Michigan, home to the car capital of the world and birthplace of Motown, is rich with history and culture. We boast one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, some of the best craft beer in the country, and more miles of beautiful freshwater coastline than any other state in the nation. But did you know that in addition to our many cultural and natural wonders, we’re also home to a surprising number of accomplished authors, many of whom do a fantastic job of solving crime and dispensing justice across the mitten state?
If you are a fan of legal thrillers and mystery stories, then chances are you’re already familiar with the works of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, Brad Meltzer, and Scott Turow. But what you may not know is that there are lots of wonderful writers right here in Michigan, guaranteed to give you a lot of bang for your buck. We put our heads together and came up with a short list of our favorites. Enjoy!
Judge Rosemary Aquilina
Bet you didn’t know that our very own Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina has penned a fiction novel. A story that accurately depicts mid-Michigan’s courts, along with the complex emotions that surround a sex crime case, this book has received great reviews since it was published in 2003. Feel No Evil draws the reader in with detailed character development and an intricate plot line full of twists and turns. A good, hard-to-put-down legal drama for your next rainy day!
Loren D. Estleman
Estleman, a prolific writer of detective and Western fiction, was born in Ann Arbor and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Shamus Award, The Edgar Award and the Anthony Award. While Estleman writes a number of different series, the ones we love best are the books that center around Michigan-based private investigator, Amos Walker.
Walker, a fictional detective living and working in the Detroit area, he claims to “dress like the late show” and likes traditional films and music. With a very brief background in the Detroit Police Department (before being fired for punching someone while in academy), he has an irreverent sense of humor and a quick wit. Readers of Robert Parker’s Spenser Series will love this one!
Steve Hamilton
The Alex McKnight series, set in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, is about an ex-cop from Detroit who retires to the U.P. where he rents out cabins to tourists. However, when trouble rears it’s head in the town of Paradise, the reluctant investigator steps up. Unhappily, mind you. Known for his bad attitude, sarcasm and fierce loyalty, Alex McKnight is loved the world over by mystery readers.
Hamilton is one of only two authors to win Mystery Writers of America Edgar Awards for both best novel and best first novel. If you are looking for a good, gripping read that also captures the beauty of Michigan’s most remote places, look no further than this series.
For those of you whose troubles are not fictional, and who need a real attorney to defend you during a troubled time, we are here for you. The skilled defense attorneys of the Kronzek Firm have decades of experience defending our clients against criminal charges of all varieties. Whether you are accused of theft, assault, arson, burglary or drugs, we are here to help. Call us at 866-766-5245. Everything always works out for the best in stories, but real life is different. So don’t wait – call us immediately. One of our attorneys is available 24/7 to take your call and discuss your case.
Join us next time as we wrap up this list and share a few of our favorite local authors for your reading pleasure!