crimes and their discovery and his own personal demons, the limitations of his team and resources. Satisfying, suspenseful and ultimately thrilling, this author leaves you hoping the next case will be right around the corner.
We follow Detective Mahoney as he struggles with the macabre nature of the crimes and their discovery and his own personal demons, the limitations of his team and resources. Satisfying, suspenseful and ultimately thrilling, this author leaves you hoping the next case will be right around the corner.
February 24, 2020
I couldn’t put it down. The character development is strong. A great mystery with just enough horror to get you hooked. I can’t wait for the next installment.
December 27, 2024
I'm hooked! Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
December 1, 2025
This is not the first book of Julie’s that I’ve read, but it is my first in the Detective Mahoney series.
Final Track follows a solid cast of characters through a nearly unimaginable series of murders. I really enjoyed the music tie-ins, but I grew up in that era, so maybe there was a little nostalgia involved. You can tell that Julie did her homework when crafting the killer’s character, and while I want to say I had some idea of what was coming, the twist got me! The ending leads directly into book two, Acid Track, and I’m excited to continue with the series.
Final Track follows a solid cast of characters through a nearly unimaginable series of murders. I really enjoyed the music tie-ins, but I grew up in that era, so maybe there was a little nostalgia involved. You can tell that Julie did her homework when crafting the killer’s character, and while I want to say I had some idea of what was coming, the twist got me! The ending leads directly into book two, Acid Track, and I’m excited to continue with the series.
June 15, 2025
A Great '80s Horror Detective Novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this police procedural novel set against the backdrop of the '80s hair metal scene as a deranged serial killer turns his victims into his gory fantasies! There's echoes of Thomas Harris as a world-weary detective tries to close in on the killer and the police stuff is convincing and well done. There's also some nice references to the rock music of the era which, if you're like me, you'll love. This looks like a promising series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this police procedural novel set against the backdrop of the '80s hair metal scene as a deranged serial killer turns his victims into his gory fantasies! There's echoes of Thomas Harris as a world-weary detective tries to close in on the killer and the police stuff is convincing and well done. There's also some nice references to the rock music of the era which, if you're like me, you'll love. This looks like a promising series!
September 22, 2023
I have to admit, Final Track was not my typical cup of tea. But a friend gave me a copy and I thought I'd give it a try. A couldn't put it down. It's the fastest I've read a book in a long time. It's dark, and it's intensive. And now, I have to re-consider the type of tea that I like.
December 27, 2023
This shit is right up my alley, especially being a diehard glam metal fan and all. It hardly captures the wild moments of the 80s, however, and Mahoney stumbles around with his own self-awareness. I'll give the author another shot with "Metal Demon." It sounds killer!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews