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First Kill
Hank Berlin and Jack Drucker had been friends since grade school---and both in love with Elizabeth Kermanski. Early on, however, Hank saw that he was out of the running, and made the best of it. They still remained friends. The friendship was only torn when Jack enlisted in the army to serve in Vietnam, and Hank, who was against the war, traveled to Canada to escape the draft. After that, the two men never spoke again, and Elizabeth followed her husband’s lead
When amnesty was granted to expatriates by President Carter, Hank returned to their small town and set up shop as a private investigator. Jack went to work on his father’s local newspaper, winning praise for his initiative to find good and surprising stories. Until someone shot him dead in his car, which was parked on a lonely street well after midnight.
Still somewhat under Elizabeth’s spell, Hank agrees to take her on as a client. Hank’s cases as a private detective have been somewhat limited; their town was not a place for spectacular crimes. But he begins looking for any possible lead, and is not surprised to find that many prominent people have secrets in their lives. Could star reporter Jack Drucker have been the target of someone’s need for silence?
First Kill is the first in what promises to be a riveting mystery series and a fantastic debut for this talented author.
When amnesty was granted to expatriates by President Carter, Hank returned to their small town and set up shop as a private investigator. Jack went to work on his father’s local newspaper, winning praise for his initiative to find good and surprising stories. Until someone shot him dead in his car, which was parked on a lonely street well after midnight.
Still somewhat under Elizabeth’s spell, Hank agrees to take her on as a client. Hank’s cases as a private detective have been somewhat limited; their town was not a place for spectacular crimes. But he begins looking for any possible lead, and is not surprised to find that many prominent people have secrets in their lives. Could star reporter Jack Drucker have been the target of someone’s need for silence?
First Kill is the first in what promises to be a riveting mystery series and a fantastic debut for this talented author.
- GenresMystery
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 5, 2017
Good characters, good PI procedural, bad ending.
April 13, 2026
good story but to much filler . could have been shorter story.
August 24, 2007
F1RST KILL (Private Investigator-Wisconsin-Cont) – VG
Kronenwetter, Michael – 1st book
Thomas Dunne Books, 2005- Hardcover
Hank Berlin is divorced and caring for his young son while his ex-wife is in Paris. His childhood best friend married the girl he loved in high school. Now, the best friend is dead and the wife wants Hank to investigate his murder. The case raises difficult feelings for Hank and uncovers secrets many people would rather remain unknown.
*** Hank isn’t your stereotypical PI; he’s a normal guy trying to do his best with his business, son and life. Even Harry, Hank’s six-year-old son seemed realistic. The plot was interesting, took some great twists. I did not see the end coming and was reminded a bit of Lehane. The events and impact of Vietnam were effective yet didn’t overwhelm the story. This is a very enjoyable debut and I look forward to Kronenwetter’s next book.
Kronenwetter, Michael – 1st book
Thomas Dunne Books, 2005- Hardcover
Hank Berlin is divorced and caring for his young son while his ex-wife is in Paris. His childhood best friend married the girl he loved in high school. Now, the best friend is dead and the wife wants Hank to investigate his murder. The case raises difficult feelings for Hank and uncovers secrets many people would rather remain unknown.
*** Hank isn’t your stereotypical PI; he’s a normal guy trying to do his best with his business, son and life. Even Harry, Hank’s six-year-old son seemed realistic. The plot was interesting, took some great twists. I did not see the end coming and was reminded a bit of Lehane. The events and impact of Vietnam were effective yet didn’t overwhelm the story. This is a very enjoyable debut and I look forward to Kronenwetter’s next book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews